Dissertation Abstract

A Study of Perceived Job Performance, Job Satisfaction and Participation in Continuing Education of Graduates from College and Hospital-Based Programs in Radiologic Technology.

The purpose of this study was to examine differences between graduates of hospital and community/junior college-based programs in radiologic technology. Although both delivery systems have much in common, differences in program process and philosophy have generated questions as to which system produces graduates better able to perform the duties of the profession.

Dependent variables included job satisfaction, self-perception of job performance (SPJP), participation in continuing education and various demographic characteristics. A sample of 112 radiographers (65 hospital and 47 community/junior college) employed at 16 different health care agencies was selected. All subjects were registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Participation was voluntary. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire and were analyzed by chi-square, t-test and correlational analysis.

Hospital graduates were older, had higher salaries and more years of work experience than the college group. These differences were likely due to the relatively recent emergence of college-based radiology programs. The hospital group contained a higher percentage of females. No difference in total job satisfaction was found between the two groups. Total job satisfaction correlated negatively to both age and years of experience but did not significantly correlate with salary or SPJP. As a group, radiographers rated their job performance very highly. No difference was found in SPJP between hospital and college graduates. Small but significant, positive correlations were found between SPJP and age, years of experience and salary. Relative to other health occupations reported in the literature, radiographers participated in few hours of continuing education. Both college and hospital graduates attended a similar number of hours of informal continuing education activities. The college group accumulated more college credits after graduation. A higher percentage of the college graduates expressed an intention to pursue future educational goals. Hospital and college graduates expressed positive attitudes toward their past education. The Florida law mandating continuing education for radiographers appeared to be the primary motivator for attendance in continuing education activities for both groups.

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