Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from an interventional radiology technologist, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them.
An interventional radiology technologist, or IR tech, is a medical professional who uses imaging guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures. These procedures can include biopsies, pain management, and cancer treatments. IR techs work in hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician’s offices.
To become an IR tech, you’ll need to complete an accredited program and earn a certificate or degree. Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll need to pass a state exam to earn your license. After you’ve met all the requirements, you can start applying for jobs. Many employers will require you to interview for the position before they extend a job offer.
If you’re preparing for an interview, you may be wondering what questions you’ll be asked. To help you get an idea of the types of questions you may be asked, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers.
This question can help interviewers understand how you react to challenging situations. It’s important for them to know that you’re able to remain calm and focused in these circumstances, as they may arise during your workday. In your answer, try to explain what steps you take to ensure patients feel comfortable and safe while undergoing their procedures.
Example: “I have experience working with anxious or uncomfortable patients before, so I’m familiar with the best ways to make them more at ease. When a patient is nervous about their procedure, I always offer to answer any questions they might have and provide reassurance when needed. I also encourage my colleagues to do the same, as it helps build rapport with our patients.”
This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience level and what you’re most comfortable with. It also helps them determine if there are any procedures they perform that you haven’t assisted with before, which could be an opportunity for you to learn something new. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some of the more common procedures you’ve assisted with and then follow up by mentioning one or two less common ones.
Example: “Some of the most common procedures I’ve assisted with include angioplasty, stent placement and biopsy. One procedure I haven’t assisted with as much is endovascular embolization, but I have done it once or twice in my previous positions.”
Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and will continue to learn new skills and techniques. Show the interviewer that you have a plan for continuing your education and staying up-to-date on industry trends.
Example: “I am currently enrolled in an online course through my local community college where I can earn my certification as a registered technologist. I also attend monthly seminars hosted by our hospital’s radiology department, which allows me to stay current with the latest technology and procedures.”
This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what your work environment is like. It also helps them determine if this job would be a good fit for you. When answering, try to think of something that shows you enjoy working in an interventional radiology setting but also highlights any challenges you may have had.
Example: “The most challenging part of my job is when I am assisting with a procedure and there are complications. However, it’s important to me that patients receive the best care possible, so I always do everything I can to make sure they’re safe and comfortable during these procedures.”
This question can help interviewers understand how you handle challenging situations. In your answer, try to show that you are empathetic and willing to do what it takes to ensure the patient’s comfort.
Example: “I once had a patient who was very anxious about their procedure. I tried my best to calm them down by explaining everything in detail and answering all of their questions. However, they still seemed nervous. So, I asked if they would like me to stay with them during the entire procedure so they wouldn’t be alone. They agreed, and I stayed with them for the duration of the procedure. This helped put them at ease, and they were able to relax and get through the procedure.”
This question can help the interviewer determine how you learn new skills and adapt to challenging situations. Use your answer to highlight your ability to take initiative, ask for help when needed and complete tasks efficiently.
Example: “If a patient needed a procedure that I had never done before, I would first research the steps involved in performing it. Then, I would practice on cadavers or mannequins until I felt confident enough to perform the procedure on a real person. If there was any uncertainty about my abilities, I would consult with an experienced colleague or supervisor.”
Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to admit your mistakes and learn from them. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to correct the mistake and prevent it from happening again in the future.
Example: “If I made a mistake during a procedure, I would immediately stop what I was doing and inform my supervisor or other members of the team working with me. Then, I would review the patient’s chart to ensure that I performed all necessary procedures correctly. Finally, I would perform the procedure again until I got it right.”
Attention to detail is an important skill for interventional radiology technologists. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to perform procedures correctly and thoroughly. When answering, explain that you are a highly organized person who can pay attention to details. Explain how your attention to detail helps you stay organized and complete tasks efficiently.
Example: “I am very good at paying attention to detail. I find it easy to organize my work and keep track of all the information I need to remember during procedures. This skill has helped me become more efficient in my work because I can quickly locate supplies or information when needed. In my last role, I was responsible for organizing our supply room. I found that I had a knack for finding things like missing gloves or misplaced tools.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with the technology you’ll be using in this role. If you have no prior experience, you can talk about how eager you are to learn and develop these skills. If you do have some experience, you can discuss what specific technologies you’ve worked with and how they helped you perform your job duties.
Example: “I have a bachelor’s degree in imaging science, so I am very familiar with many different types of imaging technology. However, I’m always open to learning new things, so I would love to work with any equipment or software that is used at this facility.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with patients and their families. It can also show them your ability to remain calm in stressful situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped a patient feel more comfortable during a procedure.
Example: “I find that maintaining a positive attitude for the patient is one of the most important parts of my job. I always make sure to greet each patient with a smile and try to answer any questions they have about the procedure or what to expect. If they are nervous, I will do my best to reassure them that everything will go well.”
This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team. Your answer should include how you would approach the task, who you would collaborate with and what tools or software you might use.
Example: “I would start by meeting with my supervisor to understand their expectations for tracking patient information. I would then meet with other interventional radiology technologists to learn about their processes for tracking patient information. After comparing our processes, I would develop a new process that combines elements from each of our current methods. This will help ensure we are all using similar standards when it comes to tracking patient information.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with using surgical instruments and how much experience you have. Use examples from previous work to show that you are comfortable handling these tools and working in an interventional radiology setting.
Example: “I’ve been using surgical instruments for five years now, starting when I was a medical assistant at my local hospital. There, I assisted surgeons during procedures by handing them instruments as needed. I also learned how to sterilize and prepare surgical instruments for use. Now, I am very comfortable using all types of surgical instruments and feel confident performing this task on my own.”
Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, it can be helpful to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention any certifications you have.
Example: “I am certified in the use of radiation protection equipment, which is important for this position. I also have three years of experience working as an interventional radiology technologist, so I know what it takes to succeed in this role. My previous employer told me they were impressed with my work ethic and attention to detail.”
This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. It also helps them understand what types of procedures you’re comfortable with performing. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two specific procedures that you would like to learn more about.
Example: “I have experience in all areas of interventional radiology, but I’m always interested in learning new techniques. In my last role, I shadowed an experienced technologist who taught me some valuable tips for performing angioplasty. I hope to continue learning from other professionals so I can become even more efficient at my job.”
This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what skills you value most. It also helps them determine if your skill set aligns with their organization’s needs. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about which skills you use most often in your current role.
Example: “I believe that the most important skill for an interventional radiology technologist is problem-solving. This is because we are constantly working on new cases and need to find solutions to problems quickly. I am always looking for ways to improve my problem-solving skills so that I can make quick decisions when needed.”
This question can help the interviewer determine how much experience you have in your field. It also helps them understand if you’re willing to learn new things and adapt to change. Your answer should show that you are open to learning new procedures, but you also have a lot of experience with common ones.
Example: “I am always eager to learn new procedures, however I have performed many different types of procedures throughout my career. In my last position, I was responsible for performing all standard imaging procedures as well as some more complex ones. I enjoy learning new techniques and adapting to new situations.”
This question is a great way to see how you adapt to new situations and learn new skills. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to take on challenges and work hard to achieve your goals.
Example: “I would first ask my supervisor for help, but if they were unavailable I would research the procedure online or speak with other interventional radiology technologists who have performed this procedure before. If I was unable to find any information about the procedure, I would ask the patient if it’s okay to wait until someone else could assist me in performing the procedure.”