Abstract
This quantitative correlational study examined the relationship between success on the Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO) exam and first-attempt pass rates on the national registry exam among radiologic technology students in Minnesota. The radiologic technology field faces significant challenges, including a 14.9% national attrition rate, workforce shortages, and limited availability of clinical sites. This research explored whether LXMO certification could serve as an innovative approach to address these interrelated issues. Data were collected from the Minnesota Department of Health and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, spanning 2000-2024, and identified n=24 students who had completed both exams. Results revealed that LXMO-certified students had a 70.8% first-time pass rate on the national registry exam, which is lower than the national average (85.2%) and the Minnesota average (83%), failing to support the hypothesis that LXMO certification would improve registry exam performance. The study was analyzed within the framework of Cognitive Load Theory, suggesting that LXMO exam preparation may create mental frameworks that are too narrow for the comprehensive registry exam. Despite these findings, the research highlights the potential practical benefits of LXMO certification, including increased clinical independence, reduced supervision requirements, and mitigation of workforce shortages. The small sample size (24 participants) and inability to account for factors such as timing between exams and student characteristics limit the generalizability of findings. Future research should expand to larger sample sizes across multiple states, employ longitudinal designs to examine optimal timing between exams, and incorporate mixed methods to better understand students' experiences with both certifications.
Date Dissertation Completed
10-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Dissertation Advisor
Steven Baule
Dissertation Committee Members
Steven Baule, Rhea Walker, Aurea Osgood
Location
Winona, Minnesota
Recommended Citation
Hardy, Britni, "What is the Relationship Between Success on the Limited X-Ray Machine Operator Exam and the First-Attempt Pass Rate on the National Registry Exam Among Radiologic Technology Students in Minnesota?" (2025). Education Doctorate Dissertations. 30.
https://openriver.winona.edu/educationedddissertations/30
Unique Identifier
WSUEDD-2025-Hardi-Britni
Rights
All rights reserved.
