CENTER FOR ALLIED HEALTH EDUCATION SCHOOL OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING MEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM CATALOGUE/HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 CENTER FOR ALLIED HEALTH EDUCATION SCHOOL OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING MEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM CATALOGUE/HANDBOOK Rev. 1/2011

2 Table of Contents Historical Overview 4 Accreditation. 5 Mission Statement and Goals..6 Application and Inquiries....7 Admission Requirements....7 Non-Academic Standards... 8 Tuition and Fees..8 Refund Policy... 9 Financial Aid... 9 Transfer Students.9 Advanced Standing Grading System/Scale Uniforms Books Living Expenses Program Attendance.. 11 General Conduct Graduation Registration & Certifications. 12 Additional Information/Policies Pregnancy Policy Dress Policy Identification

3 Table of Contents Additional Information/Policies (Continued) Parking/Transportation.14 Field Experiences/Activities.. 14 Liability/Malpractice 14 Change of Address Telephone & Electronic Devices Lockers Breaks Transcripts Radiation Safety Procedures Radiation Monitoring Devices Time and Attendance Bereavement Absences...19 Jury Duty..19 Inclement Weather...19 Leave of Absence...20 Leave of Absence-Military. 20 Records...20 Withdrawal...22 Disciplinary Procedures Registration/Certification..22 Counseling Appendix Course Descriptions. 24 Course Sequence...29 Terminal Competencies 31 Faculty Information..33 College Affiliations.34 Catalogue/ Handbook Receipt/Signature Form..35 3

4 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Cooper University Hospital s reputation in the health care field dates from 1875, when the hospital was first incorporated. Dr. Richard M. Cooper recognized the growing need for a hospital to serve southern New Jersey. The first building opened in Through the many contributions of Dr. Cooper s family and other devoted benefactors, new wings and services have been added over the years. The Anna Canning and Sarah Cooper wings together with the John Dorrance building served to make Cooper Hospital the largest in the state at the close of World War II. In 1972 the Board of Trustees, led by Frank K. Kelemen, redefined the hospital s mission. As well as a base for primary health care, Cooper became Southern New Jersey s major referral center for the most complex levels of care. Coopers new facility, funded by private and governmental grants, is the result of the broad vision of Mr. Kelemen and the Board of Trustees in concert with the hard work and dedication of countless individuals. Cooper has become Southern New Jersey s largest teaching hospital and at present is the clinical campus for the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden. On Monday, November 17, 2008, the new Pavilion lobby was opened to our guest and employees; in 2010 it was named the Roberts Pavilion for Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., former Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. The Pavilion houses, along with patient areas and conference space, a new reception area, gift shop, coffee shop and the Oasis Restaurant. There is also the Business Center and Health Resources Center for patients and their families. Cooper offers a wide range of modern major diagnostic and treatment services and serves Southern New Jersey as a Level-I Regional Trauma Center. SCHOOL OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING/MEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY Phillip Gilbert, M.D, introduced the Medical Radiography Program in the early 1960 s. The program has grown with the expansion of the hospital and its mission. The Program is presently housed in the John Dorrance Building of the hospital. This program has access to modern, state of the art, facilities that include: classrooms, conference rooms, library facilities, and a pleasant clinical environment. The curriculum and faculty present a broad cross-section of expertise in radiographic related disciplines. Instruction in all facets of radiography is presented in a structured manner. Students assist radiographers and radiologists during a wide variety of procedures. As part of the medical team, in a large teaching environment, the student radiographer will interface with many other health care professionals. Cooper maintains clinical affiliations with The Kennedy Health System at Stratford, Cherry Hill and Washington Township. Along, with Cooper University Hospital, Cooper at 3-Coop, C-Kings Hwy and Cooper at Voorhees. 4

5 ACCREDITATION Cooper University Hospital s, School of Diagnostic Imaging/Medical Radiography Program maintains accreditation through: THE JOINT REVIEW COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION IN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY 20 NORTH WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2850 CHICAGO, IL (312) AND THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOARD OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY EXAMINERS PO BOX 415, TRENTON, NJ (609) Cooper University Hospital s Medical Radiography Program adheres to the educational and professional standards contained in: STANDARDS FOR AN ACCREDITED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN THE RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES AND THE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS OF THE NEW JERSEY RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY BOARD OF EXAMINERS * COPIES OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PROGRAM OFFICES. 5

6 MISSION STATEMENT Mission Statement and Goals Developed, July 1989, Revised: 94, 97, 2000, 04, 07, and 09 The Mission of the Cooper University Hospital School of Medical Radiography is to graduate competent entry level imaging professionals. Graduates will be capable of providing radiologic and associated medical services in a wide range of practice venues. PROGRAM GOALS (Rev. Mar, 2010) The Program s mission is measured by the degree to which the student/graduate realizes the following goals: Goal #1 Students/Graduates will be clinically competent Student Learning Outcomes: Student will apply correct positioning skills Student will select appropriate technical factors Student will apply appropriate patient care skills Goal #2 Students/Graduates will be able to effectively communicate Student Learning Outcomes: Student will able to demonstrate oral communication skills Student will be able to demonstrate written communication skills Goal #3 Students/Graduates will use appropriate critical thinking and problem solving skills. Student Learning Outcomes: Student will manipulate technical factors for non-routine examinations. Student will be able to provide positioning in a variety of settings. Goal #4 Students will practice effective Radiation Safety Principles Student Learning Outcome: Student will apply ALARA Goal #5 Students will maintain ethical and professional values Student Learning Outcome: Student will use professional judgment when working with patients and others The Program adheres to the following minimum standards. 1. Average course completion rates are not less than 75% over the past 5 years. 2. Average credentialing examination pass rates are not less than 75% over the past 5 years. 3. Program graduates earn their Certificates within 150% of the published program length. 4. Graduates are employed at a rate of not less than 75% within 6 months of program completion. 6

7 APPLICATIONS AND INQUIRIES Inquiries regarding the Program should be directed to: School of Diagnostic Imaging/Medical Radiography Cooper University Hospital One Cooper Plaza, Dorrance 408 South Camden, NJ Inquiries regarding admission procedures may be directed by phone to: (856) or All application materials must be completed before an interview can be scheduled. All applications for the program must be received by October 31 st of the previous year. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The School of Medical Radiography admits classes in the fall semester of each year. The Admissions Committee is the responsible body for the final selection of students. The Admissions Committee bases its acceptance on the academic strength of the applicant, interview and overall past performance. The following are basic academic prerequisites applying to all prospective students: 1. A high school diploma or its equivalent. 2. Satisfactory completion (B or better) of college-level core pre-requisite courses: a) Anatomy & Physiology I and II. These courses must include a lab. b) Intermediate Algebra or Pre-Calculus course 3. Satisfactory completion (C or better) of college-level core pre-requisite courses: c) Medical Terminology Course. d) Biomedical Ethics Course. e) English course such as English Composition-I. 4. A cumulative college Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 or greater. 5. Applicants not possessing a minimum of an Associates (AS or AAS) degree must be able to complete minimum degree requirements (35-40 credits) prior to December 31 st of the 2 nd year (Fall Semester) to graduate. The above prerequisites must be completed at an accredited college. All prerequisite courses SHOULD be completed by December of the prior year of application, but two prerequisite courses may be carried over and successfully completed by May of the year applying. Formal admission to a class may not be finalized until all prerequisite material has been completed. Preparatory courses are not accepted as meeting program prerequisite requirements. We reserve the right not to accept prerequisites courses older than 5 years of start date. Official transcripts should be sent at the time of application and updated periodically. A final official transcript must be received no later then May 25 th of the application year. In addition to the above requirements, extracurricular activities, life experiences and related activities are considered in the appointment process. Also, evidence of satisfactory immunization, criminal background check, drug screen and a physical examination will be required for entrance. Students presenting transcripts from countries other than the United States must provide a valid translation prior to interview. Students not fluent in English may be required to complete an English course prior to admission. 7

8 NON-ACADEMIC STANDARDS Medical Radiography students are required to practice in a dynamic and fast paced clinical environment. Students are required to become competent in the performance of a large variety of diagnostic examinations involving the use of precision imaging related apparatus under diverse physical and stress conditions. The student will be required to achieve a level of theoretical understanding and physical application so as to enable problem solving and sound decision-making to occur in an accurate, safe and timely production of radiologic examinations. Therefore, all applicants are required to meet the following technical (physical) requirements for program admission: 1. Be able to perform repetitive motor movements, which includes excellent eye-hand coordination. 2. Stand for extended periods of time. 3. Communicate effectively with others using oral and written means. 4. Work quickly with a high degree of accuracy. 5. Must be able to read fine print and operate radiographic equipment. 6. Perform repetitive bending, squatting, pushing and pulling maneuvers. 7. Be able to push, pull or lift moderate weight (up to 150 lbs) with assistance. 8. Operate effectively under direct and indirect supervision. Please Note: The School of Medical Radiography will admit qualified students regardless of race, color, creed, ethnic background, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, disability, handicap, service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or being a disabled veteran of the Vietnam era, except as otherwise permitted by law. All programs are available to all students enrolled within the Medical Radiography School. Education and admission policies, scholarship / loan programs and other school sponsored programs are administered without discrimination. TUITION AND FEES The following tuition and fee schedule shall apply to all applicants. Application Fee: $ 35 Base Tuition- Radiography Program: $ 4,500/Yr. Deposit-Non-refundable; Deductible: $ 500 General Service Fee-Yearly: $ 250/Yr. Professional Association Fee (1 st Yr) $ 30 Clinical Materials Fee (1 st Yr) $ 75 Professional Association Fee (2 nd Yr) $ 30 Testing Fee (2 nd year) $ 100 Additional/repeat courses: $ 100/unit Returned check Fee: $ 35 Late charge: $ 35 Transcripts: $ 3 Tuition shall be billed in each semester. Fees are billed during semester One and Four only. Tuition and fees received after the billed date may be subject to a late charge. School records will not be released unless all outstanding fees and tuition are settled. Student matriculation may be affected by serious arrearage. Tuition and fees may be paid by money order, credit or debit card. Money Orders payable to: CUH-SCH. OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING. 8

9 REFUND POLICY A student who voluntarily withdraws; is dismissed for failure to maintain satisfactory progress; or is granted a leave of absence is eligible for a tuition refund. The student must advise the Program, in writing, of their intention to withdraw and formally request a refund. The effective notice date shall be the date the Program receives such notification. Application fees, Activity fees, Clinical materials fees, Testing fees and deposits are non-refundable. The following refund schedule shall apply in all cases: Withdrawal prior to first class day of semester 100% refund Withdrawal first to second week of semester.. 80% refund Withdrawal third to fourth week of semester.. 60% refund Withdrawal fifth to sixth week of semester. 40% refund Withdrawal after the sixth week of the semester. 0% refund * Students dismissed or suspended for violation of Program policy are NOT eligible for a refund Students who have obtained Department of Education Stafford Loan(s) are still responsible for the portion of the loans(s) they have received, even if they have withdrawn from the school. Once the school has received notification of intent to withdraw, the Financial Aid Administrator must be notified. The Financial Aid Administrator will then process the paperwork to discontinue further loan disbursements. FINANCIAL AID The School, through the Center for Allied Health Education, participates in a limited number of financial aid programs. Most programs require students to complete various applicable financial disclosure forms for the purpose of establishing need. For information regarding financial aid programs please contact Sherri Glemser, Financial Aid Bursar at (856) Students are advised to explore all avenues of financial assistance including outside agencies, state and local resources. TRANSFER STUDENTS The Radiography Program does consider transfer requests from students enrolled in good standing at JRCERT accredited Radiography Programs. Requests are considered on an individual basis. A minimum residency requirement equal to twelve months of program participation is required. A copy of detailed information regarding transfer may be obtained by calling: (856) ADVANCED STANDING The Radiography Program considers students for advanced placement on an individual basis. For more information regarding advanced placement or to obtain a copy of the Advanced Standing procedure, please call ( 856 )

10 GRADING SYSTEM / SCALE So that student achievement can be uniformity evaluated, all non-clinical courses attempted within the Program are assigned a letter grade. Individual instructors based on their course evaluations assign grades. For the computation of course grade point each letter grade is assigned a numeric point value. All core courses are weighted by the assignment of course units. Quality points and course units are used to calculate grade point average (GPA). The academic year is composed of three week semesters. A didactic course unit is based on 50 minutes of class time for 15 meetings. The following information may also be useful. Attempted Units: Equals the number of units for graded CUH courses attempted by a student, either successfully or unsuccessfully completed. This is, also, referred to as Semester Units or Cumulative Units. Graduation Units: Equals the number of units accumulated toward graduation. Includes units from a graded course or pass-fail course. Transfer units are also added to this number. Minimum graduation units total is 58. Quality Points: The total numerical value of attempted units. This is arrived at by multiplying course units by grade points. Grade Point Average (GPA): The sum of the quality points divided by the total attempted units. Calculated as a semester GPA and a Cumulative GPA. The following scale is used in the calculation of all credit unit courses attempted. LETTER GRADE POINTS A 4.0 B+ 3.5 B 3.0 C+ 2.5 C 2.0 D+ 1.5 D 1.0 F 0.0 Grades with no effect on GPA calculation: TG/TF- Transfer course. U -Student unknown to instructor. W- Student withdrew from course. 10

11 GRADING SYSTEM / SCALE continued: I - Incomplete: A temporary grade that must be converted to a letter grade within 30 days of issue. Incompletes not converted will be assigned an F. Course grades are posted within two weeks of the end of the semester. Minimum passing grade is C for all didactic graded unit courses. Students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.3 for graduation. Core course grades of D or D+ require the student to repeat the course at its next offering. Students with a D or D+ may continue in the program if their GPA is 2.3 or greater or they receive permission of the Director. The following applies to all students obtaining a grade of F : 1. Students with a single F grade must repeat the course at its next offering. Such students may be continued in the program, with the permission of the Director, if their GPA is 2.3 or greater. Students with a GPA of less than 2.3, may be permitted to continue in the Program, with permission of the Director, but shall be placed on academic probation. 2. Students with a GPA of 2.3 or less will be placed on academic probation. Students with cumulative GPA s of less than 2.3, after a period of academic probation (not to exceed one semester) shall be dematriculated. Students on academic probation may attend all didactic and clinical classes. Students repeating didactic or clinical courses will be charged a fee based on the weighting of the course involved. Students having questions/disputes regarding course grades should: 1. Contact the involved instructor for consultation. 2. After consultation with the course instructor, if unresolved, contact the Director or designate for resolution. UNIFORMS Students must provide their own uniforms. Standard clinical uniforms, shoes, hose, lab coats and other essentials are the responsibility of the individual student. BOOKS Students are responsible for the cost of all books and other course related materials. LIVING EXPENSES Students are responsible for their own living accommodations, meals, parking and other related expenses. PROGRAM ATTENDANCE Attendance is required for all didactic and clinical courses attempted. Planned vacation, holiday and break periods are provided in the academic calendar. 11

12 GENERAL CONDUCT Students reflect the image and policy of the program and hospital and as such are expected to project a professional image to patients, staff and peers. The first semester is a probationary period. Students that have satisfactory progression shall be considered as matriculating students. Students exhibiting unsatisfactory progress may be maintained on a probationary status. Students may be terminated at any time for: 1. Inability to maintain minimum passing grades 2. Insubordination or unprofessional conduct 3. Conduct harmful or potentially harmful to self or others GRADUATION Students satisfactorily completing the program will be awarded a Certificate of completion. Certificates and school pins are presented at commencement exercises for the Center for Allied Health Education. All honors and awards are presented during commencement activities. REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATIONS Once the program is completed, AND the student has received a minimum AS degree from an accredited College students are eligible to take the national registry examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Upon passing this examination, the graduate technologist is designated a Registered Technologist in Radiography and permitted to use the initials R.T.(R) (ARRT) after their name. In New Jersey, a technologist must petition and obtain a license from the Department of Environmental Protection. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/POLICIES PREGNANT PERSONNEL The following policy is to be observed by all pregnant or possibly pregnant personnel regardless of status. 1) Consistent with the applicable federal statute, a student s decision to declare pregnancy is voluntary. It is the policy of the Cooper Health System that formal declaration is defined as filing a completed, signed and dated Declaration of Pregnancy form to be submitted to the Radiation Safety Officer. A copy of the Declaration of Pregnancy Form is available in the Radiation Safety Manual. If she chooses not to declare her pregnancy, the Radiation Safety Officer will continue to ensure that she receives all normal occupational protections - the annual occupational dose limit of 5.0 Rem and all ALARA requirements will be in effect. 12

13 PREGNANT PERSONNEL continued: All rights of declaration rest with the pregnant woman. The declaration of pregnancy may be withdrawn at any time by a signed, dated, written statement of withdrawal filed with the Radiation Safety Officer. In addition, all radiation workers have an individual responsibility to follow all Radiation Safety policies and procedures listed in the Radiation Safety Manual. 2. The Radiation Safety Officer shall counsel all declared pregnant individuals regarding federal, state and institutional law and protocol. A review of previous clinical assignments, dose history and other related considerations shall be discussed with the involved individual. 3. Additional radiation monitoring may be required during gestation. 4. Declared pregnant student may: A. continue the program unabated B. continue the didactic portion of the program and curtail or reschedule all or part of the clinical experience until after delivery C. be granted a leave of absence until after delivery DRESS POLICY The following guidelines shall be observed at all times. 1. The CUH Identification Badge shall be worn and be visible at all times while attending class or participating in clinical activities at Cooper University Hospital. Badges must be free of obstacles so that the picture, name and status are readily observed. 2. Class and Clinical attire is a uniform consisting of dark navy blue scrubs matching top/pants (school ID patch on upper left arm). Other color scrub suits are not permitted. A short white lab coat and/or a navy blue scrub jacket may be worn (with school ID patch on left arm). A white short sleeve v-neck tee shirt may be worn under the scrub top, if needed. White sneakers may be used as part of the clinical uniform. Body piercing, other than earrings (no more than 2) worn on each ear, is not permitted on any other visible body part. Tattoos must be covered so that they are not readily visible to patients or staff. Cooper Policy: For purposes of safety, infection control and operation of equipment, fingernails must be of a reasonable length for the performance of job functions. Employees having direct hands-on patient care may not have fingernails in excess of ¼ inch in length and may not wear artificial fingernails. Please refer to the Center for Allied Health Education Handbook for additional specifics related to the Cooper University Hospital dress policy. 13

14 DRESS POLICY continued: 1. Students presenting for class or clinical participation in violation of the dress policy shall be required to leave and change their dress to conform to the prevailing policy. The student shall receive a written warning for the first infraction. Students having a second infraction shall receive a one-day suspension. Students having a third infraction shall receive a three-day suspension and be referred to the Director, Center for Allied Health Education for counseling. 2. Students missing time from class or clinical participation due to infraction(s) of the dress policy shall be subject to the parameters of the Program time and Attendance policy as describe elsewhere in this handbook. IDENTIFICATION All students are required to be identified. Primary identification is the CUH identification badge. Lost badges may be replaced at the badge office at cost (approx. $10). In addition, assigned clinical education settings will require a primary identification badge. Students must wear a CUH student patch on all clinical uniforms. PARKING/TRANSPORTATION Please refer to the Center for Allied Education Handbook for further information. FIELD EXPERIENCES/ACTIVITIES The Medical Radiography Program utilizes field experiences and outside activities for specific learning purposes. Such experiences and activities are considered an extension of the Program. Student behaviors, decorum, dress, etc., while participating in such activities shall conform to Program regulations. LIABILITY / MALPRACTICE The Cooper University Hospital covers all Radiography students for professional liability and malpractice when assigned to clinical sites in New Jersey. CHANGE OF ADDRESS The demographic information on file must be maintained current. This information is used as a basis for the mailing of transcripts, billings and other notifications. All students are requested to submit changes of address, phone number, name, etc. on a timely basis. Forms for these changes are available from the program office. 14

15 TELEPHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES Emergency messages to students during school hours should be directed to the Program office. Students are not permitted to use Program or clinical phones for personal use. Cell phones: Cell phones are permitted in the classroom area only for emergencies and cell phone must be placed on vibrate. If a call is received and you must respond do so by leaving the classroom to respond to the call. Students not observing this protocol shall be asked to leave the class and return without their cell phone. Cell phones are NOT permitted in the clinical sites. Clinical Education Sites phone numbers are listed on the back page which may be used for emergencies. Computers: Computers have been placed in the classroom for the purpose of expanding teaching experiences. Classroom computers are not to be used during a class unless directed by faculty as part of a class exercise. Cross-talk: Cross-talk is unproductive verbal exchanges during class presentations/lectures. Students should be aware that innate talking during class is distracting to other students and faculty and has no place in the education delivery process. Faculty directed discussion is constructive and would be limited to subject related exchanges. LOCKERS Lockers are located across from the Program classroom. Lockers, on a limited basis, are also located within the various clinical areas. Students must provide locks and other accessories. Students are expected to maintain the cleanliness of the lockers. We strongly advise students to use the lockers for storage of all personal belongings, books, etc. that are not necessary for class or clinical. BREAKS Students are scheduled for various rest breaks during the normal day. Didactic breaks are indicated on the class schedule. Clinical breaks are scheduled by clinical faculty and may not exceed a total of fifteen minutes. Students are scheduled for lunch breaks each didactic and clinical day. Didactic breaks are indicated on the class schedules. Clinical breaks are scheduled by clinical faculty and shall not exceed a total of forty-five minutes. Students may use the hospital cafeteria or other facility of their choosing. The consumption of food and beverages is restricted to: 1. Student/employee lounge areas 2. Cafeteria / restaurant 3. Designated outside lounge areas 15

16 TRANSCRIPTS Student and Official transcripts are available from the Program Office upon written request. A transcript request form must be completed before Official transcripts are released. Student transcripts are generally mailed to students within three weeks of the semester completion. RADIATION SAFETY PROCEDURES The following policy applies to all student Radiographers: 1. Lead aprons and thyroid shields must be worn at all times during any fluoroscopic examination. 2. Lead aprons must be worn at all times during examinations involving mobile radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment. 3. Holding or physically restraining patients during any radiographic or fluoroscopic examination is prohibited. 4. The operation of any fluoroscopic equipment is prohibited. 5. Radiation monitoring devices must be worn as assigned. 6. Uniform patient and personnel protection techniques will be applied in all examinations. RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES The following are to be observed relative to the use and maintance of radiation monitoring devices. 1. All radiology staff, including students, are to wear assigned radiation monitoring device while in the clinical environment. Whole body badges are to be worn at the collar. When in fluoroscopy or the operating room, the film badge is to worn at the collar, outside the apron or thyroid shield. Ring badges, if assigned, are to be worn on the finger during all clinical assignments. Radiation Monitoring devices should not be removed from the clinical site. 2. Monitoring devices are renewed and replaced quarterly. Reports are maintained through the Radiation Safety Office and the Program. Reports, will be made available, to students for review within 30 school days of receipt. 3. Radiation Safety Officer is Edward Goldschmidt, MS, DABR. His number is Radiation monitoring reports will not be posted. Reports will be reviewed with student, countersigned and dated. 16

17 TIME AND ATTENDANCE The Program is planned and delivered over a period of 22 months, beginning September of each year, spanning six academic semesters. The following traditional holidays are observed: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day; Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas The Program observes the following extended holidays: Vacation Breaks: 1. Thanksgiving: 2 days 2. Christmas-New Years: 10 days 3. Spring Break: 5 days 4. Independence Day: 1 or 2 days Vacation break for the first year student shall be tentatively the third week in July and five additional days scheduled as a block. A block would consist of five consecutive days and would require that the student provide adequate notice. Adequate notice is a written notice received by the Program at least one week prior to the first scheduled day of the intended break. Exceptions to the above must be approved by the Program Coordinator or Director and would be considered only for extraordinary circumstances. Vacation time is not carried over from year to year. Students not adhering to the above notification policy shall have all such time counted as absent. General Information: Attendance is a weighted part of all academic and clinical courses attempted. Individual instructors shall set course weighting to reinforce the need for ongoing attendance. The following are general considerations applying to all courses attempted. 1. There are no discretionary academic absences permitted. 2. Clinical lateness/tardiness is converted to absences at a rate of three late equal one absence. 3. An illness of three consecutive days (either didactic or clinical) will require a physician clearance to return to the program. Such clearance must state the diagnosis; dates treated, restrictions either clinical or academic, and indicate the date of activity return. 4. Unannounced absences of three consecutive days or longer, either clinical or didactic, shall constitute voluntary withdrawal. These are absences for which the Program has not received notice. 5. Repeated absences/tardiness shall be subject to disciplinary procedures, including dematriculation, and will be reflected as part of the academic and clinical course grade. 17

18 Academic Attendance: 6. Students assume prime responsibility for all missed assignments, classes and related course material due to either authorized or unauthorized absence. To maximize the academic experience, students are required to attend all scheduled didactic assignments. Students reporting after the class has started are considered late. Students not reporting for class are considered absent. Please note that academic attendance is a weighted part of course grades accounting for a percentage of the total course grade. Students absent for 15% or more of a Pass/Fail course shall be assigned an F. Scheduled vacation time, bereavement absence or leaves are exempted from this policy. All students are required to badge in and out while attending class. Clinical Attendance: In addition to scheduled vacation, holidays and other assigned breaks, the student must not exceed a total of three (3) clinical absence occurrences in any one semester. Clinical absence occurrences are considered to be any of the following: 1. A Clinical absence where the student has notified the Program, at least 30 minutes prior to their normal start time. The Program number is (856) A clinical absence where the student has submitted a written request prior to the involved date. Forms are readily available at the Program offices and various all clinical sites. 3. Students reporting to the clinical area more than 10 minutes beyond the scheduled report time are considered late. Students reporting more than 30 minutes late are considered to be absent for a period equal to one-half day. 4. Students leaving the clinical area before the scheduled departure time are considered to have left early. 5. Students that scan in, but not out or scan out, but not in shall be considered as absent. 6. Items # 3, 4, and 5 are converted to absence occurrences at a rate of three incidents equal one absence occurrence. 7. Student having incurred two or more absence occurrences shall be notified by the Director. All students are required to check in and out of their clinical assignments. The following guidelines are used for clinical check in / out: 1. Students assigned to CUH or its Diagnostic Centers are required to use the Kronis system 18

19 All students are required to check in and out of their clinical assignments continued when checking in or out. Your identification badge activates this system. The check in or out must be made from a device located in the area of clinical assignment. Specifics on the operation of the Kronis system can be obtained from the involved Clinical Instructors. The following parameters will be observed for students using this system: 1. Student not scanned in: Considered as a late incident. 2. Student not scanned out: Considered as a late incident. * NOTE: Students presenting to the clinical assignments area without an identification badge will be removed from the clinical area until such time as they acquire a valid badge. 2. Students assigned to areas other than described in # 1, shall have a check in/out log provided. Students shall log in/out as protocol dictates. The following parameters shall be observed for manual systems: 1. Student not logged in: Considered as a late incident 2. Student not logged out: Considered as a late incident. * NOTE: Students checking in/out for others, face severe disciplinary action to include suspension. Scheduled vacation, extended and regular holidays, bereavement absences and authorized clinical absences are exempt from the above policy. BEREAVEMENT ABSENCES Students are granted a maximum of three (3) absences for the death of an immediate family member. Immediate family members are considered to be: Father, Mother, Spouse, Brother, Sister, Child. Students will be granted a maximum of two absences for the death of an extended family member. Extended family members are considered to be: Grandparent, in-law. Special permission may be granted to attend funeral services for other than those described. All bereavement absence requests are to be in writing and authorized by the Program. JURY DUTY All students summoned for jury service will be excused after presenting appropriate documentation. INCLEMENT WEATHER Closure due to weather conditions shall be determined by the Director, or designate, and be based on confirmed relative weather information. A message of closure shall be placed on the Program phone system after determination of status ( ). Closure due to weather conditions are not counted as absences. 19

20 LEAVE OF ABSENCE Students may be granted a personal leave of absence or if extenuating circumstances causing a personal or physical hardship exists. Leaves are considered on a case by case basis. Students requiring extensive leave (more than 5 weeks total) may be required to have their status reevaluated prior to resumption of classes or clinical assignments. Students returning from a leave of absence must satisfy all Program requirements prior to graduation. LEAVE OF ABSENCE-Military All students summoned for Military service will be excused after presenting appropriate documentation. RECORDS The following is a list of education and other records maintained by the Program while the student is matriculating. 1. A transcript of grades from all academic and clinical courses offered through the Program. 2. Application and reference forms. 3. Transcripts of: A- Any high school record C- College records B- GED verification D- Other post-secondary records 4. Signed and dated agreement form. 5. Radiation Monitoring Records. 6. Written correspondences between Program and student, including disciplinary procedures. 7. Attendance records and physician illness verification. 8. Record release consent forms 9. Financial Aid documentation. 10. Other pertinent information and evaluations regarding student matriculation. The following is a list of records the Program will maintain after the student has matriculated or withdrawn : 1. Current demographic information. 2. Transcript of grades for all courses attempted. 3. Financial Aid correspondence and related records. 20