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Dixie State University
Medical Radiography
5 Year Program Review
External Reviewer:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
www.jrcert.org
Site Visitors – 2010:
Timothy Skaife, MA, RT(R)
Mary Carrillo, M.B.A., RT(R)(M), CDT
Accreditation History: First Award - April 7, 2007 – 3 years
Continued - June 1, 2010 – 8 years
Interim
- February 2, 2014
Next
- February 1, 2018
Medical Radiography Mission Statement:
The Medical Radiography Program is committed to providing an excellent and comprehensive
educational experience that prepares the student to enter the field of radiography with the knowledge and
skills to be a successful member of the healthcare team.
Philosophy:
It is the program’s philosophy that to develop professional, competent and compassionate medical
radiographers requires a quality education founded on a well-rounded curriculum which includes
technical skills, critical thinking, and ethical and responsible behavior.
Core Themes: See PAR – Form A
History: What were the main recommendations and action plans from the previous academic
program review?
Specific recommendations from the Medical Radiography Three-Year Review included:
1. The administration needs to secure a competitive compensation package for its health science
faculty.
2. Work to resolve the problem of clinical sites; develop the relationship with Valley View Medical
Center so sites can be found in Cedar City.
Valley View Medical Center was obtained as a clinical site with the first student being assigned
Fall 2012. They currently accept 1 DSU student and 2 Weber State students.
3. Consider using adjunct faculty.
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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This recommendation was made in conjunction with lowering the cost per FTE. To meet
accreditation standards both the program director and clinical coordinator must be full-time.
Currently, the program does not have a need to use adjunct faculty.
What are the most noteworthy accomplishments and/or changes implemented by the department
and administration since the last academic program review?
The program underwent a major curriculum overhaul which was started in the Fall of 2010. Six semesters
were condensed into five semesters. The second summer semester, which was a clinical course, was
eliminated. In the process, some courses were combined and others lengthened. Clinical hours were
reduced by approximately 200 hours. Students will now graduate in the spring semester and may continue
their education, if they so desire, without a year interruption.
During the curriculum change, some courses were elevated to upper division courses. This was done in
preparation for a possible baccalaureate degree in the future and also to help graduates transfer courses to
other institutions. In particular, the RADT 2150 course, Radiobiology & Protection, was not being
accepted by Weber State because it was only a two credit hour course. It is now an upper division course,
RADT 3150 and is three credit hours.
The first cohort to complete the five semester program will be graduating May 2013. As of now, there
have not been any adverse effects noticed from the changes that were made.
Goals:
The goal of the Medical Radiography Program is to prepare students for employment in the field of
radiography. The specific goals of the program are:
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Students will develop competence in clinical performance.
Students will acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Students will determine the importance of professional and ethical conduct.
Students will develop effective communication skills.
The program will provide the community with a skilled entry-level radiologic technology
graduate.
Specific learning outcomes on which the program’s assessment plan is based are:
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Students will demonstrate correct positioning for radiographic procedures.
Students will practice radiation protection.
Students will be able to modify standard procedures.
Students will critique radiographic images.
Students will practice patient confidentiality.
Students will perform procedures with compassion to all.
Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
3
The curriculum for the Medical Radiography Program follows the established curriculum guidelines set
up by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). College credit-bearing courses that
must be met include:
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Mathematical/logical reasoning (required)
Written/oral communications (required)
Arts and humanities
Information systems
Social/behavioral sciences
Natural sciences
General education courses are designed to assist in developing skills in both oral and written
communication, human diversity, scientific inquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving that are
required in entry-level radiographers. The knowledge gained from these courses enhances content learned
in the radiography program as well as aid in application. The student also experiences personal
enrichment outside of the technical curriculum.
The Medical Radiography program is accredited through the Joint Review Committee on
Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT Standards mandate that assessment
include clinical competence, critical thinking, professionalism and communication skills – both
written and oral. Program effectiveness must also be assessed which must include the five year
average credentialing exam pass rate not less than 85%, the 5 year average job placement not
less than 75% within 6 months of graduation, the annual completion rate and both graduate and
employer satisfaction.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) administers the certification exam
for radiography and requires documentation of clinical competency in 36 mandatory radiologic
procedures and six general patient care activities. These six are CPR, venipuncture, vital signs,
sterile and aseptic technique, patient transfer and care of medical equipment such as IVs and
oxygen. Competencies are performed during the students’ clinical rotations at the various
hospitals, clinics and physician offices.
Curriculum:
The Medical Radiography program is a two-year, full-time program which includes didactic and
clinical experience at cooperating hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices. It consists of five
semesters of academic studies with coordinated practice in area imaging departments and is part
of the School of Health Sciences located in the Russell Taylor Health Science Center. The
program is competency based and follows the American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Curriculum Guide. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical
Radiography and are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
certification. The Medical Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on
Education in Radiologic Technology.
Course Descriptions:
RADT 1010 – Intro to Radiography (2) - Open to all students interested in medical radiography. Explores
the field of radiography and its role in health care delivery. Covers fundamental concepts including
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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medical terminology, radiation protection, ethics, career opportunities, professional development, and
hospital operations.
RADT 1020 (5) – Radiographic Procedures I – First semester course. Instruction in how to perform
radiographic procedures and identifying anatomy of the upper/lower extremities, chest, abdomen, bony
thorax and pelvis with emphasis on radiation protection, surface landmarks and pathology. Image analysis
is introduced. Course fee required.
RADT 1030 (3) – Radiographic Imaging I - First semester course. Analysis of factors affecting image
quality and application of radiographic principles using imaging devices such as image receptors, grids
and beam limiting devices, processing procedures, as well as introduction of basic digital imaging
concepts.
RADT 1040 – Clinical Education I (4) - First Semester Course. Students will apply theories and develop
skills in a supervised setting through observation, assisting, and performing basic radiographic procedures
on upper/lower extremities, chest, abdomen, pelvis and bony thorax. 180 clinical hours.
RADT 1050 – Patient Care (2) - First semester course. Introduces the role of the radiographer as a
health care provider. Topics include patient communication and education, patient transfer, vital signs,
infection control, oxygen, suction, age-specific needs and cultural diversity.
RADT 1120 – Radiographic Procedures II (4) - Second Semester Course. Instruction in performing
radiographic procedures and identifying anatomy of the vertebral column, genitourinary, gastrointestinal
and biliary systems, skull and facial bones, as well as advanced mobile and surgical procedures,
composition and the use and effects of contrast media. Course fee required.
RADT 1140 – Clinical Education II (5) - Second Semester Course. Continuation of RADT 1040,
providing students with the opportunity to apply theories and further develop technical skills with
emphasis placed on vertebral column, biliary system, gastrointestinal and genitourinary procedures, skull
and facial bones. Patient management specific to fluoroscopic and advanced radiographic
procedures. 225 clinical hours.
RADT 1230 – Radiographic Imaging II (2) - Second semester course. Builds on theories and concepts
introduced in RADT 1030, emphasizing quality assurance and quality control, digital and computed
imaging components and processes and data and information management with PACS.
RADT 1240 – Clinical Education III (7) - Third semester course. Continuation of RADT 1140, providing
students with the opportunity to apply theories and further develop technical skills. Students will gain
experience in effective patient and time management specific to advanced radiographic procedures. 315
clinical hours. Course fee required.
RADT 1250 – Advanced Patient Care (2) - Second semester course. Instruction in advanced patient care
skills, including pharmacology and contrast administration for medical imaging, medical ethics and law,
and mobile and surgical radiography.
RADT 2030 – Radiographic Physics (3) - Fourth semester course. In depth analysis of electrical circuitry,
transformers, and rectifiers as they relate to x-ray production, as well as construction and function of the
x-ray tube, fluoroscopic systems, video systems, AEC, and digital imaging.
RADT 2040 – Clinical Education IV (7) - Fourth semester course. Continuation of RADT 1240 with
emphasis on mastering basic procedures and attaining experience in advanced procedures with further
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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awareness of radiation protection requirements. Students will rotate through advanced modality areas as
assigned by Clinical Coordinator. 315 clinical hours. Course fee required
RADT 3020 – Advanced Medical Imaging (3) - Fourth semester course. Introduces additional imaging
modalities and radiation therapy, including interventional radiography, sonography, CT, MRI,
mammography, nuclear medicine and basic sectional anatomy.
RADT 3150 – Radiobiology and Protection (3) - Fourth semester course. In depth analysis of ionizing
radiation and its effects on matter, including early and late effects of radiation, dose limits, radiation
monitoring, and limiting radiation exposure to patients and personnel.
RADT 3240 – Clinical Education V (7) - Fifth semester course. Continuation of RADT 2040 with
emphasis on developing an autonomous approach to the diversity of clinical situations
and successfully adapting to them. Extended advanced modality rotations may be arranged following
established guidelines and at the discretion of the Clinical Coordinator. 315 clinical hours.
RADT 3260 – Radiography Seminar (3) - Fifth semester course. Capstone course that offers review and
reflection on previous coursework, providing students with a meaningful approach to evaluate strengths
and weaknesses and to prepare for credentialing exams and employment.
Additional changes included RADT 1015 – Intro to Radiography being pulled from the regular
cohort rotation and opened up to any student interested in the program. RADT 1010 – Intro to
Radiography is now a 2 credit hour course that is a pre-requisite for the program. This allows
students the opportunity to decide if this is the career that they want to pursue. RADT 1015 was
previously a 4 credit hour course that combined patient care with the introduction to radiography.
RADT 1050 – Patient Care, a 2 credit hour course, is now in the first semester of the program.
RADT 1220 – Radiographic Procedures III, a 3 credit hour course offered the third semester,
was deleted with the content being divided between RADT 1020 – Radiographic Procedures I
and RADT 1120 – Radiographic Procedures II. Because additional content was added to both of
these courses, both were increased by one credit hour.
Several courses were elevated to upper division courses. This was done in preparation of a
possible future baccalaureate degree. The courses involved are all advanced courses and by the
time students enter their second year of the program, most are at the junior level. These courses
are RADT 3020 – Advanced Medical Imaging, RADT 3150 – Radiobiology & Protection,
RADT 3240 – Clinical Education V and RADT 3260 – Radiography Seminar, a capstone course.
In addition, RADT 3150 was increased from a 2 credit hour course to 3 credits.
The Medical Radiography Program requires 28 credit hours in general education pre-requisites
which includes BIOL 2320/2325 – Human Anatomy and lab, BIOL 2420/2425 – Human
Physiology and lab, ENGL 1010 – Intro to Writing, ENGL 2010 – Intermediate Writing, MATH
1050 – College Algebra, PSY 1010 – General Psychology and COMM 1020 – Public Speaking
or COMM 2110 – Interpersonal Communication.
Clinical externships make up approximately 1300 hours of the Medical Radiography Program
and allow students that opportunity to apply concepts learned in the classroom. Clinical sites
include medical centers, orthopedic offices and clinics.
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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The Medical Radiography Program must follow the professionally accepted curriculum
established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) which publishes
outlines with specific objectives for each major subject. Mandatory clinical competencies are set
by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Programs may add additional
competencies but must at the very least require those that are mandated.
Program faculty periodically meets to review and revise DSU’s curriculum to ensure that all
areas are sufficiently covered. In addition, the program director periodically forwards objectives
specific to general education courses to the appropriate faculty to ensure topics are being taught.
Feedback from communities of interest is obtained through the Medical Radiography Advisory
Committee which meets twice a year. Committee members provide feedback on student
achievement and assist the program with strategies for improving effectiveness.
Core courses are taught in a cohort and are offered once a year. RADT 1010 – Intro to
Radiography is a pre-requisite for the program and is currently offered spring and fall semester.
Students do not have any difficulty in meeting graduation requirements.
5-Year Program Review - Data Form: Current counts of faculty and staff and Financial Analysis
R411 Data Table
Department or Unit-Year
2008
Year
2009
Year
2010
Year
2011
Year
2012
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Faculty
Headcount
With Doctoral Degrees (Including MFA and other terminal
degrees, as specified by the institution)
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-Tenured
Part-time
With Master’s Degrees
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-Tenured
Part-time
With Bachelor’s Degrees
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-Tenured
Part-time
Other
Full-time Tenured
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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Full-time Non-Tenured
Part-time
Total Headcount Faculty
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-Tenured
Part-time
FTE (A-1/S-11/Cost Study Definition)
Full-time (Salaried)
Teaching Assistants
Part-time (May include TA’s)
Total Faculty FTE
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2.27
1.62
1.8
1.96
1.82
Number of Graduates
Certificates
Associate Degrees
Bachelor’s Degrees
Master’s Degrees
Doctoral Degrees
2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13
13
11
12
12
11
Number of Students—(Data Based on Fall Third Week)
Semester of Data: ____________, 20__
Total # of Declared Majors
Total Department FTE*
Total Department SCH*
*Per Department Designator Prefix
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12
12/13
19
18.93
2840
41
18.53
2780
52
19.20
2880
37
24.40
3660
47
27.87
4180
Student FTE per Total Faculty FTE
1:8.3
1:11.4
1:10.6
1:12.4
1:15.3
(Cost Study Definitions)
Direct Instructional Expenditures
Cost Per Student FTE
188,697 243,913 188,823 189,619 136,774
9968 13,163
9834
7771
4907
Cost
Funding
Appropriated Fund
Other:
Special Legislative Appropriation
Grants of Contracts
Special Fees/Differential Tuition
Total
126,676 149,055 114,616 111,042 81,535
10,965
2,942
62,021 83,892 71,265 78,577 55,239
188,697 243,912 188,823 189,619 136,774
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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Analysis of Program Effectiveness
Students:
The average class size in the Medical Radiography Program is 12. This restriction is due to the
limited number of clinical sites available. Of the 61 students accepted into the program over the
past five years, 60.6% have been female and 39.3% have been male. The average age is 26 years
old. The attrition rate up until the graduating class of 2013 has been 3.0%, losing only two
students – one for personal reasons and one for health reasons. All students have completed
within the six semesters.
Job placement has remained relatively strong with an average placement rate of 86% over the
past 5 years. Of the 60 program graduates, 28.3% have earned or are presently working on their
bachelor’s degree at Weber State University. Degrees are offered through the Department of
Radiologic Sciences with students specializing in diagnostic sonography, computed tomography
(CT), and radiation therapy. There have been a few graduates, 5%, who have attended certificate
programs at the University of Utah. These have been in nuclear medicine, computed tomography
(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
It is projected that enrollment will remain the same although competition for students has
increased as the number of new Allied Health programs has increased. Job opportunities should
continue to increase nationwide as the economy improves.
RADT
Enrollment
Student Credit
Hours
Full-time
Equivalent
Fall 2008 Fall 2009 Fall 2010 Fall 2011 Fall 2012
81
82
84
111
123
Graduates
RADT - AAS
Total
2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013
13
11
12
12
11
13
11
12
12
11
Majors
RADT - AA
RADT - AAS
RADT - AS
Total
Fall 2008 Fall 2009 Fall 2010 Fall 2011 Fall 2012
0
0
3
0
1
18
32
34
27
40
1
9
15
10
6
19
41
52
37
47
Degrees Awarded (AAS):
2008
12
284.00
278.00
288.00
366.00
418.00
18.93
18.53
19.20
24.40
27.87
2009
13
2010
11
2011
12
2012
12
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
9
Job Placement:
Class of 2007
92.0%
Class of 2008
84.6%
Class of 2009
92%
Class of 2010
70%
Class of 2011
91.6%
ARRT Pass Rate
2007
92%
2008
100%
2009
100%
2011
100%
2012
100%
Demo of Majors
Male
Female
Minority
White
Other
Full-Time
Part-Time
Freshman
Sophmore
Junior
Senior
Average Age
Average ACT
Comp
ACT Composite
Count
Fall of 2008
11
8
1
18
0
9
10
3
2
0
14
23.74
Fall of 2009
16
25
5
35
1
26
15
21
4
7
9
27.44
Fall of 2010
24
28
7
45
0
34
18
18
10
7
17
26.08
Fall of 2011
19
18
4
33
0
23
14
10
7
11
9
27.05
Fall 0f 2012
21
26
1
46
0
40
7
17
6
13
11
26.11
21.43
21.31
21.58
21.48
21.92
9
10
11
13
12
Faculty:
The Medical Radiography Program Director, Sherry Floerchinger, M.A., RT(R)(N)(QM), was
hired in July 2005 to develop Dixie State’s radiography program. Currently she is a tenured
Associate Professor and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University
and a Master of Arts, in Organizational Learning and Training Technology, from the University
of New Mexico. In addition, she is ARRT certified in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and
Quality Management. Her experience is vast with over 30 years in imaging and over 20 years in
imaging education. She has been a program director in a proprietary school, community college
and currently, a four-year university. Her membership in professional organizations includes the
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), Association of Educators in Imaging
and Radiologic Sciences (AEIRS), Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic
Technology (ACERT) and the Utah Society of Radiologic Technologists (USRT). The Program
Director has been a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
site visitor for ten years, performing approximately 2 to 3 site visits a year.
The Clinical Coordinator, Mary Klein, RT(R), BS, MHA, was hired in July 2008 and is nontenured faculty. She has over 35 years of experience in healthcare administration and 6.5 years of
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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experience in the educational arena. Her professional memberships include American Healthcare
Radiology Administrators (AHRA), Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic
Technology (ACERT) and American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Both faculty members are well-qualified to instruct in the Medical Radiography Program and
meet the qualifications specified by the program’s accreditation body, Joint Review Committee
on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
There is no part-time or adjunct faculty teaching in the Medical Radiography Program.
Teaching:
Currently, all courses except clinical are taught in the classroom or lab. Canvas is used to
supplement teaching materials, administer quizzes and some exams. There are no plans for online courses at this time although both instructors have attended the Online Faculty Training
classes.
Distance learning is not utilized at this time.
Both faculty members attend conferences and participate in continuing education. Since the
Clinical Coordinator, Mary Klein, was new to teaching when hired, she attended several
workshops and conferences specifically focused on student learning. These included Teaching
Techniques for the Radiography Clinical Instructor, a three day workshop; The Arizona Master
Teacher Seminar, a four-day seminar and attendance at the annual ACERT conference in 2010,
2012, and 2013.
Advising:
Students currently enrolled in the Medical Radiography Program are mentored and advised by
both faculty members. The Health Sciences Advisor, Joni Hale, advises all pre-radiography
students. This position is under the Academic Advisement Center. The advisor and program
faculty meet on a regular basis to ensure that correct information and guidance is being given to
students.
The Medical Radiography Program evaluates advising by using an exit survey given to students
in their last two weeks of the program. There are three questions – access to program advisor,
accurate information about degree requirements and course sequencing and academic advising
services overall. Over the past five years that this has been assessed, 93% of responses to all
three areas have been good to excellent.
Research/Collaborative Work
The majority of collaborative work has been in the form of guest-speaking from other programs
and departments. For example, a member of the nursing faculty lectures on catheters and tubes,
respiratory therapy faculty teach a lab on oxygen tanks and physical therapy assistant faculty
teach a lab on proper body mechanics and patient transfer. Members from the English
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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department have lectured on writing a technical paper and this semester one of the philosophy
professors guest-lectured on ethics.
In turn, Medical Radiography faculty has been guest speakers for the Respiratory Therapy
Program, Nursing Program, Intro to Health Professions and other courses.
There are no impediments to the collaborative efforts made among the faculty members.
Service:
The Program Director has developed a successful radiography program that is programmically
accredited through JRCERT.
Service by the Program Director includes the following:
University:
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Three-year term on Rank & Tenure Committee
Faculty Professional Development Committee
Academic Appeals Committee
Essay judge for 2012 Academic Decathlon
SUU Health Career Exploration Camp – Radiography Workshop
Various Search/Interview Committees including Physical Therapist Assistant Chair,
Clinical Science Laboratory Chair, EMS faculty
Other ad hoc committees as needed
Professional:
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Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) site visitor
Selected to attend the American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT) Leadership
Academy for Educators
Presenter and moderator at the Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic
Technology (ACERT) annual conference
Membership Committee of the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic
Sciences (AEIRS)
Reviewer for several textbooks including Radiation Protection in Medical Radiography
by Sherer, Visconti and Ritenour for Mosby/Elsevier.
Community:
 Alzheimer’s Association Walk – DSC Health Sciences team
 Stray Angels Animal Rescue
 St. George Ironman – DSC volunteer under Ed Rogers
 Hostess for CCS Guild Holiday Home Tour to benefit Scholarships for Arts at DSC
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
12
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Jubilee of Trees
P.A.W.S. – Providing animals with Support
Utah Hospice Specialists
The Clinical Coordinator’s service includes:
University:
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General Education Committee
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
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The Clinical Coordinator has been a hospice volunteer for Zion’s Way since 2009 and served as
a Board member for the Center for Spiritual Living from 2011- 2012.
Development and Recruitment:
There are no impediments to faculty productivity at this time. The Program Director would like
to expand the program by adding a baccalaureate degree completion program. Ideally, this would
include special imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). This would require, at minimum, the addition of a part-time faculty
member registered in the appropriate modality.
Staff:
The Medical Radiography Program shares a part-time secretary with three other Health Sciences
programs. Due to program expansion in Health Sciences, a full-time secretary is needed.
Technology and Informational Resources:
Technology:
Faculty has adequate resources to serve the radiography students. Recently, the Clinical
Coordinator has moved to a paperless system for all clinical paperwork. To better facilitate this,
both faculty members were allowed to purchase iPads for use in the classroom and clinic.
Currently, Canvas is used to supplement courses rather than as total on-line courses. It is hoped
that in the future certain courses will be hybrid with a portion of it taught on-line and part in the
classroom.
Library:
With the extensive databases within the library, resources are more than adequate for the
program. Databases available include Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost,
MEDLINE.EBSCOhost and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source. There are many
electronic books as well as books in print. Titles include Ionizing Radiation Detectors for
Medical Imaging, Radiographic Pathology for Technologists and Radiography in the Digital
Age. A complete list of library holdings is attached.
The program assesses library holdings informally through the Radiography Exit Survey that
students complete just prior to graduation. The 2011 survey indicated that 83.2% of students
rated access to databases and collections as good to excellent and 67% rated the variety of
resources as good to excellent.
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
14
Facilities:
The Medical Radiography Program is housed in the Russell Taylor Health Sciences building and
occupies approximately 4500 square feet of classroom, lab and darkroom space. The dedicated
classroom is equipped with a ceiling mounted projector, computer and DVD/VHS player. The
lab is comprised of three rooms, two of which contain GE Proteus XR/a units that are energized.
The third room houses a GE AMX-4 mobile unit. The central area contains a GE PACS and
Konica digitizer. This equipment closely resembles what is used at the various clinical sites that
students rotate through which helps with transfer of skills and knowledge.
Although lab equipment is more than adequate, the program would eventually like to acquire a
surgical C-arm and perhaps a CT console.
Assessment of Student Learning: See PAR – Form B
The Medical Radiography program’s curriculum is based on the 2012 ASRT Radiography
Curriculum with objectives that meet or exceed the requirements. Based on the belief that
learning is a progression of behavioral changes, the program’s curriculum is structured as a
sequence of learning that will assist students in becoming confident in their knowledge and skills
necessary for professional practice. General education prerequisites give students a solid
academic foundation on which to build and contribute to the success of the student once they are
in the program. Didactic core courses are sequenced in a logical order progressing from the
simple to the more complex and are integrated with the clinical courses to allow the application
of skills and theory. Students receive a syllabus with detailed objectives for each radiography
course.
Procedure courses are constructed to allow cognitive learning in the classroom followed by the
opportunity to practice in a lab setting. Students are then tested on various procedures through
lab simulation. The x-ray equipment that was purchased for the program’s new lab is the same
equipment that is found in many of the clinical sites, thus allowing for easier transfer of skills
from lab to the clinical arena.
Measures of Student Learning: See Par Form C
The program has developed and implemented a plan to assess program effectiveness and student
learning based on its mission and goals. The plan has clear outcomes with set benchmarks and
indicates when and who will be responsible for collection and review of data. Specific tools have
been developed and continually refined to effectively measure each outcome. Examples include
various rubrics for written papers and oral presentations, clinical competency forms and the
Student Professional Development Evaluation form. Data is collected at the end of semester, or
in the case of employer and graduate surveys, on an annual basis. The assessment plan
incorporates:
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
15
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Program completion rate
Clinical performance and clinical competence
Problem solving skills and critical thinking
Communication skills
Professional development and growth
Graduate and employer satisfaction
Analysis of the outcome data is used in strategic planning, developing the annual budget,
revision of curriculum, improvement of instruction and modification or creation of policies and
procedures. The outcomes assessment is shared with all communities of interest including the
program’s advisory committee, college administration, clinical instructors and students.
Evidence of Student Learning: Refer to PAR – Form C
Student learning outcomes, in general, have been met each year. If a student learning outcome
has been consistently met, it is either revised or the benchmark is increased. For each benchmark
not met, a plan for improvement is established and documented in the Outcomes Assessment
Narrative. Examples may be more time scheduled in lab for a particular procedure, more
emphasis in the classroom, having a subject expert be a guest speaker or a revision in a rubric.
Program outcomes mandated by JRCERT have been consistently met – 85% pass rate on the
ARRT registry, placement rate of 75% averaged over 5 years, and overall satisfaction of
graduates and employers.
There are many factors that have aided in the program’s ability to meet learning outcomes.
Because the radiography lab equipment is, in most cases, the same as equipment utilized at the
clinical sites, students are better able to transfer their knowledge and skills. This has made it
easier to meet some of the program’s skill-based learning outcomes. The support and cooperation
of the clinic staff/administration in enforcing “best practice” techniques in areas such as radiation
protection and communication has also been of great benefit.
Changes that have occurred in the program as a result of assessment include the reduction of the
program from six to five semesters, changes in or creation of rubrics, and restructuring or
rewording of exam questions. Both faculty members have taken advantage of professional
development opportunities to improve instructional technique and become better subject experts.
Students are first introduced to program expectations in RADT 1010 – Intro to Radiography.
This is a required course for admittance into the program but is also designed to allow students to
see if this is a career fit for them. All RADT 1010 students have access to the Medical
Radiography Student Handbook via Canvas.
For students that are accepted into the program, expectations are discussed at orientation. Each
student receives an electronic copy of the Medical Radiography Student Handbook. Throughout
the program, any changes made in policies or procedures are conveyed to students via e-mail, in
class and if necessary, new pages of the handbook are issued.
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
16
Mid-term conferences are held with each student in both the fall and spring semesters. Both
faculty members meet together with the student to discuss their progress in the program. If there
are deficits in the student’s performance, a plan for improvement is established with a time-table
for follow-ups. Students are able to obtain their standing in a particular course at any time by
going to the individual instructor.
Program Strengths:
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Experienced, dedicated and knowledgeable faculty
All classes have had 100% pass rate on the ARRT (national certification exam) except for
the 2007 class which was 91%.
The total mean score on the ARRT has been higher than the national average for all
classes. As an example, the national total mean score in 2011 was 85.1 while the total
mean for Dixie State graduates was 92.5.
The percentile rank on the ARRT has consistently been in the 90s. For example, the 2013
graduates’ percentile rank was 99%.
The average placement rate over the past five years is 86%.
The program benefits from strong support from the community and clinical sites.
The program has a retention rate of 96% losing only 2 students since its inception. These
withdrawals were due to personal and health reasons and not performance issues.
Program Weaknesses/Challenges:
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The program is unable to expand due to limited clinical sites in the area. Both Las Vegas
and the Salt Lake area has been explored, however, sites are already committed to other
radiography programs.
Both faculty members will be retiring within the next five years. Recruiting will need to
be nationwide to find qualified and experienced applicants.
Lack of a Bachelor’s program for graduates. Many of our graduates go on to obtain their
BS degree through Weber State University but would prefer to stay at Dixie if they could.
It should be noted that these are degrees in Radiologic Sciences where students specialize
in various modalities such as MRI, CT and sonography.
A consistent weak area in graduate surveys is surgery. The program would benefit from
the purchase of a C-Arm that students could practice with in lab.
Although the placement rate for program graduates is respectable, it could be improved
on if graduates were more willing to move away from the area to find employment.
Comprehensive Plan for the Future
1. A baccalaureate completion program would offer a way to increase student numbers
while keeping our graduates at DSU, offering graduates more employment opportunities
and increased salaries.
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco
17
2. Employer/graduate surveys indicate that surgery is always an area where graduates are
lacking experience and confidence. The future purchase of a C-arm may be beneficial,
however, is cost prohibitive at this time as they cost approximately $60,000.
3. Lab fees may need to be raised in the future to offset the expense of maintaining and
repairing the x-ray equipment as it ages.
4. The program would benefit from a full-time secretarial position shared with the
Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapist Assistant and Medical Lab Science programs.
Adapted from WASC’s Assessment 101: The Assessment Cycle, Simple and Clear Training, and
Guidelines for Academic Program Review in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco