Harper College

Functional Abilities: Imaging

These are essential for admission and continuance in the Harper College Imaging programs.

Motor Capability 

  1. Good eye hand coordination, ability to visualize in 3 dimensions, good gross and fine motor skills, quick reflexes, and a steady hand.
  2. Good physical stamina to stand all day, push heavy ultrasound equipment, rearrange furniture, and position large patients.
  3. Freedom from musculoskeletal injury as sonography repetitively engages certain musculoskeletal areas and has a high incidence of musculoskeletal injury to the wrist, arm, shoulder, neck and back.

Sensory Capability 

  • Discern fine detail and variations in gray shades, color, shape and texture.

Problem Solving Ability

  • Quickly obtain images, identify and process the information on the screen, and make critical decisions regarding next steps

In addition, participants in all health career programs must possess the following functional abilities in order to provide safe and effective patient care.

Motor Capability

  1. Move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.
  2. Squat, crawl, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, use standing balance, and climb stairs.
  3. Lift and carry up to 50 lbs., and exert up to 100 lbs. force or push/pull.
  4. Use hands repetitively; use manual dexterity; sufficient fine motor function.
  5. Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
  6. Perform CPR.
  7. Travel to and from academic and clinical sites.

Sensory Capability

  1. Coordinate verbal and manual instruction.
  2. Auditory ability sufficient to hear verbal communication from clients and members of the health team; includes ability to respond to emergency signals.
  3. Discern soft sounds, such as those associated with taking a blood pressure.
  4. Visual acuity to acquire information from documents such as charts.
  5. Comfortable working in close physical proximity to patient.

Communication Ability

  1. Communicate effectively in English with patients, families, and other health care providers, both verbally and in writing.
  2. Effectively adapt communication for intended audience.
  3. Interact; establish rapport with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
  4. Assume the role of a health care team member.
  5. Function effectively under supervision.
  6. Sufficient command of the English language in order to retrieve information from lectures, textbooks, as well as understand medical terminology.
  7. Skills include computer literacy.

Problem Solving Ability

  1. Function effectively under stress.
  2. Respond appropriately to emergencies.
  3. Adhere to infection control procedures.
  4. Demonstrate problem-solving skills in patient care.  (Measure, calculate, reason, prioritize, and synthesize data.)
  5. Use sound judgment and safety precautions.
  6. Address problems or questions to the appropriate persons at the appropriate time.
  7. Organize and prioritize job tasks.

Behavioral Skills and Professionalism

  1. Follow policies and procedures required by academic and clinical settings.
  2. Adheres to Harper College Academic Honesty Policy (per College catalog).
  3. Adheres to Harper College Code of Conduct (per College catalog).
  4. Abides by the guidelines set forth in the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (i.e., the national privacy act).
Last Updated: 3/15/24