Technical Standards

The VCU Department of Radiation Sciences is responsible for providing education without regard to disability while ensuring that academic and technical standards are met. Academic standards are met by successfully completing the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Radiation Sciences. Technical standards represent the essential non-academic requirements that a student must demonstrate to successfully participate in the Radiation Sciences degree program.

An applicant and candidate for the BS in Clinical Radiation Sciences degree must have demonstrated aptitude, abilities and skills in the following categories: sensory, communication, physical/mobility, cognitive, and behavioral/social. All students admitted/completing the program must meet, with or without reasonable accommodation, the following technical standards:

Sensory

Observe patients and equipment operation during procedures, as well as read the patient’s reports and medical information
Receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team
Assess the health needs and/or status of people directly or through the use of monitoring devices
Visual acuity to see objects beyond 20 ft. and within 20 inches
Visual depth perception to safely manipulate equipment
Accurately observe and distinguish subtle visual and auditory changes in the patient, health professional, and equipment
Tactile (touch) sensitivity to obtain information from patients by palpation and other diagnostic maneuvers

Physical/Mobility

Lift, transfer and/or move patients from wheelchair/stretcher to a treatment table.
Lift, move, reach or push equipment
Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
Hand/eye coordination in order to operate equipment while observing patient
Strength and stamina to wear 10-20 pounds of lead protective aprons and patient protective equipment during procedures.
Manipulate small objects with fingertips or adaptive devices
Dexterity to position equipment 6 feet above the ground
Physical strength to lift 30-35 pounds shoulder height and to push and pull at least 100 pounds
Stand or walk for prolonged periods of time as required in the clinical setting
Physically bend, crouch or stoop for long periods of time in the clinical setting
Safely maneuver in the clinical setting (for example, within small spaces)

Behavioral/Social

Adapt and function effectively in stressful, changing and uncertain environments
Provide physical and emotional support to the patient during procedures and be able to respond quickly to situations requiring basic life support and emergency care of the patient in the absence of, or until the physician arrives.
Tolerate and function effectively under stress, time constraints, and distracting conditions for prolonged periods
Demonstrate integrity, responsibility, tolerance, and respect
Adapt to changing environments and display flexibility in the practice setting

VCU is committed to ensuring accessibility and equal access to its academic programs and provides reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities, as set forth in the university's policy on Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation. A student seeking accommodation related to technical standards must contact the VCU Division for Academic Success. Please visit the VCU Division for Academic Success for information on disability and academic support services for students in the VCU Health Sciences schools.

Radiation Sciences

College of Health Professions

Technical Standards

Sensory

Communication

Physical/Mobility

Cognitive

Behavioral/Social