Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for X-Ray Intern

🎯 Role Definition

The X-Ray Intern supports diagnostic imaging services by assisting licensed radiologic technologists and radiologists in producing high-quality diagnostic radiographs. This role is designed for students or recent graduates in an accredited radiography program who seek hands-on clinical experience in general radiography, mobile imaging, trauma imaging, and image management systems (PACS/DICOM) while adhering to radiation safety, patient care, and institutional policies.

Key focus areas: patient preparation and positioning, radiographic technique selection and exposure optimization under supervision, image acquisition and post-processing, equipment care and QC, documentation and compliance (HIPAA, radiation safety/ALARA), and contribution to continuous quality improvement initiatives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Diagnostic Radiography student enrolled in an accredited program
Medical imaging assistant or radiology aide seeking clinical training
Volunteer or patient care technician with interest in diagnostic imaging

Advancement To:

Radiologic Technologist (ARRT licensed)
CT Technologist or Mammography Technologist (post-certification)
Radiology Supervisor or Lead Technologist
Radiology Assistant or Advanced Practice Radiographer

Lateral Moves:

PACS/DICOM Administrator or Imaging IT Specialist
Medical Equipment Field Service or Sales Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist licensed radiologic technologists in positioning patients and selecting appropriate technical factors to obtain high-quality diagnostic radiographs while strictly following departmental protocols and ALARA principles.
Perform patient identification, history verification, and screening for contraindications (e.g., pregnancy, implanted devices) before imaging procedures, documenting findings in the electronic medical record.
Prepare patients for imaging procedures by explaining procedures, ensuring proper gowning, removing artifacts, and providing age-appropriate support and reassurance to reduce motion and anxiety.
Acquire routine and portable (mobile) chest, extremity, spine, abdomen, and skeletal imaging under direct supervision, ensuring image centering, collimation, and immobilization techniques are applied correctly.
Operate digital radiography (DR) and computed radiography (CR) systems, adjust exposure parameters within supervised guidelines, and perform initial image assessment for appropriateness and diagnostic quality.
Utilize PACS/DICOM workflows to upload, label, route, and archive images accurately, ensuring study metadata integrity and notifying supervising technologists or radiologists of urgent findings.
Assist in trauma and emergency imaging settings by rapidly preparing portable x-ray units, positioning trauma patients with immobilization devices, and collaborating with ED staff to prioritize studies.
Participate in contrast procedure preparation and patient monitoring as allowed by facility policy, including assisting with IV line setup under direct supervision where permitted and documenting patient responses.
Conduct routine quality control checks on x-ray equipment (e.g., detector calibration checks, cassettes, tube warm-up) and report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to biomedical engineering and supervising staff.
Follow radiation safety protocols, wear dosimetry badges, apply shielding and beam-limiting devices appropriately, and educate patients and staff about radiation protection principles when required.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation for each exam, including exam type, projections performed, exposures, contrast use, and any repeat images performed with reasons for repeats recorded.
Adhere to HIPAA and institutional patient privacy policies when handling patient information, images, and communication across teams, ensuring secure transfer and proper consent processes.
Support infection control measures by sanitizing imaging equipment between patients, using appropriate PPE, and following isolation precautions when transporting or imaging infectious patients.
Assist with inventory control and ordering of radiographic supplies, consumables, and protective garments while ensuring proper storage and tracking of expiration dates.
Participate in departmental quality improvement activities by collecting performance data (e.g., repeat rates, turnaround times), contributing to root cause analyses, and implementing corrective actions under supervision.
Shadow radiologists during image interpretation sessions and multidisciplinary rounds to gain exposure to image review, report correlation, and clinical decision-making processes.
Contribute to training and onboarding of future interns or students by demonstrating best practices, clinical workflows, and safety protocols while under the guidance of senior technologists.
Support clinical research or educational projects by acquiring standardized image sets, following study protocols, logging data, and assisting faculty with data collection and preliminary analysis.
Provide compassionate patient transport and positioning assistance for patients with mobility limitations, coordinating with nursing and transport teams to ensure safe handling and comfort.
Participate in departmental meetings and continuing education sessions to expand knowledge of advanced imaging techniques, radiation safety updates, and new departmental protocols.
Escalate any patient safety incidents, unusual exposures, or image quality concerns to the supervising technologist or radiology manager immediately and participate in incident documentation and follow-up.
Maintain punctuality and professional presentation in clinical areas, abiding by institutional dress codes, identification policies, and behavioral expectations while interacting with patients, families, and clinical staff.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Assist with basic departmental administrative tasks such as scheduling, logging clinical hours, and preparing competency documentation for program requirements.
Help maintain online educational resources or procedure manuals with updated imaging protocols and technique charts for technologist reference.
Provide basic technical troubleshooting and first-line support for workstation software, image transfer issues, and peripheral devices, escalating complex issues to IT/PACS support.
Engage in patient education efforts by distributing informational materials about imaging safety, follow-up procedures, and post-procedure care instructions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Fundamental knowledge of radiographic positioning protocols for chest, abdomen, spine, pelvis, and extremities, with demonstrated ability to apply classroom knowledge in clinical settings.
Working familiarity with digital imaging systems (DR/CR), PACS, and DICOM standards for image acquisition, routing, and archiving.
Understanding of exposure factors, automatic exposure control (AEC), and basic kVp/mAs selection to optimize image quality while minimizing patient dose.
Knowledge of radiation safety principles (ALARA), proper use of shielding, and understanding of dosimetry badge monitoring and reporting.
Basic competency in patient screening, documentation in electronic medical records (EMR), and capture of patient demographics and exam history.
Ability to perform portable/bedside imaging and operate mobile radiography units safely in inpatient, emergency, and ICU settings.
Familiarity with infection control practices specific to radiology, including PPE use, equipment cleaning, and airborne/contact isolation precautions.
Working knowledge of anatomy and pathology relevant to diagnostic radiography to anticipate required projections and identify obvious rejects or repeats.
Experience with or willingness to learn contrast media safety protocols and the observation/monitoring of patients for adverse reactions per institutional policies.
Basic equipment quality control (QC) and preventive maintenance checks, including reporting workflows for equipment issues and coordinating with biomedical engineering.
Competency in image post-processing techniques, window/level adjustments, and application of basic image enhancement tools as directed by supervising technologists.

Soft Skills

Clear, empathetic verbal communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and multidisciplinary team members.
Strong attention to detail and observational skills for ensuring image quality, accurate documentation, and patient safety.
Professional demeanor and ethical conduct with a strong commitment to patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to follow direction, ask clarifying questions, and collaborate with technologists, radiologists, nurses, and support staff.
Time management and prioritization skills for managing multiple imaging requests, patient flow, and emergent studies in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Adaptability and resilience to work in high-stress situations such as trauma resuscitations or busy emergency departments.
Problem-solving aptitude for basic troubleshooting of imaging protocols, equipment settings, and patient positioning challenges.
Eagerness to learn, accept feedback, and continuously improve clinical and technical skills through observation and practice.
Cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care approach to work respectfully with diverse patient populations.
Professional integrity and accountability, including punctuality, reliable documentation of clinical hours, and adherence to training requirements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of an accredited Radiography/Diagnostic Imaging program (Associate or Bachelor's level) and meeting clinical internship prerequisites.

Preferred Education:

Completion of core radiography coursework with documented clinical competencies; student members of professional bodies (e.g., ASRT).
Coursework or certifications in patient safety, infection control, and basic life support (BLS/CPR).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Radiologic Technology / Diagnostic Medical Sonography / Diagnostic Imaging
Radiography (A.S., B.S. or certificate programs)
Allied Health, Pre-Clinical Sciences, or Healthcare Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 1 year of hands-on clinical radiography experience; clinical rotations as part of academic program considered essential.

Preferred:

Documented clinical rotation experience in hospital or outpatient radiology departments, familiarity with PACS workflows, and prior exposure to mobile and trauma imaging. Experience with quality improvement projects, basic radiology research support, or healthcare IT exposure is a plus.

Note: This X-Ray Intern job description is optimized for discoverability and clear alignment with clinical program requirements. It is adaptable for hospital-based internships, outpatient imaging centers, and academic clinical placements.