Many students wonder about the issue of radiation exposure.  The curriculum is designed to help the student develop proper radiation safety behaviors, which when demonstrated, will minimize the student’s risk of radiation exposure. The program adheres to the radiation safety principles of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable). Radiation monitors are worn by all radiation workers and doses are typically very low when proper safety practices are followed.

Students, who become pregnant at anytime once technical courses have begun, may voluntarily elect to meet with the program chairperson to discuss and review the policy for radiation safety and pregnancy.  Generally, students are able to continue the program curricular sequence as long as they are physically able to meet all course requirements. Normal radiation protection practices are employed which provide radiation safety for both the student and the fetus. The policy for pregnancy is on file and is available for review in the chairperson's office (Sinclair campus: room 3340).

Health Considerations: Physical Requirements Policy

All students admitted to the Radiologic Technology program must meet physical and mental requirements. Admitted students must be able to:

1. reach to adjust the x-ray tube, at a height of 76-80 inches from the floor.
2. stand, lift and carry up to 5 imaging receptors, each weighing 2 to 10 pounds.
3. while standing, safely move patients in standard wheel chairs and stretchers throughout the facility, and, without assistance, assist physically cooperative patient transfers from the wheel chair and stretcher to radiographic table.
4. while standing, with assistance from departmental personnel, safely move immobile patients from the stretcher to radiographic table.
5. provide clear verbal commands to the patient who is positioned for imaging at a distance of six to 10 feet from the technologist control area.
6. with or without sight correction, read and adjust the x-ray control panel and visualize collimator lights to accurately center and position the patient.
7. with or without auditory aids, hear the patient at a distance of 6 to 10 feet.
8. react immediately without impediment to auditory and visual signals from the patient and related care equipment.
9. safely handle imaging supplies and accessories without experiencing hypersensitivity/allergic reactions. Students at risk for hypersensitive/allergic reactions to image developer or fixer chemicals and image contrast media are subject to adverse job performance.

In addition to the aforementioned physical requirements, students must not be physically dependent on non-prescribed drugs. Meeting the physical requirements of the Radiologic Technology program does not guarantee that the student will meet the physical requirements of institutions that employ radiologic technologists.

Applicants with concerns or questions related to the Physical Requirements Policy should contact the program chairperson, at 937-512-2159. Students must demonstrate physical compliance during the first technical quarter.

Health Considerations: Standard Precautions

Many students inquire about the risk of transmission of disease while working with patients with infectious conditions. In order to help reduce risk, the Center of Disease Control (CDC) recommends “standard precautions.” Standard precautions are intended to prevent and minimize risks of health care workers' exposure to blood borne pathogens like HIV (AIDS virus) and varied Hepatitis viruses (Hepatitis B virus). Blood and body fluid precautions are employed by all health care workers for all patients regardless of their disease status.  When these precautions are utilized, the student’s risk of acquiring a disease from a patient is minimal.

Health Requirements Policy

All students admitted to the program must comply with the health requirements policy. Prior to student placement in clinical education courses, a physician must verify the health status of the student. Additionally, students must receive annual TB testing, Hepatitis B vaccinations and must have immunity of measles, mumps and rubella verified.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection of the liver. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood and body fluids and is far more contagious than HIV infection. In the health care setting, HBV is most often transmitted through breaks in the skin - needle sticks, human bites and non-intact skin, or spray to mucous membranes. Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination. The Center for Disease Control and OSHA strongly recommend that health care workers be immunized against Hepatitis B. All of the program’s affiliated hospitals require Hepatitis B vaccine treatments prior to student clinical placement.

The Hepatitis B vaccination series is developed from a yeast-base and, therefore, contains no human blood products. The vaccine is very pure and safe. Side effects are very mild such as a sore arm, mild aching and headache. The Hepatitis B vaccine is very effective. Approximately 96% of healthy adults are protected against Hepatitis B after completion of the vaccine series. Hepatitis B vaccine is given into the muscle of the upper arm. The vaccine is a series of three injections given over a period of six months.  Following the third injection, an Anti-HBV test is required to check for treatment effectiveness.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is produced by two companies and is fairly expensive. Students accepted into the Radiologic Technology Program are strongly urged to arrange for the inoculation. Students must show proof of immunization or sign a waiver of release form prior to clinical course placement. Arrangements for the immunization can be made through a private physician or through the Health Department in your county. Treatment may begin during the first technical quarter, or treatment can be obtained prior to starting the program. More information will be available through the program director once the student begins technical studies.