Association of academic education and practical capabilities of radiology technologists

Introduction: Radiology is a complex health science and profession, requiring experienced use of academic technology, beside the ability of thinking critically, independent judgment, solving problems creatively and communicating effectively to make the best clinical performance. The present study was designed to evaluate the practical capability of radiology technologists working in radiology wards, for determining the level of association between capability and academic education. Methods: In a cross-sectional analytical study carried out at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2010-2012, the radiology technologists were asked to fill the previously-designed questionnaires which was included a checklist related to the participants’ social and demographic characteristics, and a questionnaire on the radiology technologists’ performance regarding the medical applications of X-ray. Results: The mean age was 35.03 ± 8.01 year, and 64 (53.3%) were male. The technologists’ capability had a significant relation with their educational degree, and the capability of staff with BS was more than those with an associate degree (P < 0.001). The technologists’ capability was directly related to their grade point average (GPAs) within "associate degree" group (P < 0.001), but no such correlation was found among "BSc" group. In total, there was a direct relation between the academic training and practical capability (P = 0.040). Conclusion: A great majority of the technologists do not seem to base their capability on the recognized scientific sources. Teaching or familiarizing the students with the true concept of performing on the basis of the prior training, and the significance of implementing such training in professional activities is one of the approaches, which could lead the technologists to appreciate the relationship between classical training and their providing quality services