Top 25 Radiology Technician Interview Questions and Answers in 2024

Editorial Team

Radiology Technician Interview Questions and Answers

In this article, we will be sharing some of the questions with answers that you might be asked in your interview as a Radiology Technician. Be sure, that career growth is important for all so the candidate must be well prepared for the upcoming interviews.  Lucky you are that you got the opportunity to match your skillset and your knowledge.

1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?

Helping human beings is my passion, I always prefer if I can add value to the life of any human being. Earning professional certification too presents a valuable opportunity for the radiology technicians to network with one another as well as to keep abreast of the latest developments within this line of work. I am holding certification in this specific area and have experience in working in the same line too in doing X-Rays, CT Scans as well as MRIs. I am proficient with Microsoft Office and calendaring events. In my life, I am a highly-organized multitasker who works well in a fast-paced environment adopting the typical lifestyle of a hospital. That is not the end but I have the willingness to learn and grow with the organization.

2. What Are The Roles Of A Radiology Technician?

A radiology technician works with a radiologist for diagnosing and treating patients using diagnostic imaging examinations like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. The radiology technician prepares patients and equipment for radiology procedures, performs the tests, and maintains the equipment. They are good at maintaining the highest safety and cleanliness standards when operating the machines, among other duties. He should be good at understanding patients’ positioning, physical and emotional concerns, and educating patients on health maintenance and care too.

3. Which Qualities Are Essential To Perform Well In This Role?

Apart from the technical certification to practice in this role, there are a few essential qualities that are required as well. The role requires interaction with the patient, caregivers, and other medical staff so communication skill is mandatory. With great patient care service, one must have good interpersonal skills. Apart from this, problem-solving skills are required too as you might know how to operate machinery but what if there is something wrong with it. There might be long working hours so physical strength to stand for a longer time and operate heavy machinery is important too. Lastly, different working flexibility is essential too.

4. What Challenges Did You Face During COVID-19 Pandemic?

I was working as a radiology technician in another hospital during the pandemic too. My challenges were the same of other medical staff. Patients were reluctant in getting their treatment and were nervous about machinery. We faced a lot of shaken confidence in the healthcare system due to the COVID-19 situation. Due to lockdown, we were taking fewer appointments and only important ones were being scheduled. The hospital was following complete WHO regulations to operate a healthcare unit but still, patients and caregivers were nervous throughout their appointments.

5. What Does Your Normal Day Look Like?

I start my shift at 8 in the morning normally and check my work emails as the first task. This helps me in knowing appointments scheduled for the day. Patients start coming by 9 or 10, depending on their appointment. I record their data into the software and inform them about the process and how will they undergo the imaging procedure. Once I explain, I ask them if they have any confusion or questions. For example, if we have a pregnant woman then the protocol is different and needs permission from her gynecologist on board. After this, I review the patient’s charts and check if there are any notes from their doctors. I record all information in the system before beginning the process. Once it’s the patient’s turn, I help them in position so that the correct area can be captured from the machinery. I stay in the same room while the machine scans to ensure the safety of the patient. After getting the results, I move on to the filming and interpreting the result from the image captured. If I feel that image needs to be taken again then I request the patient to repeat the process. Once the result is ready, I post it on software and notify the doctor on board for their next appointment.

6. Share Your Past Professional Experience Relevant To This Field.

I graduated in 2018 in Radiologic Technology from XYZ University as an Associate of Science. I took my first job as Radiologic Techniainc in ABC Memorial Research Hospital where I was in charge of producing ER, OR, and Portable Xrays. I operated all machinery in the setup as per the requirement specified by the doctors. Before imaging, I would interact with the patient in a friendly manner to ensure that they are calm and are healthy to go under the procedure. I got a chance to work with different radiologists, sonographers, and several other teams. I also recorded relevant patient history into the system.

7. What Type Of Mindset And Strategies Are Critical For This Role?

Love for helping human beings is among the basics to be a good fit. Although the majority of my years in Imaging were spent in Ultrasound. I still kept my fingers in Radiology. If you keep looking and finding things, constantly learning new technology and perhaps modalities this could be what you are looking for. The work is fast enough while it can be overwhelming at times. The pay is reasonable to good. Depending on your credentials and where you live, you need to have good interpersonal skills and be physically able to handle the job. You can go as far as you may choose and as fast as you might like. The future looks altogether very exciting.

8. Few Medical Staff Members Get Emotionally Involved With Patients. What Is Your Opinion About It?

Yes, I have seen that too and I have been there myself at the start of my career. Sometimes getting emotionally involved or getting over-friendly to your patient is not right in the field of medicine. I am always reminding myself while dealing with any patient to maintain professional behavior. I can be a good listener but I know my limitations. I fear that it can raise a question mark on my ability and work.

9. How Do You Deal With Demotivation?

There is no hard and fast rule when dealing with negative emotions. I always ask myself why I am feeling this way. This helps me in identifying the root cause. Sometimes, the criticism might have taken a toll on your mind. To stay focused in my role, I distract myself with goals and tasks to complete before the timeline. This derails my mind from negative thoughts and I start feeling motivated to accomplish my goals. On the other hand, if I am not dealing with any patient or staff, I turn on my favorite music with earphones on and calm myself down.

10. Have You Ever Encountered Failure? What Was Your Learning?

Don’t we all fail at times? I have had my share of failures and my learning has been to stay focused and focus on the path ahead. We cannot stop trying in fear of another failure. I believe in patience and the focus it brings to your professional career. I am sure we all learn something from failure; I have learned to keep trying harder for success.

11. Why Should We Hire You?

I have the experience and skill to work great in this opportunity. I have been working in the same field since my graduation and have performed great. My previous employer also recommended me for this job. I have good communication skills and have complete knowledge of operating all machinery required in this role. I am good at leading teams and also provide training to them if they have any issues.

12. What Is On Your Achievement List Till Date?

In my previous role, I have maintained a 100% success rate for diagnostic images. I also assisted in increasing the patient satisfaction score by 18% last year. I have been working with several radiologists and sonographers and provided them with radiographic examinations that helped in 100% surgical precision. Last year in the summer, I also lead the team of internees who were soon graduating from their schools.

13. If Asked, How Would Your Previous Employer Rate You?

My employer recommended I apply for this job! I am a team player and have been assisting the department with my skills and knowledge. Due to no further promotions at the hospital, they were unable to provide me with more responsibility. My employer would rate me as a good worker and would recommend my skills, both technical and soft skills.

14. If Any Day, You Have To Handle A Lot Of Jobs Due To a Shortage Of Staff, How Will You Handle It?

I would immediately take up the responsibility to lead and assist my team members for the day. I will be having a quick meeting with everyone on all scheduled appointments and checking if any load can be taken off by cancelation. If I suspect that patients might have dependent appointments next week with their doctors, I will put them on priority and manage the incoming patients so that nobody has to wait for a longer time in the lounge. I believe with correct team management, I can pull off the day easily.

15. How Flexible Are You Regarding Work Schedule?

I am quite flexible and I don’t have any issue working on weekends and public holidays as long as I am informed earlier. In emergency situations, I can assist as well. I have worked in the trauma room and have worked quite well. I like to maintain my personal and professional life side by side.

16. If You See Your Team Member Stealing From The Storeroom, What Will Be Your Reaction?

If I am seeing it for the first time, I would give them a benefit of the doubt in the first go but I will inquire about it to make sure that there are no wrong actions happening. If I see it again, I will immediately inform my supervisor regarding my observation and would step aside. I don’t think it’s wise to get in touch with the person directly.

17. Sometimes Team Get Into Conflicts At Work. What Is Your Opinion Regarding This?

One can have as many disagreements or conflicts as long as they are not affecting the patient or disturbing the healthy working culture of the place.  When teams work together, disagreements are common but we all need to respect each other and their different opinion. I don’t participate in work politics and I do not encourage this behavior at all.

18. Which Software Do You Use In Your Role?

For reporting purposes, I have been using Microsoft Office. I am an efficient use of technology and do not hesitate in learning new technology. My previous workplace was using ClinSys for all patient information and history. I used it for almost 2 years or more and I have complete knowledge of it. I am not sure which software your organization uses but if it’s different, I am here to learn.

19. Sometimes We Do Not Respond Well To Negative Feedback, What Is Your Opinion?

I believe the reaction is dependent on the person who is giving it. We all know negative people in our lives who like to suck up our good energy. I don’t pay much attention to such people. If the feedback is coming from my senior or my team member, I would listen to them and discuss where they think I am lacking. It will help me perform better in my role and learn from my past mistakes.

20. What Is Interventional Radiology?

This is also referred to as surgical radiology in several medical cases. This can be used for both treatment and diagnosis depending upon the case. Sometimes it is an alternative to surgical procedure depending on the status of the patient. With the help of CT Scan, Ultra Sound, and MRI, the insertional radiology can be carried out.

21. If You Have To Choose, Would You Choose Teamwork Or Working Independently?

I am in favor of teamwork as long as I have complete confidence in my teammates. I strive for perfection and I cannot let one error pass by. I have learned great lessons by working with my team and have gained the confidence to perform well in this field.

22. How Do You Handle A Difficult Patient?

On occasions, you have patients who simply get the job is done and then they go home quietly. They do not create a fuss and nor do they get angry with their care personnel. However, other patients can, sometimes, be quite noncooperative. In such cases, nothing is proved good and it becomes hard to please such people no matter how good you are. The best path to this challenge is to ignore the remarks of the patient and to adopt patience and positivity. If they create a fuss, you should handle it politely and show them that you are a cooperative Radiology technician.

23. What Is Fluoroscopy?

With the help of Fluoroscopy in Radiology, Real-time images are generated of the internal body structure with the help of X-ray technology. It can cater to bone damage as well as pathological changes in any body part as well.

24. What Is Your Opinion Regarding Teleradiology?

I believe it’s the next step towards the future, especially for smaller hospitals and clinics. Due to budget limitations, they cannot have a separate radiology department to support their medical process. That is why companies who are providing teleradiology can assist them on every case all the time. Few common specialties available in teleradiology include pediatrics, body imaging, and cardiovascular. As we are all connected to the internet, the reports can be generated in less than 30 minutes- ensuring speed, flexibility, and reliability for any healthcare unit. Many small setups are investing in this service to provide the best patient care for their patients.

25. What Do You Know About HIPPA?

It’s a federal law that protects patient information from being disclosed without the consent of the patient. While working in this sector, we obey the federal law and make sure that we are not passing any patient information to anyone even in the healthcare unit or outside. My role does not have any links with the care providers but if sometimes someone approaches me, I inform them about the compliance that does not give me the right to disclose any relevant information.

Conclusion

With these top 25 questions for an interview as Radiology Technician, You will be able to ace the interview easily. As a general tip, carry your updated resume with you on the day of the interview and make sure you have mentioned all recent and relevant projects on it. It will help the interviewer to assess your knowledge and skills in different situations. Dress professionally and be confident. Good luck with Team Project Practical!