Rural Aid Organization Heath Training Centre Student Handbook STUDENTS PARTICULARS PROPERTY OF (Names)________________________________________________ POSTAL ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________ PROGRAMME OF STUDY________________________________________________ REGISTRATION NUMBER_________________________________________________ YEAR OF STUDY_________________________________________________________ PHONE NO. ____________________________________________________________ IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE NOTIFY : NAME: __________________________________ PHONE NO. ____________________ RELATIONSHIP____________________________ Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 DOCUMENT PURPOSE 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Principal’s Message 2.2 Historical Background 2.3 Location 2.4 Vision Statement 2.5 Mission Statement 2.6 Organization Structure of Rural Aid Organization Training Center 2.7 Key Staff Members 2.8 Contact Details 3.0 ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES 3.1 Basic Technician Certificate in Community Health (National Council Technical Award Level 4) 3.2 Basic Technician Certificate in Clinical Medicine (National Council Technical Award Level 4) 3.2 Technician Certificate in Clinical Medicine (National Council Technical Award Level 5) 3.2 Diploma in Clinical Medicine (National Council Technical Award Level 6) 4.0 IMPORTANT DATES 4.1 Public Holidays 5.0 SCHOLARSHIPS AND FEES 5.1 Fees Structure 5.2 Mode of Payments 5.3 Scholarships 6.0 TEACHING & ASSESSMENT METHODS 6.1Lectures 6.2 Tutorials 6.3 Case Studies 6.4 Role Play 6.4 Laboratory Sessions 6.5 Field Work 6.6 Community Practice 6.7 Continuous Assessment 6.8 End of Semester Examinations 7.0 ACADEMIC PROCEDURES AND POLICIES 7.1Academic integrity 7.2 Examination/Assessment instructions to students 7.3 Special and supplementary examination/assessment 7.4 Examination/Assessment infringements and disciplinary action 7.5 Release of examination/assessment results 7.6 Procedure for appeal 7.7 Deferment of study 7.8 Conditions for Award/Completion of Certificate 8.0 CLINICAL POLICY Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 3 8.1 Community and practical work policies 8.2 Patient privacy 9.0 INSTITUTE FACILITIY INFORMATION 9.1 Library information 9.2 Computer lab 9.31Internet access 9.4 Clinical/Skills Laboratory 9.5Campus Housing/Dormitories 9.6 Dining Hall/Canteen 9.7 Students’ welfare services 9.8 Classrooms 10.0 CODE OF CONDUCT 10.1 Definitions 10.2 Non-discrimination policy 10.3 Rights and Privileges of Students 10.4 Part Time Employment 10.5Provisions relating to Residence 10. 6 Provisions relating to Vacation from Residence 10.7 Use of Training Center Facilities. 10.71Dinning Hall & Kitchen 10.72 Computer lab 10.73 Library 10.8 Other Polices 10.9 Discipline 10.92 Process 10.93 Penalties 10.94 Appeals Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 4 1.0 DOCUMENT PURPOSE The Rural Aid Organization (RAO) Health Training Center Student Handbook contains essential information for students of: Basic Technician Certificate in Community Health (National Council Technical Award Level 4) Basic Technician Certificate in Clinical Medicine (National Council Technical Award Level 4) Technician Certificate in Clinical Medicine (National Council Technical Award Level 5) Ordinary Diploma in Clinical Medicine (National Council Technical Award Level 6) 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Principal’s Message As part of our mission the RAO Heath Training Center for Certificate in Clinical Medicine aims to promote good health care in rural Tanzania. Good health care is the application of principles of accountability, transparency and quality assurance of medical practice, motivated by a genuine belief in ideas and the purpose of God in humanity. We believe that throughout this course the graduate will discover their own potential, and through collaboration with one’s academic colleagues they will access skills and the rich intellectual experience of a lifetime. You are warmly welcomed and I wish you God’s blessing through your academic work at the Center. Dr P.Z. Makoyo 2.2 Historical Background Rural Aid Organization (RAO) is a non-governmental organization with a reputation for quality medical care and comprehensive social services in the lake zone regions of Tanzania. RAO began rendering services in 1994 as a Hospital founded by Dr. Phinehas Ziki Makoyo, and has undergone progressive change directed by a strong passion for community development and social change. Rural Aid Organization Trust was developed in 2003 in order to create a system in which various entities could work together for a common purpose. The main components are RAO Hospital and RAO Women’s group. The Trust employs 63 full-time workers and has 10 volunteers. Much of the ongoing success of RAO has been driven by RAO hospital. RAO hospital’s specialized surgical treatment has been drawing patients from all over the Lake Zone Regions, and it is one of the first Private Health Facilities in the area dedicated to financial independence through income generation. The main challenge has been the acquisition and retention of highly qualified staff, primarily because RAO is located in a remote locality in the Rorya district of Tanzania. RAO hospital began to tackle this issue by offering in-house training programs, which enables current and prospective employees to achieve the necessary skills and knowledge required to work at RAO. The RAO Health Training Center began in 2012 in response to the Tanzanian national Human Resource for Health Crisis (HRH). This crisis has resulted from the demand for skilled health workers increasing at a higher rate than the rate at which new workers are being produced. The Ministry of Health and Social welfare has declared the HRH Crisis a number one priority. Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 5 The RAO Training Center seeks to play a significant role in relieving the HRH crisis by developing the RAO Health Training Center in Rorya District. The Center’s goal is to produce graduates who function as mid-level health workers capable of applying basic principles of disease prevention, disease control, clinical examination, diagnostic procedures, record keeping, inpatient management, basic pharmacology, therapeutics, immunization, health and nutrition education and utilizing computer resources. RAO HTC is registered as a clinical education provider under the National Council for Technical Education. RAO is an ideal place to study because of its strong medical background and proven success in continuing medical training programs. RAO intends to offer a more modern approach with up-to-date facilities, tutors and a learning format that no other program is currently offering. 2.3 Location RAO Health Training Center is based at the RAO Hospital grounds, Plot No. 218 Block “C” Shirati (Kabwana), Tanzania. 2.4 Mission statement: The mission is excellence in medical education, firmly grounded in and integrated with the sciences and community development. We are committed to the advancement of medical practice through an emphasis on student centered learning, and service to society in Tanzania. 2.5 Vision Statement: Our vision is to be recognized, both regionally and nationally, as a pre-eminent educational institution that prepares its graduates in the medical sciences and for the practice of medicine. The institution will continue to enhance its physical facilities, faculty and educational progress to reach the highest level of learning institution in Tanzania and beyond. 2.6 Organization Structure of Rural Aid Organization Training Center The school is overseen and guided by an advisory Board of Directors. The Principal of the school will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and will report to the Director General. Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 6 2.7 The Advisory Board Members Bishop Amos Mhagachi Dr. Vincent Muhada Dr. Peter Tenga Dr. Hudson Winani Mr. Richard Okore Ms. Imani Magare Ms. Pendo Kidiro Mr. Jacob Makoyo Training Center Staff Director: Dr P. Z. Makoyo MD PhD Medical Doctors: Dr. Peter Mikenda, Dr. Richard Mbwambo, Dr. Simon Ogendo, Dr. Jongo Machage, Dr. Charles Opanda. Nursing: Leah Makoyo BSc, Elida Sagwa RN, Dorothy Kawira RN Environmental Health: Armani BSc Pharmacology: John Ojallah Counseling/Computer: Mise Makoyo BSc 2.8 Contact Details RAO Health Training Center PO Box 42, Shirati, Rorya District Mara Region, Tanzania +255 282621704 +255757862200 raohtc@raocoop.org www.raocoop.org www.raocoop.org/htc/htc Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 7 3.0 ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES 3.1 Basic Technician Certificate in Community Health National Council Technical Award Level 4 The Graduates of NTA Level 4 program will receive a Basic Technician Certificate in Community Health. The graduate will be able to assist health workers, patients and clients in a variety of settings within the community. The total program will consist of two semesters, and will last 1 academic year. 3.2 Basic Technician Certificate in Clinical Medicine National Council Technical Award Level 4 The Graduates of NTA Level 4 program will receive a Basic Technician Certificate in Clinical Medicine. The graduate will be able to assist health workers in provision of preventative, diagnostic, curative, and administration services in a health care setting. The total program will consist of 120 credits and have a duration of two semesters. Upon completion of the course students will be able to: Assist in providing outpatient care Encourage adherence to prescribed treatments Assist in provision of preventative and curative care Provide counseling to patients and clients Perform laboratory tests for common communicable diseases Record basic medical information Report all epidemics, communicable diseases, and other health- related events to the Clinical Assistant or Clinical Officer, and other local government authorities. Assessment 60% weighting for continuous assessment 40% weighting for end of semester examinations Modules NTA Level 4 Code CMT 04101 CMT 04102 CMT 04103 CMT 04104 CMT 04105 CMT 04106 Total CMT 04207 CMT 04208 CMT 04209 CMT 04210 CMT 04211 CMT 04212 CMT 04213 Total Grad Total Module Title Semester 1 Communication for Counseling Anatomy & Physiology I Environmental Health Microbiology/Parasitology/Entomology Pathology Basic Computer Semester 2 Communicable Diseases Anatomy & Physiology II Basic Clinical Lab Patient Care Health Policy and Medical Ethics Health Information Management and Financing Clinical Skills Credits 8 16 12 10 8 6 60 12 12 8 8 4 8 8 60 120 3.3 Technician Certificate in Clinical Medicine National Council Technical Award Level 5 The Graduates of NTA Level 5 program will receive a Technician Certificate in Clinical Medicine. The graduate will be able to provide basic curative, preventative, diagnostic services of simple medical conditions and administration in health care settings. The holder of the qualification will be able to apply skills, and knowledge in a range of activities some of which are non-routine. The total program will consist of 130 credits and have a duration of two semesters. Upon completion of the course students will be able to: Provide outpatient care Diagnosis and management of all common diseases First line management and referral of emergencies Encourage adherence to prescribed treatments Assist in provision of preventative and curative care Detect and refer at-risk mother and child Provide health education to pregnant women on Reproductive & Child Health Provide counseling on testing, diagnosis and refill ARV’s Collect and analyze statistical data on disease, and use this information to promote health in the community Report to the DMO, and other local government authorities all epidemics, communicable diseases, and other health- related events. Entry Requirements Completion of NTA Certificate level 4 Assessment 60% weighting for continuous assessment 40% weighting for end of semester examination Modules NTA Level 5 Code CMT 05101 CMT 05102 CMT 05103 CMT 05104 CMT 05105 CMT 05106 CMT 05107 CMT 05108 CMT 05109 Total CMT 05210 CMT 05211 CMT 05212 CMT 05213 CMT 05214 CMT 05215 CMT 05216 Total Module Title Semester 1 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Internal Medicine I Pediatrics and Child Health I Obstetrics and Gynecology I Health Promotion Nutrition Counseling Applied Clinical Laboratory Pharmacology and Therapies Semester 2 Surgery Internal Medicine II Pediatrics and Child Health II Obstetrics and Gynecology II Pharmacy Reproductive and Child Health Health Management Information Systems Credits 6 10 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 60 12 8 8 8 4 12 8 60 Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 9 Community Field Work Grad Total 10 130 3.4 Ordinary Diploma in Clinical Medicine National Council Technical Award Level 6 The Graduates of NTA Level 6 program will receive an Ordinary Diploma in Clinical Medicine. The graduate will be able to apply knowledge, skills and ethics to manage clients with medical and surgical conditions, apply knowledge and skills of leadership and management to improve health care services, and apply knowledge and skills of forensic medicine to manage clients with medical legal issues. The whole programme of Ordinary Diploma in Clinical Medicine has a total of 48 weeks of study in one academic year, which is divided in two semesters. Thirty six (40) weeks are set aside for core, fundamental modules and clinical apprenticeship, while four (4) weeks are allocated for fieldwork attachment and four (4) remaining weeks for examinations. This programme has a total of 11 modules, which are assigned a minimum of 120 credits. District Hospital attachment is allocated 12 credits. Assessment 60% weighting for continuous assessment 40% weighting for end of semester examination Modules NTA Level 5 Code Module Title Credits Semester 1 CMT06101 Surgical speciality 15 CMT06102 Oncology 9 CMT06103 Leader and Management in health 5 CMT06104 Fundamentals of Operational Research 9 CMT06105 Health policy and planning 15 CMT06106 Basics of forensic medicine 4 CM106107 Basics of Family Medicine 4 Total 61 Semester 2 CMT06208 Apprenticeship in Internal medicine 15 CMT06209 Apprentice in Paediatrics and child Health 15 CMT06210 Apprenticeship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 14 CMT06211 Apprenticeship in Surgery 15 Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 10 Total 59 Grad Total 120 District Hospital Attachment Scheme of Study Duration Credits/ Semester (Hours per week) 35 4 weeks 14 4.0 IMPORTANT DATES 4.1 Public Holidays Mwalimu Julius Nyeree Day – October Iddi El Haji (Feast of Sacrifice) - November Republic Day - December Christmas Eve – December Christmas - December Boxing Day - December New Years Eve – December New Years Day – January Zanzibar Revolution Day – January Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day Union Day Saba Saba Wakulima Ya Nane – August Eid El Fitr (End of Ramadan) 5.0 SCHOLARSHIPS AND FEES 5.1 Fee Structure The annual tuition fees for Community Health Program is 955,000/= TZ Shillings. The annual fees for Clinical Medicine program is 1,500,000.00 Tanzanian Shillings per year. This fee is payable in two equals installments (1st and 2nd) semesters. You are supposed to pay NACTE EXAMINATION FEE FOR NTA LEVEL 4 Tsh. 150,000/= as follows and come with pay-in-slip bank to the college: NBC Corporate Branch Account name – Health Service Fund Account no. 0111-030-12059 5.2 Mode of Payments The money is paid at: National Micro-Finance Bank (NMB): Bank Account number: 32810003985 Account Name: RAO Hospital HTC WE DO NOT ACCEPT CASH FOR TUITION PAYMENTS AT OUR INSTITUTION You are required to produce the pay-in-slip during the reporting day or you cannot be registered. Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 11 5.3 Scholarships The scholarship is available to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic skills (Division II and higher), significant financial need and strong morals. The Scholarship is funded by Rural Health Organization for eligible applicants. The program does not guarantee any financial incentive for completing courses. An applicant who receives a RAO HTC scholarship agrees to work at least RAO Hospital or related facilities, for a minimum of three (3) years. If he/she does not complete the 3 years of service, or is terminated from employment, he/she will be obligated to pay the complete tuition costs through payroll deduction or other means. A Scholarship agreement must be signed. RAO HTC has a fixed budget for scholarships. An unusually large number of applications may reduce the scholarship amount. If funding problems develop, RAO HTC may discontinue the program at anytime. 6.0 TEACHING & ASSESSMENT METHODS 6.1Lectures Lectures are educational talks of usually 1-2 hours duration that will explain key concepts in the module. Students will be required to apply information that is given to them in lectures, in tutorials and assessments. 6.2 Tutorials These consist of small groups of students who are supervised by a tutor. This is a more interactive learning session where active participation is required of students in discussions and tutor-led activities. Generally clinical skills will be taught using tutorials. 6.3 Case Studies Students will be given anonymous clinical scenarios bases on real life patients. Students will be required to research and apply their knowledge to give detailed consideration to the patient’s symptoms, and the process of diagnosis and treatment undertaken. 6.4 Role Play Students will assume roles of doctor and patient and act out prescribed scenarios. These will be relevant to the course content. Students will be expected to demonstrate history -taking and examination skills. In this way students will gain practice in relating to patients in a simulated setting. They will learn skills that will assist them in gaining patients trust, showing empathy, educating patients and dealing with difficult situations. 6.4 Laboratory Sessions These will generally be held in the laboratory. They will enable students to become familiar with scientific equipment and learn how to carry out simple diagnostic tests. 6.5 Field Work These are an opportunity for students to visit sites that will deepen student learning. Sites may include hospitals, clinics, other training centers etc. Study tours will be arranged at the discretion of the Training Center. Depending on the location and specific circumstances of each tour, students will be advised if there are additional costs involved in attending. Students will be advised as to whether a particular tour is optional or mandatory. 6.6 Community Practice In these sessions students will be sent out into community health centers. They will initially be observers, with the aim of eventually assisting in treating patients in a supervised manner. In community practice sessions students will be required to put all of the skills and knowledge that they have learnt throughout multiple modules into practice. Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 12 6.7 Continuous Assessment Student performance shall be assessed continuously throughout each module. Students will be informed at the beginning of the semester, the expectations, weighting and timing of continuous assessment for the respective module. It is important that students study each topic as it is introduced and ensure that they are up to date with their coursework at all times. Continuous assessment will consist of : Assignments- students will be given a specific task to research and complete in their own time. Assignments must be submitted prior to the due date specified. Class room tests - Short written examinations that will be conducted in tutorials or laboratory sessions. Clinical Tests – Practical assessment held within tutorials or community practice time. Students will be required to demonstrate clinical skills taught thought the course. Laboratory Tests-. Students will be assessed on skills relating to laboratory equipment and diagnostic testing. For general policy relating to end of semester examinations and assessment please refer to section 7.0 6.8 End of Semester Examinations Each module will have an examination at the end of the semester. The weighting of this examination is specified in the course outline for each program. The examination will assess all content covered in the module throughout the semester. The examination may include both written answers and practical demonstrations. A candidate shall sit for end of semester examination in a module if he/she has: i. Paid tuition and examination fees ii. Attained at least 75% attendance in a module iii. Completed all continuous assessment The timetable for end of semester examinations shall be available and accessible at least two weeks before the commencement of the examinations. For general policy relating to end of semester examinations and assessment please refer to 7.0 7.0 ACADEMIC PROCEDURES AND POLICIES 7.1Academic integrity Definitions Module: means any independent unit(s) that makes up a course of study offered and has unique identification code Program: means the totality of modules offered towards the award of certificate. General Policy If a student is to be absent from class for more than 3 working days they should seek permission by discussing this with the Training Centre. Non-submission of examination(s), assignment(s), project(s) or absence from any assessment session may only be accepted due to valid or genuine reasons and must be officially approved by the centre. A student failing to appear for any examination/assessment without genuine reasons shall be considered to have absconded. Such a student will forfeit his/her chance, and he/she shall consequently be discontinued from studies. 7.2 Examination/Assessment instructions to students - No candidate shall enter the examination room until he/she is allowed by the supervisor or after 30 minutes from the commencement of the examination Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 13 - - A candidate is required to bring all tools/equipment (i.e. calculator, ruler) required for examination. No candidate shall be allowed to borrow or lend any tools/equipment from another candidate during the exam. A candidate shall not bring to the examination room any book, paper or written information or other unauthorized material. A candidate who is suspected of hiding unauthorized material may be asked by the supervisor to submit the material and if necessary shall be subjected to a body search. Refusing to do so is misconduct and will result in being denied entry. Programmable calculators or calculators with facilities for storing and retrieving text as well as portable computers, electronic organizers, cellular phones and other devices capable of communicating are not permitted in the examination room. Smoking, drinking of beverages or other acts that may cause nuisance in the examination room are not allowed. When a candidate needs any assistance he/she must attract the attention of the supervisor by raising his/her hand. No candidate shall take away any answer booklet(s), whether used or unused, from the Examination room. With the permission of the supervisor a candidate may leave the examination room temporarily accompanied by an examination attendant. A candidate who finishes an examination before the finishing time may be allowed to leave the examination room provided that 30 minutes have elapsed since the commencement of the examination. 7.3 Special and supplementary examination/assessment A special examination/assessment is one which is taken at a time other than the regular examination period as the result of extenuating circumstances. A student may, in extenuating circumstance, postpone sitting for an examination/assessment, provided he or she reports the matter in writing, accompanied by supporting documents (eg Medical Certificate), as soon as is practicable to the Training Center. A student shall be deemed to be eligible for special examinations after receiving a letter of authorization to take special examinations from the Training Center. When a student is allowed to sit for a special examination/assessment, he/she shall be considered to be attempting the examination for the first time. Special examinations/assessments shall be conducted at a time to be determined by the Training Center. A student who fails a special examination/assessment may be allowed to sit for a supplementary examination/assessment A supplementary examination/assessment is one which is taken by a student after he/she fails a paper in a regular or special examination/assessment. Supplementary exams/assessment are offered only in the failed paper(s) to students who: 1. 2. 3. Fail an end of semester examination (they are not offered for continuous assessment) Have passed 50% or more of continuous assessment for that module. Pay a supplementary examination fee of 10,000 Tsh for each supplementary examination provided to a student. The fee must be paid in advance to cover the Training Center’s expenses of providing a supplementary examination. A student who passes the supplementary examination shall be awarded a maximum module grade of “C” and this will be used in the calculation of G.P.A for certification Supplementary Examinations will be held at least a week prior to the commencement of the following Semester. 7.4 Examination/Assessment infringements and disciplinary action Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 14 Inappropriate conduct by a student concerning semester examination/assessment impairs academic integrity, and the offending student may be subject to expulsion. Such irregularities can include, but are not limited to: i. He/she has in his/her possession any unauthorized written or printed document or memorandum, notes, sketch, map, diagram, any inadmissible equipment or article in the examination room. ii. Attempting to copy or making references to unauthorized materials in the examination room. iii. Communicating with other students, either verbally or through other means, during the examination without permission from the supervisor. iv. Permitting another student to copy from or use one’s paper. v. Obtaining, or endeavoring to obtain, assistance from any other person directly or indirectly or endeavoring to give assistance to any other student. vi. Removing examination answer books/sheets from the examination room. vii. Starting to attempt the examination before being authorized to do so. viii. Continuing the exam after being ordered to stop. ix. Failing to comply with any other examination rules, regulations, or directions given by an supervisor. x. Destroying, or attempting to destroy evidence relating to any suspected irregularity. xi. Absconding from examinations. xii. He/she causes disturbance in the examination venue, or acts in an improper or unseemly manner and refuses to comply after a warning has been issued by an supervisor to cease such disturbance, improper conduct, or destroys what would have been evidence of such conducts. xiii. Any act which results in a student or students having access to or knowledge of examination or class test questions, or of any material relating to the examination before the scheduled date and time of examination or test shall amount to leakage of examinations. xiv. Reproducing the works of another person or persons in course work or assignments without acknowledgement and with the intent to deceive. Therefore all information submitted by students must be correctly referenced to show the source of the information. If a candidate is suspected of an irregularity during an exam the following procedure shall be followed: i. The supervisor shall approach the candidate immediately after suspicion /discovery. ii. All improper materials shall be confiscated the Institute will be under no obligation to issue the student with a replacement equipment for the remainder of the examination. The Supervisor may stop the candidate from proceeding with that examination. His/Her results will be withheld pending to decision and iii. The candidates shall be required to sign on the Supervisor’s brief written facts of the issue on the material time and place, in front of the Supervisor. Other nearby candidates shall also be required by the Supervisor to sign as witnesses of the signing between the supervisor and the offender. Failure or refusal to sign on the Supervisor’s facts report is deemed to be contempt of the Institute authority, and shall mean accepting or causing commotion in the examination room, which is tantamount to violation of examination regulations and this may lead to discontinuation from studies. A student whose examination results are nullified due to examination/assessment irregularity shall receive a Disqualification grade abbreviated “Q”. 7.5 Release of examination/assessment results Continuous assessment results will be released progressively throughout the semester. Provisional results for final examination and module GPAs shall be announced within 4 weeks from the date of the last examination in that semester. A student who passes all modules for the semester shall be allowed to proceed to the next semester/ NTA level Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 15 Results for any candidate in a module(s) shall be withheld if: i. He/she has not fulfilled some or all conditions for sitting for an examination, OR ii. His/her results lack basic facts or data for computation of GPA towards declaration, OR iii. He/she has a pending issues (such as not paid fees, undecided case related to examinations etc), that will affect the results. A candidate whose results are withheld shall be allowed to continue with studies in subsequent semester provided that he/she has fulfilled other academic conditions for progression. 7.6 Procedure for appeal Any student who is not satisfied with his/her results may appeal where unfair marking, wrongful computation or recording of marks or grades is alleged, no appeals are to be made on any other ground. Students may appeal by submitting a written request to the Training Center within a period not exceeding 14 days from the date of release of the provisional results. 7.7 Deferment of study Not allowed 7.8 Conditions for Award/Completion of Certificate Award shall be given to a student who satisfies the following conditions Successful completion of all modules prescribed for the program at a minimum satisfactory grade of C. Satisfactory Unsatisfactory 80%-100% = A 40%- 49% = D 65% - 79% = B 0% -39% = F 50% -64% = C Achievements of a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) equivalent to a pass or higher. NTA Levels 4 – 5 Class of Award Cumulative GPA First Class 3.5 – 4.0 Second Class 3.0 – 3.4 Pass 2.0 – 2.9 Fail- 0-1.9 All relevant fees have been paid All terms and conditions established by the institute have been met Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Cumulative GPA shall be computed using the NACTE guidelines in each semester. Cumulative GPA refers to the total of the grade point achieved for each module weighted by the number of credits applicable to that module, all divided by the total number of credits taken by a student. The cumulative GPA includes results from every module the student has undertaken so far in that certificate level, beginning from his/her admission till the last examination held; ‘P’ represents the equivalent grade point assigned to a letter grade scored by the student in a module and N is the number of credit associated with that module. Its value shall be to a single decimal point only. Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 16 Equivalent Grade Points For Letter Scores in NTA levels 4 – 5 A–4 B–3 C–2 D–1 F–0 8.0 CLINICAL POLICY 8.1 Community and practical work policies While in the community keep in mind that you are representing the RAO Training Center. Students should be appropriately dressed, punctual and maintain professional conduct with staff and patients at all times. Students are required to be honest and seek assistance if they encounter a situation where they are unsure or have not been taught how to proceed. 8.2 Patient privacy Confidentiality is the right of an individual patient to have personal, identifiable medical information kept private; such information should be available only to the treating medical officer and other health care and insurance personnel as necessary. Patient confidentiality means that personal and/or medical information given to a health care provider will not be disclosed to others unless the patient has given informed consent. Students must make sure not to discuss patients using their name or any information that may reveal the patient’s identity to anyone not directly involved in that patient’s care. The principles of confidentiality are important in the relationship between caregiver and patient. It is essential that a patient trust a caregiver so that an accepting relationship may develop. 9.0 INSTITUTE FACILITIY INFORMATION 9.1 Library information Library is a quiet place for study, providing books and materials which supplement course content. The Library is largely an open access. This means that readers have free access to the shelves and may browse and borrow at will. Books may be signed out through the College Librarian or College Secretary. 9.2 Computer lab Will be and area available for students to practice computer skills, create documents, access materials and browse the web. 9.31Internet access Some internet access is available to students when required. Students will need to arrange access with the computer laboratory manager or school secretary. 9.4 Clinical/skills Laboratory This facility contains special equipment for diagnostic testing and will primarily be used under supervision for practical classes. If a student wishes to use the laboratory at other times for assignments or study they must seek permission prior to doing so. 9.5 Campus Housing/Dormitories There are rooms for rent on a first come first serve on campus grounds. 9.6 Dining Hall/Canteen Food can be purchased at any time during business hours from the canteen. Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 17 The campus does not yet have residential Dining Hall, however it is anticipated that this will change when the center moves to its new location. Dining Hall policies have been included in readiness of this, but are not applicable as yet. Once the center has a dining hall, meals will be served at prescribed times for residents only. 9.7 Students’ welfare service All students are required to have National Health Insurance coverage during their time of study at RAO HTC. For those students already covered under another policy will not be required to obtain additional coverage. 9.8 Classrooms The centre currently has 4 classroom facilities. These are used for tutorials, lectures. Classrooms may be used for study or student meetings with permission from the Training Center. 10.0 CODE OF CONDUCT 10.1 Definitions “Students” means any person admitted to the Training Center as a candidate for a certificate or other award of the Training Center. “Vehicle” includes motor car, motor scooter, motor cycles, tricycle, bicycle and other mechanical means of conveyance on hand; 10.2 Non-discrimination policy RAO Training Center believes in equal opportunity and does not discriminate against any student or prospective student, employee or prospective employee on the basis of race, sex, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, or religion. 10.3 Rights and Privileges of Students Students enrolled at the Training Center shall enjoy rights and privileges including: a. Rights of involvement in decision making on matters relating to the Training Center/Colleges, through representation in various organs of the Training Center/College: b. Freedom in conduct of academic affairs including expression of ideas, use of library facilities and access to computers; c. Freedom to establish and/or join legally recognized clubs, associations, within/or outside the Training Center; d. Freedom to privacy on information made available in confidence by the student/any other concerned party; e. Access to various awards granted by the Training Center/College; f. Choice of accommodation, that is to say, living in or off-the Campus Residences; g. Right to appeal against a disciplinary penalty imposed against him/her h. Right of involvement in political and social affairs; i. Freedom to participate in sports and games; j. Right to worship; 10.4 Part Time Employment Students may undertake paid employment during term time if they seek permission from the training center. Assurance shall be provided that the academic work of such students would not suffer through such employment. 10.5 Provisions relating to Residence Students may be offered accommodation by the Training Center on or offsite. Where residence is not available to all, priority for residence shall be given to disabled students and other students requiring priority accommodation. In case the rooms offered to students are furnished, occupants are responsible for the proper care of all property and any damage or loss must be reported immediately. Students shall be responsible for the general cleanliness and tidiness of the rooms; Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 18 - - Cooking of any form is not allowed in the Residences. Cooking includes frying, roasting, boiling, baking and warming by use of any source of energy and any appliance. Students shall not interfere with or transfer furniture or fittings of any kind from any part of the College buildings without prior written permission from the Training Center. Any student wishing to install any additional furnishing in his/her room may do so, subject to prior knowledge and permission from the Training Center. For safety and to prevent electricity faults, a maximum of 3 plugs into one power point is permitted. Electrical items should not be left on when an occupant is not in the room Students must be considerate of other residents in terms of their noise levels at all times, particularly at night. Permission to be absent from residence for more than a week shall be required from the Training Centre Loss of keys by students must be immediately reported. The key will be replaced on payment of the cost of a new key or new lock by the student Any resident who wishes to house their vehicle on site must register the vehicle with the Training Centre, and park in designated areas only. 10. 6 Provisions relating to Vacation from Residence All students shall be required to vacate the residence at the end of each semester when the Training Centre closes for vacation. Students with extenuating circumstances may be granted permission to remain in their residence in the mid-year vacation between semesters 1 and 2, for a fee. Keys must be returned on leaving the residence at the end of each term. Failure to do so will meant that the student is required to pay full residential charges from the beginning of vacation to the time the key is returned. 10.7 Use of Training Center Facilities. Students must take care and act responsibly at all times when using Training Centre equipment and facilities. 10.71Dinning Hall & Kitchen The kitchens shall be out of bounds to all students Smoking is not allowed in the Dining place. Except with the permission, no student may take any equipment such as crockery, glasses, cutlery, etc. from the dining place. 10.72 Computer lab 1) No food or drink allowed in the computer lab. 3) Students must book time slots in the lab, with a maximum of 1hr at any one computer session. 5) Avoid using the computer to store your work. Always save your work onto a flash disk as the Lab computers are periodically ‘cleaned’ and unnecessary files will be deleted. 6) Lecturers’ class sessions have priority access to the computer lab. 7) Ensure the room is clean and tidy 8) Students using the lab for academic work have priority over personal computer use 9) Faults and computer problems should be reported 10) Do not download or install any programs from the internet onto the lab computers, unless you have been given prior permission. BE VIRUS AWARE 11) Never open attachments in emails from people you don’t know. If a virus has been attached to an email it only becomes dangerous if the attachment is opened. Best practice is to simply delete the email. If in doubt ask the computer lab technician for assistance. 12) Always allow the computer to complete automatic antivirus definition updates and scan the computer for viruses when prompted. 13) When putting your own disks/USB into the lab computers, always scan them for viruses first before opening any files on them. If in doubt ask the computer lab technician for assistance. 14) Access to inappropriate websites is forbidden. Many sites available on the internet are morally inappropriate and can also open gateways to viruses. Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 19 15) Be aware that the center can monitor and trace computer access. Anyone found using the computer lab facilities inappropriately shall be subject to disciplinary action. 10.73 Library Library users MUST NOT: Bring or consume food, beverages or tobacco Smoke Remove or attempt to remove any library material, equipment or property without following the borrowing process or without proper authorization Fail to either return or renew library materials when due Create a disturbance or behave in a manner which interferes with the normal user of the library. (Please ensure your cell phone is on silent and talk quietly). Vandalize or deface library buildings, furniture or equipment Alter, delete, damage or destroy library materials by marking underlining or remove pages or portions of pages, removing binding or electronic detection devices or in any manner damaging or defacing library materials 10.8 Other Polices Other actions that are considered disciplinary offences by the center are: Using Training Center/College telephones for private calls without permission Smoking within the College buildings. Eating and drinking in Library, Computer Labs and Laboratories. Conduct which threatens, causes or is likely to cause damage, defacement or violence to person or property within the Training Center/Residence. Use of slanderous, abusive, obscene or threatening, language by any student against any other student or students or employee of the College or the Training Center in the course of performance of such officers or employee’s duties; Theft committed within the College; where a student is charged with and convicted of theft under the Law Sexual harassment of whatever kind; which may be physical and/or psychological in nature and includes any repeated and unwanted verbal, physical or gastrula sexual advances, or sexually discriminatory remarks made by a student of either sex which are offensive Rape or indecent assault; Mismanagement and/or embezzlement of students organization funds Unauthorized carrying of lethal weapon within the Campus which is likely to jeopardize peace Illegal entry into another student’s room; Act or conduct which is likely to obstruct or obstructs the holding of: a. Any lecture, class, laboratory work, research or other instructional activity given or authorized by the Centre b. Any meeting, function or lawful activity authorized by the College or the Training Center Unauthorized possession of a key to Residence or Training Center property; Refusal or failure to comply with a lawful order or directive given by any officer of the Training Center, including knowingly giving information known to be false Forging document or uttering a false document or perpetrating forgery with intent to secure admission based on the false documents, cause loss to any person, College or Training Center, or any other institution whether in cash or otherwise; Failure or refusal to attend a disciplinary meeting called or authorized by Training Center Refusal or failure to abide by the ruling decision and/or penalty made or imposed by the Training Center Forming and /or establishing unauthorized student’s groups which are likely to cause disunity and disorder in the Training Center or in the wider community; 10.9 Discipline Failure to observe the code of conduct and other center policies shall constitute a disciplinary offence; Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 20 10.92 Process 1) When a complaint is made to and information is received by the Training Center that a student has committed a disciplinary offence, the Training Center shall make preliminary investigation of the case. 2) Where the Disciplinary Authority is of opinion that there is enough evidence to proceed a disciplinary meeting shall be held. 3) Provided that the Disciplinary Authority may, if he/she thinks fit, decide to hold disciplinary proceedings open in public or exclude the public generally or nay particular person. 4) The Disciplinary Authority shall then give opportunity to the student to state his/her case and produce evidence in support thereof. 5) The Training Centre will make a decision 10.93 Penalties Upon breach of the code of conduct or center policies, the center, may impose penalties including warning, reprimand, fine, compensation, exclusion from Residence, suspension, and expulsion . The Training Center has the ability to decide on appropriate penalty as it deems fit, depending on the gravity of the misconduct. 10.94 Appeals An aggrieved party, may appeal in writing setting out the grounds for appeal, within 14 days from the date the decision was passed. When an appeal has been lodged, execution of any penalty imposed may be stayed pending the determination of the appeal, depending on nature/gravity of the offence in question. The Training Centre will decide whether to grant a hearing for the appeal where the parties concerned shall be entitled to be heard. The training center, the will confirm, vary or set aside any decision reached or, enhance, reduce or set aside any penalty previously imposed. Rural Aid Organization Health Training Centre Student Handbook 21