lecture recording on 26 February 2025 at 09.33.15 AM

Introduction to X-ray Technology

Speaker: Sergey Ortono, X-ray tech at Kaiser Moore for almost three years.

• Passionate about digital imaging with a focus on the integral role it plays in enhancing internal visibility for accurate medical diagnosis.

Overview of X-ray Procedures

Standard X-ray Procedure:

• Patients arrive with specific doctor orders that detail the required examinations.

• Verification of patient information includes cross-checking IDs and ensuring correct procedures.

• Various setups may include different positions, such as standing against a wall or lying down on an examination table, depending on the type of exam being conducted.

• Utilization of fixed X-ray machines, typically housed in a designated radiology department for standardized examinations.

Portable X-ray Machines:

• Small, movable machines utilized in various hospital departments, especially crucial during ward rounds.

• The process involves positioning a specialized X-ray plate behind the patient and obtaining the X-ray images while ensuring minimal movement.

Intraoperative X-rays:

• Utilization of a large mobile machine (Computed Radiography - CR) during surgical procedures to provide real-time imaging, crucial for verifying the placement of hardware.

• These real-time images are essential to ensure accurate implementation and to prevent legal implications following any surgical errors.

Fluoroscopy Procedures:

• A live X-ray technique employed for swallow studies and other dynamic imaging assessments.

• Patients consume barium, a radiopaque substance, to enhance visibility of internal structures and monitor bodily functions in real-time during examinations.

Work Environment and Inter-departmental Movement

Varied Locations:

• Continuous rotation between the Emergency Department, outpatient facilities, and patient care areas including Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and surgery rooms.

• This variety contributes to increased physical activity—approximately 10,000 steps a day—and fosters strong interpersonal relationships with interdisciplinary teams.

Networking in Healthcare:

• Establishing robust connections with doctors and other staff members is deemed crucial for effective collaboration and continuous learning in fast-paced healthcare environments.

Education and Training Pathways

Radiology Programs:

• Discussed the advantages of attending public community colleges versus private radiology programs, with particular emphasis on cost and accessibility factors.

• Some private programs may offer streamlined admissions processes, while others, such as those at UVA, utilize a lottery system for selecting applicants.

Private School Experience:

• Admission to private institutions often relies on a points system evaluating prerequisites, degrees, and relevant experience to improve chances of acceptance into competitive programs.

Academic Experience During COVID-19

Impact of the Pandemic:

• The shift to online learning presented significant challenges, particularly in obtaining the hands-on experience essential for mastering X-ray technology training.

• Required adaptability in both learning methods and clinical environments due to imposed restrictions.

Clinical Experience:

• Students attended clinical sessions under challenging conditions, including N95 mask shortages, which limited exposure to diverse hospital areas and patient populations.

Skills and Personal Qualities Needed

Flexibility and Technology Proficiency:

• An effective X-ray technician must exhibit remarkable adaptability to changing situations, proficiently operate diverse equipment, and swiftly address any troubleshooting issues.

• Basic computer skills are vital for processing and electronically transmitting captured images.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills are vital for building rapport with various patient demographics and collaborating efficiently with hospital staff, especially when dealing with patients in need of emotional support due to anxiety or fear about procedures.

Job Market and Competitive Landscape

Job Opportunities:

• The job market is projected to grow, particularly in the hospital sector where new facilities opening up will expand job opportunities in the upcoming years, exemplified by the new Kaiser flagship hospital.

• Clinical performance during training significantly influences job availability, making connections established during educational training important for securing employment post-graduation.

Differences Between Job Titles:

• Understanding the distinction between the roles of technologists and technicians is essential; technologists typically have more extensive responsibilities, especially in managing patient imaging and diagnostics effectively.

Equipment Handling and Patient Challenges

Emergency Situations:

• Preparedness for emergencies, including power outages, is critical, with established protocols aimed at maintaining patient safety and minimizing distress during procedures.

Dealing with Patient Refusals:

• Effective communication and relationship-building are crucial when approaching patients reluctant to undergo procedures due to fear or misunderstandings about X-ray technology.

Handling Stress and Burnout

Work-Life Balance:

• Strategies for averting burnout include engaging in outside hobbies, establishing a strong support network, and ensuring ample time away from work to decompress.

Study Tips for Aspiring X-ray Techs

Effective Studying Techniques:

• Emphasis on grasping anatomical and physics concepts through practical hands-on experiences paired with repetitive review sessions for better retention.

• Recommendations for dedicated study sessions in quiet environments devoid of distractions.

Classes and Prerequisites:

• It is crucial to focus on relevant science courses (including chemistry, statistics, and anatomy) as part of the admissions requirements into X-ray technology training programs.

Transitioning to Advanced Specializations

Career Pathways Beyond X-ray Tech:

• After gaining substantial experience as an X-ray tech, opportunities to transition into MRI or CT specialization fields are available, highlighting the variances in exposure and necessary training for those roles.

• A solid foundational knowledge in radiology is essential before pursuing further specialization in advanced imaging technologies.

Conclusion

Final Recommendations for Students:

• Entry-level jobs within the healthcare system (such as housekeeping) can serve as valuable stepping stones, helping build relationships and acquiring the experience needed for more advanced roles in radiology and patient care.