Radiologic Technology Profession Study Notes

Chapter 1: The Radiologic Technology Profession

Objectives

  • At the end of the topic, the student should be able to do the following:
    • Describe the roles, qualifications, and professional distinctions among radiologic technologists, X-ray technologists, radiologists, and medical physicists within the Philippine healthcare system.
    • Explain the key provisions of CHED Memorandum Order No. 7, Series of 2018, including the structure, goals, and outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) program.
    • Identify the core competencies and career pathways of radiologic technologists as aligned with national and international standards for healthcare professionals.
    • Discuss the importance and regulatory basis of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Radiologic Technology.

Overview of Radiologic Technology

  • Radiologic technology is described as one of the most dynamic professions in the healthcare industry, primarily relying on medical imaging technology.
  • The field of radiology is constantly evolving due to advancements in technology.
    • Radiologic Technologists are trained healthcare professionals specializing in radiologic technology.
  • In the Philippines, to become a radiologic technologist:
    • Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology from a government-accredited institution.
    • Pass the licensure examination conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
  • Education in Radiologic Technology is governed by Republic Act No. 7722, known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994.”

CHED Memorandum Order No. 7, Series of 2018

  • This memorandum is officially titled “Policies, Standards and Guidelines for the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) Program.”
  • Issued by Commission on Higher Education (CHED), it establishes minimum academic standards for BSRT programs and a unified, outcomes-based framework for development across higher education institutions in the Philippines.
  • The aims of CMO No. 7, Series of 2018 include:
    • Equipping graduates with scientific knowledge, technical proficiency, ethical values, and professional skills necessary for performing radiologic procedures and providing safe, high-quality patient care.
    • Aligning the BSRT curriculum with national and global standards, promoting research, innovation, and continuous professional development.
    • Encouraging institutions to produce radiologic technologists who are clinically competent, adaptable, socially responsible, and committed to lifelong learning.

CMO No. 7 Series of 2018 (BSRT)

1. Objective & Rationale
  • The memorandum ensures that radiologic technology education remains current with technological advancements and prepares effective practitioners.
    • Policies, standards, and guidelines are established to meet minimum requirements set by CHED.
    • The purpose is to maintain quality and relevance in education by aligning it with national development goals, industry needs, and global standards, thus producing competent and ethical professionals.
2. Program Specification
  • Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT).
  • Nature and Field of Study: A four-year degree program including general education and professional courses. The final year consists of a Clinical Education Training Program in accredited centers.
    • Training includes general radiography and subspecialties of radiology, such as:
    • Ultrasound
    • Nuclear Medicine
    • Radiotherapy
    • Interventional Radiology
    • Other emerging fields.
3. Program Goals
  • The BSRT program aims to produce radiologic technologists with the following 21st-century skills:
    • Expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging.
    • Knowledge of radiation safety and protection measures.
    • Skills in patient care, administration, management, education, research, and entrepreneurship.
  • Emphasis on lifelong learning and adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.
4. Expected Professions/Careers/Occupations for Graduates
  • Graduates of BSRT may pursue careers as:
    • Radiologic Technologist
    • Administrator
    • Educator
    • Researcher
    • Entrepreneur
5. Curriculum Design
  • Structure: Total of 178 units:
    • General Education: 36 units
    • Core Sciences (anatomy, statistics, medical terminology, research): 15 units
    • Professional Courses: 113 units
    • National Service Training Program (NSTP) & Physical Education (PE): 14 units
    • Clinical Education: 36 units (~11 months).
6. Resources & Implementation Autonomy
  • Physical & Faculty Resources: CHED specifies minimum requirements for laboratories, libraries, equipment, and staffing to ensure modern facilities.
  • Academic Freedom: Institutions may tailor curricula and methods to achieve required outcomes, allowing innovation while meeting CHED standards.

Who are Radiologic Technologists?

  • Radiologic technologists are certified professionals trained to use X-rays, radioactive materials, and/or ultrasonic waves for imaging the human body for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
  • Specialties include:
    • General radiography
    • Ultrasound
    • Mammography
    • Nuclear Medicine
    • Radiation therapy
    • Interventional Radiology
    • Computed Tomography (CT)
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Roles of Radiologic Technologists in Healthcare
  • Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, helping physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
    • Responsibilities include:
    • Proper patient positioning and operation of imaging equipment (e.g., X-ray, CT, MRI).
    • Adherence to radiation protection protocols.
    • Preparation of patients by explaining procedures and providing emotional support.
    • Maintenance of patient records and assistance in complex procedures.
  • They combine technical expertise with compassionate care, contributing significantly to medical decision-making.
Radiologic Technologist Educators
  • Radiologic technologists may serve as educators or clinical instructors, training students in the field.
  • Their competencies must include:
    • Curriculum design
    • Classroom management
    • Program planning.
  • Qualifications to qualify as an RT faculty member include:
    • At least one year of clinical experience in radiologic work.
    • A master's degree in science, education, or administration.

Who are X-ray Technologists?

  • X-ray Technologists are holders of the certificate for registration for X-ray technology, allowing practice in general x-ray facilities.
  • Their academic background includes:
    • A three-year course covering radiation physics, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and more, excluding advanced radiological sciences such as nuclear medicine, CT/MRI, and radiation therapy.

Who are Radiologists?

  • Radiologists are licensed medical doctors specialized in diagnosing or treating diseases using radiation.
  • Must pass:
    • The Physician Licensure Examination.
    • Obtain board certification from the Philippine College of Radiology (PCR) post-residency training.
  • Roles include:
    • Interpreting medical images (e.g., X-rays, CT scans).
    • Performing image-guided interventional procedures.
    • Collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
    • Providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Distinctions between Radiologic Technologists and Radiologists
  • Radiologic technologists assist radiologists during procedures and often work under their supervision.

Who are Medical Physicists?

  • Medical Physicists apply physics to medicine, ensuring the safe and effective use of radiation in medical settings.
  • Responsibilities include:
    • Machine calibration
    • Radiation dose planning
    • Quality assurance and safety practices.
  • Typically hold a master's degree in medical physics or related field and are certified by the Philippine Board of Medical Physics (PBMP).

Continuing Professional Education and Development

  • Continuing Professional Education (CPE/CPD) in Radiologic Technology is structured for lifelong learning to maintain and broaden the skills and knowledge of licensed RTs in the Philippines.
  • Ensures the delivery of safe, ethical, and current imaging services aligned with technology and regulatory standards.
Regulatory Basis
  1. Revised Code of Professional Ethics for Radiologic Technologists emphasizes the importance of CPE/CPD for professional development.
  2. Republic Act No. 10912 (Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016):
    • Mandates CPD for the renewal of the Professional Identification Card (PIC).
    • Implemented through CPD councils for each profession by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
  3. CHED Memorandum Orders (e.g., CMO No. 7, Series 2018):
    • Promote faculty and professional growth via continued education and training.
Continuing Professional Development for Radiologic Technologists
  • CPD Council of Radiologic Technology, under the PRC, sets CPD requirements and accredits CPD programs.
  • CPD Requirements:(as per recent PRC issuances)
    • 15 CPD units for RTs every three years.
    • 10 CPD units for X-ray Technologists.
    • CPD units must come from PRC-accredited providers.
    • Adjustments may occur depending on circumstances (e.g., pandemic).
Forms of CPD/CPE Activities
  1. Formal Education: Postgraduate degrees (e.g., Master's in Radiologic Technology).
  2. Non-Formal Education: PRC-accredited seminars, webinars, and workshops on various topics including new technologies and legal issues.
Providers of CPD for Radiologic Technology in the Philippines
  • Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologists (PART)
  • Philippine Society of Government Radiologic Technologists (PSGRT)
  • Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
  • Accredited private CPD providers and online platforms.
Benefits of Continuing Education for RTs
  • Benefits include:
    • Maintenance of clinical competency and technological literacy.
    • Compliance with radiation safety standards.
    • Reinforcement of ethical and legal responsibilities.
    • Enhanced career opportunities, including promotions and international work prospects.
    • Support for research and innovation in radiologic practice.

Summary

  • Radiologic Technology in the Philippines is a dynamic profession focused on medical imaging technologies.
  • Governed by CHED’s CMO No. 7, Series of 2018, the BSRT program fosters the creation of ethical, competent radiologic technologists ready for the global stage.
  • Roles within the field include radiologic technologists, X-ray technologists, radiologists, and medical physicists, each playing critical parts in healthcare.
  • Continuous Professional Development is essential to adapt to changes, maintain competence, and uphold ethical standards in the field.