Motivation and Clinical Performance in X-ray modality: A Correlational Study among Junior Radiologic Technology Interns in Calamba City

Motivation plays an important role in influencing students’ engagement, confidence, willingness to learn, and commitment during clinical duties. This study aimed to determine the relationship between motivation and clinical performance among junior Radiologic Technology interns assigned in the X-ray modality. Specifically, it examined academic motivation, career motivation and opportunities, and clinical environment support in relation to clinical performance in patient handling, positioning techniques, radiation safety practices, and equipment operation. The study utilized a descriptive-correlational research design and involved sixty-seven (67) respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through weighted mean and Pearson r. The findings revealed that respondents demonstrated high levels of motivation across all dimensions (M = 3.74) and strong clinical performance (M = 3.41). However, academic motivation showed no significant relationship with clinical performance in patient handling, positioning techniques, equipment operation, and radiation safety practices, as indicated by very weak correlations and p-values greater than 0.05. Similarly, career motivation and opportunities showed no significant relationship with patient handling, positioning techniques, and equipment operation, although a significant relationship was found with radiation safety practices (p-value = 0.044). Clinical environment support also showed no significant relationship with patient handling, positioning techniques, and equipment operation, but demonstrated a significant relationship with radiation safety practices (p-value = 0.026). Overall, the findings suggest that motivation alone does not strongly influence technical clinical performance, particularly in skill-based tasks requiring hands-on competence and technical proficiency. However, motivation and clinical environment support may contribute to professional responsibility and adherence to radiation safety standards. The study recommends strengthening practical training, structured clinical exposure, and competency-based learning experiences to further enhance interns’ clinical performance.