Page 179 - Microsoft Word - 2019-2020 Catalog September Update

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

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