17 Diagnostic Radiographer Interview Questions and Answers

A diagnostic radiographer, also known as a medical radiation technologist, uses imaging equipment to produce diagnostic images of the human body. These images are used by physicians to diagnose and treat diseases.

If you’re interested in becoming a diagnostic radiographer, you’ll need to complete an accredited two- or four-year radiography program and pass a state-administered exam. Once you’re licensed, you can start applying for jobs.

Before you’re hired, you may need to go through a job interview. During the interview, the hiring manager will ask you questions to assess your skills and knowledge. They will also want to know if you’re a good fit for the job and the organization.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of common diagnostic radiographer interview questions and answers.

Are you certified as a diagnostic radiographer?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have the necessary certification for the job. If you are not certified, they may want to know when you plan on getting your certification. They may also be looking for someone who is already certified and ready to start working.

Example: “I am currently a registered diagnostic radiographer in California. I passed my exam last year and have been practicing since then. I’m excited to work with a new team that can help me grow as a professional.”

What are the different types of X-ray machines you have used?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with different types of X-ray machines. You can answer this question by naming the different types of X-ray machines you have used and describing what they are used for.

Example: “I’ve worked with both fixed and portable X-ray machines, as well as digital radiography systems. Fixed X-ray machines are stationary units that use film to capture images, while portable X-ray machines are mobile units that use a digital imaging system. Digital radiography systems combine the best features of both fixed and portable X-ray machines, including the ability to store patient information digitally.”

How would you describe the role of a diagnostic radiographer to a layperson?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you can explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way. It also shows them that you have the ability to communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals about what you do.

Example: “A diagnostic radiographer’s job is to take images of the body using X-rays or other imaging techniques, such as CT scans, ultrasounds and MRIs. We use these images to diagnose medical conditions and provide information for doctors so they can make informed decisions about their patient’s care. I find this role very rewarding because it allows me to help people every day.”

What is your process for preparing a patient for an X-ray?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with working with patients and how you interact with them. Describe a specific process that you use to prepare a patient for an X-ray, including any steps or techniques you use to make sure they’re comfortable during their exam.

Example: “I always start by introducing myself to the patient and explaining what I’m going to do before I begin. Then, I ask if they have any questions about the procedure. Next, I position the patient on the table so that I can take the best possible image of their body part. Finally, I explain when they should expect to receive their results.”

Provide an example of a time you had to deal with a difficult patient and how you handled the situation.

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with challenging patients. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of how you handled the situation successfully and what steps you took to ensure that you maintained a positive relationship with the patient while still providing quality care.

Example: “In my last position as a diagnostic radiographer, I had a patient who was very anxious about their upcoming procedure. They were also quite vocal about their anxiety, which made it difficult for me to concentrate on performing the exam. Instead of getting frustrated, I calmly explained to them why they needed the test and assured them that we would do everything we could to make sure they felt comfortable during the exam. This helped calm them down enough so that I could complete the exam without any issues.”

If a patient needed an MRI, but the machine was broken, what would you do?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer how you would react in an emergency situation. In your answer, try to show that you are calm under pressure and can think quickly.

Example: “If a patient needed an MRI but the machine was broken, I would first ask if they could wait for the technician to fix it or if we should reschedule. If neither of those options were available, I would find another imaging method that could provide similar results. For example, if the MRI was broken but there was a CT scanner, I would have the patient undergo a CT scan instead.”

What would you do if you noticed a mistake on an X-ray you had taken?

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to challenges and errors. Your answer should show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, learn from mistakes and correct them.

Example: “If I noticed a mistake on an X-ray I had taken, I would immediately inform my supervisor so they could address the issue with the patient. Then, I would retake the X-ray to ensure it was done correctly. If there were any other patients who needed their X-rays reviewed, I would do so as soon as possible.”

How well can you see without your radiographer’s glasses or a patient’s eyeglasses?

This question is a test of your vision. The interviewer wants to know if you can perform the job duties without assistance. You should answer honestly and explain that you have excellent vision, but also mention that you are willing to wear glasses or contacts as needed.

Example: “I have 20/20 vision without my radiographer’s glasses. I am comfortable wearing eyeglasses when necessary, although I prefer not to unless absolutely necessary. If I were hired for this position, I would be happy to wear glasses or contacts while performing my duties.”

Do you have experience using CT scanners?

CT scanners are a common diagnostic imaging tool in many hospitals and medical facilities. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using the equipment they use at their facility. If you do not have experience with CT scanners, consider asking your interviewer if there is another type of diagnostic imaging equipment that they use.

Example: “I have used CT scanners before, but I am also familiar with other types of diagnostic imaging tools like MRI machines and PET/CT scanners. In my last role as a radiographer, we had an MRI machine, so I was responsible for performing all of the imaging procedures on patients who needed MRIs. I also performed some of the preliminary work on patients who were getting PET/CT scans.”

When taking an X-ray, do you ever have to repeat the process?

This question can help the interviewer understand your attention to detail and how you handle mistakes. Your answer should show that you are willing to repeat a process if necessary, but also highlight your ability to focus on getting it right the first time.

Example: “I always try my best to get an X-ray right the first time because I know it’s important for patient care. However, sometimes there are issues with positioning or equipment that require me to take another image. In these cases, I make sure to explain why I’m taking the second image so the doctor knows what they’re looking at.”

We want to improve our turnaround time for X-ray results. How would you approach this as a radiographer?

Turnaround time is an important factor for many healthcare facilities. The interviewer may ask you this question to see how you would improve the turnaround time of their facility. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to reduce the amount of time it takes to receive X-ray results.

Example: “I understand that turnaround time is a major concern in most radiology departments. I have experience working with other radiographers who are highly skilled and efficient at their jobs. We can work together to ensure we’re all on the same page when it comes to our workflow. This helps us complete our tasks more quickly so we can meet deadlines. Another way we can improve turnaround time is by using technology to streamline our processes.”

Describe your process for reviewing X-ray images.

This question can help interviewers understand your approach to the work you do. Your answer should include a description of how you review images and what steps you take when reviewing them. You can also use this opportunity to highlight any special skills or techniques that you use while reviewing X-rays.

Example: “I start by looking at the patient’s name, age and other identifying information on the image. Then I look for any abnormalities in the bones or soft tissue. If there are no abnormalities, I will then check for any foreign objects that may be present. After I have reviewed all of the images, I will send my findings to the doctor.”

What makes you a good fit for this diagnostic radiographer position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for this role. Consider highlighting any relevant experience or skills that match what they’re looking for in an employee.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others through my work as a diagnostic radiographer. I have always been interested in medicine and healthcare, so becoming a diagnostic radiographer was a natural career choice for me. Throughout my education, I learned all of the necessary skills to be a successful diagnostic radiographer. I also gained valuable experience working at a hospital where I could apply these skills.”

Which diagnostic imaging technologies do you have the most experience with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with diagnostic imaging technologies. It can also allow them to see if you have any specific skills that may be beneficial for their facility. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list the diagnostic imaging technologies you are most familiar with and explain why they’re important to you or how they’ve helped you in the past.

Example: “I have the most experience working with CT and MRI machines. I find these two technologies especially useful because they provide detailed images of internal organs and soft tissue. In my previous role as a radiographer, I used both of these technologies regularly to diagnose patients’ conditions and develop treatment plans.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being a diagnostic radiographer?

This question can help an interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what your thoughts are on the job. It can also give them insight into whether or not you would be able to handle the position well. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what parts of the job might be challenging for you personally. You can then explain how you would overcome those challenges if they were presented in your work.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a diagnostic radiographer is having to deal with patients who are upset or scared. I have always been good at calming people down when they’re nervous, so I try to use my communication skills to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and safe during their exam.”

How often do you perform maintenance on your X-ray machines?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your technical skills and knowledge of the equipment you use. Your answer should include a specific example of when you performed maintenance on an X-ray machine, how often you perform maintenance and what type of maintenance you do.

Example: “I perform regular maintenance on my X-ray machines every six months. I check all the parts for wear and tear and replace any damaged or worn parts. I also calibrate the machines at least once per month to ensure that they are operating within normal parameters.”

There is a high volume of patients and you are running behind on X-ray results. How do you handle this?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. You can answer this question by describing a specific situation where you had to multitask and how you handled it successfully.

Example: “In my previous role, I was working with two other radiographers when we were swamped with patients. We all worked together to prioritize the most urgent X-rays first while still getting through as many as possible in a timely manner. This helped us get back on track and complete our work without any delays.”