Page 178 - 2020-2021 Catalog June

Essential Functions
Essential functions are the physical and academic standards required to practice radiography. The
essential functions for the Baptist Health College Little Rock - School of Radiography are established
criteria that all applicants must meet in order to be admitted to the school. These standards are the
minimum requirements to achieve the graduate competencies necessary to practice the art and science of
radiography.

The standards addressed in this document are:

1. Physical Standards
2. Academic Standards
3. Personal Standards
4. Safety Standards

Applicants who do not meet these standards will be considered ineligible for admission into this
educational program.

1. Physical Standards

A. Visual Abilities
A minimum vision of 20/20 or corrected to 20/25 in at least one eye. Rationale: Radiographers
must be able to see well enough to work with patients, to read requests, to read syringes, medicine
vials, and other necessary items. They must be able to see well enough to perform all
fluoroscopic/radiographic procedures and work in low lighted rooms or radiographic darkrooms.

B. Communication Skills: Speak English Fluently
Radiographers must communicate with all patients, giving instructions and explaining all
procedures. Tone and volume must be sufficient for close proximity face-to-face communication
as well as for distant communication (example: patient is on table and radiographer is in control
booth i.e. patient is not facing radiographer).

C. Hearing:
Hear normal conversational speech at 10 feet. Rationale: Radiographers must be able to hear and
understand patients above equipment noise. Patients have many differing tones, volumes and
clarity of speech. Patients may be close by or some distance away. Radiographers must also be
able to hear sounds through a stethoscope.

D. Writing:
Radiographers must be able to write both legibly and quickly and type information in an efficient
manner. Rationale: Documentation on charts and requests is a must for adequate patient care.

E. Reading:
Radiographers must be able to communicate via reading. They must be able to read physician
orders, departmental policies, and hospital policies. They must be able to read instructions related
to drug administration and equipment operation. (Example: “operation of this equipment may be
hazardous to operator and patient.”)

F. Motor Skills
Use both hands simultaneously, lift 50 pounds, and possess physical stamina for an eight (8) hour
day. Rationale: push and maneuver mobile radiographic equipment as well as patients in
wheelchairs or on stretchers with IV poles, load and unload cassette and film bins, reach and

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