The Crucial Role of Radiography Staff in Student Success: Building Strong Relationships for Better Outcomes.
By Abe Najjar MHA, RT, Radiography Program Director, Hunter Business School
When I began my education journey, I aimed to assure every student who graduated from Hunter Business School’s Radiography program would be the highlight of their educational career. The field of radiography requires not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of patient interaction and care standards. One of the critical factors that contribute to student success in radiography programs is the strength of relationships between students and radiography staff. These relationships, encompassing instructors, clinical preceptors, and administrative staff, play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences and outcomes of radiography students.
Radiography staff members fulfill various roles that are essential to student success. Instructors provide foundational knowledge and teach vital techniques necessary for radiographic procedures. Clinical preceptors offer hands-on training and ensure that students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Both roles create mentors who provide ongoing support, feedback, and personal guidance, helping students navigate both academic and personal challenges.
In my experience as Hunter Business School’s Radiography program administrator and educator, I’ve encountered numerous situations where students needed support beyond the classroom. For instance, I helped a student with severe elevator phobia overcome their fear so they could continue in the program, showing that personal issues should not be a barrier to professional success. Another student nearly had their education derailed due to overwhelming home life pressures, but with proper support and counseling, they managed to balance their responsibilities and continue their studies successfully.
As educational methods and technologies evolve, they offer new ways to support the student-staff relationship.
Strong relationships between radiography staff and students are built on mentorship and guidance, which significantly impact student confidence and competence. Being present for students means acknowledging that their lives extend beyond the classroom hours of 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It involves understanding and supporting their personal trials, worries about future success, family issues, relationships, and even their confidence levels.
These relationships transcend typical educational boundaries, requiring educators to be available and supportive 24/7. When I first started teaching, I wasn’t fully prepared for the depth of support students would need. However, I quickly realized the importance of being there for them through their personal struggles, which ultimately contributed to their academic and professional growth.
Strong relationships between students and radiography staff lead to numerous positive outcomes. Students who receive continuous support and mentorship tend to perform better academically and develop superior clinical skills. They are more engaged and motivated, which increases their likelihood of completing the program and passing certification exams.
For example, I once worked with a student who was dealing with personal trials outside of the program but was determined to succeed. With the right support and professional counseling, they overcame their challenges and are now thriving in the radiography field, contributing to their community. Such success stories highlight the transformative power of student-staff solid relationships.
Enhanced academic performance is one of the most significant benefits of these relationships. Students who feel supported and understood are likelier to excel in their studies. Increased student engagement and motivation are other positive outcomes. When students know that their instructors and mentors care about their success and personal lives, they are more likely to be actively involved in their learning. This engagement translates into better attendance, more participation in class discussions, and a greater willingness to seek help when needed.
Higher rates of program completion and certification exam success are also notable outcomes. Since the inception of Hunter Business School’s Radiography program in 2019, we have had a 100% job placement rate, 100% ARRT pass rate, and 100% program retention rate. Students with strong support networks are likelier to stay on track, complete their programs, and pass certification exams. This success not only benefits the students but also enhances the reputation of the radiography program and the institution.
Building strong relationships is not without its challenges. Time constraints, differing expectations, trust issues with students feeling judged, and communication barriers can hinder the development of effective student-staff interactions. However, addressing these challenges is crucial for student success.
Time constraints are a common issue. To mitigate this, radiography staff can prioritize and schedule dedicated time for student interactions. Establishing regular office hours allows students to drop in for help or advice, while flexible scheduling options, such as virtual meetings during evenings or weekends, can accommodate those who cannot meet during traditional hours. Additionally, using tools like group meetings or discussion boards to address common questions and issues can make more efficient use of time.
Differing expectations between students and staff can also pose challenges. Clear communication and setting expectations early on can help manage this. Providing a detailed syllabus that outlines expectations, grading criteria, and important deadlines helps align understanding from the start. Regular check-ins with students to discuss their progress and address any concerns also ensure that everyone remains on the same page. Encouraging students to provide feedback on the course and teaching methods fosters an open dialogue and continuous improvement.
Trust issues, particularly students feeling judged, require creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Practicing active listening by giving students your full attention and validating their feelings and experiences builds trust and shows that you care about their well-being. Assuring students that personal issues discussed will be kept confidential can help them feel more comfortable sharing their challenges. Providing positive reinforcement and constructive feedback focuses on students’ strengths and progress rather than just pointing out areas for improvement.
Communication barriers can arise from various factors, including cultural differences, language barriers, and personal issues. Using diverse communication methods can address these barriers effectively. Employing various channels such as email, instant messaging, video calls, and face-to-face meetings caters to different preferences and needs. Providing resources such as translation services or additional language support can help students who face language challenges. Engaging in cultural sensitivity training allows educators to better understand and communicate with students from diverse backgrounds.
As educational methods and technologies evolve, they offer new ways to support the student-staff relationship. Online learning and simulation training are becoming integral parts of radiography education, providing flexible and innovative learning environments. However, the need for strong relationships remains constant.
Fostering these relationships in a changing educational landscape requires ongoing effort and adaptation. Potential innovations, such as virtual mentorship programs and enhanced communication tools, can further enhance student-staff interactions and support student success.
Online learning platforms allow for more flexible scheduling and can facilitate communication between students and instructors outside traditional classroom hours. Simulation training provides a safe and controlled environment where students can practice and hone their skills without the pressure of real-world consequences. These technologies, when used effectively, can complement the personal support and mentorship provided by radiography staff.
Strong relationships between students and radiography staff are crucial for student success. These relationships provide the necessary support, mentorship, and guidance that help students overcome personal and academic challenges. We as educators need to remember that our job and duty to them is lifelong and to make a positive change in the radiography field, we need to be open to them and ensure their success is our success. By understanding the importance of these relationships and continually striving to improve them, educators can ensure that future radiography professionals are well-prepared to excel in their careers.