Overview
In this experiential learning activity, students will develop an understanding of the profession of a Radiologic Technologist and the essential role these healthcare professionals play in patient care and medical diagnosis. Students will explore the diverse clinical settings and specialized areas in which Radiologic Technologists work, including hospitals, diagnostic imaging clinics, emergency departments, and specialized imaging departments.
Additionally, they will examine the educational requirements, certification process, and career pathway required to become a Radiologic Technologist, while gaining insight into the knowledge, technical skills, and professional qualities needed to succeed in this rewarding healthcare career.
NB Curricular Connections
Personal Wellness 9
- Strand: Career Connected Learning – Big Idea: Thinking About Potential Career Pathways – Skill Descriptor: Demonstrate an informed vision for the future linked to own interests, preferences, values and abilities.
- Strand: Career Connected Learning – Big Idea: Exploring Potential Career Pathways – Skill Descriptor: Critically investigate and describe the labour market and preferred career pathways.
Healthcare 110
- Strand: Career Exploration – Big Idea: Health care pathways– Skill Descriptor: Students will examine the academic preparation needed to enter a healthcare field.
- Strand: Career Exploration – Big Idea: Health care pathways– Skill Descriptor: Students will determine the range of employment opportunities within healthcare.
Core Learning Goals
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Describe the role and responsibilities of a Radiologic Technologist.
- Identify the various settings in which Radiologic Technologists work.
- Explain the education and career pathways required to become a Radiologic Technologist.
- Explore the salary of a Radiologic Technologist in New Brunswick.
What You’ll Need
- Full Activity attached as word document to be printed (if desired)
- Mini lesson about Radiologic Technologist (PPT attached)
- COE Health Video –Learn about the career of a Radiographer (‘Radiological Technologist) with Horizon Health | Centre of Excellence for Health
- 10 posters (responsibility)
- 10 envelopes or zip lock bags containing one “why it matters” card and one “scenario” card. (One set per group)
- Recording sheet (optional)
Instructions
- Read through mini lesson about Radiologic Technologists
- Watch the COE Health video (see above).
- Complete Activity 1 (10 minutes): True or False Relay
- Divide students into teams.
- Each team has:
A whiteboard or paper
A marker
- Read a statement.
- Teams have 30 seconds to decide.
- One student walks quickly (safety first!) to write T or F on Paper/White Board.
- Teams earn:
- 1 point for the correct answer.
- Bonus point if they can explain why.
This adds movement and teamwork.
Teacher has piece of paper with the statements and the answers and reads each statement aloud to students:
- Radiologic Technologists only work in hospitals. False
- Radiologic Technologists help doctors diagnose injuries and diseases. True
- They use X-ray equipment to create images of the body. True
- Radiation safety is an important part of their job. True
- They never work evenings or weekends. False
- Good communication skills are important in this career. True
- They work completely alone all day. False
- They may need to help move patients safely. True
- Becoming a Radiologic Technologist requires specialized education. True
- They only work with broken bones. False
- Complete Activity 2 (20 minutes): Match Challenge
- Teachers will print 10 kits.
- Each kit should include 10 responsibility posters and 10 envelopes containing a “why it matters” card and a “scenario” card.
- Divide students into groups of 3–4.
- Teacher will set up the 10 posters around the room.
- Give each group 1 envelope containing one “why it matters” card and one “scenario” card.
- Students work together to match these two cards with the corresponding poster around the room.
- All the students in the group must agree on matches and discuss in their groups why they believe the matches make sense.
- Review the correct answers together and discuss why each role is important.
| Set | Responsibility | Why Is It Important? | Scenario Card |
| 1 | Take diagnostic X-ray images. | Helps doctors diagnose injuries and illnesses. | A patient falls while playing basketball and may have a broken wrist. You take X-ray images so the doctor can see if a bone is broken. |
| 2 | Position patients safely. | Produces clear images while keeping patients comfortable. | A patient with a sore shoulder has trouble lifting their arm. You help them find a safe position that still allows for a good X-ray. |
| 3 | Follow radiation safety procedures. | Protects patients, coworkers, and yourself. | Before taking an X-ray, you place a protective shield on the patient and step behind a protective barrier. |
| 4 | Explain the imaging procedure. | Helps patients understand what will happen and reduces anxiety. | A child is nervous about getting an X-ray. You explain what the machine does and reassure them that the test is quick and painless. |
| 5 | Evaluate the images before sending them to the doctor. | Ensures the images are clear enough for diagnosis. | You notice the patient’s knee moved during the X-ray, making the image blurry. You repeat the image before sending it to the doctor. |
| 6 | Work with other healthcare professionals. | Provides the best care for patients. | You speak with the emergency doctor and nurse to make sure the correct X-rays are taken for a patient who was in a car accident. |
| 7 | Prepare and check imaging equipment. | Keeps equipment working properly and helps produce accurate images. | Before the first patient arrives, you test the X-ray machine and notice something isn’t working correctly, so you report it before using it. |
| 8 | Protect patient privacy and keep information confidential. | Builds trust and keeps personal health information secure. | A visitor asks why someone is getting an X-ray. You politely explain that you cannot share a patient’s personal information. |
| 9 | Adapt imaging techniques for each patient. | Provides the best images for patients of different ages, sizes, and medical needs. | A patient uses a wheelchair, so you adjust the equipment and positioning to safely complete the exam. |
| 10 | Continue learning and updating your skills. | Keeps technologists current with new technology and best practices. | Your department gets a new imaging system, so you attend training to learn how to use it safely and correctly. |
Extension ideas (optional)
- Invite a guest Radiologic Technologist to speak with the class (in person or virtually).
Reflection Activity: “Could This Be Your Future Career?” *See attached document to print*
Ask students to write or discuss:
- One thing I learned about Radiologic Technologists is…
- One thing that surprised me was…
- Would I want to become a Radiologic Technologist? Why or why not?
- What personal strength would help me in this career?
UDL Supports
- Collaborative: Students work in groups and discuss their thinking.
- Hands-on: Students manipulate physical cards rather than completing a worksheet.
- Verbal: Students explain their matches to classmates.
- Written: Recording sheet can be used for students who benefit from writing down their reasoning.
