PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

Transcription

1 PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 5448 US HWY 49 SOUTH HATTIESBURG, MS

2 Pearl River Community College Medical Radiologic Technology Program TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 4 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE 4 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOOD PATIENT / PUBLIC RELATIONS 5 CODE OF ETHICS FOR RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS 6 PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT: 7 PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE STRATEGIC GOALS: 7 RADIOLOGY PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT 7 RADIOLOGY PROGRAM GOALS- THE PROGRAM PROMOTES ITS MISSION BY: 7 THE TEACHING/LEARNING PROCESS 8 ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF 9 GENERAL POLICY 10 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 11 ACCEPTANCE 12 PROGRAM FEES 12 FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS 13 ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT 13 PROGRESS RECORDS 13 DUE PROCESS POLICY 13 STUDENT UTILIZATION AND SUGGESTION COMMITTEE 14 ALLEGATION RESOLUTION 14 REFUND POLICY 14 TRANSPORTATION 14 LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS 14 RECORDS POLICY 15 PREGNANCY POLICY 15 GENDER 16 HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE 16 LIABILITY 16 RECORDS POLICY 16 FAILURES 16 STUDENT GUIDANCE/COUNSELING 16 RADIATION MONITORING PLAN 17 RADIOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE REPEAT POLICY 17 PROGRAM OUTLINE: 18 SELF EVALUATION 19 ELIGIBILITY FOR AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST 20 2 Radiography

3 GRADING SYSTEM 20 CLINICAL EDUCATION SUMMARY 21 ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS 23 DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBERS: 23 TARDINESS FOR CLASS 23 CLINICAL ABSENCE 23 TARDINESS FOR CLINICAL 24 CLINICAL OBJECTIVES 26 OFFICE PROCEDURES 26 Clinical I 27 CLINICAL II 28 CLINICAL III 29 CLINICAL IV 30 CLINICAL V 30 READING WITH RADIOLOGISTS 31 EMERGENCY ROOM ASSIGNMENTS 31 PORTABLE ASSIGNMENT 31 SURGICAL SITE 32 3:00-11:00 p.m./weekend Shifts 32 SPECIAL PROCEDURES DSA - ANGIO 32 ENDOSCOPY 33 RADIATION THERAPY (Final Semester) 33 ULTRASOUND (Final Semester) 33 NUCLEAR MEDICINE (Final Semester) 34 CT (Sophomore Year) 34 MAMMOGRAPHY (Final Semester) 35 MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (Final Semester) 35 UNIFORM CODE OF DRESS 36 Gum Policy: 36 Hair: 36 Makeup: 36 Hands: 36 Jewelry: 36 TATTOO S 36 FIREARMS- 37 ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDENTS (TRANSFER STUDENTS) 37 HEALTH CARE, INSURANCE, and STUDENT HEALTH REGULATIONS 37 CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS 38 LIBRARY 40 PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES 40 RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY STUDENT EMPLOYMENT POLICY 40 SCHOLASTIC HONORS: 41 3 Radiography

4 CLINICAL HONORS: 41 POLICY STATEMENT FOR DISABILITIES 41 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY 41 DEPARTMENT PROTOCOL 42 DRUG SCREENS 42 OFFICIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY FOR STUDENTS 43 SANCTIONS FOR STUDENTS 44 CLINICAL EVALUATION INSTRUMENTS FOUND ON CANVAS. 45 INTRODUCTION The Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program is recognized as an educational institution which embraces the essentials and guidelines established by the American Medical Association, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the American College of Radiology, and the Joint Review Committee of Education in Radiologic Technology. Our program currently holds accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Hattiesburg School of Radiologic Technology was established in 1964 through Hattiesburg Radiology Group. Pearl River Community College acquired the program in 1999 and has demonstrated, through philosophy and progressive attitude, a desire to educate and promote ideals of excellence, which are essential to the diagnostic and healing arts. A two-year course is offered leading to an Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology, and qualifying the graduate to make application for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology. The American Registry of Radiologic Technology is an agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education to certify competency of a graduate to dispense ionizing radiation under the supervision of a licensed physician for diagnostic purposes. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE It is the ultimate objective of the program to graduate competent radiographers who possess the technical and patient care skills, which exemplify and fulfill the goals and responsibilities of their profession. 4 Radiography

5 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOOD PATIENT / PUBLIC RELATIONS THE PATIENT: is the most important person in any Medical Practice. THE PATIENT: is not dependent on us...we are dependent on him. THE PATIENT: is not an interruption of our work...he is the purpose of it. THE PATIENT: does us a favor when he calls...we are not doing him a favor by serving him. THE PATIENT: is a part of our practice...not an outsider. THE PATIENT: is not a cold statistic...he is a flesh-and-blood human being with feelings and emotions like our own. THE PATIENT: is not someone to argue or match wits with. THE PATIENT: is a person who brings us his wants...it is our job to fill those wants. THE PATIENT: is deserving of the most courteous and attentive treatment we can give him. THE PATIENT: is the life-blood of every Medical Practice. 5 Radiography

6 CODE OF ETHICS FOR RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS The Code of Ethics is intended to assist Registered Technologist and applicants in maintaining a high level of ethical conduct and in providing for the protection, safety and comfort of patients. The Code of Ethics I. The Registered Technologist conducts himself/herself in a professional manner, responds to patient needs and supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care. II. The Registered Technologist acts to advance the principal objective of the profession to provide service to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind. III. The Registered Technologist delivers patient care and service unrestricted by the concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the disease or illness, and without discrimination regardless of sex, race, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status. IV. The Registered Technologist practices technology founded upon theoretical knowledge and concepts, utilizes equipment and accessories consistent with the purposes for which they have been designed, and employs procedures and techniques appropriately. V. The Registered Technologist assesses situations, exercises care, discretion and judgment, assumes responsibility for professional decisions, and acts in the best interest of the patient. VI. The Registered Technologist acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment management of the patient, and recognizes that interpretation and diagnosis are outside the scope of practice for the profession. VII. The Registered Technologist utilizes equipment and accessories, employs techniques and procedures, performs services in accordance with an accepted standard of practice, and demonstrates expertise in minimizing the radiation exposure to the patient, self, and other members of the health care team. VIII. The Registered Technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession, and protects the patient s right to quality radiologic technology care. IX. The Registered Technologist respects confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice, respects the patient s right to privacy, and reveals confidential information only as required by law or to protect the welfare of the individual or the community. X. The Registered Technologist continually strives to improve knowledge and skills by participation in educational and professional activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues and investigating new and innovative aspects of professional practice. One means available to improve knowledge and skill is through professional continuing education. 6 Radiography

7 PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT: Pearl River Community College is a public institution committed to providing quality educational and service opportunities for all who seek them. PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE STRATEGIC GOALS: 1. To prepare students to complete a degree or certificate program and to be successful in careers for which they have been prepared. 2. To provide quality student services. 3. To provide access to college courses and programs using various instructional methods, including distance education. 4. To employ qualified faculty and staff, compensate them well, and provide opportunities for their professional development. 5. To provide facilities, technology, and support staff in order to improve student learning, enhance faculty and staff performance, augment community services, and make college services available via the Internet. 6. To improve communication among campus personnel and community members regarding the College goals, objectives, and activities. 7. To recruit and retain students from a diverse population. 8. To provide workforce training programs that meet requirements of business, industry, educational, and public service agencies for basic skills, specific job skills, and technical skills training. RADIOLOGY PROGRAM Mission Statement Mission: The mission of the Radiologic Technology program at Pearl River Community College is to provide a quality educational experience in the radiological science profession and to help the student succeed both academically and clinically as an entry level radiographer. This mission includes preparation in the affective, cognitive and psychomotor domains. RADIOLOGY PROGRAM Goals- The Program promotes its mission by: 1. Students will be clinically competent. 2. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills. 3. Students will communicate effectively. 4. Students will model professionalism. 5. Meet needs of communities of interest. 7 Radiography

8 The Teaching/Learning Process Teaching is imparting knowledge to facilitate the achievement of academic goals of the learner. Teaching methods address the individualized need of a diverse student population. Learning, a process that is continuous throughout life, requires readiness of the learner to set and achieve goals. The intent of this process is to acquire knowledge, skills and behavioral changes through study, experience, instruction and interactions with a teacher. Major goals of this assessment plan require the development of a teaching/learning process which includes but is not limited to: * Self-awareness * Self-direction * Critical thinking * Accountability. These goals are achieved through pedagogical methodologies that facilitate exchange of ideas, address individual learning styles, and encourage mutual trust and respect. Radiography Education is a cooperative process involving teachers and learners actively pursuing and sharing knowledge. The faculty believes that radiography education is best achieved in an organized setting that encourages self-directed acquisition of knowledge progressing from simple to complex. Instruction is accomplished by methods of perception, example, and recounting experience. State-of-the-art instructional strategies and technologies incorporated into the program enhance a quality radiography education. By structuring a collegiate curriculum, the faculty confirms their beliefs that excellence in radiography is best developed in an atmosphere of higher education. The faculty also believes that concurrent education in the arts and humanities, as well as in the basic sciences, represents an essential element in providing the radiography student with an integrated body of knowledge, for the purpose of professional development and growth. Critical thinking skills are used on a daily basis to develop and mature the skills required of a professional radiographer. Critical thinking skills are challenged by didactic problem solving of radiographic procedures and technical manipulation in the laboratory setting. Our objective is to produce competent radiographers who through critical thinking and clinical competency can meet their personal objectives of professional development and growth to meet their professional goals. Growth of Individual-Self Awareness The faculty believes that each individual is a unique being possessing worth and dignity, which is constantly interacting with the internal and external environment to meet human needs. These needs must be fulfilled to maintain individual homeostasis. Adaptation, as associated with homeostasis, is the mechanism used by the individual to compensate for unmet or partially met needs. The fulfillment of safety, energy and sensory needs is required to help meet the individual s needs. Security and esteem are important to the well being of each person. 8 Radiography

9 ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STAFF PRCC ADMINISTRATION: The administration of the Pearl River Community College consists of: Dr. William Lewis, Dr. Jana Causey Dr. Amanda Parker President of Pearl River Community College Vice- President- Forrest County Operations Assistant-Vice-President- Forrest County Operations FACULTY AND STAFF: Hope Husband C. M. Ed. R.T. (R) Program Director, Radiology Department Chair David Armstrong M. Ed. R.T. (R) Clinical Coordinator, PRCC Instructor Brittany Applewhite R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor, Hattiesburg Clinic Kristie Windham, B.S. R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor, Hattiesburg Clinic Courtney Powell, B.S.R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor, Forrest General Hospital Danny Lumpkin B.S., R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor, Merrit Health (Wesley) Victoria Cox R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor, Marion General Hospital Jessica Ladner R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor, Highland Community Hospital Candice Simon R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor, Memorial Hospital Gulfport Abby Cockerham R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor Assistant, Memorial Hospital, *Jamie Walley Radiology Program Secretary SELECTION/ ADVISORY /CRAFT COMMITTEE: Dr.. Mark Molpus M.D Program Medical Advisor Comprehensive Radiology Services Hope Husband M. Ed. R.T. (R) Program Director PRCC Faculty C. David Armstrong M. Ed. R.T. (R) Clinical Coordinator PRCC Faculty Courtney Powell, B.S., R.T.(R) Clinical Instructor Forrest General Hospital Nita Johnson R.T. (R) Radiology Manager Forrest General Hospital Bruce Robbins R.T. (R) Radiology Manager Forrest General Hospital Brittany Applewhite R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor Hattiesburg Clinic Kristie Windham, B.S.R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor Hattiesburg Clinic Jessica Ladner R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor Highland Community Hospital James Turnage R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor Highland Community Hospital Victoria Cox R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor Marion General Hospital Candice Simon R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor Memorial Hospital Gulfport Abby Cockerham R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor(Assistant) Memorial Hospital, Gulfport Danny Lumpkin B.S., R.T. (R) Clinical Instructor Merrit Health Michelle Wilson Advisor and Counselor PRCC Guidance Counselor NOTE: There are many individuals within the Radiology Departments of Forrest General Hospital, Memorial Hospital, Hattiesburg Clinical,Wesley Medical Center, Highland Community Hospital and Marion General Hospital who assist in the education process. The persons listed under Faculty are the only fulltime employees of the Pearl River Community College Medical Radiologic Technology Program. Dr Molpus serves in an advisory capacity only. 9 Radiography

10 General Policy I. The student is expected to demonstrate loyalty and cooperation so that our Radiology Departments at the four clinical facilities may fulfill their obligations of adequate patient care. To the Radiologist, the student owes loyalty and respect in all matters pertaining to the Department of Radiology. We owe them respect and courtesy as members of the medical profession. Students should: 1. address them by the title of Doctor 2. be willing to conform to their direction 3. graciously accept their correction To all other physicians using the Departments of Imaging, we owe the same respect and prompt, cheerful service. II. III. Students should demonstrate respect and cooperation to the Registered Technologist. Cooperation that the student is expected to demonstrate to the Technologist is paramount to the student's learning process. Students should render respect and cooperation to the secretaries. First-year students (freshman) will give the second-year (sophomore) students their fullest cooperation in performing all duties in all Radiology Department. The students should endeavor to instill within themselves the highest ideals of charity toward the sick. They should: A. Treat the patient with a warm, friendly approach, but not familiar B. Clothe them and perform the examination with due respect to modesty C. Explain the procedure, answer the patient's questions and have courtesy to give the feeling of personal interest; D. Carefully watch the aged, unconscious, mentally ill, and children, as no child is to be left in a room unattended E. Anticipate your patient's needs and handle them with due regard to their condition. In order to do this, we suggest that your assigned radiographic room be adequately prepared prior to bringing in your patient. Your patients are your first consideration; be kind, tactful, gentle, and courteous, F. Severely injured patients' valuables should always be inventoried with at least two witnesses other than yourself. IV. Confidential information learned about a patient in the exercise of your duty must be regarded as a secret trust and may never be divulged. Through your work and professional relationship with the patient, you may learn many things about their illnesses, treatment, and even their personal life. This information should not be discussed with anyone, either inside or outside the hospital, including your home. V. As a student, you will be assigned to a Registered Radiologic Technologist. You should follow this Technologist's directives throughout your course of study. VI. VII. VIII. It is recommended that eating, drinking, and smoking be restricted from the diagnostic rooms. Chewing gum, eating, smoking, dipping, or drinking in the presence of the patient is considered highly unprofessional and will be discouraged. It is suggested that you discourage visitors during class or clinical hours. Students found guilty of illegal use of, possession of, or distribution of narcotics, barbiturates, marijuana, or other drugs will be dismissed from this program. Any student who has objective or 10 Radiography

11 subjective evidence of alcohol upon their person while on the premises at any clinical site is subject to dismissal. IX. It is recommended that when you are in the position of answering the telephone that: A. You give your name B. Give your Department C. Offer to be of assistance When taking a message, always try to get the name and telephone number of the caller and make a note of this information. Then follow through insuring that the message is delivered to the correct party. Personal incoming or outgoing telephone calls are discouraged. X. Seeking medical treatment from Radiologists is discouraged. It is preferable that you use your family physician or the Emergency Room at either clinical education facility. XI. Cellular telephone use will fall under the policies of the clinical affiliate to which the student is assigned. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Education Requirements: A high school diploma is required although the passing of the High School Equivalency Test (GED) will be accepted. Experience has shown that English, mathematics, science, and biology courses are helpful in preparation for a career in Medical Radiography. Special Entrance Examinations: Individuals making application for acceptance must present satisfactory scores on the American College Test (ACT): 18 composite minimum if taken after October 1, 1989 and 15 composite minimum if taken prior to October 1, Application Forms: Individuals requesting consideration for entrance must accurately complete and forward their application to the school office. The application deadline is March 1, each year. Physical Health: Candidates must be in good health and are required to present evidence of physical examination and immunization records (MMR shot documentation is mandatory). Moral Character: The applicant must be of good moral character and capable of accepting the responsibilities associated with becoming a professional radiographer. Age: Candidate must be 18 years of age by December 31 of the school year in which he/she is applying. Interview: Candidates requesting consideration must attend an information session provided by the program director. Site Visitation: Following an information session provided by the radiology faculty, each candidate is required to observe, within the Department of Radiology, typical diagnostic procedures. This requirement is of utmost importance in order to allow each candidate the opportunity to observe the roles and performance of certified technologists and current students. This tour must be a minimum 8 hours and accomplished before the beginning of clinical. Drug Screening: All students are required to have a pre- start drug screening and must be in agreement by signature for random drug screenings. 11 Radiography

12 ACCEPTANCE There is a limit of student enrollment based upon the recommendations of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Each applicant must present themselves to a Board of Selection which is comprised of physicians in Radiology, school officials, certified radiographers, Pearl River Community College representatives, and representatives from each affiliate hospital. Preference is given to applicants with superior educational background. In-state residency is required. WHEN TO MAKE APPLICATION The course of instruction begins on or about June 1st. The completed application packet for entrance should be presented to the Program Director on or prior to March 1st of the year they wish to apply. Upon acceptance to the Radiography program, application should be made to Pearl River Community College. PROGRAM FEES (May change without notice) Book Fees PRCC Approx. $ Uniforms Scrubs 2 (5 Sets) (2 Lab Coats) Approx Each $ Tuition & Lab Fees: $ $ Fees may be paid in one of the following methods: 1. Payment in full on registration day 2. Payment may be broken down according to payment plan by PRCC. 3. All payments must be received by the end of the semester to receive grades. I. The Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program student is eligible for Veterans Administration. If they qualify, students may obtain educational funds through the Guaranteed Student Loan Program. These financial aids must be applied for through the Pearl River Community College Office of Financial Aid. II. On registration day, the student is responsible for paying the book fees and the first part of tuition to the Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program. The remainder of the tuition payments must be paid in full by the end of the semester. III. Uniforms may be purchased from a any uniform shop. We do carry scrubs in the PRCC Bookstore. You will be notified as to the style and code of dress. NOTE: Pearl River Community College can change tuition and/or lab fees at any time. These changes will be reflected by the Accounts and Billing of Pearl River Community College. 2 This payment is made directly to the uniform shop. Total cost may fluctuate dependent upon the number of uniforms purchased. 3 Subject to change without notice by Pearl River Community College. 12 Radiography

13 FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS I. All Financial Funds may be applied for through the Financial Aid Office at Pearl River Community College. II. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS: Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program participates in programs of the Veterans Administration. Application for this program must be made with your nearest Veterans Administration office. NOTE: No person in the United States shall be excluded from participating in any of the above programs on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin. III. THE HATTIESBURG SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY: Funds to be placed in an account with the interest per year designated to assist radiography students. The recipient of these funds will be determined based upon academic grades only. This scholarship should be applied for through the PRCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION. IV. MISSISSIPPI SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIST: This fund was begun to assist through scholarship funds in the education of Radiologic Technology students and is totally funded from the MSRT. (When available) V. THE MISSISSIPPI RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP: A scholarship given to a second year student based on his/her financial need and academic rank, in the amount of approximately $ (When available) ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT Will be dealt with according to PRCC policies, see appropriate section of the Cat Country Guide. PROGRESS RECORDS The instructor will post mid-term grades in order to identify potential problem areas and to encourage improvements that may be beneficial for the student (s). The student is counseled on deficiencies and commended as the situation arises. Reports of counseling and commendation are maintained within the school office and are available at the request of the student. DUE PROCESS POLICY See Cat Country Guide Pearl River Community College affords due process to all students in accordance with the law. Students will have their rights and actions affection their rights protected. Any actions affecting their rights and responsibilities will be subject to due process in accordance with the law. Procedure for student disciplinary hearings will be published in institutional documents including the student handbook. 1. Complaints and grievances of a Pearl River College student should be formally presented to the Dean of Student Affairs within three days of the incident. The complaint should be written and delivered in person or by mail to the grievance officer Dean of Student Affairs). 2. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Dean of Student Affairs will within five days schedule a hearing with the appropriate committee (only if sufficient justification related to the complaint is provided). 13 Radiography

14 3. If the committee hearing is unsatisfactory, the complainant may appeal the decision to the President of Pearl River Community College. The President of the college will schedule a hearing within five days of the appeal. The appeal to the President should be written and delivered in person or by mail. 4. The above three steps shall exhaust the full recourse available to any student at Pearl River Community College relative to a complaint or grievance. STUDENT UTILIZATION AND SUGGESTION COMMITTEE 1. There will be a separate utilization and suggestion committee for the First-Year students and for the Second-Year students. 2. The students will elect two representatives that will serve. These elected students will represent the committee and all students will be considered to be on the actual committee. 3. The student utilization and suggestion committee will report to the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator. This may be done in person or in writing at any time the students choose. 4. It is permissible for the First-Year and Second-Year representatives to act jointly. 5. If a suggestion is not followed through with to the satisfaction of the committee, it is permissible to forward said suggestion to the Dean for consideration. His decision is final. ALLEGATION RESOLUTION Upon receipt of allegations relating to non-compliance with the J.R.C.E.R.T. standards, these complaints will be handled and resolved within a 30 day time period. If this is not possible the program will contact the J.R.C.E.R.T. and explain the situation and ask for an extension of time to prepare to resolve the complaint or allegation. REFUND POLICY Refunds for fees charged by Pearl River Community College will be in accordance with their policies. (See refund policy Cat Country Guide) TRANSPORTATION Transportation to class and clinical education centers is the responsibility of the student. We encourage students to arrange car pools. LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS Arrangements for living accommodations and meals are the responsibility of the student. Interested students may contact our Pearl River Community College Representative regarding room and board arrangements and cost. The procurement of a dormitory room is based on availability. No dormitory facilities are available at Forrest County Center. 14 Radiography

15 RECORDS POLICY Student records will be available for each student to see upon request. The faculty of the PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, along with the Advisory Committee, may see student records upon request. The school secretary must have access to student records at all times. Copies of student records leaving the school will require the written permission of the student. PREGNANCY POLICY All students must follow a planned clinical education rotation pattern in order to ensure an appropriate variety of radiographic procedures/examinations throughout the program. If pregnancy occurs, the student has two options. 1. Student has the option to not declare the pregnancy, thereby not informing the program authorities. 2. Student has the option to declare the pregnancy to the program authorities, so that timely radiation safety counseling can be provided. It is recommended by NCRP that the student inform program authorities immediately upon learning of the pregnancy. At any time, a declared pregnant student may undeclared (withdraw the declaration) her pregnancy. Any student who has declared her pregnancy to the program authorities will receive advisement from program authorities and the clinical site s Radiation Safety Officer. Discussion will include the nature and potential radiation injury associated with in utero exposure, the regulatory limits established by the NCRP and the required preventative measures to be taken throughout the gestation period. After advisement, the student will be required to complete the Student Response Form. The student declaring her pregnancy will be asked to select one of the three available options. 1) The student may elect to continue her formal education without interruption and continue in her regularly scheduled clinical education cycle. 2) The student may elect to interrupt her formal education by requesting a leave of absence. 3) The student may elect to terminate her formal education. Whenever a declared pregnant student is acquiring clinical education, she will be required to wear a second radiation monitoring device (image badge) at the abdominal level, which enables program/hospital authorities to monitor exposure to the embryo and/or fetus. If a protective lead apron is worn, the secondary badge must be worn under the protective apron in order to determine the absorbed dose. The NCRP recommends that the MPD equivalent to the embryofetus from occupational exposure to the expectant mother should be limited to 0.5 Rem for the 15 Radiography

16 entire gestation period. It is possible to limit all occupational exposure to under 0.5 REM per year through proper instruction of all safety precautions. A declared pregnant student continuing in the program will be required to complete all program requirements (didactic courses and clinical education missed) as a result of any absence. Student disability and duration of excused absence must be determined by a physician and require written verification Students are allowed the option of whether or not to inform the program officials of their pregnancy. If she chooses to voluntarily inform school officials, it must be in writing and indicate an expected date of confinement (delivery). In the absence of this disclosure, in writing, a student will not be considered pregnant. Students who choose to acknowledge pregnancy must make up any missed clinical time due to maternity prior to graduation from the program. Additional information regarding federal guidelines for prenatal radiation exposure may be found at GENDER The program supports and complies with Fair Practices in Education. Therefore, all students are allowed to participate in the same clinical education experience regardless of gender. HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE General health care and emergency medical treatment is the responsibility of the student. Emergency Room facilities are available twenty-four hours daily for emergencies. LIABILITY Professional liability insurance is the responsibility of the student. The college will obtain such coverage and bill the student account for the coverage. RECORDS POLICY Student records will be available for each student to see upon request. The students' records will be kept confidential and will conform to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FAILURES Due to minimum proficiency guidelines provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist, the MRT program of Pearl River Community College requires a minimum of C average in each course of the program to be advanced to the next semester. Graduates of the radiography program are required by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist to achieve a 75% minimum competency score on the national board examination to become a Registered practicing radiographer in a hospital setting. Students who have been dismissed on the grounds of academic inadequacy (less than C final course average) may apply for re-admission the following year by following the standard application procedure. It is suggested that a student who leaves the program for academic insufficiency should take some college courses in the respective area before reapplying. Reapplying does not guarantee acceptance. STUDENT GUIDANCE/COUNSELING The Program Director and Clinical Coordinator maintain an open door policy for students who wish to talk about problems or are seeking information or guidance. 16 Radiography

17 Regularly scheduled sessions are placed on the clinical schedule and will be met by all students. There will be scheduled counseling sessions on at least a quarterly basis for each student and more if they desire or if deemed necessary by the Program Director. RADIATION MONITORING PLAN It is the policy of the Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program that all students will become familiar with their radiation dosage on a monthly basis as is posted in the clinical affiliates at Forrest General Hospital, Memorial Hospital Gulfport, Hattiesburg Clinic and Wesley Medical Center. These plans are posted within the classroom area at Pearl River Community College classroom. It is our suggestion that each student initial these plans to indicate they have visually inspected their monthly reports. RADIOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE REPEAT POLICY It is the policy of the Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program that all student exams, which require repeating, will be under the direct supervision of a registered technologist. This will be in all cases and the student who does not follow this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions. 17 Radiography

18 PROGRAM OUTLINE: FRESHMAN YEAR Course Code Course Name HR SUMMER I: JUNE Anatomy and Physiology I Anatomy *BIO 1514 and Physiology Lab I 4 RGT 1312 Principles of Radiation Protection 2 SUMMER II : JULY *BIO 1524 Anatomy and Physiology II Anatomy and Physiology II lab 4 RGT 1223 Patient Care in Radiography 3 TOTAL SUMMER CREDITS 13 FALL : RGT 1213 Fundamentals of Radiography 3 RGT 1115 Clinical Education 5 *MAT Math (college algebra minimum) 3 RGT 1413 Radiation Exposure I 3 RGT 1513 Radiographic Procedures I 3 TOTAL FALL CREDITS 17 SPRING : *ENG 1113 Written Communications 3 RGT 1125 Clinical Education II 3 RGT 1423 Radiographic Exposure II 5 RGT 1523 Radiographic Procedures II 3 RGT 1613 Physics of Imaging Equipment 3 TOTAL SPRING CREDITS 17 SOPHOMORE YEAR SUMMER : (10 week Term) RGT 1139 Clinical Education III 9 TOTAL SUMMER CREDITS 9 FALL SEMESTER : Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3 RGT 2132 Social and Legal Responsibilities 2 *ART/MUS Humanities or Fine Arts Elective 3 RGT 2147 Clinical Education IV 7 RGT 2532 Radiographic Procedures III 2 RGT 2921 Radiographic Pathology 1 TOTAL FALL CREDITS 18 SPRING SEMESTER : *SPT 1113 Oral Communication 3 RGT 2157 Clinical Education V 7 RGT 2542 Radiographic Procedures IV 2 RGT 2911 Radiation Biology 1 RGT 2933 Certification Fundamentals 3 TOTAL SPRING CREDITS 16 * Courses with asterisk are recommend prior to acceptance to the program. PROGRAM TOTAL Radiography

19 COURSE DESCRIPTION OF CLASS MEETINGS: When classes are out at Pearl River Community College for certain breaks, the students may be required to continue clinical in-order to accumulate the appropriate number of clinical hours for semester credit. This time will be used for clinical practice. The clinical will meet at the scheduled time unless a vacation period is scheduled or extenuating circumstances arise. Freshman students will meet Clinical Assignments between the hours of 7:00-3:00 or 3:00-11:00 p.m. two days a week. Weekend shifts are implemented at the beginning of Clinical I-II. Didactic studies will occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Sophomore students will meet Clinical Assignments between the hours of 7:00-3:00 or 3:00-11:00 p.m. three days a week. Weekend shifts are implemented at the beginning of Clinical I-II. Didactic classes will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The time for freshman and sophomore classes may fluctuate due to the time frame in which their classes are offered at Pearl River Community College. Classroom instruction and clinical experience are scheduled for a 40-hour week. Students are required to attend full-time with no provisions for part-time students. Students attending this program are fully supervised by ARRT Registered Technologists for 24 months. Classes are scheduled daily, Monday through Friday, for the entire 24-month program. During the 24 months, students will attend classes at Pearl River Community College. The normal school day begins at 7:00 a.m. when each student reports to his assigned hospital on an equal rotational basis to receive clinical instruction and experience. Cumulatively, classroom and clinical experience time will amount to eight hours a day. In order to broaden the student's experience and awareness of a variety of diagnostic procedures and clinical experience, clinical time is scheduled in the evenings, nights, and weekends on an equal rotational basis. COMPETENCY BASED CLINICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM The policy of our program is to assure the preservation of professional performance standards of our graduate technologists. In order to achieve and maintain these standards, a competency based program is vitally important. Through the course of instruction, students learn and perform diagnostic procedures according to the student's ability and mastery. When a student masters and proves competency through formal evaluation, advancement to more complex and difficult procedures may be granted. Our program requires that students achieve a 75% accuracy or proficiency prior to advancement to a more difficult or complex diagnostic procedure. SELF EVALUATION The Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program commits itself to excellence in radiography technology education. The program personnel realize that self-evaluation is an integral part of the growth of the profession. The program personnel will meet once a year prior to the beginning of the new class to evaluate the program and make needed changes. These changes will take into account feedback from the previous 19 Radiography

20 year's graduates and data from employers of that class. Terminal course questionnaires will also be considered during this evaluation. ELIGIBILITY FOR AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST The purpose of the Registry is to examine and certify eligible candidates. ELIGIBILITY FOR CANDIDACY: An applicant for Certification by the A.R.R.T. must: a) Be a graduate of an approved educational program or demonstrate professional preparation equivalent to that of a graduate of an approved educational program. b) Be a person of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the A.R.R.T. Rules of Ethics. c) Agree to comply with the A.R.R.T. Rules and Regulations and the A.R.R.T. Standards of Ethics; and d) Score a MINIMUM of 75% on the A.R.R.T. exam in the category for which its certification is being sought. The A.R.R.T. Board of Trustees shall have the right to reject the application of any person for certification if the Board determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that the person does not meet the qualifications for certification. Candidates for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) must be of good moral character. Generally, the conviction of either 1) a felony, or 2) any offense, misdemeanor or felony, under federal law, state law, county or municipal law, regulation or ordinance, indicates a lack of good moral character for Registry purposes. Those who have been convicted of a crime may be eligible for Registry if they have served their entire sentence, including parole, and have had their civil rights restored. * In applying to American Registry of Radiologic Technology for examination, you must answer "yes" or "no" regarding the above. ** * American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) Bulletin. ** Registry Application Form A-1-a. GRADING SYSTEM Students are required to maintain satisfactory performance throughout the Two- year program. Satisfactory performance is considered to be a minimum of 75/'C' average. Averages are given in academic and clinical which has a built in component for attitude performance. Student falling below the 75 minimum are below the acceptable competency requirement of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist. ACADEMIC 100% - 90% = A Excellent And 80% - 89% = B Above Average CLINICAL 70% - 79% = C Satisfactory 60% - 69% = D Below Average/ Unsatisfactory 59% - Below = F Failing See Cat Country Guide and minimum ARRT requirements for successful certification on national level. 20 Radiography

21 Clinical Education Summary The Clinical Coordinator will provide a schedule identifying clinical education assignments on a semester based rotation. Schedules are built to accommodate student positions at Forrest General, Hattiesburg Clinic, Highland Community Hospital, Memorial Hospital Gulfport, Marion County General Hospital and Wesley Medical Center. The plan of clinical education will be determined at several different intervals throughout the two-year program in cooperation with the clinical education centers. Students must follow this plan of clinical education so as to insure viable educational experience in all areas of Radiologic technology. During the first year of training, the student will perform clinical objectives under the direct supervision of registered technologists. Direct supervision Student supervision by a qualified practitioner, who reviews the procedure in relation to the student s achievement, evaluates the condition of the patient in relation to the student s knowledge, is present during the procedure, and reviews and approves the procedure. A qualified radiographer is present during student performance of a repeat of any unsatisfactory radiograph. Indirect supervision for radiography, that supervision provided by a qualified practitioner immediately available to assist students regardless of the level of student achievement. Immediately available is interpreted as the physical presence of a qualified practitioner adjacent to the room or location where a radiographic procedure is being performed. This availability applies to all areas where ionizing radiation equipment is in use. The students will be evaluated on each clinical objective and satisfactory competency levels of 75/C will be achieved and documented. Upon completion and documentation of these satisfactory levels, the student may be deemed competent to the extent of providing certain exams under indirect supervision as defined by the Essentials and Guidelines for accredited radiography programs. In the process of obtaining clinical competency, the student is presented with information concerning anatomical structures in the Radiologic Positioning component of the program. Upon completion of the audio-visual material presented and demonstrated in laboratory classes by the clinical coordinator, the student is tested by written examination, laboratory test, and visual comprehension examinations. The examinations serve to document that the student has obtained knowledge of the material from an academic standpoint and positioning from the clinical standpoint. Once the academic knowledge of student has been mastered and documented by testing at a minimum of 75%, the student is allowed to challenge for competency on the procedure while in the clinical setting. Student(s) that fail to demonstrate knowledge at 75% or higher on the didactic component must document knowledge gained by completing research and writing a report about the subject tested. Forms are made available to the student to document two examinations under the direct supervision of the technical staff (Registered Technologist) verified by their signatures that the student is familiar with the proper method of providing patient care and obtaining adequate image on said procedure. The student may obtain the first and second sign-off verification at any point prior to testing on the procedure in class. After completion of the radiographic examination in lecture and verification of two documented procedures by the Clinical Instructors or technical staffs signatures, the student is then able to request to pursue competency on specific procedure. At student s request, the Clinical Instructor or Technologist will enter the room and observe the student carrying out the entire procedure and grade the student on the technical evaluation form for this purpose. If competency is achieved, it will be noted within the student's competency booklet as well as in the ledger in the Clinical Instructor's office and diagnostic areas notifying the technical staff of competency for said procedure for that particular student. If the student does not achieve competency on this exam, then the book is stamped as FAILED and the student must start over with initial sign-offs and another attempt is required. Most students do a multitude of exams on each competency. If a student fails a competency attempt at any clinical site, the clinical coordinator is notified by phone or by immediately for further action. The student is counseled on the following day by PRCC faculty and the student must retake the laboratory exam on the Friday following failure. Due to failure of 1 st competency attempt, the student must take and score 100 on a standardized written clinical 21 Radiography

22 examination specific for the clinical site scheduled for that week. The student will continue to take the written examination daily until desired score is made. Clinical instructors physically observing students involved with patients and providing patient care also achieve the daily technical evaluation form. CLINICAL GRADES The students grades on clinical are obtained in the following manner. 1. Competency and daily grades: These grades make up approximately ½ of clinical grade component. These are obtained on at least a weekly basis and the desire would be to have one on each student each day. 2. The Daily Evaluation: This component composes approximately 10% of the students clinical average. Technologist evaluations are solicited on a weekly basis at the end of the shift on which the student has been assigned for that week. These evaluations are received by the Clinical Coordinator and are presented to the student prior to filing. 3. Weekly Behavior Grading Sheets: This component composes approximately 10% of the students clinical average. Technologist and these grades are received on each student weekly by the instructor mentoring the student. The student is graded on daily activities such as stocking, cleaning, helpfulness, tardiness, and absences on clinical. 4. Final Performance Grade: is a grade that is assigned to the student each semester according to the amount of competencies that have been passed or acquired during the semester. The Clinical Final Performance grade counts as 25-30% of the Clinical grade for the course. This grading scale is provided to the student at the beginning of each semester. The combination of the four evaluations above dictates the final clinical grade on a semester basis. Clinical is broken into five sections and five clinical grades are placed on the student's transcript. These clinical grades are in reference to semester intervals throughout the entire two-year program. The clinical grades will be in reference to as Clinical I-V. Assigned clinical hours are limited to no more than 40 hours per week. Students are required to maintain the following throughout the program: 1. Procedure technique book maintained to the satisfaction of the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator. Students, while under indirect supervision, should adhere to the following procedure when conducting a radiographic procedure: 1. Understand peculiar requirements of the radiographic exam and patient 2. Properly prepare the diagnostic room. 3. Properly prepare and explain the procedure to the patient. Utilize any available equipment and expertise to insure safety to the patient. 4. Measure and select acceptable radiographic technical factors to render a diagnostic radiographic view or views. 5. Assist patient from the diagnostic room to the patient waiting area. 6. Consult with supervising technologist to determine if radiographic image qualify as being acceptable for interpretation by the Radiologist. 7. Release patient to return to hospital room, Emergency Room, or outpatient department. 8. Accomplish appropriate computer functions for tracking patients. 22 Radiography

23 ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS The greatest benefits from any course can be obtained only when there is full cooperation between students and faculty. Excessive absences may seriously affect the progress of the whole class as well as that of the individual students who are absent. Clinical education is an equally important part of the educational process. Students receive clinical education schedules specifically designed to satisfy the program plan, the individual student, and general class needs. Therefore, regular attendance to class and clinical exercises is required. Sickness and emergencies are accounted for by granting each student a total of 16 hours leave of absence a semester period. Any absences accrued beyond 16 hours must be made up prior to advancement to the next semester. If the student misses 16 hours and has not met the clinical objectives for the semester, he or she will schedule additional clinical to obtain objectives or until the 16 hours is complete. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with his instructor, in advance if possible, if an absence is inevitable, based on official school business, illness, or emergency for consideration to make up class work. If the class work is made up to the satisfaction of the instructor, he may be given credit for work missed. Making up examinations missed will be allowed at the discretion of the instructor. A student missing twice the amount of classes as the class meets a week will fail to meet requirements for advancement. DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBERS: Absence time will be allowed for the death of family members as follows: 1. A maximum of 3 days of absence time for an immediate family member (i.e., father, mother, spouse, and siblings). 2. Non-immediate family--1 day maximum (i.e., in-laws, grandparents). TARDINESS FOR CLASS 1. Tardiness for classes is strongly discouraged. 2. Tardiness without a legitimate explanation to the Program Director will be considered an UNexcused absence. 3 tardies is equal to 1 absence in class. (See CAT Country Guide.) CLINICAL ABSENCE Time from all of the clinical sites is calculated weekly by Hope Husband PRCC. Clinical Instructors do not have cumulative list of time. 1. Students are granted 16 hours of SICK time free from makeup assuming student reaches all of the mandatory objectives for clinical exams 2. FAILURE TO CALL IN FOR CLINICAL WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF AN 8-HOUR CLINICAL DAY THAT WILL BE MADE UP ON THE WEEKEND. 3. Any time missed over 16 hours will be made up at the clinical site that it was missed. 4. If OVERALL sick time owed is over 4 hours, it must be made up on the weekend morning between 7 AM and 3PM.. If a student has less than four (4) hours to make up on clinical the time may be made up after the clinical shift. a. Maximum make up is 12 hours in any one-day. 23 Radiography

24 b. If clinical hours are not made up by the end of the semester a 0 grade will be given for the clinical course and will result in a Failure for the clinical course. 5. The clinical instructor and clinical coordinator at Pearl River Community College prior to make-up must approve all clinical makeup up. If it is not approved, it will not be counted. It is the students responsibility to submit the appropriate form to attend additional clinical hours for time missed. 6. Students are expected to personally call the clinical instructor and staff at PRCC prior to scheduled shift if he or she is ill. 7. Sick days used require a Physicians excuse not to lose weekly grade points. The Doctor excuse must be turned in to the Clinical Instructor the following clinical day scheduled. 8. Students missing twice the amount of times that the clinical meets per week, will be dismissed due to excessive absence. Freshman: RGT hours max. RGT hours max. RGT hours max Sophomore RGT hours max RGT hours max 9. Summer Clinical Time missed is addressed in CAT Country Guide under Vocation/Technical Program summer absences. ANY AMOUNT OF TIME OVER 16 HOURS PER SEMESTER MUST BE MADE UP!!!!! Each student will be provided with a name badge and/or time card. The ID card/time card serves as a method of recording clinical educational time. The student is responsible for the accuracy and neatness of his time card as well as possession of ID badge. If the students ID badge is lost or forgotten, the student is responsible for replacing or retrieving it prior to clinical shift. Clocking one another in and out is not acceptable. Those caught in such practices will be counseled or terminated depending upon substantiation of the event. Clinical shifts will be changed only with the permission of the program director or clinical coordinator. All handwritten time or corrections must be signed by one of the following: Chief Technologist, Supervising Technologist. TARDINESS FOR CLINICAL 1. All tardiness will be made up. 2. For each three-(3) tardies, the student's will accrue an 8 hour absence in clinical due to tardiness. This time could be required to be made up, depending on absent time missed. (For example: If a student(s) was/were sick 16 hours, in one semester, and he or she gets 3 tardies, the tardiness will give him or her 8 hours of time to be made up. The student(s) cumulative total is now calculated as 24 hours of absent time. ****Any hours from tardiness is calculated with sick time. 24 Radiography

25 PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Course Objective Manual 25 Radiography

26 CLINICAL OBJECTIVES General Working Rules 1. Be prepared. Anticipate. 2. Never allow Radiologists to have to wait. 3. Record technique with accurate measurement. 4. Respond to Chief Tech, Staff Tech, Senior Student, and Radiologist's first request immediately with a good attitude. 5. Always respect the patient's modesty. 6. Be courteous. 7. Don't be found in the position of not having anything to do. 8. Don't leave your assigned area without asking Tech. 9. Eat and drink in assigned areas only. 10. Horse-play and profanity will not be tolerated in the Department. 11. Show respect to all doctors and supporting personnel. OFFICE PROCEDURES Properly utilize communication systems by demonstrating the following: Apply proper communication etiquette Relay messages Transfer in-coming calls Operate communication equipment Identify department personnel as to their status and work areas Familiarize oneself with rotational schedule Utilize correctly the file systems Verify "out-patient" order if needed Perform basic typing skills Become familiar with schedule procedures in the following areas: Routine in patient studies CT scanning Nuclear medicine Ultrasound Special procedures studies Tomography studies Fluoroscopic studies Out-patient routine Emergency patient routine 26 Radiography

27 Clinical I Fall Semester of 1 st Year Upon completion of clinical observation, under direct supervision, the student will be expected to: 1. Mix adequate amount of G.I. barium for the day's work. Stock linen supply, emesis basins, (B.E. bags, G.I. barium, linen, etc.). 2. Check with Technologists or exam coordinator concerning proper patient and exam. 3. Verify correct identification of patient and transport patient to room, maintain communication, assist patient on the table. 4. Assist Technologist - position equipment for first image (general area), assist in moving or turning patient, feeding barium, etc. 5. Clean table with disinfectant, change sheet and pillow case, and wash hands after each patient. 6. Become familiar with the quality control procedures related to the processors, such as exposing and processing sensitometer strips and plotting appropriate data from thes strips to graphs relating to each of the processors within the department. 7. Recognize what is needed to bring processors back into acceptable standards. 8. The rotation will include the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. each morning throughout the two years of training in this clinically assigned area. 9. Clean hands with disinfectant, change sheet and pillow case. Wash hands. 10. Outline the radiographic anatomy of radiographs presented of the upper and lower extremities. MANDANTORY CLINICAL OBJECTIVES FOR FALL/FRESHMAN Utilizing Oxygen in Pt. situation Routine Chest Driving Stretcher on Steer (1 man) with pt. Portable Chest Wheel Chair Utilization with pt. Routine Abdomen Assist pt. move from wheelchair to table. Portable Abdomen Assist pt. move from stretcher to table. Stretcher Chest with Lateral. Unhook and hook up suction tubing Flat and Upright Abdomen Check Chart for Dr. s orders IVP Transfer images using CR system IV Certification Transfer images using DR system Blood Pressure Setting up sterile tray UGI Dunning sterile gloves Single BE or AC/BE Making Thin Barium Hand Making Thick Barium Wrist Preparing room for UGI Elbow Line up tube to the wall Bucky for exam 27 Radiography

28 CLINICAL II Spring Semester 1st Year Upon completion of clinical observation, semi-independently, the student will be expected to: 1. Progressively develop excellent patient care skills. 2. Keep the room neat, clean, and stocked with all the supplies necessary for procedures done. 3. Be responsible for assuring an adequate supply of barium is prepared each day. 4. Maintain radiation protective skills for themselves as well as the patient. 5. Learn to work cooperatively with staff technologists and radiologists. 6. Become competent on all barium enemas. 7. Become competent on all chest examinations. 8. Become competent on all other procedures performed routinely. 9. Evaluate finished radiographs for correct positioning and technique. 10.Adjust manual techniques according to body habitus and pathology. 11.Utilize automatic exposure devices and explain their operation. MANDANTORY CLINICAL OBJECTIVES FOR SPRING/FRESHMAN Utilizing Oxygen in Pt. situation Routine Chest Hand Driving Stretcher on Steer (1 man) with pt. Portable Chest Finger Wheel Chair Utilization with pt. Stretcher Chest with Lateral Wrist Assist pt. move from wheelchair to table. Mobile Orthopedic Forearm Assist pt. move from stretcher to table. Routine Abdomen Elbow Unhook and hook up suction tubing Portable Abdomen Humerus Check Chart for Dr. s orders Flat and Upright Abdomen Shoulder Transfer images using CR system Flat and Decub. Abdomen Foot Transfer images using DR system IVP Ankle Setting up sterile tray IV Certification Knee Dunning sterile gloves Blood Pressure Hip Making Thin Barium UGI L spine Making Thick Barium Esophogram X-table L spine Preparing room for UGI Single BE -AC/BE C spine w/obl Line up tube to the wall bucky for exam Tspine 28 Radiography

29 CLINICAL III Upon completion of clinical observation, with indirect supervision, the student will be expected to: 1. Perfect patient care and patient communication skills. 2. Keep the room neat, clean, and stocked with all the supplies necessary for the procedures that occur in all diagnostic rooms. 3. Be able to use a manual technique at any given time, thereby not having to rely on the photo timers. 4. Work effectively with staff technologists and radiologists as well as taking a leadership role with junior students. 5. Maintain excellent radiation protection skills. 6. Achieve confidence and speed on all exams routinely done in all diagnostic rooms. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of Manager Roles. 8. Evaluate finished radiographs for correct positioning and technique. Student must obtain clinical competency in the following areas to advance to Fall Sophomore Clinical. MANDANTORY CLINICAL OBJECTIVES FOR SUMMER/SOPHOMORE Utilizing Oxygen in Pt. situation Routine Chest Hand Scapula/Clavicle Driving Stretcher on Steer (1 Portable Chest Finger Finger man) with pt. Pediatric Chest Wheel Chair Utilization with pt. Stretcher Chest with Wrist Toe Lateral Assist pt. move from Mobile Orthopedic Forearm Tib/Fib wheelchair to table. Assist pt. move from stretcher to table. Unhook and hook up suction tubing Check Chart for Dr. s orders Transfer images using CR system Transfer images using DR system Routine Abdomen Elbow Femur Portable Abdomen Humerus Pelvis Flat and Upright Abdomen Shoulder Lorenz Flat and Decub. Foot Trauma C-spine Abdomen IVP Ankle X-table C spine Setting up sterile tray IV Certification Knee Ribs Dunning sterile gloves Blood Pressure Hip L-spine w/obl Making Thin Barium UGI L spine Sinuses/ Facials Making Thick Barium Esophogram X-table L spine Skulls Preparing room for UGI Single BE C spine w/obl Line up tube to the wall bucky for exam AC/BE Tspine 29 Radiography

30 CLINICAL IV The student will be expected to demonstrate competency on the following examinations in order to advance into Spring Sophomore Clinical Semester: MANDANTORY CLINICAL OBJECTIVES FOR FALL/ SOPHOMORE Utilizing Oxygen in Pt. Routine Chest Hand Scapula/Clavicl Scapula Y situation e Driving Stretcher on Portable Chest Finger Finger Steer (1 man) with pt. Pediatric Chest Wheel Chair Utilization Stretcher Chest Wrist Toe HSG with pt. with Lateral Assist pt. move from Mobile Forearm Tib/Fib Myelogram wheelchair to table. Orthopedic Assist pt. move from Routine Abdomen Elbow Femur Lumbar Puncture stretcher to table. Unhook and hook up Portable Humerus Pelvis Cystogram suction tubing Abdomen Check Chart for Dr. s orders Flat and Upright Abdomen Shoulder Lorenz Feeding Tube Placement Transfer images using CR system Flat and Decub. Abdomen Foot Trauma C- spine Transfer images using IVP Ankle X-table C spine DR system Setting up sterile tray IV Certification Knee Ribs Dunning sterile gloves Blood Pressure Hip L-spine w/obl Making Thin Barium UGI L spine Sinuses/ Facials Making Thick Barium Esophogram X-table L spine Skulls Preparing room for UGI Single BE C spine w/obl Line up tube to the wall bucky for exam AC/BE Tspine CLINICAL V The student will be expected to demonstrate competency on the following examinations in order to complete the program. MANDANTORY CLINICAL OBJECTIVES FOR SPRING/SOPHOMORE Utilizing Oxygen in Pt. situation Routine Chest Hand Scapula/Clavicle Scapula Y Driving Stretcher on Steer (1 man) Portable Chest Finger Finger Shoulder Arthrogram with pt. Wheel Chair Utilization with pt. Stretcher Chest with Wrist Toe HSG Lateral Assist pt. move from wheelchair to Mobile Orthopedic Forearm Tib/Fib Myelogram table. Assist pt. move from stretcher to Routine Abdomen Elbow Femur Lumbar Puncture table. Unhook and hook up suction tubing Portable Abdomen Humerus Pelvis Cystogram Check Chart for Dr. s orders Flat and Upright Shoulder Lorenz Feeding Tube Placement Abdomen Transfer images using CR system Flat and Decub. Foot Trauma C-spine Bone Density Abdomen Transfer images using DR system IVP Ankle X-table C spine Surgery Setting up sterile tray IV Certification Knee Ribs Computed Tomography Dunning sterile gloves Blood Pressure Hip L-spine w/obl Making Thin Barium UGI L spine Sinuses/ Facials Making Thick Barium Esophogram X-table L Skulls spine Preparing room for UGI Single BE or AC/BE C spine w/obl Line up tube to the wall bucky for exam Tspine Panorex 30 Radiography

31 READING WITH RADIOLOGISTS This objective is to allow the student time with the radiologist to learn certain terms and disease processes that the radiologist will point out during dictation of images. The student will: 1. Assist the Radiologist with all fluoro procedures. This means follow the Radiologist to each room to help with each exam. 2. Assist the Radiologist in reading image. 3. Keep up with the exams that are completed so that you can offer information to the technologists. 4. Assist the Chief (or Assistant) Technologists. 5. Keep personal notes on terminology and interesting cases. 6. Be attentive to the interpretation of images and ask questions as appropriate. 7. Contact attending physicians for call reports as necessary. 8. Provide the radiologist with any additional assistance deemed necessary. EMERGENCY ROOM ASSIGNMENTS 1. Stock linen and room according to workload for room. Insure emergency drugs are stocked and available. 2. After first patient arrives, check with exam coordinator for proper patient, maintain communication with patient as you transport him to room and assist him on the table. Measure patient. 3. Assist Technologist. This means cover patient, have tube and Bucky tray in general area, assist in positioning patient, etc. 4. Clean table with disinfectant and change pillow case and sheet between patients. Wash hands and before and after patient. Utilize gloves on every patient. PORTABLE ASSIGNMENT 1. Insure that when conducting portable radiographic procedure on a patient in Isolation, surgery, or nursery that "Infection Control Procedures" are adhered to. (See Departmental Policy). 2. Lead impregnated aprons should be worn while exposures are being made. 3. Portables should be wiped down daily with a disinfectant. 4. Report preventive maintenance to supervisor. 5. Portable Priority: OR, ER ICU, ICCU, RECOVERY, NSY, Other. 6. Portable exposures are not to be made in the presence of flammable gases. Portable Examinations are of extreme importance, as they are usually conducted on severely ill patients who are unable to be transported to the Department of Radiology. The image should be acquired using acceptable technical factors and equipment, which may render the highest technical quality possible with the least amount of radiation exposure to the Technologist, student, and patient. The following procedure should be taken when performing portable examinations: 1. Understand peculiar requirements of the exam and patient. 2. Prepare portable equipment and image receptor. 3. Secure pertinent information from the Head Nurse regarding the patient's condition. 4. Knock on patient's room door and introduce yourself. 5. Properly prepare and explain procedure to the patient. Utilize any equipment and expertise to insure safety to the patient. 6. Measure and select acceptable radiographic technical factors to render a diagnostic radiographic view or views. 7. Consult with supervising technologist to determine if radiographic image qualify as being acceptable for interpretation by the Radiologist. 8. Insure that every portable image has adequate identification and the time of day the procedure was conducted. 31 Radiography

32 SURGICAL SITE CLINICAL I-II Upon completion of clinical observation, under direct supervision, the student will be expected to: 1. Locate the surgical suite. 2. Apply radiation protection principles to the patient, fellow classmates, and himself. 3. Dress correctly in surgical dress. 4. Demonstrate sterile technique while in surgery. 5. Observe radiologic surgical procedures. 6. Perform basic radiographic transferring procedures. CLINICAL III-V 1. Demonstrate proper radiation protection measurements. 2. Operate all surgical mobile units. 3. Demonstrate proper reporting of any maintenance problems. 4. Clean any unit before entering surgical suite. 5. Select proper accessories for each surgical procedure. 6. Perform necessary computer and paperwork. 7. Demonstrate proper labeling of images. 8. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the technique chart. 9. Set-up "C-arm" procedures. 10. Demonstrate variation of technique and positioning from norm as needed. 3:00-11:00 p.m./weekend Shifts Approximately 30% of our patient load is accomplished during these hours. Therefore, we feel it necessary to have students available during these shifts. Minimal student involvement is required for these shifts. A good portion of the off-hour involvement is dealing with trauma cases. P.M. and Weekend shift are very important in the Surgery area. Trauma Surgery cases are posted after regular hours and on weekends. In order to take full advantage of this opportunity, we schedule these rotations. SPECIAL PROCEDURES DSA - ANGIO Upon completion of clinical observation, under direct supervision, the student will be expected to: 1. Define "vascular studies". 2. Describe rapid-series imaging. 3. Locate proper image storage area. 4. Verify proper identification of patient and transfer to proper area. 5. Perform proper clean-up procedures. 6. Observe imaging and scrub techniques. 7. List all supplies needed for routine vascular studies. 8. Describe DSA. 9. Load and process image according to procedures. 10. Perform generator warm-up. 11. Describe the use of the heart monitoring devices. 12. Locate "code cart". 13. Correlate names of procedures with general regions of the body. 14. Explain the general procedures for each body. 32 Radiography

33 15. Recall the purpose and significance of the operative permit. 16. Locate all sterile supplies. 17. Confirm orders for study in patient's chart. 18. Set up sterile tray. 19. Prepare patient for procedure. 20. Demonstrate proper use of 0 2 and suction equipment. ENDOSCOPY Upon completion of clinical observation, under direct supervision, the student will be expected to: 1. Become familiar with endoscopy area. 2. Observe/Perform different procedures. a. Bronchoscopy b. Brachial Therapy c. Colonscopy d. ERCP e. Dilitation 3. Obtain experience using the C-arm on exams with technologist observing. 4. Wear proper protective attire for procedures requiring special precautions. RADIATION THERAPY (Final Semester) Upon completion of these clinical observations, under direct supervision, the student will be expected to: 1. Be familiar with the outlay of the Radiation Therapy Department. 2. Locate and become familiar with image development within Radiation Therapy. 3. Distinguish between the different types of equipment and their objectives within Radiation Therapy. 4. Become familiar with the steps required to turn the machinery on. 5. Become familiar with all radiation protection methods within the Department of Radiation Therapy. 6. Become familiar with special psychological needs the patients have in the Department of Radiation Therapy. 7. Become capable of assisting patients to and from the different areas for treatment. ULTRASOUND (Final Semester) Upon completion of clinical observation, under direct supervision, the student will be expected to: 1. Become familiar with the Department of Ultrasound and the different equipment utilized therein. 2. Become familiar with the proper operation of the equipment in the form of turning it off and on. 3. Become familiar with the types of procedures done in Ultrasound. 4. Become familiar with the reasons ultrasound is done other than diagnostic radiology or other radiographic procedures. 5. Assist the patients to and from the examination tables. 6. Become familiar with the peculiarities of patients for ultrasound that are different from other areas in Radiology. 7. Become aware of the need for having the patient properly prepped and exams ordered in proper sequence. 8. Become familiar with the proper paperwork required for record keeping within the area of ultrasound. 9. Become familiar with all the proper paperwork for use in retrieving data for Quality Assurance figures in the Department of Ultrasound. 10. Become familiar with loading and unloading image. 11. Become familiar with use of matrix camera and with VCR. 33 Radiography

34 NUCLEAR MEDICINE (Final Semester) Upon completion of clinical observation under direct supervision, the student will be expected to: 1. Perform basic image production task. 2. Verify proper identification of patient and transfer to suite. 3. Discuss warm-up procedures. 4. Apply radiation protection measures as pertaining to Nuclear Medicine as in: a) Radioactive drugs b) Radioactive syringe 5. Assist in injection of radioactive material. 6. Verify orders of procedures in patient's chart. 7. Prepare equipment for specific examinations. 8. Learn instrumentation of quality control. 9. Position for basic scans. 10. Assist in evaluation of finished scan. CT (Sophomore Year) Pearl River Community College 2 nd year radiography students are beginning a 4-week training course in Computed Tomography. The student will complete six- eight hour days each semester. In these weeks, we have set priority objectives to be accomplished during the CT rotation period. The students are given basic department protocols for developmental procedures in CT. Each week the student should show definite progression with these objectives and demonstrate basic competencies. We are attempting to give the students a beginners knowledge in CT and at NO point are the students to be left UNSUPERVISED by the Technologist. They are required to have direct supervision on every scan that is performed during this training period. Students that do not follow this protocol are subject to termination from the program. In return we ask that the technologist do not leave the student in this position. The students must work under direct supervision at all times. Competencies for Computed Tomography A. Priority Objectives for CT (1 st Week) 1. Equipment operation 2. Table and Gantry lineup 3. Type in the technical information 4. Head CT B. WEEK TWO /FALL SEMESTER (2 nd Week) 5. Abdomen and Pelvis CT C. WEEK THREE /SPRING SEMESTER (3 rd Week) 6. Thoracic CT D. WEEK FOUR /SPRING SEMESTER (4 th Week) 7. 3-D reconstruction 34 Radiography

35 MAMMOGRAPHY (Final Semester) The purpose of this objective is to allow students the opportunity to become familiar with all aspects of mammography and to produce high quality mammograms for interpretation by the radiologist. The student will: 1. Become familiar with the warm-up procedures for the mammography unit. 2. Become familiar with the quality control steps required on a daily basis for the mammogram suite 3. Become familiar with proper positioning and techniques to eliminate folds in breast tissue, etc. 4. Become familiar with the proper positioning for the craniocaudal and mediolateral positions as well as axillary and any other pertinent views as determined by the radiologist 5. Become familiar with proper marking mechanisms for labeling the image for future reference 6. Become familiar with the proper handling and storage of image for later comparison 7. Become familiar with the proper method of taking appropriate patient histories 8. Become familiar with the proper methods and techniques for accomplishing needle localizations 9. Become familiar with the proper methods and techniques for radiographing specimens post-surgery revised 5/2003, reviewed 7/19/06 MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (Final Semester) OBJECTIVE: To give the student the brief history and principle of MRI imagers. It will Explain the basic units of equipment necessary to produce images. HISTORY: The basic principle of MR is that certain atomic nuclei, if placed in a magnetic field, can be stimulated by radiowaves of the correct frequency. Following this stimulation, the nuclei release the absorbed energy by transmitting radiowaves which can be received by an antenna and analyzed. Relaxation times (T1 and T2) represent measurements of the rates of this energy release. These properties of magnetic resonance were first discovered in the 1940's by separate research groups headed by Bloch and Purcell. Their work led to the use of MR spectroscopy for the analysis of complex molecular structure and dynamic chemical processes. Nearly 20 years later, Damedian showed that the relaxation time of the water in a tumor differed from the relaxation time of the water in normal tissue. This indicated that the relaxation times varied from tissue to tissue and that images of the body might be obtained by producing maps of relaxation rates. In 1973, Lauterbur published the first cross-sectional images of objects attained with MR techniques. UNITS OF EQUIPMENT: MR requires a magnet room, a computer room, and an operators console. A. Console: The operator's console is used to control the computer. The computer then initiates the appropriate radiowave transmissions, receives the data, and analyzes it. Images are viewed on the operator console. Images may be printed using multi-image camera or other equipment. 35 Radiography

36 B. Computer Room: The computer room houses the electronics necessary for transmitting the radiowave pulse sequences and receiving and analyzing The MR signal. The raw data and the computer-constructed images can be stored on computer disc and later transferred to magnetic tape. C. Magnet Room: The major component of the MR system is the magnet itself. This magnet must be large enough to surround the patient and any antennae that are required for radiowave transmission reception. Antennae are frequently wound in the shape of a coil. Most often, the patient is placed within the coil, which itself lies within the magnet. Surface coils are placed directly on the patient and image superficial structures. However, the patient and coils must be within the magnet to be exposed to the proper magnetic field for imaging. UNIFORM CODE OF DRESS Uniform Scrub Top: All students are expected to wear a prescribed uniform top with their name tag on or above the left pocket and school patch on the left sleeve, one to two inches below the sleeve seam. White t-shirts are allowed under the scrub top. All t-shirts must be tucked in and the sleeves of the T-shirt must not be exposed. Uniform Scrub Pants: All students are expected to wear matching scrub pants. Laboratory Coats: all students while entering the medical facilities will wear Lab coats. The lab coats will be worn while going to/from the cafeteria. The student will have name tag and school patch in the appropriate place. Clinical Shoes: Shoes worn on clinical must be all white or solid gray in color and must be cleaned or polished to look professional at all times. White socks or support hose are mandatory and are required at all times. Shoes worn for athletic events and are dirty are not allowed. Gum Policy: Hair: The chewing of gum within the departments of Radiology of any clinical affiliate by students will not be acceptable. This does appear as unprofessional and has a tendency of distorting your speech and sincerity as is seen by the patient. Hair should be neat and pulled back during patient contact if hair is longer than shoulder length. NO UNUSUAL HAIR COLORS OR STYLES ARE ALLOWED. Males: Mustaches are permitted, if neatly trimmed. Beards may be worn, if neatly trimmed. Makeup: Hands: Jewelry: TATTOO S All makeup should be worn in moderation. Fingernails should be clean, of moderate length (1/4 inch) and neatly manicured. If polish is worn, it is to be natural in color or clear. NO ARTIFICIAL NAILS ARE ALLOWED ON CLINICAL SITES. Watches, wedding and engagement rings are permitted. Large loops are discouraged. All medic alert and religious jewelry should be worn so that it is not revealed to the patient. NO BODY PIERCINGS, other than earrings are permitted. NO earrings in the auricle or tragus of the ear shall be worn while on clinical. NO TONGUE RINGS Tattoos are not allowed to be exposed to the patients. Students baring tattoo s on the forearm or arm region must wear a lab coat at all times. 36 Radiography

37 FIREARMS- NO FIREARMS ARE ALLOWED ON SCHOOL CAMPUS OR SCHOOL FUNCTIONS. ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDENTS (Transfer Students) The PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY will consider applicants for advanced placement based on the following criteria: 1. The student must have previously been enrolled in an AMA (CAHEA) approved Radiologic Technology program. 2. The student must have been making satisfactory progress when leaving the previous program. 3. The prior Program Director or School Official must give the PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY a favorable opinion of the candidate. 4. The candidate must attend a Selection Committee meeting and be accepted as an Advanced Placement Student. HEALTH CARE, INSURANCE, and STUDENT HEALTH REGULATIONS General health care and emergency medical treatment and insurance s covering are the responsibility of the student. Emergency Room facilities are available at all clinical education centers and students are encouraged to use these for situations, which arise on an emergency basis. Students who become injured while on clinical are treated through the emergency facilities at that particular institution and the fees for these services are the responsibility of the student. The overall health of the student is of major concern to the PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY. Students will be familiar with the policies of each Clinical Site in relationship to the reporting of illnesses and communicable diseases that may adversely affect patients they come into contact with. 1. All highly contagious diseases will be reported to the Program Director and appropriate channels throughout the hospitals immediately upon being diagnosed. 2. Attending physician recommendation will be adhered to. 3. If the student is sick, he/she should stay home. 4. All department and hospital policies will be followed in regard to communicable diseases and other conditions which may affect the health of students, patients, and staff (see departmental and hospital policies). 5. Sickness may impact on the students ability to remain in the radiography program if days missed exceed those established by PRCC Attendance Policy. 37 Radiography

38 Student s Responsibilities: Students have the responsibility to follow simple but necessary procedures to prevent and limit the spread of microorganisms from one person to another. 1. Students should not report to work if ill. 2. Students that have a fever or infectious process must stay away from special care areas such as nursery, surgery, ICU, and CCU. 3. Students must practice good daily habits that promote good health. 4. Know and follow Infection Control Procedures. 5. Know and follow good hand washing procedures. 6. Know and follow isolation technique and the transporting of isolation patients. Clinical Instructor s Responsibilities: 1. Direct students who have signs and symptoms of a communicable disease, or become ill on duty for appropriate treatment. 2. Request medical clearance from student prior to student returning to clinical and meets the Guidelines for Communicable Diseases. 3. Check with the student concerning recovery and results of any tests, etc., and notify of the follow-up. 4. To notify PRCC faculty, immediately if student has injury or exposure. 5. Notes or documentation from physicians should be forwarded to the PRCC. 6. Notify the faculty at PRCC of any Work Releases or restrictions. Criminal History Record Checks Affidavit. For the purpose of fingerprinting and criminal background history checks, the term affidavit means the use of Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Form #210 or copy thereof, which shall be placed in personal file. Will be followed up with fingerprinting at beginning of program.. Employee: For the purposes of fingerprinting and criminal backgrounds history checks, employee shall employed by a licensed entity. The tern includes any individual who by contract provides patient care in a patient's, resident s, or client s room or in treatment rooms. ***Direct Patient Care or Services. For the purposes of fingerprinting and criminal background history checks, the term direct patient care" means direct hands-on medical patient care and services provided by an individual in a patient care and services provided by an individual in a patient, resident or client s room, treatment room or recovery room. Individuals providing direct patient care may be directly employed by the facility or employed on a contractual basis. *** Students fall under this category because they are giving direct patient care for services therefore are required by law to have a clear criminal background check prior to beginning the clinical rotations. Criminal History- Record Checks Section a) Pursuant to Section , Mississippi Code of 1972 Licensing agency shall require being preformed criminal history record check on: 1. Every new employee of a licensed facility who provides direct patient care or services and who is employed after or on July 1, Radiography

39 2. Every employee of a licensed facility employed prior; July 01, 2003, who has documented disciplinary action by his or her present employer. b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, no employee hired on or after July 01, 2003, shall be permitted to provide direct patient care until the results of the criminal history record check have revealed no disqualifying record or the employee has been granted a waiver. Provided the licensed entity has documented evidence of submission of fingerprints for the background check, any person may be employed and provide direct patient care on a temporary basis pending the results of the criminal history record check by any employment offer, contract, or arrangement with the person shall be voided if he/she receives a disqualifying criminal record check. c) If such criminal history record check discloses a felony conviction; a guilty plea; and/or a plea of nolo contendere to a felony for one (1) or more of the following crimes which has not been reversed on appeal, or for which a pardon has not been granted, the applicant/employee shall not be eligible to be employed at the license facility: 1. possession or sale of drugs 2. murder 3. manslaughter 4. armed robbery 5. rape 6. sexual battery 7. sex offense listed in Section , 8. Mississippi Code, of child abuse 10. arson 11. grand larceny 12. burglary 13. gratification of lust 14. aggravated assault 15. felonious abuse and or battery of vulnerable adult Documentation of submission to the licensing agency must be. on file and maintained by the facility prior to the new employees first date of employment. The licensed entity shall place and maintain evidence of submission and/or completion of the criminal record check,' the signed affidavit, if applicable, and/or a copy of the referenced notarized letter addressing the individual s suitability for such employment. Pursuant to Section , Mississippi Code of 1972, the licensing agency shall require every employee of a licensed facilityemp.1oyed prior to July 01, 2003, to sign an affidavit stating that he or she does not have a criminal history as outlined in paragraph (c) above. From and after December; 31, 2003, no employee of a licensed facility hired before July 1, 2003, shall be permitted to provide direct patient care unless the employee has signed an affidavit as required by this section. The licensed facility shall place'" the affidavit in the employee's personnel file as proof o compliance with this section. If a person signs the affidavit required by this section, and it is later determined that the person actually had been convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendre to any of the offenses listed herein, and the conviction or pleas has not been reversed on appeal a pardon has not been granted for the conviction or plea,,the person is guilty of perjury as set out in Section 43-l1-13, Mississippi Code of The licensed facility, shall immediately institute termination proceedings against the employee pursuant to the facility's policies and procedures. The licensed entity may, in its discretion, allow any employee unable to sign the affidavit require by paragraph (g) of this subsection or any employee applicant aggrieved by the employment decision under this subsection to appear before the licensed entity's hiring officer, or his or her designee, to show mitigating circumstances that may exist and allow the employee or employee applicant to be employed at the licensed entity. The licensed entity, upon report and recommendation of the hiring officer, may grant waivers for those mitigating circumstances, which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) age at which the crime was committed; (2) circumstances surrounding the crime; (3) length of time since the conviction and criminal history since conviction; (4) work history; (5) current employment and character references; and (6) other evidence demonstrating the ability of the individual does not pose a threat to the health or safety of the patients in the licensed facility. 39 Radiography

40 The licensing agency may charge the licensed entry submitting the fingerprints a fee not to exceed Fifty Dollars ($50.00). Should results of an employee applicant's criminal history record check reveal no disqualifying event, then the licensed entity shall, within two (2) weeks of the notification of no disqualifying event, provide the employee applicant with a notarized letter signed by the chief executive officer of the licensed entity, or his or her authorized designee, confirming the employee applicant's suitability for employment based on his or her criminal history record check. An employee applicant may use that letter for a period of two (2) years from the date of the letter to seek employment at any entity licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health without the necessity of an additional criminal record check. Any licensed entity presented with the letter may rely on the letter with respect to an employee applicant's criminal background and is not required for a period of two (2) years from the date of the letter to conduct or have conducted a criminal history record check as required in this subsection. For individuals contracted through a third party who provide direct patient care as defined herein the licensed facility shall require proof of a criminal history record check. Pursuant to Section , Mississippi licensing agency, the licensed facility, and their agents, officers, employees, attorneys and representatives, shall be presumed to be acting in good faith for any employment decision or action taken under this section. The presumption of good faith may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence in any civil action. No licensing agency, licensed facility, nor their agents, officers, employees, attorneys and representatives shall be held liable in any employment discrimination suit in which an allegation of discrimination is made regarding an employment decision authorized under this section. LIBRARY Our library facility is located at Pearl River Community College. Library books are available on a loan basis for a period. Library books are checked out to the student in the customary manner. Students who fail to return a loaned text will be responsible for the purchase price. PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES Although local, state, and national professional societies are generally organizations which provide services to the Registered Radiographer, students are encouraged to participate by paying dues and attending meetings and seminars which are specifically designed to stimulate and enrich the students' educational process. Students are encouraged to participate in student registry prep bowls, author technical/scientific papers and prepare exhibits for competition. RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY STUDENT EMPLOYMENT POLICY As affiliates of the Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program, Forrest General Hospital, Wesley Medical Center, Memorial Hospital Gulfport, and Hattiesburg Clinic may choose to provide part-time employment opportunities for the student radiographers. Part-time employment is strictly voluntary in all instances and is available as the need arises. Students interested must apply for the position and be interviewed by the facility. Accepting a position should in no case lead the employee into a false sense of security by being a student and an employee of the same company. Student employees are expected to maintain the same standards if not better than other non-r.t. student employees. Student employees are therefore subject to the disciplinary policies, including termination, as is any other employee. 40 Radiography

41 SCHOLASTIC HONORS: Those students who carry no less than twelve semester hours per semester and have earned a 4.0 scholastic average will be recognized on the President s Honor List. Those students who carry no less than twelve semester hours per semester and have earned at least a 3.4 but less than a 4.00 scholastic average will be recognized on the Dean s Honor List. One student from each graduating class is recognized for outstanding scholastic performance. This award is based on the student's total scholastic performance. CLINICAL HONORS: One student from each graduating class is recognized for outstanding clinical performance. This award is based on the following: a. Total clinical performance grade average. b. Total attitude evaluation grade average. c. Exceptional attendance record. Radiographers Choice Award: Radiographers from each clinical facility are polled each year for that student they think are deserving. This award will be presented at graduation POLICY STATEMENT FOR DISABILITIES The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act afford certain rights to qualified individuals with disabilities. Disabled individuals desiring accommodations should contact the appropriate counselor. Academic students should contact Dr. Chris Lundy or Ms. Ethel Batson. Vocational-Technical students should contact in the Counseling/Career Center, Crosby Hall, Under the law an individual must request accommodation and provide the college with up-to-date and valid documentation of a disability. A counselor will communicate in writing with instructors regarding the accommodations and services to be provided after the student s application has been processed and approved. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY William Carey University, in affiliation with the Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program, offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Health related professions. Following graduation from the Pearl River Community College, Medical Radiologic Technology Program, a degree candidate may complete the Bachelor of Science degree requirements by attending William Carey College for approximately four semesters and two summer sessions. CURRICULA EXAMPLE I 41 Radiography

42 DEPARTMENT PROTOCOL The usual hospital protocol exists within the department. The desires and requirements of the Hospital Administration are expressed through the Chief of Radiology and executed by his staff. Procedures and techniques are set up and approved of by the Chief of Radiology. The Chief Technologist is responsible for the Radiologists' requirements in regard to radiographic procedures. Controversies between other sections of the hospital and the X-ray Department are not to be handled by x- ray personnel. Do not argue with anybody about technical or administrative matters or departmental policy. Politely inform him of such matters as appropriate and ask his cooperation as indicated. If he does not comply, drop the matter and inform one of the Chief Technologist of the problem and make a note of the incident. DRUG SCREENS 42 Radiography

43 The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law , requires that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. This document was prepared and is published and distributed in compliance with Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 86. Any student must agree to be randomly tested for drugs at any point and time while enrolled in the Allied Health Program as determined by the appropriate authority. The student is responsible for all expenses associated with testing. (Pearl River Community College Catalog) If the test is positive, the student will be asked to withdraw from the allied health program and seek rehabilitation. The student will be considered for readmission in the program following appropriate treatment. OFFICIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY FOR STUDENTS The PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY program prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students and employees of the Hospitals and College properties or as part of any of its activities. More details and precise information on State and Federal penalties for trafficking and possession of illicit drugs is available in Cook Library on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. MISSISSIPPI PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL ALCOHOL SALES, POSSESSION, AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Sale or transfer of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age: First offense - Fine of $ to $ Subsequent offenses - Fine of $ to $ , or maximum jail term of one year, or BOTH Possession or purchase of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 21 years - Fine of $ Misrepresentation of age to purchase alcoholic beverages - Fine of $25.00 to $500.00, or 30 days of community service, or BOTH Driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or other impairing substances: 1. First offense - Fine of $ to $ , or jail term of 24 hours, or BOTH, and driver's license suspension for 90 days 2. Second offense within five years - Fine of $ to $ and jail term of 48 hours to one year and driver's license suspended for two years. 3. Third offense within five years - Fine of $ to $ and jail term of 30 days to one year and driver's license suspended for five years. 43 Radiography

44 4. Fourth and subsequent offenses within five years - Fine of $ to $ and jail term of 90 days to 5 years and driver's license suspended for five years. NOTE: In addition to the above penalties, an individual driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and negligently causing death or injury to another, faces a maximum jail term of ten years. More details and precise information on State penalties for illegal use and possession of alcohol is available in the Cook Library on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. SANCTIONS FOR STUDENTS Medical Radiologic Technology students who violate articles of the above stated rules will be subject to disciplinary actions which range from probation with educational sanctions through suspension and expulsion. Students accused of violating these policies and rules are afforded full due process as guaranteed by law. PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MEDICAL RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY reserves the right to assign disciplinary sanctions based on the particular circumstances of each individual case. The range of sanctions is as follows: 1. Disciplinary probation - probation makes the offense a part of the student's permanent disciplinary record and places that student under formal warning. Should a further offense occur while the student is serving a disciplinary probation the punishment will be swift and more severe and likely include suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary probation allows a student to continue in school, but may include other sanctions. 2. Suspension - Suspension removes the student's right to attend the School for some period of time. Suspension can be immediate or projected in the future, and may be for a fixed period of time and/or indefinite period of time with the right to appeal and show cause for reinstatement at a fixed date. Suspension removes the student from campus relinquishing all "in progress" academic work. The disciplinary suspension becomes a permanent part of the student's record. The school can require that the student accomplish certain things prior to reinstatement. These may include completing addiction treatment, receiving psychological services, or other non-punitive requirements. HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL USE Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will product the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver. 44 Radiography

45 Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics. ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES Faculty, staff, and students who need assistance are urged to contact the Life Focus Center at Forrest General Hospital ( ) or Pine Belt Alcohol and Drug Services ( ). CLINICAL EVALUATION INSTRUMENTS found on CANVAS. 1. Weekly Behavior Forms 2. Competency and Daily Grade Forms 3. Technologist Evaluation Forms 4. Counseling Form for First Competency Failure 5. Written Competency Exam for 2 nd attempt 45 Radiography

46 Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014 Adopted by: The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology - October 2013 Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL (Fax) The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is dedicated to excellence in education and to the quality and safety of patient care through the accreditation of educational programs in the radiologic sciences. The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. The JRCERT awards accreditation to programs demonstrating substantial compliance with these STANDARDS. Copyright 2014 by the JRCERT 46 Radiography

47 Introductory Statement The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography are designed to promote academic excellence, patient safety, and quality healthcare. The STANDARDS require a program to articulate its purposes; to demonstrate that it has adequate human, physical, and financial resources effectively organized for the accomplishment of its purposes; to document its effectiveness in accomplishing these purposes; and to provide assurance that it can continue to meet accreditation standards. The JRCERT accreditation process offers a means of providing assurance to the public that a program meets specific quality standards. The process helps to maintain program quality and stimulates program improvement through program assessment. There are six (6) standards. Each standard is titled and includes a narrative statement supported by specific objectives. Each objective, in turn, includes the following clarifying elements: Explanation - provides clarification on the intent and key details of the objective. Required Program Response - requires the program to provide a brief narrative and/or documentation that demonstrates compliance with the objective. Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods - identifies additional materials that may be examined and personnel who may be interviewed by the site visitors at the time of the on-site evaluation to help determine if the program has met the particular objective. Review of additional materials and/or interviews with listed personnel is at the discretion of the site visit team. Following each standard, the program must provide a Summary that includes the following: Major strengths related to the standard Major concerns related to the standard The program s plan for addressing each concern identified Describe any progress already achieved in addressing each concern Describe any constraints in implementing improvements The submitted narrative response and/or documentation, together with the results of the on-site evaluation conducted by the site visit team, will be used by the JRCERT Board of Directors in determining the program s compliance with the STANDARDS.

48 Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography Table of Contents Standard One: Integrity...4 The program demonstrates integrity in the following: representations to communities of interest and the public, pursuit of fair and equitable academic practices, and treatment of, and respect for, students, faculty, and staff. Standard Two: Resources...23 The program has sufficient resources to support the quality and effectiveness of the educational process. Standard Three: Curriculum and Academic Practices...35 The program s curriculum and academic practices prepare students for professional practice. Standard Four: Health and Safety...47 The program s policies and procedures promote the health, safety, and optimal use of radiation for students, patients, and the general public. Standard Five: Assessment...57 The program develops and implements a system of planning and evaluation of student learning and program effectiveness outcomes in support of its mission. Standard Six: Institutional/Programmatic Data...64 The program complies with JRCERT policies, procedures, and STANDARDS to achieve and maintain specialized accreditation. Awarding, Maintaining, and Administering Accreditation Radiography

49 Standard One Integrity Standard One: The program demonstrates integrity in the following: Representations to communities of interest and the public, Pursuit of fair and equitable academic practices, and Treatment of, and respect for, students, faculty, and staff. Objectives: In support of Standard One, the program: 1.1 Adheres to high ethical standards in relation to students, faculty, and staff. 1.2 Provides equitable learning opportunities for all students. 1.3 Provides timely, appropriate, and educationally valid clinical experiences for each admitted student. 1.4 Limits required clinical assignments for students to not more than 10 hours per day and the total didactic and clinical involvement to not more than 40 hours per week. 1.5 Assures the security and confidentiality of student records, instructional materials, and other appropriate program materials. 1.6 Has a grievance procedure that is readily accessible, fair, and equitably applied. 1.7 Assures that students are made aware of the JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography and the avenue to pursue allegations of non-compliance with the STANDARDS. 1.8 Has publications that accurately reflect the program s policies, procedures, and offerings. 1.9 Makes available to students, faculty, and the general public accurate information about admission policies, tuition and fees, refund policies, academic calendars, clinical obligations, grading system, graduation requirements, and the criteria for transfer credit Makes the program s mission statement, goals, and student learning outcomes readily available to students, faculty, administrators, and the general public Documents that the program engages the communities of interest for the purpose of continuous program improvement Has student recruitment and admission practices that are non-discriminatory with respect to any legally protected status such as race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, and any other protected class Has student recruitment and admission practices that are consistent with published policies of the sponsoring institution and the program. 49 Radiography

50 1.14 Has program faculty recruitment and employment practices that are non-discriminatory with respect to any legally protected status such as race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, and any other protected class Has procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance education courses Has procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance education courses. 1.1 Adheres to high ethical standards in relation to students, faculty, and staff. High ethical standards help assure that the rights of students, faculty, and staff are protected. Policies and procedures must be fair, equitably applied, and promote professionalism. Describe the procedure for making related policies and procedures known. Provide copies of policies and procedures that assure equitable treatment of students, faculty, and staff. Review of student handbook Review of employee/faculty handbook Review of course catalog Review of student records Interviews with faculty Interviews with students Interviews with staff 1.2 Provides equitable learning opportunities for all students. The provision of equitable learning activities promotes a fair and impartial education and reduces institutional and/or program liability. The program must provide equitable learning opportunities for all students regarding learning activities and clinical assignments. For example, if an opportunity exists for students to observe or perform breast imaging, then all students must be provided the same opportunity. If evening and/or weekend rotations are utilized, this opportunity must be equitably provided for all students. Describe how the program assures equitable learning opportunities for all students. Review of published program materials Review of master plan of education Review of course objectives Review of student clinical assignment schedules Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructors Interviews with clinical staff Interviews with students

51 1.3 Provides timely, appropriate, and educationally valid clinical experiences for each admitted student. Programs must have a process in place to provide timely, appropriate, and educationally valid clinical experiences to all students admitted to the program. Students must have sufficient access to clinical settings that provide a wide range of procedures for competency achievement including mobile, surgical, and trauma examinations. Clinical settings may include hospitals, clinics, specialty/imaging centers, orthopedic centers, and other facilities. With the exception of observation site assignments, students must be provided the opportunity to complete required program competencies during clinical assignments. Clinical placement must be non-discriminatory in nature and solely determined by the program. A meaningful clinical education plan assures that activities are educationally valid and prevents the use of students as replacements for employees. The maximum number of students assigned to a clinical setting must be supported by sufficient human and physical resources. The number of students assigned to the clinical setting must not exceed the number of clinical staff assigned to the radiography department. The student to radiography clinical staff ratio must be 1:1. However, it is acceptable that more than one student may be temporarily assigned to one technologist during uncommonly performed procedures. Students assigned to advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance, angiography, and sonography, are not included in the calculation of the authorized clinical capacity (unless the clinical setting is recognized exclusively for advanced imaging modality rotations). Once the students have completed the advanced imaging assignments, the program must assure that there are sufficient clinical staff to support the students upon reassignment to the radiography department. The utilization of clinical assignments such as file room, reception area, and patient transportation should be limited. Additionally, traditional programs that require students to participate in clinical education during evenings and/or weekends must assure that: students clinical clock hours spent in evening and/or weekend assignments must not exceed 25% of the total clinical clock hours. program total capacity is not increased through the use of evening and/or weekend assignments. The JRCERT defines the operational hours of traditional programs as Monday - Friday, 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Programs may permit students to make up clinical time during term or scheduled breaks; however, they may not be assigned to clinical settings on holidays that are observed by the sponsoring institution. Program faculty need not be physically present; however, students must be able to contact program faculty during makeup assignments. Also, the program must assure that its liability insurance covers students during these makeup assignments. Describe the process for student clinical placement. Provide current student assignment schedules in relation to student enrollment. Describe how the program assures a 1:1 student to radiography clinical staff ratio at all clinical settings. Describe how the program assures that all students have access to a sufficient variety and volume of procedures to achieve program competencies. Submit evening and/or weekend rotation(s) calculations, if applicable. 51

52 Review of published program materials Review listing of enrolled students in relation to clinical assignments, including evening and/or weekend, if applicable Review of clinical placement process Review of student clinical records Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructors Interviews with students 1.4 Limits required clinical assignments for students to not more than 10 hours per day and the total didactic and clinical involvement to not more than 40 hours per week. This limitation helps assure that students are treated ethically. For the safety of students and patients, not more than ten (10) clinical hours shall be scheduled in any one day. Scheduled didactic and clinical hours combined cannot exceed forty (40) hours per week. Hours exceeding these limitations must be voluntary on the student s part. Describe the process for assuring that time limitations are not exceeded. Provide documentation that required student clinical assignments do not exceed ten (10) hours in any one day and the total didactic and clinical involvement does not exceed forty (40) hours per week. Review of master plan of education Review of published program materials Review of student schedules Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with clinical staff Interviews with students 1.5 Assures the security and confidentiality of student records, instructional materials, and other appropriate program materials. Appropriately maintaining the security and confidentiality of student records and other program materials protects the student s right to privacy. Student records must be maintained in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment). If radiation monitoring reports contain students dates of birth and/or social security numbers, this information must be maintained in a secure and confidential manner. Describe how the program maintains the security and confidentiality of student records and other program materials. 52

53 Review of institution s/program s published policies/procedures Review of student academic and clinical records Tour of program offices Tour of clinical setting(s) Interviews with administrative personnel Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with clinical staff Interviews with students 1.6 Has a grievance procedure that is readily accessible, fair, and equitably applied. A grievance is defined as a claim by a student that there has been a violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application of any existing policy, procedure, or regulation. The program must have procedures to provide students an avenue to pursue grievances. The procedure must outline the steps for formal resolution of any grievance. The final step in the process must not include any individual(s) directly associated with the program (e.g., program director, clinical coordinator, clinical instructors, diagnostic imaging department director). The procedure must assure timely resolution. The program must maintain a record of all formal grievances and their resolution. Records must be retained in accordance with the institution s/program s retention policies/procedures. The records must include information on how the grievance was resolved and assurance that there are no trends that could negatively affect the quality of the educational program. Additionally, the program must have a procedure to address any complaints apart from those that require invoking the grievance procedure. The program must determine if a pattern of complaint exists that could negatively affect the quality of the educational program (e.g., cleanliness of the classroom). Describe the nature of any formal grievance(s) that would jeopardize the program s ability to meet its mission. Describe the nature of any complaint(s) that would jeopardize the program s ability to meet its mission. Provide a copy of the grievance procedure. Provide a copy of any formal grievance(s) resolution. Review of institutional catalog Review of student handbook Review of formal grievance(s) record(s), if applicable Review of complaint(s) record(s), if applicable Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 53

54 1.7 Assures that students are made aware of the JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography and the avenue to pursue allegations of non-compliance with the STANDARDS. The program must assure students are cognizant of the STANDARDS and must provide contact information for the JRCERT. Students have the right to submit allegations against a JRCERT-accredited program if there is reason to believe that the program has acted contrary to JRCERT accreditation standards or that conditions at the program appear to jeopardize the quality of instruction or the general welfare of its students. Contact of the JRCERT should not be a step in the formal institutional/program grievance procedure. The individual must first attempt to resolve the complaint directly with institution/program officials by following the grievance procedures provided by the institution/program. If the individual is unable to resolve the complaint with institution/program officials or believes that the concerns have not been properly addressed, he or she may submit allegations of non-compliance directly to the JRCERT. Describe the procedure for making students aware of the STANDARDS. Describe how students are provided contact information for the JRCERT. Review of program publications Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 1.8 Has publications that accurately reflect the program s policies, procedures, and offerings. Maintaining published information regarding the program s current policies, procedures, and offerings provides interested parties with an accurate overview of program requirements and expectations. Provide program publications that reflect program policies, procedures and offerings. Review of published program materials Review of student handbook Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 54

55 1.9 Makes available to students, faculty, and the general public accurate information about admission policies, tuition and fees, refund policies, academic calendars, clinical obligations, grading system, graduation requirements, and the criteria for transfer credit. The institutional and/or program policies must be published and made readily available to students, faculty, and the general public on the institution s/program s Web site to assure transparency and accountability of the educational program. For example, requiring the general public to contact the institution/program to request program information is not adequate. Policy changes must be made known to students, faculty, and the general public in timely fashion. It is recommended that revision dates be identified on program publications. The institution and/or program must establish and publicly disclose the criteria used when determining the transfer of credit earned from other institutions and/or programs. Also, programs must publicly disclose a list of institutions with which the program has established an articulation agreement. The program s academic calendar must be published and, at a minimum, identify specific start and end dates for each term, holidays recognized by the sponsoring institution, and breaks. Student clinical obligations (e.g., drug screening, background checks, and associated fees) must be clearly identified in appropriate program publications. Additionally, if evening and/or weekend clinical assignments are required or if students must travel to geographically-dispersed clinical settings, this information must also be included. Describe how institutional and/or program policies are made known to students, faculty, and the general public. Provide publications that include these policies. Review of institutional materials Review of published program materials Review of institutional and/or program Web site Interviews with faculty Interviews with Admissions personnel Interviews with Registrar Interviews with students 55

56 1.10 Makes the program s mission statement, goals, and student learning outcomes readily available to students, faculty, administrators, and the general public. Program accountability is enhanced by making its mission statement, goals, and student learning outcomes available to the program s communities of interest on the institution s/program s Web site to assure transparency and of the educational program. Requiring the general public to contact the institution/program to request program information is not adequate. Example: Mission: The mission of the radiography program is to prepare competent, entry-level radiographers able to function within the healthcare community. Goal: Students will be clinically competent. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will apply positioning skills. Students will select technical factors. Students will utilize radiation protection. Goal: Students will demonstrate communication skills. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate written communication skills. Students will demonstrate oral communication skills. Goal: Students will develop critical thinking skills. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients. Students will critique images to determine diagnostic quality. Goal: Students will model professionalism. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate work ethics. Students will summarize the value of life-long learning. Describe how the program makes its mission statement, goals, and student learning outcomes available to students, faculty, administrators, and the general public. Provide copies of publications that contain the program s mission statement, goals, and student learning outcomes. Review of published program materials Review of institutional and/or program Web site Interviews with administrative personnel Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 56

57 1.11 Documents that the program engages the communities of interest for the purpose of continuous program improvement. Communities of interest are defined as institutions, organizations, groups, and/or individuals interested in educational activities in radiography. Obtaining formal feedback on program operations, student progress, employer needs, etc. from communities of interest allows the program to determine if it is meeting expectations and assures continuous program improvement. The program can use a variety of tools to obtain this feedback. Describe the process of obtaining feedback. Provide representative samples of appropriate meeting minutes, evaluations (e.g., course and faculty), and surveys (e.g., graduate and employer). Review of meeting minutes Review of evaluations Review of surveys Interviews with members of various communities of interest 1.12 Has student recruitment and admission practices that are non-discriminatory with respect to any legally protected status such as race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, and any other protected class. Non-discriminatory practices assure applicants have equal opportunity for admission. Statistical information such as race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, and any other protected class may be collected; however, this information must be voluntarily provided by the student. Use of this information in the student selection process is discriminatory. Describe how admission practices are non-discriminatory. Provide institutional and/or program admission policies. Review of published program materials Review of student records Interviews with faculty Interviews with Admissions personnel Interviews with students 57

58 1.13 Has student recruitment and admission practices that are consistent with published policies of the sponsoring institution and the program. Defined admission practices facilitate objective student selection. In considering applicants for admission, the program must follow published policies and procedures. Describe the implementation of institutional and program admission policies. Provide institutional and program admission policies. Review of published program materials Interviews with faculty Interviews with Admissions personnel Interviews with students 1.14 Has program faculty recruitment and employment practices that are non-discriminatory with respect to any legally protected status such as race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, and any other protected class. Recruitment and employment practices that are non-discriminatory assure fairness and integrity. Equal opportunity for employment must be offered to each applicant. Employment practices must be applied equitably to all faculty. Describe how non-discriminatory employment practices are assured. Provide copies of employment policies and procedures that assure non-discriminatory practices. Review of employee/faculty handbook Review of employee/faculty application form Review of institutional catalog Interviews with faculty 58

59 1.15 Has procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance education courses. Programs that offer distance education must have processes in place that assure that the students who register in the distance education courses are the same students that participate in, complete, and receive the credit. Programs must verify the identity of students by using methods such as, but not limited to: secure log-ins, pass codes, and/or proctored exams. These processes must protect the student s privacy. Student costs associated with distance education must be disclosed. Describe the process for assuring the integrity of distance education courses. Provide published program materials that outline procedures for maintaining integrity of distance education courses. Provide published program materials that identify associated fees for students enrolled in distance education courses. Review of published program materials Review the process of student identification Review of student records Interviews with faculty Interviews with students Summary for Standard One 1. List the major strengths of Standard One, in order of importance. 2. List the major concerns of Standard One, in order of importance. 3. Provide the program s plan for addressing each concern identified. 4. Describe any progress already achieved in addressing each concern. 5. Describe any constraints in implementing improvements. Standard Two: Resources Standard Two: The program has sufficient resources to support the quality and effectiveness of the educational process. Objectives: In support of Standard Two, the program: Administrative Structure 2.1 Has an appropriate organizational structure and sufficient administrative support to achieve 59

60 the program s mission. 2.2 Provides an adequate number of faculty to meet all educational, program, administrative, and accreditation requirements. 2.3 Provides faculty with opportunities for continued professional development. 2.4 Provides clerical support services, as needed, to meet all educational, program, and administrative requirements. Learning Resources/Services 2.5 Assures JRCERT recognition of all clinical settings. 2.6 Provides classrooms, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices to facilitate the achievement of the program s mission. 2.7 Reviews and maintains program learning resources to assure the achievement of student learning. 2.8 Provides access to student services in support of student learning. Fiscal Support 2.9 Has sufficient ongoing financial resources to support the program s mission For those institutions and programs for which the JRCERT serves as a gatekeeper for Title IV financial aid, maintains compliance with United States Department of Education (USDE) policies and procedures. 2.1 Has an appropriate organizational structure and sufficient administrative support to achieve the program s mission. The program s relative position in the organizational structure helps facilitate appropriate resources and assures focus on the program. To operate effectively, the program must have sufficient institutional administrative support. Both organizational structure and administrative support enable the program to meet its mission and promote student learning. Describe the program s relationship to the organizational and administrative structures of the sponsoring institution and how this supports the program s mission. Provide institutional and program organizational charts. Review of organizational charts of institution and program Review of meeting minutes Review of published program materials Review of master plan of education 60

61 Interviews with faculty and institutional officials Interviews with clinical instructor(s) 2.2 Provides an adequate number of faculty to meet all educational, program, administrative, and accreditation requirements. An adequate number of faculty promotes sound educational practices. A full-time program director is required. Faculty teaching loads and release time must be consistent with those of comparable faculty in other health science (allied health) programs in the same institution. Additionally, a full-time equivalent clinical coordinator is required if the program has more than five (5) active clinical settings or more than thirty (30) students enrolled in the clinical component. The clinical coordinator position may be shared by no more than four (4) appointees. If a clinical coordinator is required, the program director may not be identified as the clinical coordinator. The clinical coordinator may not be identified as the program director. The program director and clinical coordinator may perform clinical instruction; however, they may not be identified as clinical instructors. A minimum of one clinical instructor must be designated at each recognized clinical setting. The same clinical instructor may be identified at more than one site as long as a ratio of one full-time equivalent clinical instructor for every ten (10) students is maintained. Provide, if available, institutional policies in relation to teaching loads and release time. Describe faculty teaching loads and release time in relation to a comparable health science (allied health) program within the institution. Describe the adequacy of the number of faculty and clinical staff to meet identified accreditation requirements and program needs. Review institutional policies in relation to teaching loads and release time Review of master plan of education Review of position descriptions Review of clinical settings Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with students 61

62 2.3 Provides faculty with opportunities for continued professional development. Continued professional development results in more knowledgeable, competent, and proficient faculty. Opportunities that enhance and advance educational, technical, and professional knowledge must be available to program faculty. Describe how continued professional development opportunities are made available to faculty. Review of institutional and program policies Review of program budget or other fiscal appropriations Review of evidence of faculty participation in professional development activities Interviews with administrative personnel Interviews with faculty 2.4 Provides clerical support services, as needed, to meet all educational, program, and administrative requirements. Clerical support services necessary to assist in meeting educational, program, and administrative requirements of the program must be provided as appropriate. Describe the availability and use of clerical support services. Review of program s staffing plan Interviews with administrative personnel Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 2.5 Assures JRCERT recognition of all clinical settings. JRCERT recognition helps assure an appropriate learning environment for student clinical education. All clinical settings must be recognized by the JRCERT. Recognition of a clinical setting must be obtained prior to student placement. A minimum of one (1) clinical instructor must be identified for each recognized clinical setting. An observation site is used for student observation of the operation of equipment and/or procedures. If the program uses observation sites, these sites do not require recognition by the JRCERT. These sites provide opportunities for observation of clinical procedures that may not be available at recognized clinical settings. Students may not assist in, or perform, any aspects of patient care during observational assignments. 62

63 Facilities where students are participating in service learning projects or community-based learning opportunities do not require recognition. Assure all clinical settings are recognized by the JRCERT. Describe how observation sites, if used, enhance student clinical education. Review of JRCERT database Review of clinical records Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructors Interviews with clinical staff Interviews with students 2.6 Provides classrooms, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices to facilitate the achievement of the program s mission. Learning environments are defined as places, surroundings, or circumstances where knowledge, understanding, or skills are studied or observed such as classrooms and laboratories. Learning environments must be consistent with those of comparable health science programs in the same institution. Provision of appropriate learning environments facilitates achievement of the program s mission. Although a dedicated classroom and/or laboratory are not required, scheduled accessibility to facilities conducive to student learning must be assured. Faculty office space should be conducive to planning and scholarly activities. Space should be made available for private student advisement. Describe how classrooms, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices facilitate the achievement of the program s mission. Tour of the classroom, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 2.7 Reviews and maintains program learning resources to assure the achievement of student learning. The review and maintenance of learning resources promotes student knowledge of current and developing imaging technologies. The program must provide learning resources to support and enhance the educational program. These resources must include: a print or electronic library with a variety of materials published within the last five years, computer access, and additional learning aids (e.g., educational software, classroom/laboratory accessory devices, etc.). The JRCERT does not endorse any specific learning resources. 63

64 Describe the available learning resources. Describe the procedure for review and maintenance of learning resources. Tour of learning facilities Review of learning resources Review of surveys Review of meeting minutes Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 2.8 Provides access to student services in support of student learning. The provision of appropriate student services promotes student achievement. At a minimum, the program must provide access to information for: personal counseling, requesting accommodations for disabilities as defined by applicable federal (Americans with Disabilities Act) and state laws, and financial aid. Additional student services may be provided at the discretion of the program. These services should be sufficient to assure student learning. All services provided must be made known to students and the general public. Describe the students access to student services. Provide published program materials that outline accessibility to student services. Review of published program materials Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 2.9 Has sufficient ongoing financial resources to support the program s mission. Adequate, ongoing funding is necessary to accomplish the program s mission and to support student learning. The sponsoring institution must demonstrate ongoing financial commitment to the program and its students by providing adequate human and physical resources. Describe the adequacy of financial resources. Provide copies of the program s budget and/or expenditure records. Review of program budget and/or other fiscal appropriations 64

65 Interviews with administrative personnel Interviews with faculty 2.10 For those institutions and programs for which the JRCERT serves as gatekeeper for Title IV financial aid, maintains compliance with United States Department of Education (USDE) policies and procedures. A gatekeeper is defined as an agency holding responsibility for oversight of the distribution, record keeping, and repayment of Title IV financial aid. The program must comply with USDE requirements to participate in Title IV financial aid. If the program has elected to participate in Title IV financial aid and the JRCERT is identified as the gatekeeper, the program must: maintain financial documents including audit and budget processes confirming appropriate allocation and use of financial resources, have a monitoring process for student loan default rates, have an appropriate accounting system providing documentation for management of Title IV financial aid and expenditures, and inform students of responsibility for timely repayment of Title IV financial aid. Provide evidence that Title IV financial aid is managed and distributed according to the USDE regulations to include: o recent student loan default data and o results of financial or compliance audits. Describe how the program informs students of their responsibility for timely repayment of financial aid. Review of records Interviews with administrative personnel Interviews with faculty Interviews with students Summary for Standard Two 1. List the major strengths of Standard Two, in order of importance. 2. List the major concerns of Standard Two, in order of importance. 3. Provide the program s plan for addressing each concern identified. 4. Describe any progress already achieved in addressing each concern. 5. Describe any constraints in implementing improvements. 65

66 Standard Three Curriculum and Academic Practices Standard Three: The program s curriculum and academic practices prepare students for professional practice. Objectives: In support of Standard Three, the program: 3.1 Has a program mission statement that defines its purpose and scope and is periodically reevaluated. 3.2 Provides a well-structured, competency-based curriculum that prepares students to practice in the professional discipline. 3.3 Provides learning opportunities in current and developing imaging and/or therapeutic technologies. 3.4 Assures an appropriate relationship between program length and the subject matter taught for the terminal award offered. 3.5 Measures the length of all didactic and clinical courses in clock hours or credit hours. 3.6 Maintains a master plan of education. 3.7 Provides timely and supportive academic, behavioral, and clinical advisement to students enrolled in the program. 3.8 Documents that the responsibilities of faculty and clinical staff are delineated and performed. 3.9 Evaluates program faculty and clinical instructor performance and shares evaluation results regularly to assure instructional responsibilities are performed. 3.1 Has a program mission statement that defines its purpose and scope and is periodically reevaluated. The program s mission statement should be consistent with that of its sponsoring institution. The program s mission statement should clearly define the purpose or intent toward which the program s efforts are directed. Periodic evaluation assures that the program s mission statement is effective. Provide a copy of the program s mission statement. Provide meeting minutes that document periodic reevaluation of the mission statement. Review of published program materials Review of meeting minutes Review of master plan of education Interviews with faculty 66

67 3.2 Provides a well-structured, competency-based curriculum that prepares students to practice in the professional discipline. The well-structured curriculum must be comprehensive, appropriately sequenced, include current information, and provide for evaluation of student achievement. A competency-based curriculum allows for effective student learning by providing a knowledge foundation prior to performance of procedures. Continual refinement of the competencies achieved is necessary so that students can demonstrate enhanced performance in a variety of situations and patient conditions. In essence, competency-based education is an ongoing process, not an end product. Programs must follow a JRCERT-adopted curriculum. An adopted curriculum is defined as: the latest American Society of Radiologic Technologists professional curriculum and/or another professional curriculum adopted by the JRCERT Board of Directors following review and recommendation by the JRCERT Standards Committee. Use of a standard curriculum promotes consistency in radiography education and prepares the student to practice in the professional discipline. At a minimum, the curriculum should promote qualities that are necessary for students/graduates to practice competently, make good decisions, assess situations, provide appropriate patient care, communicate effectively, and keep abreast of current advancements within the profession. Expansion of the curricular content beyond the minimum is at the discretion of the program. The program must submit the latest curriculum analysis grid (available at Describe how the program s curriculum is structured. Describe the program s competency-based system. Submit current curriculum analysis grid. Describe how the program's curriculum is delivered, including the method of delivery for distance education courses. Identify which courses, if any, are offered via distance education. Describe alternative learning options, if applicable (e.g., part-time, evening and/or weekend curricular track). Review of master plan of education Review of didactic and clinical curriculum sequence Review of analysis of graduate and employer surveys Interviews with faculty Interviews with students Observation of a portion of any course offered via distance delivery Review of part-time, evening and/or weekend curricular track, if applicable 3.3 Provides learning opportunities in current and developing imaging and/or therapeutic technologies. 67

68 The program must provide learning opportunities in current and developing imaging and/or therapeutic technologies. It is the program s prerogative to decide which technologies should be included in the didactic and/or clinical curriculum. Programs are not required to offer clinical rotations in developing imaging and/or therapeutic technologies; however, these clinical rotations are strongly encouraged to enhance student learning. Describe how the program provides opportunities in developing technologies in the didactic and/or clinical curriculum. Review of master plan of education Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 3.4 Assures an appropriate relationship between program length and the subject matter taught for the terminal award offered. Program length must be consistent with the terminal award. The JRCERT defines program length as the duration of the program, which may be stated as total academic or calendar year(s), total semesters, trimesters, or quarters. Describe the relationship between the program length and the terminal award offered. Review of course catalog Review of published program materials Review of class schedules Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 3.5 Measures the length of all didactic and clinical courses in clock hours or credit hours. Defining the length of didactic and clinical courses facilitates student transfer of credit and the awarding of financial aid. The formula for calculating assigned clock/credit hours must be consistently applied for all didactic and all clinical courses, respectively. Describe the method used to award credit hours for lecture, laboratory and clinical courses. Provide a copy of the program s policies and procedures for determining credit hours and an example of how such policy has been applied to the program s coursework. Provide a list of all didactic and clinical courses with corresponding clock or credit hours. 68

69 Review of published program materials Review of class schedules Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 3.6 Maintains a master plan of education. A master plan provides an overview of the program and allows for continuity among, and documentation of, all aspects of the program. In the event of new faculty and/or leadership to the program, the master plan provides the information needed to understand the program and its operations. The plan should be evaluated annually, updated, and must include the following: course syllabi (didactic and clinical courses) and program policies and procedures. While there is no prescribed format for the master plan, the component parts should be identified and readily available. If the components are not housed together, the program must list the location of each component. If the program chooses to use an electronic format, the components must be accessible by all program faculty. Identify the location of the component parts of the master plan of education. Provide a Table of Contents for the program s master plan. Review of master plan of education Interview with program director Interviews with faculty 3.7 Provides timely and supportive academic, behavioral, and clinical advisement to students enrolled in the program. Appropriate advisement promotes student achievement. Student advisement should be formative, summative, and must be shared with students in a timely manner. Programs are encouraged to develop written advisement procedures. Describe procedures for advisement. Provide sample records of student advisement. Review of students records Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with students 69

70 3.8 Documents that the responsibilities of faculty and clinical staff are delineated and performed. Full-time Program Director: Assures effective program operations, Oversees ongoing program assessment, Participates in budget planning, Maintains current knowledge of the professional discipline and educational methodologies through continuing professional development, and Assumes the leadership role in the continued development of the program. Full-time Clinical Coordinator: Correlates clinical education with didactic education, Evaluates students, Participates in didactic and/or clinical instruction, Supports the program director to help assure effective program operation, Coordinates clinical education and evaluates its effectiveness, Participates in the assessment process, Cooperates with the program director in periodic review and revision of clinical course materials, Maintains current knowledge of the discipline and educational methodologies through continuing professional development, and Maintains current knowledge of program policies, procedures, and student progress. Full-time Didactic Program Faculty: Prepares and maintains course outlines and objectives, instructs and evaluates students, and reports progress, Participates in the assessment process, Supports the program director to help assure effective program operation, Cooperates with the program director in periodic review and revision of course materials, and Maintains appropriate expertise and competence through continuing professional development. Part-time Didactic Program Faculty: 70

71 Prepares and maintains course outlines and objectives, instructs and evaluates students, and reports progress, Participates in the assessment process, when appropriate, Cooperates with the program director in periodic review and revision of course materials, and Maintains appropriate expertise and competence through continuing professional development. Clinical Instructor(s): Is knowledgeable of program goals, Understands the clinical objectives and clinical evaluation system, Understands the sequencing of didactic instruction and clinical education, Provides students with clinical instruction and supervision, Evaluates students clinical competence, Maintains competency in the professional discipline and instructional and evaluative techniques through continuing professional development, and Maintains current knowledge of program policies, procedures, and student progress. Clinical Staff: Understand the clinical competency system, Understand requirements for student supervision, Support the educational process, and Maintain current knowledge of program policies, procedures, and student progress. The clear delineation of responsibilities facilitates accountability. Faculty and clinical staff responsibilities must be clearly delineated and must support the program s mission. Full- and part-time status is determined by, and consistent with, the sponsoring institution s definition. At all times when students are enrolled in didactic and/or clinical components, the program director and/or clinical coordinator must assure that their program responsibilities are fulfilled. Provide documentation that faculty and clinical staff positions are clearly delineated. Review of position descriptions Review of handbooks Interviews with faculty and clinical staff to assure responsibilities are being performed 71

72 Interviews with students 3.9 Evaluates program faculty and clinical instructor performance and shares evaluation results regularly to assure instructional responsibilities are performed. The performance of program faculty and clinical instructor(s) must be evaluated minimally once per year. Evaluation assures that instructional responsibilities are performed and provides administration and faculty with information to evaluate performance. Evaluation promotes proper educational methodology and increases program effectiveness. Evaluation results must be shared minimally once per year with the respective program faculty and clinical instructor(s) being evaluated to assure continued professional development. Any evaluation results that identify concerns must be discussed with the respective individual(s) as soon as possible. Describe the evaluation process. Describe how evaluation results are shared with program faculty and clinical instructor(s). Provide samples of evaluations of program faculty. Provide samples of evaluations of clinical instructor(s). Review of program evaluation materials Review of clinical instructor evaluation Interviews with administrative personnel Interviews with program faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with students Summary for Standard Three 1. List the major strengths of Standard Three, in order of importance. 2. List the major concerns of Standard Three, in order of importance. 3. Provide the program s plan for addressing each concern identified. 4. Describe any progress already achieved in addressing each concern. 5. Describe any constraints in implementing improvements. 72

73 Standard Four Health and Safety Standard Four: The program s policies and procedures promote the health, safety, and optimal use of radiation for students, patients, and the general public. Objectives: In support of Standard Four, the program: 4.1 Assures the radiation safety of students through the implementation of published policies and procedures that are in compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and state laws as applicable. 4.2 Has a published pregnancy policy that is consistent with applicable federal regulations and state laws, made known to accepted and enrolled female students, and contains the following elements: Written notice of voluntary declaration, Option for student continuance in the program without modification, and Option for written withdrawal of declaration. 4.3 Assures that students employ proper radiation safety practices. 4.4 Assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the direct supervision of a qualified radiographer until a student achieves competency. 4.5 Assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the indirect supervision of a qualified radiographer after a student achieves competency. 4.6 Assures that students are directly supervised by a qualified radiographer when repeating unsatisfactory images. 4.7 Assures sponsoring institution s policies safeguard the health and safety of students. 4.8 Assures that students are oriented to clinical setting policies and procedures in regard to health and safety. 73

74 4.1 Assures the radiation safety of students through the implementation of published policies and procedures that are in compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and state laws as applicable. Appropriate policies and procedures help assure that student radiation exposure is kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). The program must maintain and monitor student radiation exposure data. This information must be made available to students within thirty (30) school days following receipt of data. The program must have a published protocol that identifies a threshold dose for incidents in which dose limits are exceeded. Programs are encouraged to identify a threshold dose below those identified in NRC regulations. Describe how the policies are made known to enrolled students. Describe how radiation exposure data is made available to students. Provide copies of appropriate policies. Review of published program materials Review of student records Review of student dosimetry reports Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 4.2 Has a published pregnancy policy that is consistent with applicable federal regulations and state laws, made known to accepted and enrolled female students, and contains the following elements: Written notice of voluntary declaration, Option for student continuance in the program without modification, and Option for written withdrawal of declaration. Appropriate radiation safety practices help assure that radiation exposure to the student and fetus are kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). The policy must include appropriate information regarding radiation safety for the student and fetus. The program must allow for student continuance in the clinical component of the program without modification. The program may offer clinical component options such as: (1) clinical reassignments and/or (2) leave of absence. Describe how the pregnancy policy is made known to accepted and enrolled female students. Provide a copy of the program s pregnancy policy. Review of published program materials Review of student records Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with students 4.3 Assures that students employ proper radiation safety practices. 74

75 The program must assure that students are instructed in the utilization of imaging equipment, accessories, optimal exposure factors, and proper patient positioning to minimize radiation exposure to patients, selves, and others. These practices assure radiation exposures are kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Students must understand basic radiation safety practices prior to assignment to clinical settings. Students must not hold image receptors during any radiographic procedure. Students should not hold patients during any radiographic procedure when an immobilization method is the appropriate standard of care. As students progress in the program, they must become increasingly proficient in the application of radiation safety practices. The program must also assure radiation safety in energized laboratories. Students utilization of energized laboratories must be under the supervision of a qualified radiographer who is readily available. If a qualified radiographer is not readily available to provide supervision, the radiation exposure mechanism must be disabled. Programs are encouraged to develop policies regarding safe and appropriate use of energized laboratories by students. Describe how the curriculum sequence and content prepares students for safe radiation practices. Provide the curriculum sequence. Provide policies/procedures regarding radiation safety. Review of program curriculum Review of radiation safety policies/procedures Review of student handbook Review of student records Review of student dosimetry reports Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with clinical staff Interviews with students 4.4 Assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the direct supervision of a qualified radiographer until a student achieves competency. Direct supervision assures patient safety and proper educational practices. The JRCERT defines direct supervision as student supervision by a qualified radiographer who: reviews the procedure in relation to the student s achievement, evaluates the condition of the patient in relation to the student s knowledge, is physically present during the conduct of the procedure, and reviews and approves the procedure and/or image. Students must be directly supervised until competency is achieved. Describe how the direct supervision requirement is enforced and monitored in the clinical setting. Provide documentation that the program s direct supervision requirement is made known to students, clinical instructors, and clinical staff. Review of published program materials 75

76 Review of student records Review of meeting minutes Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with clinical staff Interviews with students 4.5 Assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the indirect supervision of a qualified radiographer after a student achieves competency. Indirect supervision promotes patient safety and proper educational practices. The JRCERT defines indirect supervision as that supervision provided by a qualified radiographer immediately available to assist students regardless of the level of student achievement. Immediately available is interpreted as the physical presence of a qualified radiographer adjacent to the room or location where a radiographic procedure is being performed. This availability applies to all areas where ionizing radiation equipment is in use on patients. Describe how the indirect supervision requirement is enforced and monitored in the clinical setting. Provide documentation that the program s indirect supervision requirement is made known to students, clinical instructors, and clinical staff. Review of published program materials Review of student records Review of meeting minutes Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with clinical staff Interviews with students 4.6 Assures that students are directly supervised by a qualified radiographer when repeating unsatisfactory images. The presence of a qualified radiographer during the repeat of an unsatisfactory image assures patient safety and proper educational practices. A qualified radiographer must be physically present during the conduct of a repeat image and must approve the student s procedure prior to re-exposure. Describe how the direct supervision requirement for repeat images is enforced and monitored in the clinical setting. Provide documentation that the program s direct supervision requirement for repeat images is made known to students, clinical instructors, and clinical staff. 76

77 Review of published program materials Review of student records Review of meeting minutes Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with clinical staff Interviews with students 4.7 Assures sponsoring institution s policies safeguard the health and safety of students. Appropriate sponsoring institutional policies and procedures assure that students are protected. These policies must, at a minimum, address emergency preparedness, harassment, communicable diseases, and substance abuse. Policies and procedures must meet federal and/or state requirements as applicable. Enrolled students must be informed of policies and procedures. Provide program policies that safeguard the health and safety of students. Review of published program materials Review of student records Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 4.8 Assures that students are oriented to clinical setting policies and procedures in regard to health and safety. Appropriate orientation assures that students are cognizant of clinical policies and procedures. The policies and procedures must, at a minimum, address the following: hazards (fire, electrical, chemical), emergency preparedness, medical emergencies, HIPAA, and Standard Precautions. Describe the process for orienting students to clinical settings. Provide documentation that students are apprised of policies and procedures specific to each clinical setting. Review of orientation process Review of student records Interviews with faculty Interviews with clinical instructor(s) Interviews with students 77

78 Summary for Standard Four 1. List the major strengths of Standard Four, in order of importance. 2. List the major concerns of Standard Four, in order of importance. 3. Provide the program s plan for addressing each concern identified. 4. Describe any progress already achieved in addressing each concern. 5. Describe any constraints in implementing improvements. Standard Five Assessment Standard Five: The program develops and implements a system of planning and evaluation of student learning and program effectiveness outcomes in support of its mission. Objectives: In support of Standard Five, the program: Student Learning 5.1 Develops an assessment plan that, at a minimum, measures the program s student learning outcomes in relation to the following goals: clinical competence, critical thinking, professionalism, and communication skills. Program Effectiveness 5.2 Documents the following program effectiveness data: Five-year average credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 75 percent at first attempt within six months of graduation, Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within twelve months of graduation, Program completion rate, Graduate satisfaction, and Employer satisfaction. 5.3 Makes available to the general public program effectiveness data (credentialing examination pass rate, job placement rate, and program completion rate) on an annual basis. Analysis and Actions 5.4 Analyzes and shares student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to foster continuous program improvement. 5.5 Periodically evaluates its assessment plan to assure continuous program improvement. 78

79 5.1 Develops an assessment plan that, at a minimum, measures the program s student learning outcomes in relation to the following goals: clinical competence, critical thinking, professionalism, and communication skills. Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of information to improve student learning and educational quality. An assessment plan helps assure continuous improvement and accountability. Minimally, the plan must include a separate goal in relation to each of the following: clinical competence, critical thinking, professionalism, and communication skills. The plan must include student learning outcomes, measurement tools, benchmarks, and identify timeframes and parties responsible for data collection. For additional information regarding assessment, please refer to Provide a copy of the program s current assessment plan. Review of assessment plan Review of assessment tools Interviews with faculty 5.2 Documents the following program effectiveness data: Five-year average credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 75 percent at first attempt within six months of graduation, Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within twelve months of graduation, Program completion rate, Graduate satisfaction, and Employer satisfaction. Credentialing examination, job placement, and program completion data must be reported annually to the JRCERT. Graduate and employer satisfaction data must be collected as part of the program s assessment process. Credentialing examination pass rate is defined as the number of student graduates who pass, on first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination or an unrestricted state licensing examination compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. Job placement rate is defined as the number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences. The JRCERT has defined not actively seeking employment as: 1) graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts, 2) graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation, 3) graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours, 4) graduate is on active military duty, and/or 5) graduate is continuing education. Program completion rate is defined as the number of students who complete the program within 150% of the stated program length. The program must establish a benchmark for its program completion rate. The program specifies the entry point (e.g., required orientation date, final drop/add date, final date to drop with 100% tuition refund, official class roster date, etc.) used in calculating program s completion rate. 79

80 Graduate and employer satisfaction may be measured through a variety of methods. The methods and timeframes for collection of the graduate and employer satisfaction data are the prerogative of the program. Provide actual outcome data in relation to program effectiveness. Review of program effectiveness data Interviews with faculty 5.3 Makes available to the general public program effectiveness data (credentialing examination pass rate, job placement rate, and program completion rate) on an annual basis. Program accountability is enhanced by making its effectiveness data available to the program s communities of interest and the general public. In efforts to increase accountability and transparency, the program must publish, at a minimum, its five -year average credentialing examination pass rate, five-year average job placement rate, and program completion rate data on its Web site to allow the public access to this data. The program effectiveness data should clearly identify the sample size associated with each associated measure (i.e., number of first time test takers, number of graduates actively seeking employment, number of graduates). Additionally, the JRCERT will post five-year average credentialing examination pass rate, five-year average job placement rate, and program completion rate data at The program must publish the JRCERT URL ( to allow the public access to this data. Provide copies of publications that contain the program s program effectiveness data (credentialing examination pass rate, job placement rate, and program completion rate). Provide samples of publications that document the availability of program effectiveness data via the JRCERT URL address from the institution s/program s Web site. Review of program publications Review of institutional and/or program Web site Interviews with faculty Interviews with students 5.4 Analyzes and shares student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to foster continuous program improvement. Analysis of student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data allows the program to identify strengths and areas for improvement to bring about systematic program improvement. This analysis also provides a means of accountability to communities of interest. It is the program s prerogative to determine its communities of interest. 80

81 The analysis must be reviewed with the program s communities of interest. One method to accomplish this would be the development of an assessment committee. The composition of the assessment committee may be the program s advisory committee or a separate committee that focuses on the assessment process. The committee should be used to provide feedback on student achievement and assist the program with strategies for improving its effectiveness. This review should occur at least annually and must be formally documented. For additional information regarding assessment, please refer to Describe how the program analyzes student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to identify areas for program improvement. Describe how the program shares its student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data with its communities of interest. Describe examples of changes that have resulted from the analysis of student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data and discuss how these changes have led to program improvement. Provide a copy of the program s actual student learning outcome data since the last accreditation award. This data may be documented on previous assessment plans or on a separate document. Provide documentation that student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data has been shared with communities of interest. Review of student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to support the assessment plan Review of representative samples of measurement tools used for data collection Review of aggregate data Review of meeting minutes related to the assessment process Interviews with faculty 5.5 Periodically evaluates its assessment plan to assure continuous program improvement. Identifying and implementing needed improvements in the assessment plan leads to programmatic improvement and renewal. As part of the assessment cycle, the program should review its assessment plan to assure that assessment measures are adequate and that the assessment process is effective in measuring student learning outcomes. At a minimum, this evaluation must occur at least every two years and be documented in meeting minutes. For additional information regarding assessment, please refer to Describe how this evaluation has occurred. Provide documentation that the plan is evaluated at least once every two years. Review of meeting minutes related to the assessment process Review of assessment committee meeting minutes, if applicable Interviews with faculty 81

82 Summary for Standard Five 1. List the major strengths of Standard Five, in order of importance. 2. List the major concerns of Standard Five, in order of importance. 3. Provide the program s plan for addressing each concern identified. 4. Describe any progress already achieved in addressing each concern. 5. Describe any constraints in implementing improvements. Standard Six Institutional/Programmatic Data Standard Six: The program complies with JRCERT policies, procedures, and STANDARDS to achieve and maintain specialized accreditation. Objectives: In support of Standard Six, the program: Sponsoring Institution 6.1 Documents the continuing institutional accreditation of the sponsoring institution. 6.2 Documents that the program s energized laboratories are in compliance with applicable state and/or federal radiation safety laws. Personnel 6.3 Documents that all faculty and staff possess academic and professional qualifications appropriate for their assignments. Clinical Settings 6.4 Establishes and maintains affiliation agreements with clinical settings. 6.5 Documents that clinical settings are in compliance with applicable state and/or federal radiation safety laws. Program Sponsorship, Substantive Changes, and Notification of Program Officials 6.6 Complies with requirements to achieve and maintain JRCERT accreditation. 6.1 Documents the continuing institutional accreditation of the sponsoring institution. 82

83 The goal of accreditation is to ensure that the education provided by institutions meets acceptable levels of quality. The sponsoring institution must be accredited by: an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and/or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), The Joint Commission (TJC), or equivalent standards. Provide documentation of current institutional accreditation for the sponsoring institution. This may be a copy of the award letter, certificate, or printout of the institutional accreditor s Web page. 6.2 Documents that the program s energized laboratories are in compliance with applicable state and/or federal radiation safety laws. Compliance with applicable laws promotes a safe environment for students and others. Records of compliance must be maintained for the program s energized laboratories. Provide certificates and/or letters for each energized laboratory documenting compliance with state and/or federal radiation safety laws. 6.3 Documents that all faculty and staff possess academic and professional qualifications appropriate for their assignments. Full-time Program Director: Holds, at a minimum, a master s degree, Is proficient in curriculum design, program administration, evaluation, instruction, and academic advising, Documents three years clinical experience in the professional discipline, Documents two years of experience as an instructor in a JRCERT-accredited program, and Holds American Registry of Radiologic Technologists current registration in radiography or equivalent (i.e., unrestricted state license for the state in which the program is located). Full-time Clinical Coordinator: Holds, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree, Is proficient in curriculum development, supervision, instruction, evaluation, and academic advising, Documents two years clinical experience in the professional discipline, Documents a minimum of one year of experience as an instructor in a JRCERT-accredited program, and 83

84 Holds American Registry of Radiologic Technologists current registration in radiography or equivalent (i.e., unrestricted state license for the state in which the program is located). Full-time Didactic Program Faculty: Holds, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree, Is qualified to teach the subject, Is knowledgeable of course development, instruction, evaluation, and academic advising, Documents two years clinical experience in the professional discipline, and Holds American Registry of Radiologic Technologists current registration in radiography or equivalent (i.e., unrestricted state license for the state in which the program is located). Part-time Didactic Program Faculty Holds academic and/or professional credentials appropriate to the subject content area taught and Is knowledgeable of course development, instruction, evaluation, and academic advising. Clinical Instructor(s): Is proficient in supervision, instruction, and evaluation, Documents two years clinical experience in the professional discipline, and Holds American Registry of Radiologic Technologists current registration in radiography or equivalent (i.e., unrestricted state license for the state in which the clinical setting is located). Clinical Staff: Holds American Registry of Radiologic Technologists current registration in radiography or equivalent (i.e., unrestricted state license for the state in which the clinical setting is located). Appropriate knowledge, proficiency, and certification (if appropriate) provide a foundation that promotes a sound educational environment. Faculty and staff must possess academic and professional qualification(s) appropriate for their assignment. Clinical instructors and clinical staff supervising students performance in the clinical component of the program must document ARRT registration (or equivalent) or other appropriate credentials. Appropriate credentials, other than ARRT registration (or equivalent), may be used for qualified health care practitioners supervising students in specialty areas (e.g., registered nurse supervising students performing patient care skills, phlebotomist supervising students performing venipuncture, etc.). 84

85 For all program officials not previously identified on the program s database, submit a request for recognition of program officials including a current curriculum vitae and documentation of current registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists* or equivalent. For all currently recognized program officials [program director, educational coordinator (if applicable), full-time didactic faculty, and all clinical preceptors], submit a current registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists* or equivalent. *These may be copies of current registration cards or ARRT Identification page available at Establishes and maintains affiliation agreements with clinical settings. Formalizing relations between the program and the clinical setting helps assure the quality of clinical education by delineating appropriate responsibilities of the program and the clinical setting. An appropriate termination clause assures that students will have an opportunity to complete the clinical education component. The JRCERT defines an affiliation agreement as a formal written understanding between an institution sponsoring the program and an independent clinical setting. An affiliation agreement must identify the responsibilities of all parties and, specifically, must address student supervision, student liability, and provide adequate notice of termination of the agreement. An affiliation agreement is not needed for clinical settings owned by the sponsoring institution; however, a memorandum of understanding between the clinical setting and the sponsoring institution is recommended. At a minimum, the memorandum should address responsibilities of both parties and student supervision. Provide copies of current, signed affiliation agreements with each clinical setting. 6.5 Documents that clinical settings are in compliance with applicable state and/or federal radiation safety laws. Compliance with applicable laws promotes a safe environment for students and others. Records of compliance must be maintained for each clinical setting. Clinical settings may be recognized by The Joint Commission (TJC), DNV Healthcare, Inc., Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), or an equivalent agency, or may hold a state-issued license. Provide letters, certificates, or printouts of Web pages demonstrating the current recognition status of each clinical setting. 6.6 Complies with requirements to achieve and maintain JRCERT accreditation. Programs must comply with JRCERT policies and procedures to maintain accreditation. JRCERT accreditation requires that the sponsoring institution has primary responsibility for the educational program and grants the terminal award. 85

86 Sponsoring institutions may include educational programs established in vocational/technical schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, or military facilities. The JRCERT also recognizes a consortium as an appropriate sponsor of an educational program. A consortium is two or more academic or clinical institutions that have formally agreed to sponsor the development and continuation of an educational program. The consortium must be structured to recognize and perform the responsibilities and functions of a sponsoring institution. The JRCERT does not recognize branch campuses. The JRCERT requires that each program location have a separate accreditation award. Additionally, the JRCERT will not recognize a healthcare system as the program sponsor. A healthcare system consists of multiple institutions operating under a common governing body or parent corporation. A specific facility within the healthcare system must be identified as the sponsor. The JRCERT requires programs to maintain a current and accurate database. Updates should be reflected within thirty (30) days of effective change date. Additionally, the JRCERT requires notification of substantive changes within thirty (30) days of implementation. Report any database changes. Report any substantive change not previously submitted. Summary for Standard Six 1. List the major strengths of Standard Six, in order of importance. 2. List the major concerns of Standard Six, in order of importance. 3. Provide the program s plan for addressing each concern identified. 4. Describe any progress already achieved in addressing each concern. 5. Describe any constraints in implementing improvements. Awarding, Maintaining, and Administering Accreditation A. Program/Sponsoring Institution Responsibilities 1. Applying for Accreditation The accreditation review process conducted by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) can be initiated only at the written request of the chief executive officer or an officially designated representative of the sponsoring institution. This process is initiated by submitting an application and self-study report, prepared according to JRCERT guidelines, to: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL

87 2. Administrative Requirements for Maintaining Accreditation a. Submitting the self-study report or a required progress report within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the JRCERT. b. Agreeing to a reasonable site visit date before the end of the period for which accreditation was awarded. c. Informing the JRCERT, within a reasonable period of time, of changes in the institutional or program officials, program director, clinical coordinator, full-time didactic faculty, and clinical instructor(s). d. Paying JRCERT fees within a reasonable period of time. e. Returning, by the established deadline, a completed Annual Report. f. Returning, by the established deadline, any other information requested by the JRCERT. Programs are required to comply with these and other administrative requirements for maintaining accreditation. Additional information on policies and procedures is available at Program failure to meet administrative requirements for maintaining accreditation will lead to being placed on Administrative Probationary Accreditation and result in Withdrawal of Accreditation. B. JRCERT Responsibilities 1. Administering the Accreditation Review Process The JRCERT reviews educational programs to assess compliance with the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography. The accreditation process includes a site visit. Before the JRCERT takes accreditation action, the program being reviewed must respond to the report of findings. The JRCERT is responsible for recognition of clinical settings. 2. Accreditation Actions JRCERT accreditation actions for Probation may be reconsidered following the established procedure. JRCERT accreditation actions for Accreditation Withheld or Accreditation Withdrawn may be appealed following the established procedure. Procedures for appeal are available at All other JRCERT accreditation actions are final. A program or sponsoring institution may, at any time prior to the final accreditation action, withdraw its request for initial or continuing accreditation. 87

88 Educators may wish to contact the following organizations for additional information and materials: accreditation: curriculum: certification: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL (312) American Society of Radiologic Technologists Central Avenue, S.E. Albuquerque, NM (505) American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 1255 Northland Drive St. Paul, MN (651) Copyright 2014 by the JRCERT Subject to the condition that proper attribution is given and this copyright notice is included on such copies, JRCERT authorizes individuals to make up to one hundred (100) copies of this work for non-commercial, educational purposes. For permission to reproduce additional copies of this work, please write to: JRCERT 20 North Wacker Drive Suite 2850 Chicago, IL (312) (312) (fax) ( ) 88