A Proposal of Needed Research and Analyses Kendra Stanley ALHE 4060 – Research in Allied Health

1. Employment Satisfaction and Curricula for the Radiologic Technologist A Proposal of Needed Research and Analyses Kendra Stanley ALHE 4060 – Research in Allied Health April 26, 2009

2. What’s this all about? • Also on this website, you will find a proposal written to conduct a study of job satisfaction among radiologic technologists according to each technologist’s level of experience and range in modalities, familiarity with cutting edge technology, and employee benefits offered by the technologists’ employers. • This article explains the benefits of conducting this particular study and discusses previous studies on similar subjects. • Readers will benefit from reading my article by gaining knowledge of what would make him or her more satisfied in a current employment position or what steps should be taken in order to attain job satisfaction. • Prospective radiography students would also benefit from reading this article by gaining knowledge in the radiologic field from those already in the workforce.

3. So, what’s the problem? • X-ray technologists are known for becoming “burned out” or dissatisfied with career choices • Job satisfaction in the field of radiography is an especially difficult concept because radiographers balance work with complex equipment and assess and offer care to patients all while meeting the hospitals requirements and expectations. • Although valuable sources of information, much of the literature reviewed in my proposal is dated material, so these quandaries should be revisited.

4. And the question is? • The question of concern is what brings job satisfaction to radiographic technologists? • I am proposing that an analysis should be conducted on the basis of employee satisfaction in the radiographic field depending upon the technologists’ levels of experience and education, range in modalities, acquaintance with upcoming technology and the benefits and incentives offered at the hospital or facility in which he or she is employed.

5. And, to answer my question… • A questionnaire distributed by mail to radiologic technologists in all US geographical areas will be used to conduct this quantitative study. • The group of technologists will be obtained from the ARRT and will consist of technologists with certificates, associate degrees and baccalaureate graduates. • Questionnaires will not be mailed to the entire list, but to a random sample of 5000, which is considered to be an adequate size, from this list. • The survey’s questions will pertain to job satisfaction, level of experience, level of education, range of modalities, the radiographers’ acquaintance with upcoming technologies, and the types of benefits, incentives and self-gratifying programs offered at the facility in which the technologist is employed, as well as questions about management functionality. • The measuring instrument used will be in the form of a coded and tracked mail survey. • Returned surveys will be monitored upon receipt and follow up surveys will be sent to non-respondents to increase the response rate. • A 70% response rate is ideal, but 60-65% is expected. This study is expected to take 9-10 months providing sufficient time for survey respondents as well as time to study and observe the data obtained.

6. I conclude: • Radiographers who answer truthfully and have a desire to advance and gain knowledge in their chosen profession will most likely agree that the education requirements, and system as a whole, should be adjusted. • It is also expected that radiologic technologists still view themselves on a higher level than other health care professionals view them. • Registered technologists with associate degrees or technical certificates will be satisfied with their jobs, but not their income. Baccalaureate graduates are expected to have the opposite response. • Because this study is only being proposed, these are, of course, estimated results of the data.

7. Intrigued? Want to know more? • Read my proposal! You’ll find the following there: • Introduction to the topic and statement of the problem at hand • In depth literature review of the information on this subject • My proposed research project, including how I think it should be conducted • Conclusions and a great reference list for articles pertaining to job satisfaction in the radiographic industry