Pediatric radiography education: A survey of recent graduates' experiences

Purpose To examine recent radiologic science graduates' perceptions of pediatric radiography training and provide educators with information regarding the delivery of pediatric education in entry-level radiography programs. Methods Radiologic technologists with fewer than 24 months of experience who, at the time, were American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) members in the Graduate Bridge membership level were asked to complete an original survey that was created using a cross-sectional research design. The survey asked questions about their pediatric radiography education experience, level of training, level of agreement regarding various techniques and challenges associated with pediatric radiography, and demographic information. Results A total of 280 responses was analyzed for this study. The majority (151, 53.9%) of the participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the training and education they received in their respective radiography programs to perform imaging studies on pediatric patients. However, 149 (53.2%) of the participants strongly agreed that more curricula and training specific to pediatric radiography would benefit future students. Discussion Opportunities for additional education might include providing more training on using Pigg-O-Stats and other immobilization devices, catheterizing pediatric patients for voiding cystourethrograms, and communicating effectively with pediatric patients and their family members. Moreover, providing students with clinical experiences to gain confidence in pediatric radiography at a dedicated pediatric facility should be considered. Conclusion Although most entry-level radiographers in this study considered their preparation for pediatric imaging satisfactory, they also strongly believed that additional pediatric-specific training would benefit future radiographers. Radiography educators should consider various opportunities to enhance the pediatric imaging curriculum and encourage or require clinical rotations in pediatric facilities. Further research that addresses educators' perceptions of pediatric radiography instruction might be warranted.