Hiring radiologic technologists

High-quality radiographic images are essential for accurately diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases. Your radiographic technologist should be able to judge whether an image is of diagnostic quality by assessing elements such as contrast, alignment, and image blur. Top candidates will thoroughly explain the techniques and procedures they employ to consistently capture high-quality images.

From instructing patients to remove jewelry to ensuring they provide informed consent, your radiologic technologists’ meticulousness in preparing patients is critical for patients’ safety and a procedure’s success. This question will provide insight into your candidate’s attention to detail and adeptness at sticking to protocols and checklists.

Depending on your organization’s needs, you may be seeking candidates who can perform a range of radiologic exams or have specialized in areas such as ultrasound or CT scans. This question will help you learn more about the candidate’s experience with the equipment, procedures, and patients they’ll be working with. 

One of the most difficult parts of a radiologic technologist’s job is working with patients afflicted by pain or sickness. An ideal candidate should be perceptive to verbal and non-verbal cues and conduct radiographic procedures in a way that causes minimal discomfort and doesn’t induce further harm. 

The quality and accuracy of a radiologist’s work are highly dependent on the images and data that radiographic technologists collect. You need a candidate who is not afraid to ask questions — even when it may be inconvenient or uncomfortable — and prioritizes following orders and providing accurate information. 

Equipment malfunctions are a routine part of any radiologic technologist’s job. The candidate should be able to troubleshoot and judge when a situation merits outside technical support. This question will provide further insight into the candidate’s familiarity with imaging equipment and their approach to problem-solving.

It’s not uncommon for patients to get anxious during radiographic procedures — especially ones that may take a long time such as MRIs and CT scans. Your radiographic technologist should project warmth, empathy, and confidence and have the ability to communicate the details of radiographic procedures in clear and simple language.

Radiologic technologists often deal with heavy workloads, examining multiple patients daily. Your candidates should be prepared to work under pressure without compromising on safety and the quality of their work. They should know how stress and pressure can increase the likelihood of mistakes and take steps to address these factors preemptively.

As healthcare professionals, radiologic technologists should be prepared to act as first responders during medical emergencies. This question will help you assess how your candidate might react during an emergency and their ability to walk you through basic first aid procedures. The best candidates will have a basic life support (BLS) certification, but a CPR certification may suffice depending on the position.