Radiologic Technician – General X-Ray

The Radiologic Technician – General X-Ray is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient performance of diagnostic plain radiography examinations in support of the Radiology Department's clinical imaging services. The role encompasses the independent acquisition of high-quality diagnostic images across a full range of anatomical projections, the application of radiation protection principles to minimize exposure for patients and staff, and the delivery of a safe, professional, and patient-centered examination experience. The role holder operates with a high degree of technical competence and clinical judgment while adhering to all applicable institutional protocols, regulatory standards, and accreditation requirements.

Plain Radiography Examinations

·       Perform a comprehensive range of general diagnostic X-ray examinations — including chest, skeletal, abdominal, and extremity radiography — in strict accordance with departmental protocols and referring physician requests.

·       Verify patient identity and confirm the anatomical site and clinical indication for each examination prior to commencement, adhering rigorously to institutional patient identification and safety protocols.

·       Explain the examination procedure clearly and concisely to the patient, providing specific positioning instructions and breathing commands to optimize image acquisition and minimize repeat exposures.

·       Position patients accurately and apply appropriate immobilization aids, cassettes, and grids to achieve optimal anatomical alignment and diagnostic image quality for each projection.

·       Select appropriate exposure factors — including kilovoltage (kVp), milliampere-seconds (mAs), source-to-image distance (SID), and focal spot size — based on patient anatomy, clinical indication, and equipment specifications.

·       Perform portable and mobile X-ray examinations at the patient bedside, in the emergency department, theatre, or intensive care unit as operationally required.

Image Processing, Management and Documentation

·       Review image quality critically prior to PACS submission, ensuring all images meet the diagnostic quality standards required for radiologist reporting.

·       Enter complete and accurate patient demographic, clinical, and examination data into the Radiology Information System (RIS) and electronic health record (EHR) at the time of each examination.

·       Ensure all radiographic projections are correctly labelled with patient identifiers, laterality markers, date, and time in compliance with institutional and accreditation standards.

Radiation Protection and Safety Compliance

•       Apply radiation protection principles consistently across all examinations,

•       Utilize appropriate radiation shielding devices — including gonadal, thyroid, and lead aprons — for all patients, with particular attention to paediatric, pregnant, and radiation-sensitive individuals.

•       Confirm pregnancy status for all female patients of childbearing age prior to commencing abdominal, pelvic, or lumbar spine examinations, and follow institutional protocols for suspected or confirmed pregnancy.

•      Ensure the correct and consistent use of personal dosimetry devices and report any anomalous dose readings to the Radiation Safety Officer without delay.

•       Comply fully with all applicable radiation safety regulations, institutional policies, and national standards, including those issued by the Nuclear Regulatory and Radiological Commission (NRRC) and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).

•       Maintain a controlled and clearly demarcated X-ray room environment, ensuring unauthorized personnel are excluded from the primary radiation field during all exposures.

•       Maintain orderly and retrievable examination records in departmental logbooks and digital systems in accordance with medical records retention policies.

Patient Care and Experience

•   Deliver a professional, empathetic, and patient-centered examination experience, ensuring all patients feel informed, reassured, and treated with dignity and respect throughout.

•   Communicate examination requirements clearly and accessibly to patients of varying ages, clinical conditions, and cultural backgrounds, adapting communication style as appropriate.

•   Provide attentive care to paediatric, elderly, mobility-impaired, and critically ill patients, employing appropriate handling techniques and positioning aids to ensure both patient safety and diagnostic image quality.

•   Identify and promptly escalate any deterioration in patient condition, expressions of significant discomfort, or clinical concerns to the supervising radiologist or nursing team.

•   Maintain examination room cleanliness and infection prevention standards between patients, including the thorough disinfection of contact surfaces, cassettes, and positioning equipment in accordance with institutional infection control protocols.

Professional Development and Quality Assurance

•       Maintain active and current registration and licensure with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) and fulfil all requirements for ongoing professional certification renewal.

•       Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities and complete all mandatory institutional education and competency requirements within stipulated deadlines.

•      Remain current with advancements in digital radiography technology, evolving clinical guidelines, and best practices in plain film imaging.

•      Actively participate in departmental quality assurance programs, clinical audits, and reject analysis initiatives, contributing constructively to the identification of improvement opportunities.

•      Support the onboarding and practical training of newly appointed radiologic technicians as directed by the Radiology Consultant.

•      Uphold institutional values, code of conduct, and ethical standards in all aspects of professional practice, maintaining strict confidentiality of patient and organizational information at all times.

•      Demonstrated clinical proficiency in performing a full range of plain radiographic examinations across all anatomical regions, including portable and mobile imaging.

•       Thorough working knowledge of digital radiography systems, including Computed Radiography (CR) and Direct Digital Radiography (DR) platforms.

•        Familiarity with PACS/RIS platforms and electronic health record (EHR) documentation and image management workflows.

•       Competence in managing and positioning paediatric, elderly, mobility-impaired, and critically ill patients with appropriate care and technique.

•       Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, and clinical conditions.

•        Ability to perform effectively under pressure in a high-volume clinical environment while maintaining accuracy, safety, and professional standards.

•       Commitment to continuous professional development and a demonstrated willingness to adopt new radiographic technologies and evidence-based practices

Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Radiologic Technology, Medical Imaging Sciences, or an equivalent ac