So you have finally decided to apply to x ray tech school. That is a terrific decision. One I made almost 20 years ago. It has been one of the best decisions I ever made. So awesome, in fact, that my wife went to x ray tech school just a few years after I completed it. We have written this guide to help you on your journey.
Here is the best way to get accepted into the rad tech school of your choice (short version, details after):
There are a lot of things you can do to prepare for your radiography school application process. Each item listed above shows that you are intelligent enough to research a situation and plan to succeed. One of my favorite interview questions that I personally ask when on an interview panel is “What did you do to prepare for this interview?’ You wouldn’t believe how many people say things like “Well, my girlfriend/boyfriend dropped me off here…” Or my second favorite response “Well, I took a shower this morning….” The more prepared you are for your interview, the greater you will outshine your competition. Don’t leave it to chance. Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Student radiography interview| Questions to expect| study radiography at UJ
6 Radiologic Technologist Interview Questions and Answers
Have you ever disagreed with a coworker about how to position a patient for an x-ray or other medical imaging? If so, how did you resolve it?
Your radiologic technologist will be working on a team of medical staff to complete the necessary tests that ailing patients will need before proceeding onward with treatment. In some cases, your candidate will not have the patient’s primary doctor with them in the imaging room and may come into conflict with other imaging staff about how best to proceed. Your potential hire will need to be able to effectively navigate situations when they run into conflicts to ensure that patients receive high-quality care. What to look for in an answer:
- Identifies previous examples of conflict with coworkers
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Calm and logical disposition
What area of medical imaging are you most familiar with?
Radiologic technologists support medical professionals when they are working on patients with varying needs. Depending on your potential hire’s previous experiences, they may be more familiar with certain techniques, such as bone densitometry cardiac interventional imaging, which may be applicable to specific diseases and not others. As such, it is important to gauge your candidate’s previous experiences and see if they can translate to the needs of the radiologic technician position that your institution is seeking to fill. What to look for in an answer:
- Identifies at least one area of imaging expertise
- Clear past examples of working in the areas mentioned
- Enthusiasm for learning new imaging techniques
What would you do if a patient was nervous about completing an MRI scan? Can you provide examples from your previous work experience?
Radiologic technicians interact with medical patients on a daily basis. These patients range from children to the elderly. Similarly, these patients also have different ailments or injuries and have yet to receive a diagnosis. This question allows interviewers to gauge a candidate’s ability to empathize with patients and help them feel relaxed and taken care of when undergoing x-ray procedures.
A candidate’s answer should emphasize:
- Compassion for patients
- Ability to calm patients to perform x-rays
- Verbal communication skills
Here is one example of a quality candidate answer:
What different types of medical imaging equipment are you familiar with?
Hospitals and clinics use a variety of medical imaging devices. In some cases, different companies will create machines with slightly different metrics, even if they are used in similar ways. As such, it is a good idea to ask this question. This gauges your candidate’s familiarity within the field and allows you to see if they have experience with the machines used within your organization. What to look for in an answer:
- Lists the different machines they are familiar with
- Explains the level of familiarity
- Detail-oriented personality
How does the role of a radiologic technician change throughout the different stages of a medical procedure?
Depending on the patient’s circumstances, doctors may request multiple stages of medical imaging. The purpose of each of the images will be different as it pertains to the overall treatment regimen. Your interviewee should understand how radiologic technologists can provide both an active role in helping doctors correctly diagnose a patient’s illness and a more passive role in supporting the team in later check-ups to track the progress that has been made. What to look for in an answer:
- Clearly outlines the role in beginning, middle and end stages of treatment
- Understands the point in time when responsibilities shift
- Has great communication skills
Why do you want to pursue a career in radiography?
Your radiologic technologist is working in the medical field, which means that their work is necessarily in supporting other health professionals, patients and families. Depending on the circumstances, patients may need to be handled with tact to reduce emotional distress. Your interviewee should have a clear understanding of why they wish to pursue a career in radiography and enjoy working in the field, which will help them react in a positive manner to provide that critical support. What to look for in an answer:
- Gives a clear answer for pursuing radiography
- Has a positive disposition
- Enjoys supporting patients and families through hard times
Subject specific radiography university interview questions
Since radiography is so specialised, your university will want to be sure that you have fully considered this career and that you understand what being a radiographer is all about. You may be asked questions such as:
What is being asked here?
This may be an obvious question, but make sure that you understand that the program director and the committee are trying to gauge whether you are truly suitable to this specialty. Many medical students have a hard time with how to choose a medical specialty, and therefore the program director must be certain that you took the necessary step to prepare yourself for one of the most competitive residencies out there. Thus, make sure to show, rather than tell, what experiences and skills you acquired throughout your time in medical school that made you ready for radiology.
For X Ray Tech School, It May Not Be What You Know…But Who You Know
How many times have you heard that one? It isn’t logical and certainly doesn’t help a team grow when an employee is hired solely on account that he knew somebody at the company. But, before we cast stones and call them cheats, you absolutely should utilize this type of resource in an honest way. If you do know someone at the school… pepper them with questions.
Do you like working here?All of these answers can help you decide if you really want to apply to this particular program. There are plenty of toxic imaging programs out there and you don’t want to be in one. Craft all of these answers into your interview answers. “What did I do to prepare for this interview?’ Well, I talked to a few employees/students and found out most students land jobs right after graduation and they said you are known as a great instructor (bonus!).
The more you know, the better you will look during the interview. The same thing applies to any former or current students of the rad tech program.
FAQ
What are the questions asked in radiology interview?
How do you answer why do you want to study radiography?
- Improve and save lives. Diagnostic radiographers are very important in the world of healthcare. …
- Good graduate job prospects. …
- Room for growth. …
- Combine interests in biology, physics and technology. …
- Plenty of hands-on experience. …
- Alternative career paths.
What are the 3 best traits that you have to consider when hiring in the radiology department?
…
The Top 3 Skills Needed to be a Radiologic Technologist
- Communication Skills. …
- Medical and Anatomical Skills. …
- Mechanical Aptitude.
How do you answer radiography interview questions?
…
The Top 3 Skills Needed to be a Radiologic Technologist
- Communication Skills. …
- Medical and Anatomical Skills. …
- Mechanical Aptitude.
