INTRODUCTION
It is a pleasure to welcome you as a new student to our program and as a member of our Medical
Imaging Department at the Glens Falls Hospital.
As a new student, it is important that you become familiar with and clearly understand the program’s
policies and objectives and various departmental regulations. It is also important that as a student you are
aware of your rights, privileges and responsibilities. With this in mind; the Student Handbook was prepared
for you.
Keep in mind that the program’s objectives, policies and the student handbook are based on New
York State regulations and the JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiologic
Sciences (www.jrcert.org). You should read this section to fully understand the scope and requirements of a
Radiography Program, and thus be assured that we are providing you with the proper educational
opportunities.
All policies in this book will be administered on equitable bases for all students. All students are
expected to comply with all program rules, policies and regulations as well as all applicable Glens Falls
Hospital rules, policies and regulations. However with your prior knowledge of these procedures and
practices, we expect that your full cooperation will become a natural component of your behavior and thus
make disciplinary enforcement an unnecessary feature.
You should keep this book handy as a reference for any problems that may arise during your
training. The handbook can help you in many ways to make your training with us informative, challenging
and a pleasant experience.
RADIOGRAPHY SCHOOL MISSION
The Glens Falls Hospital School of Radiologic Technology seeks to provide a qualitative comprehensive
and diverse education, dedicated to provide each student with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism to
serve the community in the field of diagnostic and therapeutic radiography consistent with our sponsoring
institution.
Goal: Demonstrate clinical competency preparing graduates for entry
level employment.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will apply ALARA concepts
Students will apply positioning skills
Students will selection technical factors
Goal: Apply effective communication skills to deliver appropriate levels of care.
Student Learning Outcome: Students will communicate effectively in specific writing and speaking
situations related to the delivery of healthcare
Goal: Apply effective critical thinking to deliver appropriate levels of care
Student Learning Outcome: Students will Understand and respond appropriately to the needs of the
patient/customer
Student Learning Outcome: Students will critique results and provide effective and useful feedback to
enable others to deliver appropriate levels of care
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Radiography Program is two years, including summers, in length. The faculty utilizes modern
technology and computerized resources in the delivery of education to the study. Lectures are revised
annually to include up-to-date, state of the art information. Program faculty is professionally involved at the
regional and national levels, and is at the cutting edge of producing innovative educational material.
Radiographers provide diagnostic services for patients using high tech medical imaging equipment.
According to the American Medical Association, today Radiographers “exercises independent judgement in
the technical performance of medical imaging procedures by adopting variable parameters according to the
condition of the patient, and by initiating lifesaving first aid and basic life support as necessary during
medical emergencies.”
Opportunities abound for the Radiographer that is properly prepared. Employers today are seeking to hire
Radiographers who are trained in several skills, and who are willing to “do it all.” Employers are looking
for the Radiographer who also knows and understands management techniques, how to implement and
maintain quality assurance programs, care for and maintain Radiographic equipment and provide patient
education.
2 Radiography
SAMPLE CURRICULUM
FIRST SEMESTER
Credit Hours
Orientation ...............................................................................................................2
Nursing and Patient Care .........................................................................................3
Radiological Physics. ...............................................................................................3
Anatomy and Physiology for Radiographers I.........................................................3
Radiographic Positioning I ......................................................................................3
Radiographic Exposure I..........................................................................................3
Clinical Education I .................................................................................................4
SECOND SEMESTER
Radiographic Positioning II .....................................................................................4
Anatomy and Physiology for Radiographers II .......................................................3
Film Critique I..........................................................................................................2
Radiographic Exposure II ........................................................................................2
Clinical Education II ................................................................................................4
THIRD SEMESTER
Radiographic Positioning III ....................................................................................3
Radiographic Pathology ...........................................................................................2
Film Critique II ........................................................................................................2
Professional Ethics ...................................................................................................1
Clinical Education III ...............................................................................................5
FOURTH SEMESTER
Clinical Education IV ……………………………………………………………..6
Film Critique III .......................................................................................................2
FIFTH SEMESTER
Specialized Imaging / Pediatrics ..............................................................................2
Radiation Biology ....................................................................................................3
Clinical Education V ................................................................................................5
SIX SEMESTER
Registry Review and Board Preparation ..................................................................3
Clinical Education VI ..............................................................................................6
Subject to change
3 Radiography
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
1.
ORIENTATION & RADIATION PROTECTION:
This course is designed to give the student a better insight into the career of Radiology and its
relationship to the medical field. The student will learn about the concepts of customer service
excellence as well as continuous quality improvement in order to become a vital member of the
medical team. During orientation, the student will learn about the potential danger of radiation
exposure as well as the methods/principles of protecting the patient and the occupational worker.
Students will also complete an American Heart Association Basic Life Support class, receiving a
two-year certification.
2.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS:
This course is designed to make the student more aware of the responsibilities entailed by becoming
a member of the medical profession. The student will learn about the proper standards of behavior
and conduct with the patient as well as with other medical personnel. The parameters of legal
responsibilities in the medical profession are also a very important part of this course.
3.
NURSING PROCEDURES & PATIENT CARE/ PHARMACOLOGY
This course is designed to acquaint the student with nursing procedures and techniques used in the
general care of the radiology patient. Many specific exams involving direct patient care, universal
precautions, and infectious diseases like AIDS and tuberculosis will be discussed in detail. Students
will have demonstrations and practice many of these principles and procedures. Also included in the
nursing course is a section on venipuncture and pharmacology.
4.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY FOR RADIOGRAPHERS I & II:
This course is designed to give the student a good working knowledge and understanding of the
skeletal structures, organs and functions of the human body especially as they apply to Radiology.
This will help the student to interpret requests for radiographic procedures, to properly position the
area, and to recognize the structures and organs visualized on the radiographs. Also included with
each section is medical terminology.
5.
ELECTRICAL & RADIATION PHYSICS:
This course is designed to help the student understand the field of science, which deals with the
fundamental nature, properties, and production of x-rays. Electrical physics will also address the
principles of operation for the radiographic equipment and the electric circuit.
6.
PRINCIPLES OF RADIOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE I & II:
This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of the technical factors essential for
the production of a quality radiograph. The student will learn the methods of controlling the
quantity and quality of x-rays as well as the many other factors in producing acceptable images for
the different exams, patient sizes and pathological conditions to name a few. The student will learn
about applications of computers, computerized imaging, Computed Tomography, and Picture
Achieving and Communication Systems (PACS) within the Radiology Department.
4 Radiography
Finally, student will learn about Darkroom Chemistry with content being reflected as a separate
course and graded as such at the conclusion of Principles of Radiographic Exposure II.
7.
RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING I, II & II:
This course is designed to help the student acquire the skill in positioning the various parts of the
body for the proper demonstration of the structure of interest. The student will learn the many
different projections (views) that are required for producing radiographs of the many body parts of
the patient. The principles of geriatric, pediatric, trauma and portable radiography will be covered.
8.
RADIOGRAPHIC PATHOLOGY:
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the many different diseases and conditions that
can afflict the human body especially as they apply to Radiology. The classifications of the diseases
will also help the study provide more informative radiographs.
9.
RADIATION BIOLOGY:
This course is designed to give the student a thorough knowledge of the potential hazards of
radiation exposure with concern to the different biological injuries. Also the student will learn the
proper methods of protecting the patient and personnel during radiographic procedures as well as the
many regulatory guidelines associated with radiation protection.
10.
SPECIALIZED IMAGING:
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the more specialized and technical procedures
performed in Radiology. The course will cover the use of special equipment, specialized contrast
media, and the indication s for these exams. The student will also become familiar with the other
imaging modalities associated with the Radiology field. Cross sectional anatomy will be included in
this area of study.
11.
CLINICAL EDUCATION I:
The student is introduced and becomes familiar with the clinical setting during their first semester.
The student will begin their participation in the Medical Imaging Department in a limited capacity,
as their initial clinical rotations will primarily involve observation of procedures and tasks.
Following successful completion of didactic material and laboratory evaluation, the student will
gradually begin to perform some exams and duties under the direct supervision of a technologist.
This progressive approach is a necessary feature of developing competency based clinical education
for the study.
12.
CLINICAL EDUCATION II:
This is a continuation of Clinical I and the student is now expected to demonstrate a higher level of
participation in the Medical Imaging Department through the routine performance of procedures and
tasks. Following successful completion of didactic material and laboratory evaluation, the study
begins to perform more difficult exams under the direct supervision of a technologist. The student
will also begin clinical competency testing to establish proficiency for certain procedures. This
progressive approach is a necessary feature of developing competency based clinical education for
5 Radiography
the student. Following successful completion of a clinical competency evaluation for an exam, the
student may begin performing these procedures with indirect supervision of a technologist.
13.
CLINICAL EDUCATION III:
This is a continuation of Clinical I and II in which the student is expected to demonstrate a more
advanced level of participation in the Medical Imaging Department. The student continues the
clinical competency testing process, and the successful passing of these tests will allow them to
perform many procedures under indirect supervision of a technologist.
14.
CLINICAL EDUCATION IV:
This is a continuation of Clinical I, II, and III. The student will begin to develop independent
decision making skills to prepare them for the roles of a technologist. The student continues the
clinical competency process and should now be performing many exams with indirect supervision.
15.
CLINICAL EDUCATION V:
This is a continuation of Clinical I, II, III, and IV. The student should be developing and
establishing their decision making skills to a high level. The student will be performing most exams
with indirect supervision and develop a degree of independence.
16.
CLINICAL EDUCATION VI:
This is the final section of clinical education. The student will complete the clinical competency
process, all required clinical competency exams and the terminal competency process. The student
will fine-tune all of the skills to prepare to enter the work force as an entry-level technologist.
17.
FILM CRITIQUE I, II, III:
This course is designed to help the student evaluate the quality of his or her own films. Thus the
student will learn from their radiographs in an effort to improve their skills in the performance of
exams. Also the students will evaluate and present films of interesting pathological cases, technical
and/or position examples.
18.
FINAL REVIEW:
This course is designed to prepare the student for the Registry Examination given by the American
Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Passing of the exam enables the graduate to become both
certified by the ARRT and license by the New York State Department of Health.
GENERAL POLICIES
1.
PROGRAM FORMAT:
The program consists of two full years of academic and clinical education, which is divided into six
(6), sixteen (16) week semesters. The student receives one week off after each semester. School
commences in August and the students graduate in July following completion of the two years.
6 Radiography
2.
EXPENSES:
TUITION - $8500.00 for the entire two years are broken down as follows:
Application Fee
Acceptance deposit
First year tuition, due prior to first week of classes
Second year tuition, due first week of second year
Total
$25
$50
$4225
$4225
$8575
Students are also required to furnish their own uniforms, meals, room and board, transportation and
basic classroom supplies. A book list is provided either by the program or a book distributor with
advance notice for preparedness upon beginning the program.
A set of radiographic markers is provided for each student. If they are lost the student must replace
them within a week, there will be no counting of films; without makers, towards competency and is
required to pay the cost of a replacement set.
Film badges for radiation monitoring are provided for each student at no charge. They are to remain
in the Medical Imaging Department at the end of each day. Loss of a film badge must be reported
IMMEDIATELY to the Program Director so that a new one can be furnished. There is no charge
for this replacement providing this is not a frequent occurrence.
3.
FINANCIAL AID:
The school does NOT participate in U.S. Department of Education Title IV Financial Aid
funding which would include Pell Grants and Student Loans. Thus the student cannot rely on
these forms of financial aid. However, the school does accept the following forms of funding should
the student quality for them.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation – TAP Scholarships
www.HESC.org
Veteran’s Benefits
Social Security Benefits
Job Training Program Assistance (local JTPA county agency)
Any miscellaneous scholarships the student may have been granted.
The student is responsible for paying tuition on or before the due date. If financial aid payments
are received for the student, the amount of overpayment will be refunded to the student.
4.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM:
Occasionally students discover that caring for the sick or working at the hospital atmosphere is not
quite what they expected and is not their desired goal in life. Others may meet with personal
complications such as financial or health problems. Some find the technical or academic aspects of
the program challenging. Thus a student may decide to withdraw from the program for any of the
above reasons, and the school cannot refuse this right. All withdrawals must be submitted in writing
to the Program Director.
7 Radiography
However, students contemplating withdrawal should FIRST discuss this matter with the Program
Director. It is our goal to see you succeed, and we may be able to provide you with some academic,
financial and/or personal counseling to help alleviate any difficulties. The student should realize that
assistance is always available, confidential and encouraged to those desirous of it.
5.
REFUND POLICY:
If the student leaves the Radiology Program for any reason, the following refund policy will be
followed:
Acceptance Deposit
Textbook Fee
Week 1
Week 2
Weeks 3-4
Weeks 5-104
6.
No Refund
No Refund
75% of first year tuition
50% of first year tuition
25% of first year tuition
No Refund
PROBLEMS:
To provide our patients with the best possible care, we must all work together as an effective team.
If you have any problems, difficulties, or suggestions connected with your training, relate them to
the Program Director immediately. Clinical situations should first be related to the Clinical
Instructor before they are related to the Program Director.
At NO TIME will the presenting of a problem and/or issue jeopardize a student’s future in the
program.
7.
ATTENDANCE
The program start time is 8:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm. Students are to report to their clinical or
didactic areas with the expectation of starting at 8:00 am. This may mean that some students arrive
earlier than 8:00 am to be prepared. The faculty will dismiss the classes at 4:00 pm.
There are times when students will be dismissed early. In such cases, Faculty, Lead Technologists’,
designated technologists or Administration will dismiss students. With both juniors and seniors
sharing clinical there will be times when a separate dismissal will occur. It should not be assumed
that when one group is dismissed all are dismissed.
The didactic, laboratory and clinical components of instruction are essential to properly prepare any
student for entry into the “real” working world and the profession. To meet this objective,
attendance and participation in all classroom, laboratory and clinical sessions is required. This
should not be a problem for the true professional. However, there are times when a student needs to
have time off and faculty has provided each student with a 40-hour bank of time per year to be used.
Any unused time will not be transferred to the following year. It is not expected that this time be
used in its entirety. It is meant for emergencies, times when a student may be late or unforeseen
circumstances that arise throughout a student’s time in the program. If a student uses all available
time and still needs to be excused from classes and clinical, then a student may continue to have time
off until the student reaches 50 hours, for one year. Time missed in excess of 50 hours (51 hours +)
the student will be dismissed for excessive time off. Any time exceeding 40 hours for one year and
up to 50 for each year is to be made up after graduation. Once all time is made up, the ARRT will be
notified that the student has met all program requirements and is able to take the registry. Finally, a
8 Radiography
student is permitted to miss only 3 consecutive days; program faculty must approve any more time
needed and a final decision made by the Program Director.
A.
VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS:
Vacation time is scheduled throughout the two years for all students. Students must take
their vacation during the scheduled period and may not exchange them for other time
periods. This policy is to assure that all students receive all material in the appropriate
sequence.
Students receive seven (7) holidays per year:
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
Students are also off:
Friday following Thanksgiving
Good Friday
One week after the completion of each semester
B.
ABSENCE:
If a student is unable to make it in for any reason, a call MUST be received by the Program
Director or a message left on the school’s audix at least one-half hour before the assigned
shift. If the student knows ahead of time that they will be absent, they must contact faculty
in advance with a note received by the Program Director, and get any assignments that may
be due, for class time being missed. If clinical time is being missed, the Clinical Instructor
must be notified in advance with a note.
One hour is divided into 4 quarters and time missed is recorded by quarter hours. Faculty will
gladly provide the missed material to the student upon request. Students must obtain
material missed at a time other than clinical. If clinical time is used for this purpose, the time
missed must be made up for program completion unless approved by faculty.
Students will be provided with information pertaining to time missed/owed. This information
is private to each student and should only be discussed with program faculty. Not all time at
time of printing will be accounted for based on the nature of the lateness/absence and who
received information from the student.
C.
LATENESS:
Lateness is not an excuse for being absent. The student is expected to be in their assigned
place of duty by the assigned time. If a student expects to be late, a call must be made to the
school as follows:
9 Radiography
D.
1.
If you anticipate a late arrival to the program, a call must be made to the school to let
it be known you will be late and your expected time of arrival. When you do arrive,
you MUST NOTIFY the Program Director and medical imaging department that you
have arrived.
2.
If you are unavoidably detained on your way to the program, notify the Program
Director upon your arrival.
TARDY:
Occasionally problems do exist preventing each of us from being on time. For this reason,
we have established the following policy on “tardiness.”
Tardiness is defined, as any student that has not called to indicate their lateness prior ½ hour
to the 8:00 am start and is late beginning at 8:01 am will be deemed tardy in both the
academic and clinical setting. Time will be deducted from the student’s bank of time in
quarter hour blocks (1-15 minutes = equal .25). A tardy will be indicated for those sent home
out of uniform (i.e., name badge, socks, shoes, etc.).
After a student has been tardy two (2) times during the program, he/she will receive a one
day suspension. A third (3rd) tardy will result in dismissal from the program. This policy
applies to clinical, the classroom and lab sessions. Suspended time is to be made-up after
graduation.
E.
DOCTOR, DENTIST, AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS:
It is strongly recommended that all appointments be scheduled during a student’s time off. If
this is impossible, they should be scheduled during a time that a student will miss the least
amount of educational material. The student must submit written notification, when possible,
of appointments to the Program Director at LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. Time off
will be subtracted from students bank of time according to the Absence Policy.
F.
MISCELLANEOUS:
1.
If student becomes ill during the day, the student will report this illness to the
Program Faculty who may request that the student be sent home depending upon the
circumstances. If a student is out sick three (3) or more consecutive days, a doctor’s
certificate is required upon return and the student must report to the Center for
Occupational Health for clearance to return.
2.
Students are granted three (3) consecutive excused absence days if there has been a
death in their immediate family (mother, father, sister, brother, husband, wife, son,
daughter, grandparent). These days are NOT required to be made up.
3. It is NOT the policy of the program to close due to weather as the needs of a hospital and
its patients are always present regardless of the weather. However in the event of severe
weather, a student is requested not to jeopardize himself or herself by attempting to
travel. If the student feels the weather prohibits their travel to school, he/she must call
10 Radiography
the school to indicate their intention (late, absent etc.) Time missed will be subtracted
from the student’s 40-hour bank of time.
G.
SUSPENSION
Suspensions occur due to disciplinary action. Any suspension time is to be made
up after graduation.
H.
MAKEUP TIME:
All time needing to be made up will be done so after scheduled completion of the program.
Verification of program completion, is required for the ARRT Exam, and will not be given
until all makeup time has been completed. The student may be allowed participation in
graduation ceremonies; however, a certificate of completion will not be granted at the time.
Makeup time must be scheduled in advance with a written note and approved by the program
and medical imaging department. The following applies to make-up time:
H.
1.
Students making up time will be here with the purpose of meeting the
program objectives.
2.
No student will makeup time on holidays.
SEMINARS:
Students choosing to finance and attend Registry Review Seminars will be considered in
attendance and will not have to makeup school hours that were missed. The student must
submit a copy of the certificate of attendance they received from the seminar. Maximum
amount of time allowed will be decided depending on the specifics of the seminar’s date and
location.
8.
LEARNING RESOURCES
The Glens Falls Hospital School of Radiologic Technology is dedicated to the success of each
student selected. While in attendance there are assignments that require research and some of that
research is often conducted via the internet. Therefore, students are given access to hospital
computers and a password for unlocking them. The Physician Library located on the ground floor is
also accessible by students. There may come times when computers are in use, therefore, faculty
systems may be requested as well as non-clinical computers.
9.
STUDENT SERVICES
Students have access to many of the same services as employees; hence students must follow the
procedures as employees to gain access. The accessibility of services is online. Students can access
Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP is a good resource for students that have disabilities as
well as EAP being able to further direct students in a direction for better service, personal
confidential counseling, and resources for financial hardships.
10.
TRANSFER STUDENT/TRANSFER OF CREDIT
11 Radiography
The program does not accept transfer students nor does the program accept transfer of credit due to
the various ways academic institutions can education their student population as well as the highly
specific curriculum of radiography. The program will consider an applicant that has been a previous
student of the program on a case-by-case basis as well as placement during an academic year or an
August start date.
PREGNANCY POLICY
If a student becomes pregnant anytime during her training, it is RECOMMENDED, (not required), that she
VOLUNTARILY inform the Program Director (declaration), in writing, immediately so that precautionary
measures can be discussed in regard to both her physical activities and radiation exposure. The Program
Director will notify the Hospital’s Radiation Safety Officer, who will make precautionary recommendations.
A second radiation film badge will be ordered, to be worn at the waist level as a fetal radiation monitor. The
student may retract (withdraw the declaration).
The clinical phase of a student’s training cannot be sacrificed because of pregnancy. The quality and
quantity of the clinical education must continue to be within the standards of the program to meet the
competency based educational requirements and objectives.
Pregnant students who do not wish to continue with their assigned duties may request a leave of absence. It
is recommended that gravid students leave the clinical setting at least two weeks prior to their due date and
not return until six (6) weeks after parturition. (The physician and/or student may lengthen these times if
necessary.) During this period, students may attend classes.
Finally, students are able to undeclared (withdrawal of declaration) their pregnancy.
Readmittance policy is the same as that of the Leave of Absence Policy.
RADIATION MONITORING
New York State Law demands that students wear film badges at all times while in the clinical setting. Any
student without a current film badge will be asked to leave. The removal from the clinical setting is deemed
a suspension (see Suspension).
The Medical Imaging Department, prior to beginning clinical education, provides each student with a film
badge. It is to be worn at all times while in the clinical setting. At the end of the day, students are to leave
their film badges on the rack in the department. If a student loses their film badge they are to immediately
report its loss to the Medical Imaging Operations Manager so that a new one can be provided. If this
becomes a frequent occurrence, disciplinary action will be taken.
The film badge packets will be exchanged with new ones each month for reporting purposes. It is the
RESPONSIBILITY of students to be sure that their film badge packet was exchanged so that there is no
question as to the validity of their records. It is the responsibility of each student to know and abide by the
Glens Falls Hospital Radiation Safety Code. As the Radiation Monitoring Reports are received they are
posted immediately and is the responsibility of each student to review their readings. The monthly report is
posted in the Radiology Department as well as in the break room of the school.
If the Program Director or Radiation Safety Officer (John Faherty of Oncology) finds that they have
received a radiation dosage of more than 30 millirems for that month, the Program Director will contact the
student to discuss the readings and the proper documentation made.
12 Radiography
A student is NEVER allowed to hold patients during any radiographic procedure while the actual exposure
is taken or during fluoroscopy. The Radiologic Technologists is to be made aware of this policy if a student
is asked to do so. This must then be reported to the Clinical Instructor. Violation of this will result in
counseling for the first offense. Continued infractions will result in further utilization of the discipline
policy.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY
A student may be granted a leave of absence for exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances
include, but are not limited to, family emergencies, pregnancy, serious illness and bereavement. The
Program Director, faculty, and Medical Imaging Director will evaluate each request for a leave of absence
on a case-by-case basis. The committee will make a decision based on where the student is in the program,
academic performance to date, level of clinical competence and amount of time that will be missed. The
committee may recommend the following:
1.
The student should leave the program with the possibility of re-entry the following year.
2.
Continuation in the program with scheduled extra classes, tutoring, clinical time makeup and a
delayed graduation.
3.
Depending on the circumstances, the committee may recommend some other option.
TRANSFER STUDENT POLICY
The program does not accept transfer students nor does the program accept transfer of credit due to the
variations academic institutions can educate their student population as well as the highly specific
curriculum of radiography. The program will consider an applicant that has been a previous student of the
program on a case-by-case basis as well as placement during an academic year or an August start date.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
As student radiographers entering an allied health profession, you will be expected to conduct yourself in a
responsible, mature manner with patients, personnel and each other.
Information concerning patients received directly or indirectly is NEVER to be given out to anyone other
than authorized personnel within the hospital, and to no person outside the hospital. Student will be
expected to follow all HIPPA (Health Information Portability and Privacy Act) rules and Glens Falls
Hospital regulations. Students shall not access any patient information other than for medical content; nor
shall a student discuss any patient medical or personal history for any reason other than for medical or
educational reasons. Students are to conduct themselves both on and off duty in a manner, which will not
discredit the hospital or the profession of Radiologic Technology (ASRT Code of Ethics). All students will
be required to sign a confidentiality statement. Any breach of confidentiality will result in the immediate
dismissal of the student.
If a student is asked to act unethically, he/she has the right to deny the request. If by denying the person’s
request, the student fears that his/her position as a student will be influenced unfairly, he/she should bring
this to the attention of the Program Director or the school’s faculty.
A student’s professional conduct will be evaluated regularly as part of the ongoing clinical evaluation
process. The student should realize that this factor is as important as their academic grades and clinical
ability.
13 Radiography
Your actions and behavior will reflect upon the integrity and standards of our institution and program. This,
in turn will reflect upon you, as students of the program.
DRESS CODE POLICY
Students are reminded that how you dress reflects on you, the School, the Hospital, and the Profession. In
order to exhibit an image of professionalism to patients and visitors the following policy will be followed
for classroom, laboratory and clinical sessions and be strictly enforced.
Males and Females:
Navy Blue Scrub tops and bottoms the top may have a pocket and the scrub bottom style may vary. The
scrubs are available at uniform shops, mail-order catalogs and local stores. The scrub top must be long
enough to cover any potential exposed skin when bending, squatting or reaching. The scrub bottom must be
at a length that will prevent dragging on floors or contaminated surfaces.
White shoes with white socks or black shoes with black or navy socks
Only navy blue short or long sleeve undergarments will be allowed under scrub shirt, as well as wearing a
navy blue warm-up jacket or white lab coat which is recommended for warmth in winter months as well as
some duties required of students in the clinical setting.
ALL STUDENTS:
Hospital ID badge must be worn in the area of the breast pocket or lanyard and visible at all
times and not to fall into the patients face.
Film badge must be worn on the collar at all times while in clinical.
Jewelry must be kept simple and to a minimum. Maximum of two rings (wedding set counts as
one), a watch and inconspicuous earrings. Large or dangling earrings and bracelets are not
allowed. Necklaces may be worn provided they are conservative and short enough to be snug or
concealed to prevent injury.
Hair to be neat and clean, if shoulder length or longer must be worn so that it does not fall
forward into face of patients when performing duties and must be out of the eyes. Clean-shaven
faces are preferred but sideburns, mustaches and beards are allowed but must be kept short and
trimmed. No stubble-look is permitted.
Shoes must be clean and polished. No canvas shoes, boots, or sandals.
Pants may not be of denim, or of a sweat pant type material.
Operating room scrubs may be worn when on surgery rotations, special situations and/or with the
approval of faculty. These scrubs may not be worn outside or removed from the hospital.
Perfumes, colognes and after shave may be worn in moderation; no strong odors, as ill patients
may find them offensive.
Fingernails must be clean, short and trimmed. Clear nail polish only, is allowed.
14 Radiography
All other cosmetics and eye-makeup may be worn in moderation.
*Hospital tattoo and ear piercing policy applies. No tattoos showing and earrings in lobes
only.
VIOLATIONS OF GROOMING AND DRESS CODE POLICIES
If any student is found in violation of the Personal Grooming or Dress Code Policies, he/she will
automatically be sent home to correct the situation. Time missed will be made up after graduation and
considered a tardy (pg.11).
These regulations are at the discretion of the Program Director and/or the instructors. The Program Director
has the final voice to decide if a student is within the boundaries of the policies. Every effort is made to be
objective.
If any student refuses/violates to dress or groom according to the dress code policies, disciplinary actions
will be taken to correct the situation up to and including dismissal.
*WORKPLACE HAZARDS
The program follows all of Glens Falls Hospital policies on possible hazards found in the workplace. During
Orientation, the faculty will discuss the policies and who one should contact with any questions regarding a
particular hazard that is in question.
*EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The program follows all of Glens Falls Hospital policies on emergency preparedness found both in the
workplace and emergencies occurring outside the workplace having impact on the organization. During
Orientation, the faculty will discuss the policies and who one should contact with any questions regarding
emergencies and your role as a student.
*HARASSMENT
The program follows all of Glens Falls Hospital policies on possible harassment found in the workplace.
During Orientation, the faculty will discuss the policies and who one should contact with any questions
regarding a particular kind/type of harassment that is in question and what can be done.
*SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY
The program follows all of Glens Falls Hospital policies on Substance Abuse under the Fitness for Duty
Policy; the policy can be seen on the hospital intranet.
*COMMUNICABLE/CONTAGIOUS DISEASE POLICY
STUDENTS WITH COMMUNICABLE/CONTAGIOUS DISEASE
A.
GENERAL:
Any student who shows signs or symptoms of contagious or infectious disease will be asked by
Program faculty to report to the Center for Occupational Health for diagnosis and management. The
15 Radiography
student can return to school ONLY with the approval of the COH and/or upon submission of written
approval from the student's private physician.
B.
COMMON PROBLEMS:
1.
Respiratory Infection (with cough, rhinorrhea or pharyngitis).
2.
Herpes Simplex Or Herpes Zoster.
3.
Draining Skin Lesions (boils, carbuncles, infected crusts or sores).
4.
Conjunctivitis and Scleritis ("pink eye").
*INFECTION CONTROL POLICY
Radiology directive of this program is that each student will follow the Infection Control Policy of the Glens
Falls Hospital while caring for patients in the clinical setting. The students will employ UNIVERSAL
PRECAUTIONS as stated in the policy, which is located on the hospital intranet.
*Students have access to all hospital policies via Intranet.
STUDENT PARKING
When reporting to the hospital for clinical students are to park in J-lot only. The street can be used at your
own risk. Beware; the Town of Glens Falls has a two-hour parking limit. Parking Map found in Appendix
B.
EMPLOYMENT
We do not discourage students from holding outside employment if they can meet the requirements of the
program. This includes maintaining at least a 2.5 accumulative GPA, passing all courses and demonstrating
clinical competency.
It is suggested that students refrain from outside employment until after their first eight months. It should
be understood that during the last semester of the senior year students will be assigned to one week of
evening weekday rotation as part of the clinical training. Outside employment cannot interfere with this
assignment.
The Radiology Department and Hospital occasionally has openings for part-time employees as office,
escort, phlebotomy etc. Students ARE NOT PERMITTED to work as technologists for the purpose of
taking X-rays or use these hours for fulfilling clinical competency requirements.
GRADING POLICY
All assignments, labs, competencies, quizzes, tests, and final exams will be graded on a percentage basis.
All assignments are due at 8:00 a.m. on the day assigned. All late assignments will also reflect TEN
additional points taken off. For each item, the student's grade will be the total correct answers divided by
the total possible correct answers to obtain a percentage. The course grade will be determined by entering
assignments and competencies once, quizzes and tests twice; and final exams three times in the grade book,
after which all grades entered will be averaged together to obtain the course grade. The letter grade and
quality points for the course will be determined as outlined in the following table.
16 Radiography
If a student is not in class for any reason on the day of a scheduled test or assignment due, they must on the
day of their return take or hand in the missed item at the start of their scheduled rotation. At the discretion of
the course instructor, makeup exams may or may not be different from the scheduled exam. If the student
knows in advance that they will not be in class, they may schedule with the approval of the instructor to take
tests early. Unannounced quizzes will not be made up and if missed the student will have fewer total grades
to be averaged.
While the program faculty makes every effort to grade test, quizzes and homework accurately, fairly and in
a timely manner; there are times when the student may have a question. It is the students’ obligation to be
sure test; quizzes and homework handed back are marked correctly. The student should ask questions if the
answer is not clear and wants clarification for responses given. It is anticipated that the student will have
more clarity and on occasion the grade may be amended.
The timeframe for questions and clarification are three school days after the test, quiz or homework is
handed back. After the third school day, all scores are finalized.
If a student misses a lab or guided practice for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to meet with
the instructor within two (2) days of their return and schedule a day and time for the makeup lab or guided
practice.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM
A student shall not engage in cheating or plagiarism. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: (a) copying
homework from another; (b) securing answers in a dishonest manner; (c) allowing one’s work to be copied
by another; (d) transmitting answers from one class to another. Plagiarism is taking and using one’s own
thoughts, writings, drawings, etc of another. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: (a) failing to
document with quotation marks any material copied directly from other sources; (b) failing to acknowledge
paraphrased materials (someone else’s ideas); (c) failing to provide a bibliography; or (d) failing to provide
sources for any visual drawing, sketch, painting, etc. The source of the policy and its enforcement comes
from Marysville Village School District in Kentucky, University of Miami in Florida and University of
North Carolina in North Carolina.
If a student is found cheating, the discipline policy will be followed starting with a three day suspension.
Course grades will be computed using the following system:
NUMERICAL GRADE
95-100
91-94.9
88-90.9
84-87.9
80-83.9
75-79.9
70-74.9
65.1-69.9
below 65
LETTER GRADE
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F
QUALITY POINTS
4.0
3.75
3.5
3.0
2.75
2.5
2.0
1.0
0.0
The quality points a student receives in that course multiply the credit hours of each course. These figures
are added together and divided by the total. This results in the accumulative GPA of the study.
17 Radiography
-
Student must pass every course with a 75% or better as a prerequisite to the sequence of
academic courses.
-
Student must maintain a 2.5 accumulative GPA.
-
For didactic courses 1 contact hour per week for 16 weeks equals 1 credit hour.
-
For clinical courses 6 contact hours per week for 16 weeks equals 1 credit hour.
THE CLINICAL SETTING
The purposes of clinical education are to allow the student to apply theoretic principles of radiography and
patient care to practical experience. Students will have the status of learners and will NOT be utilized to
replace members of the clinical site staff. The Clinical Instructor is responsible for ensuring that the clinical
objectives are met and that a properly supervised clinical environment is maintained. The student is directly
responsible to the staff technologist in charge of the room to which the student is assigned. Should any
operational or personality problems arise, a settlement on this level is preferred. If the student is dissatisfied
with such action, the Clinical Instructor should be consulted. If the student needs further aid in solving any
eventual problems, the matter should be discussed with the Program Director.
GENERAL CLINICAL POLICIES:
1.
NO eating, drinking or gum chewing in the patient care areas.
2.
NO smoking in the hospital (we are a tobacco-free organization).
3.
NO loitering or congregating in the office, Medical Imaging Department (ex. portable OR counter,
barium kitchen etc.), hallways, or any other patient area.
4.
Unnecessary noise, shouting, laughing, or horseplay in general will not be tolerated. You must
maintain a professional manner.
5.
Overtly friendly or overtly unfriendly physical contacts will not be tolerated for any reason. Neither
will obscene, offensive or foul language.
6.
Sitting on stretchers, wheelchairs, counter tops and radiographic tables is not permitted.
7.
Students are not allowed in the Medical Imaging Department unless they are in the full and proper
uniform.
8.
All students will be in their assigned place of duty, ready to work, at their assigned start time (plan
ahead to allow enough time to start on-time).
9.
At the beginning and end of each day the student will see to it that:
a.
Their room is kept neat and stocked with the necessary supplies for their room.
b.
Dressing rooms and bathroom must be checked daily for cleanliness and neatness.
18 Radiography
10.
It is the responsibility of the students to assist in keeping the barium kitchen orderly and clean at all
times.
11.
Permission for coffee breaks and lunchtime will be assigned to the student. Breaks are for 15
minutes and lunch is for 30 minutes. Students must return promptly, failure to do so will be
reflected in the student's clinical evaluation and/or disciplinary action will follow, and time deducted
from the student’s bank in .25 (quarter hour blocks).
12.
Hospital telephones may not be used to make personal calls. Please inform friends/family to refrain
from calling you during school hours except for emergencies.
13.
NO patients or visitors are to be brought through the central core for any reason.
14.
NO patients in wheelchairs or on stretchers are to be parked in hall A. Use designated patient
holding areas.
15.
In-patients are never to be brought through the lobby to the elevators; use the elevators through the
central elevators for this purpose.
16.
Stretchers and/or portables may be pushed only through designated hallways and only designated
elevators may be used. Lobby elevators may NEVER be used.
17.
The student is NOT to use any equipment for which he/she has not received operating instructions
from an authorized peson.
18.
Damage or breakdown of any hospital equipment must be reported as soon as possible to a
supervisor. Students are not to "fix" any equipment.
19.
NO patients are to be left unattended at any time while in a radiographic room.
20.
Students must observe ALL radiological examinations performed in their assigned area and
participate with either direct or indirect supervision of a technologist in examinations that they have
had theory background in.
21.
Students must update their Competency check off sheets as they have exams checked in film
critique. Students must log all repeat films they are involved with, have the technologist sign the
sheet and turn their log sheet in monthly.
22.
Any incident or accident (occurrence which is not consistent with the normal care of a patient, or one
which results in injury) no matter how minor it may seem, must be reported as soon as possible to a
supervisor and Clinical Instructor if in the clinical setting, and the Program Director. All required
paperwork must be completed.
23.
Students are NEVER allowed to hold patients during radiographic exposures and/or fluorographic
studies.
24.
Students MUST observe the Radiation Safety Code.
19 Radiography
25.
A student MUST NOT participate in or observe procedures performed on family members
anywhere in the hospital. It is recommended that this same policy be applied to family friends
and/or neighbors.
26.
Cellular phone use only on break and lunch, scanners, pagers and/or monitors are not permitted at
any time during school hours.
27.
Students are not allowed to use clinical time for the purpose of studying for classroom exams,
working on classroom homework assignments or any other non-clinical activity. The only exception
is specific assignments or projects that require the use of clinical equipment to complete.
28.
No personal use of computers (hospital owned).
Failure to comply with any of the above is subject to disciplinary action.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION
The Glens Falls Hospital School of Radiologic Technology follows the JRCERT supervision policy for
compliance with the Standards.
Until a student achieves and documents competency in any given procedure, all clinical assignments shall
be carried out under the direct supervision of qualified radiographers. The parameters of direct supervision
are:
1. A qualified radiographer reviews the request for examination in relation to the student’s
achievement;
2. A qualified radiographer evaluates the condition of the patient in relation to the student’s
knowledge;
3. A qualified radiographer is present and assist when and where needed during the conduct of the
examination; and
4. A qualified radiographer reviews and approves the radiographs.
A qualified radiographer is interpreted as a technologist that is in ‘good standing’ with the ARRT. A registry
eligible technologist does not meet this criterion.
*When a repeat radiograph that a student radiographer has taken is necessary it is to be done only in the
presence of a Registered Radiologic Technologist. The technologist is to double check positioning of the
patient, tube and bucky tray alignment and to make sure that the correct technical factors are selected before
that repeat radiograph is taken. All repeats must be entered on the students Repeat Log and initialed by the
instructor or Registered Radiologic Technologist present.
After demonstrating initial competency, students may perform procedures with indirect supervision. Indirect
supervision is defined as that supervision provided by a qualified radiographer immediately available to
assist students.
‘Immediately available’ is interpreted as the presence of a qualified radiographer adjacent to the room or
location to assist the student if necessary. This availability applies to all areas where ionizing radiation
equipment is in use.
‘Immediately available’ is not interpreted as reachable by phone or pager.
There may come a time when a junior and senior student assigned to a room with a technologist have not
been competency tested for a particular exam. The senior should stay in the room with the technologist and
20 Radiography
the junior student shall step out in order to maintain a 1:1 ratio. However, if the senior student has stepped
away for any reason, then the junior student may stay in the room with the technologist. At NO time shall
both students remain in the room, one must step out.
The student is expected to be working on room objectives, practicing exams or becoming more familiar with
the equipment whenever their assigned room is not busy. At no time should students be sitting idle in the
core. The Clinical Instructor will ensure that the student's clinical time is educationally productive and is
evaluated under Use of Time on the Clinical Assessment done at the end of each semester.
ROOM ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
To ensure a balanced clinical education with an exposure to a variety of procedures, students are rotated
through each of the available facilities on an equitable basis. Each student will receive a room assignment
schedule at the beginning of the semester for the entire semester. The schedules will also be posted in the
department.
Students are NOT allowed to TRADE or CHANGE their room assignments with another student for any
reason. However, rescheduling may occasionally occur in cases where students are out ill, rooms are down
for repairs, or to follow through with a particular exam. All room scheduling is at the discretion of the
Clinical Instructor.
As a reminder, students are to remain in their assigned areas. Students ‘checking’ on others and exams
performed outside their assigned area is prohibited unless approved by Clinical Instructor.
EVENING WEEKDAY ROTATIONS
The senior student will be rotated to evening rotation from one week 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. during their
last semester of the senior year. The student will not miss any of their class hours as these are conducted in
the afternoon between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
EVENING WEEKDAY OBJECTIVES
This shift will take advantage of trauma unique to our region during the peak of tourism. The student will be
expected to demonstrate more critical thinking unique to trauma as well as an analysis of the various trauma
situations demonstrated on this shift.
EVALUATION of EVENING WEEKDAY ROTATION
The senior student upon completion of the evening rotation will be required to write a one-page essay
documenting their experience including what comprises a trauma, how critical-thinking is altered in a
trauma situation, how communication changes based on circumstances present and who is involved with the
exam (communication with family vs. physician etc), how teamwork works with trauma patients, and how
has this rotation effected your view on radiologic technology. The essay will be due within one week of
completion of the rotation. Grading policy applies to this assignment.
CLINICAL OBJECTIVES
I.
GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY:
21 Radiography
The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and dexterity in four areas of
general radiography and computed tomography (CT). These areas include: (A) equipment and
accessories, (B) radiographic procedures, (C) radiographic technique, and (D) radiation protection
and other safety practices. The clinical education courses syllabi along with didactic courses provide
the student with an outline of what is expected. General radiography to take place within the
sponsoring institution as well as off-site clinical rotations using similar assessment tools (Clinical
Assessment) and computed tomography is to take place within the sponsoring institution using an
assessment tool specifically for CT (appendix B).
II.
CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF IMAGING MODALITIES:
The student will be rotated through the various modalities: Magnetic Resonance Imaging,
Mammography (optional), Sonography, Nuclear Medicine, and Oncology etc. The rotations are for
observation and to help give the student some exposure to other aspects of medical imaging they
may wish to pursue and find professional growth upon program completion.
III.
OFF-SITE CLINICAL ROTATIONS
The student will be able to identify the differences in healthcare delivery from a hospital setting to
privately own imaging sites. The student will be provided a chance to be a part of a healthcare
delivery team that interacts with an alternative customer base. The students will be provided a
potential alternative focus for professional growth.
AFFECTIVE CLINICAL OBJECTIVES
The following affective objectives are the professional domains that every student must achieve. These are
the professional skills and abilities accepted and normal traits that a technologist should have in the clinical
and professional setting. The student will be evaluated on these by means of the clinical grading system.
A.
RESPECT FOR PATIENT WELL BEING:
1.
Patient Modesty:
Students are expected to observe the patients right to privacy and modesty. This need should
be met under all circumstances including transportation to the Radiology Department, within
the Radiology Department and during examinations. Patients should be covered as much as
possible at all times. Examination room doors toward public hallways should be closed
during all exams; the student should provide a method of restricted access to the room if
patient modesty is especially compromised by the nature of the examination. Instructions to
the patient should also be given in private to prevent embarrassment to the patient.
During transportation the patient should be provided with his/her bathrobe if available and
practical. If not the patient should be provided with an alternate form of covering. Slippers
should be made available (either the patient's own, or the hospital provided ones). When a
patient is transported by wheelchair, a blanket or sheet should be used to cover the patient's
legs.
Outpatients should be provided with a patient gown that will provide the maximum coverage
for that patient and each exam. Patients should remove only that clothing which is absolutely
necessary for performance of the radiographic examination. Shoes and/or socks should be
left on for all exams except those in which they would interfere with the performance or
22 Radiography
cleanliness of the exam. All patients radiographed on a table need to be covered with a draw
sheet.
2.
Keeping patient information confidential (HIPPA):
The student is expected to observe the rules of confidentiality of patient information. That
information which should be kept confidential includes, but is not limited to, examination
results, information in the patient's hospital record (chart), personal history, behavior in the
Radiology Department, and any information obtained from the patient during the exam. The
information should be passed on only to those professionals directly involved in the patient's
care. Patient information is not to be discussed with coworkers not involved in patient care,
other students, student's family and friends, or the patient's family, and doors to all public
areas to be closed at all times.
Students should not extend personal favors to family and friends based on their access to
patients' radiology results and hospital records. More information is available on the hospital
web site.
3.
Showing concern for patient's comfort:
The student is expected to demonstrate concern, in the forms of empathy and sympathy for
the patient's physical and emotional comfort.
Physical comfort should be achieved by providing support in the form of pillows, sponges,
and/or chairs for the patient. Examinations should be performed in a manner that
concentrates on patient comfort, not one of ease for the student. Uncomfortable positions
should be set up so that the patient remains in position as short a time as possible. The
patient should be made as comfortable as possible before the student leaves to check films or
examination progress. Patients remaining in the department for long periods of time should
be checked on frequently to assure patient comfort.
The emotional comfort of the patient is equally important, although harder to address. The
student should keep in mind that the patient's primary concerns are more than just the
outcome or progress of this examination. While it is not the student's responsibility to
address all of a patient's emotional problems, he/she should address those most prevalent in
the Radiology Department. Those areas include, but are not limited to, fear of results, fear of
resulting disability, loss of self-esteem, and fear of the unknown.
Fear of the unknown is the easiest for students to dispel, simply by explaining the
examination is the lay terms and keeping the patient informed of the examination progress.
Other fears may be partially dispelled by simply listening to them and providing reassurance
without imparting confidential or false information to the patient. Students should encourage
communication when appropriate by asking questions and conversing with the patient. The
patient's need for self-esteem should be met by allowing the patient to do as much as possible
for him/her self without violating hospital policies. The student will need to use judgement
in determining what the patient should be allowed to do, but should keep in mind that
patients are not all invalids.
B.
PROPER PATIENT COMMUNICATION:
23 Radiography
1.
Addressing patient using proper titles:
A general attitude of respect for the patient as a human being is desired. Part of that includes
respect when addressing a person with whom the student is unfamiliar. Upon initial contact,
a patient should be approached using proper titles, i.e., Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Reverend,
Sister, etc., and surname if the patient is older than the student technologist. Upon patient
request, or after lengthy contact with the patient, the student may use a method of addressing
the patient that is less formal. Children may be addressed on a first name basis in order to
promote trust and cooperation. At no time is the use of slang terms, i.e., honey, sweetie,
dear, etc., to be used. The student will not reach the position of familiarity with the patient
that would permit the use of such terms.
2.
Introducing him/herself to patient:
In light of the information that is available to the student regarding the patient and his/her
condition, it is a common courtesy that the patient should know the name of the individual
performing the exam. The student should introduce him/herself to the patient at the time of
initial contact. This will also help the patient to feel that his/her needs are better being taken
care of. The patient may then ask the student technologist directly for assistance. Others
present in the room during the exam should also be introduced to the patient.
3.
Explaining the exam in lay terms:
Considering the intimate nature of many of the examinations performed, essentially all
portions of the x-ray exam should be explained to the patient. Judgement must be used by
the student technologist regarding the scope and extent of the explanation based on the exam
type, patient comprehension level, and patient age and interest. The complexity of the
procedure and the anxiety level of the patient should also be considered. Explanations
should always be given regarding the general nature of the exam, any palpation made by the
student technologist, and any movements required of the patient. In the interest of time and
simplicity, short, concise explanations are usually best. However, when indicated by the
exam and/or patient, lengthy and in depth explanations should be given. Care must be taken
to use language that is consistent with the patient's level of comprehension. Jargon,
acronyms, and scientific terms should not be used.
4.
Keeping patient informed of exam progress:
The patient should know the reason for any apparent delay in the exam progress. This is
inclusive of any time when something is not actively being done for or to the patient.
Common waiting times in the waiting area, waiting for a special room, waiting for a
radiologist, waiting for films to be developed, waiting for the next film in a times sequence,
waiting for reading, waiting for paperwork, etc. should be explained to the patient. These
simple explanations can help to alleviate the patient's fears and anxieties, thereby favorably
affecting that patient's opinion of the student, exam, and department.
C.
PROPER PROFESSIONAL RESPECT:
Professional respect should be extended to the following persons: (1) radiologists, (2) staff
technologists, (3) program faculty, (4) staff physicians, (5) hospital staff, and (6) all members of the
Radiology Department and other students. In order to define "proper professional respect" with each
24 Radiography
group, a description of the relationship between the student and each group will be offered. The
term "public" is assumed to mean any verbal indication of thought, i.e., anything but in the student's
thoughts.
1.
Radiologists:
The student should recognize the relationship that exists between the student technologist and
the radiologist. The radiologist is highly trained in the area of interpretation of radiographs,
while being minimally trained in their production. The student, on the other hand, is in the
process of being highly trained in the area of production and only minimally in the area of
interpretation. Therefore, one cannot exist without the other. It is imperative that each
acknowledges the other's area of expertise.
Respect for the radiologist will be displayed by:
2.
a.
Introducing the radiologist to the patient in any exam in which the two come in
contract.
b.
Referring to the radiologist using proper title and surname.
c.
Not questioning the radiologist's instructions regarding a specific examination.
Clarification of instructions is appropriate and encouraged.
d.
No questioning the radiologist's interpretation of a film in a public way. The student's
base of knowledge does not justify that disagreement.
e.
When appropriate, questioning the radiologist about films, pathology seen reasons for
requiring given projections and film quality, etc. Questions, which enrich the
student's understanding of radiography and the radiologist's requirements, are
appropriate and encouraged. Questions that in any way “question” the radiologist’s
competence is unacceptable. Questions should be asked on an individual basis and
when time allows (not during an exam).
f.
Being supportive of the radiologist's role and competence in public. Privileged
information obtained in the hospital setting must be kept in the utmost confidentiality.
Personal opinions of the radiologists must be kept as such – personal, not public.
Staff technologists:
Staff technologists should be viewed by student technologists as providers of information,
examples to be followed, and authorities in the field. The student should recognize that
radiography is an art; not an exact science; several different methods may achieve the same
end. The classroom teaches one way, working technologists develop variations of this way.
Students should not expect staff technologist to be the ultimate source of information, as
recall of specifics may diminish after the formal education process has ended. Students
should keep in mind that the primary goal for the staff technologist is to get the job done, not
necessarily to teach the student how to do it.
Respect for the staff technologist is displayed by:
25 Radiography
3.
a.
Accepting the technologist decisions regarding positioning, procedure, and technique.
This should be done without question in light of the education and experience of the
staff tech.
b.
Questioning the staff technologist's decisions in private and in the atmosphere of
increasing knowledge, not passing judgement on the competence of the staff tech.
c.
Recognizing that each staff technologist may have individualized any given
procedure while keeping in mind the method that was taught to the student by the
program faculty.
d.
Being loyal to and supportive of the staff technologist's role and competence in
public. Privileged information contained in the hospital setting must be kept in the
utmost confidentiality. Personal opinions of the staff technologists must be kept as
such – personal, not public.
Program faculty:
The student should view the program faculty as mentors and role models. The relationship
between faculty and student must remain at a healthy professional distance in order to
facilitate learning. Respect for the faculty is a fundamental assumption without which
learning is compromised.
Respect for faculty will be displayed by:
4.
a.
Following all instructions given by faculty.
b.
Questioning of instructions and decisions is not discouraged. However, questions
must be asked professionally and respectfully at the soonest appropriate time
following the examination in question. Students should ask questions with the intent
of gaining further knowledge and insight not with the intent of questioning
competency. The authority of the program faculty should be recognized without
ignoring the student's right to disagree. The student should understand that
acceptance is required while personal agreement with the faculty's philosophy is not.
c.
Bringing discrepancies in postioning, procedure, and technique to the faculty's
attention so that explanation may be offered.
d.
Recognizing the faculty member's role as liaison with other parties involved in the
educational process, i.e., department personnel, hospital personnel, and college staff
and faculty.
e.
Being loyal to and supportive of the program faculty's role and competence in public.
Privileged information obtained in the hospital setting must be kept in the utmost
confidentiality. Personal opinions of the program faculty must be kept as such –
personal, not public.
Staff physicians:
The relationship between student and physician is similar to that between student and
radiologist in that a certain level of respect is assumed. The student should recognize the
26 Radiography
physician's special area of expertise and should acknowledge their role in the care of the
patient. Generally speaking, the physician will be the coordinator of the care of that patient,
and may be the only person who is aware of all facets of the patient's condition.
Respect for the staff physician will be displayed by:
5.
a.
Referring to the staff physician using proper title and surname.
b.
Not questioning the physician's judgement or competence in areas where the student
is not qualified to judge.
c.
Recognizing the staff physician's role in the requesting of radiographic examinations.
d.
Being loyal to and supportive of the staff physician's role and competence in public.
Privileged information obtained in the hospital setting must be kept to the utmost
confidentiality. Personal opinions of the staff physician must be kept as such –
personal, not public.
Hospital staff:
The student's relationship with the hospital staff should be reflective of an awareness of their
given areas of expertise. An atmosphere of cooperation, not competition, is essential in order
to facilitate the best possible care for the patient. The student should remember that the
hospital and its staff are providing a service to the student by allowing the clinical phase of
training to take place there.
Respect for the hospital staff will be displayed by:
6.
a.
Addressing hospital personnel by a method that is appropriate to the position of that
staff member.
b.
Not questioning the competency of hospital personnel in areas where the student is
not qualified to judge.
c.
Acknowledging the staff members' area of expertise and seeking the assistance of an
appropriate member when the student's base of knowledge does not provide for
proper care of the patient.
d.
Being loyal to and supportive of the hospital staff's role and competency in public.
Privileged information obtained in the hospital setting must be kept in the utmost
confidentiality. Personal opinions of the hospital staff must be kept as such –
personal, not public.
Radiology Department staff:
The student's relationship with other Radiology Department staff should be one of respect for
the others area of expertise. Radiology aides and secretarial personnel should be
acknowledged for their special skills and should be viewed as a source of information by the
student. As no time during the student's training should he/she display a condescending
27 Radiography
attitude toward these personnel. They are a vital part of the department without which the
department would not function.
Respect for other Radiology Department personnel will be displaced by:
D.
a.
Allowing personnel to perform their job to the best of their ability.
b.
Asking for assistance in performing tasks – not demanding it.
c.
Asking questions of the staff in an appropriate place and time to broaden the student's
base of knowledge.
d.
Not asking staff to perform tasks for which they are not qualified or are not allowed
to perform.
e.
Being loyal to and supportive of the department personnel's role and competence.
Privileged information obtained in the hospital setting must be kept in the utmost
confidentiality. Personal opinions of the department personnel must be kept as such –
personal, not public.
COOPERATION WITH THE CLINICAL SITE STAFF:
1.
Accepting constructive feedback:
Students will inevitably be the recipient of positive reinforcement and professional feedback
from faculty, staff technologists, and radiologists. It is vital to the education progress of the
student that the criticism be viewed as an attempt toward improvement in the student's
competence or professional growth. What is seen as criticism by the student may actually be
only a difference of opinion, a difference in instruction, or a demonstration of the "art" of
radiography expressed as an individualized method. The student should receive the criticism
without argument. A defensive attitude is expected initially, but should be displayed as little
as possible until the student has taken the time to examine the circumstances more fully. The
student should attempt to understand the criticism and should further study films, procedure
books, reference books, or ask faculty members to help with an explanation.
At no time is it acceptable for a student to disagree with criticism in front of a patient. It is
also unacceptable for criticism to be given in front of a patient, and faculty members should
be made aware of any such instances.
In the event that criticism is given in a nonconstructive manner, the Clinical Instructor should
be notified as soon as possible in order to rectify the situation. Time is important in this
instance as details tend to be distorted proportionately with increases in time.
2.
Observing rules and regulations:
Students in clinical training must observe the rules and regulations of the hospital and
Radiology Department in which training is taking place. Areas of concern include, but are
not limited to, the following:
a.
b.
Parking.
Transportation of patients.
28 Radiography
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
3.
Dress code.
Examination procedures.
Work assignments.
Use of facilities.
Use and care of equipment.
Film quality criteria.
Asking appropriate questions of staff:
In order to enhance the clinical learning experience, the student should attempt to learn as
much as possible about the happenings in the Radiology Department. Students will be taught
in the classroom to perform each examination according to a given set of criteria. Individual
technologists may perform that examination differently according to patient condition,
equipment available, personal preference, or variations in training. The student should
inquire the technologists regarding the variance at an appropriate time and place. The student
should observe and inquire staff technologist's actions regarding an exceptionally difficult or
unusual patient in order to have a reference in the instance that the student encounters a
similar patient or circumstance.
4.
Offering assistance to staff:
An atmosphere of cooperation among staff and student technologists is essential to the
operation of the Radiology Department. A student in clinical training must keep him/herself
occupied as much as possible in order to intensify learning. It is especially recommended for
students to assist with examinations that are beyond their didactic educational level. This
will enhance classroom learning in that subject area when it is approached. In these
circumstances it is important for the student not to participate with a closed mind. The
student should be inquisitive about positioning, centering, central ray angulation, technique,
and anatomy, as well as becoming familiar with departmental policy regarding the
examination. These actions will increase the student's rate of learning as well as create a
positive attitude in the technologist regarding that particular student.
5.
Responsible assignments:
Acceptable behavior in this area will be demonstrated by the following:
E.
a.
Attempting to perform routine exams (ones which the student has been certified as
competent in and has had practice with) on a difficult patient.
b.
Attempting examinations for which the student has received classroom instruction,
but not much clinical practice. The student should attempt to perform the exam as
completely as possible with the technologist assisting when necessary rather than
always watching what the staff technologist does.
c.
Assisting the staff technologist with exams that are beyond the scope of classroom
learning in the interest of learning about the exam before it is covered in class.
DEPENDABILITY:
1.
Following instruction:
29 Radiography
The student will follow instructions given by staff technologists and faculty as completely
and accurately as possible. If the instructions as given are unclear to the student, it is his/her
responsibility to obtain clarification BEFORE attempting to carry them out. Asking in
advance is always better than making an error or guessing as to the intended meaning. The
student should not be reprimanded or made fun of for asking clarifying questions. Any
instances of this happening should be reported to the Clinical Instructor immediately.
2.
Meeting clinical assignments as scheduled:
Students are expected to meet all clinical assignments unless an emergency arises or illness
would cause the student to perform at a substandard level. Although the Radiology
Department does not depend on students for its day-to-day functioning, the students are an
important part of the department. Circumstances arise where the assistance of a student
would provide smoother and more pleasant operation. Failure of the student to meet the
scheduled clinical hours creates feelings of mistrust and unreliability in the technologist's
view of the students. Dependability is one of the most admired and expected of attributes of
any health professional or student. Failure to meet expectations in this area carries over into
other areas of the technologists' view of the student.
3.
Completing assignments:
Students should complete patient examinations from retrieving patient through completing
paperwork on computer and PACS. The student is responsible for retrieving and changing
the patient, performing exam, developing films, completing paperwork, discharging or
returning patient, and cleaning the radiographic room and supplies used in performance of an
exam. Assistance with any part of these is acceptable as long as it is on a voluntary basis and
does not result from the failure of the student to perform all duties.
Additionally, a student should complete any examination with which he/she is involved at the
end of the scheduled clinical hours unless the involvement is so minor that the student's
leaving will not require replacement or in any way affect the performance of the exam.
F.
ADHERENCE TO PROGRAM DRESS CODE BY:
1.
Wearing appropriate uniform:
The required student uniform is described in another section of this book. Individual taste
will be allowed for as long as the uniform remains tasteful, neat, and professional. While
uniforms need not be unattractive, they should also not be revealing of skin or body habitus
in an excessive amount.
2.
Observing personal hygiene:
Students are expected to observe normal and customary rules of hygiene. Hair should be
neat, clean and secured so as not to interfere with the exam. Body should be bathed daily to
prevent the spreading of germs. Hands and fingernails should be kept scrupulously clean
throughout the clinical time since hands are the most frequent cause and spread of disease.
In addition, personal cosmetic habits should be such that they are not offensive to the patient.
Females should wear makeup, perfume, fingernail polish, and jewelry at a minimum subdued
level, as fragrances are especially offensive to the ill. Bright colors (on nails and face) are
usually offensive to the ill and are out of place in the hospital. Jewelry can harm patients
30 Radiography
(especially rings) or can be potentially harmful to the student, i.e., chains that can be easily
grasped.
G.
SEEKING ASSISTANCE WHEN NECESSARY:
1.
For proper patient care in exam:
The student should use sound judgement when seeking help with difficult aspects of an
examination. If the student is unaware of the required nursing skills in order to care for a
given piece of equipment, assistance should be sought from a staff nurse, technologist, or
faculty member. When transporting a patient the student should be certain which apparatus
may be discontinued while in x-ray and which ones must accompany the patient before
disconnecting anything. Once in the department, the student is responsible for the operation
of the apparatus and should seek assistance from a staff technologist or faculty member
should any problems or questions arise. When it comes to patient care, caution is preferred
over negligence; therefore the student should not hesitate to ask for help. As the student
progresses in his/her education a decrease in assistance should be striven for. Some areas of
patient care where assistance may be needed are:
Isolation policies.
IV operations.
Chest tube and suction.
Nasogastric tubes and suction.
Oxygen administration.
Catheter care.
Patient care should also include other items beyond care of equipment. Several aspects of
patient care have been discussed in sections A and B. The student should also be concerned
about the personal cleanliness of the patient if the patient is unable to perform those acts
alone. A patient should never be returned to the patient floor in an unclean state. Patients’
that are incontinent or without bowel control should be cleaned before leaving the
department or in the patient's room before the student leaves. Outpatients as well as
inpatients should be provided with necessary items to clean themselves of barium and should
be assisted if necessary.
2.
In technical aspects of exam:
Students should seek assistance with an exam whenever there is doubt about its performance.
This includes the areas of technique, positioning, central ray angulation, nature of exam,
department routine and difficult patients. The student is encouraged to try to use his/her
knowledge and common sense to reason out the problem, but should not hesitate to ask for
help when necessary. As in all circumstances, the assistance should be sought at the proper
time and in the proper manner and never in front of a patient. As the students' education
progresses, less assistance should be necessary. Students are encouraged to commit
techniques to memory as soon as possible.
H.
CRITICAL THINKING:
1.
The ability to adapt to new situations:
As the student progresses, it should become easier to adapt each exam to the patient and
circumstances surrounding the exam. The student should be able to adapt the routine method
of performing the exam in the areas of positioning, central ray angulation, film position, focal
film distance, film-screen-grid combinations, technique and patient mobility. The student
31 Radiography
should always attempt to perform the exam in the way that is easiest and least harmful for the
patient.
2.
Instilling confidence in patients:
The student should demonstrate to the patient that he/she is capable of doing the examination
and is confident in him/herself. This may be demonstrated by an even, calm tone of voice,
steady hands, organization, efficiency, conversation, thorough explanations, acknowledgment
of questions, providing answers when possible, and by seeking assistance, if necessary,
without the patient's knowledge. The patient should respond to the student in a manner that
suggests trust and confidence. The patient may demonstrate this by conversing easily,
relating symptoms and problems associated with disease, laying in a relaxed position,
speaking with a calm, even tone of voice, and responding to the student's instructions
properly.
3.
Student confidence:
The student should keep in mind that while he/she s enrolled in this program, the educational
process is till taking place. While the student's body of knowledge is appreciated, it is also
recognized that there is always more to learn. Students should not pretend that they know
how to do an exam of which they are unsure; it is never acceptable to perform an exam
without being reasonably sure of the outcome of one's actions related to patient care and film
quality. The student should use his/her knowledge and reasoning and should share this with
other students and technologists in an atmosphere of cooperation and assistance, not
superiority. The outward signs of the overconfidence will be in the student's tone of voice,
facial expression, and reactions to the other person's acceptance of the information.
4.
Basing decisions on clear thought:
In instances where quick concise decisions are necessary, the student should develop the
ability to decide quickly based on the knowledge and circumstances surrounding the
examination. Such instances may range from the child patient to the disoriented older patient
to the uncooperative emergency patient. The student should, as much as possible, remain
calm and self-confident and perform the exam as routinely and efficiently as possible. The
student should not cease to function in the capacity of student technologist and revert to the
role of observer. Experience will greatly help the student's ability to achieve this. Therefore
the student should observe and assist whenever possible with this type of examination.
5.
Always striving for quality care and films:
The student should combine knowledge and reasoning in the performance of the exam in
order to ensure quality care and films. In the instance that a film is less than optimal, the
student should evaluate the film quality and patient condition in order to determine if a repeat
film is indicated. The student should not make this decision entirely on his/her own. Student
films should always be reviewed by a staff technologist, faculty member, or radiologist. If a
repeat is needed, the student should perform this willingly and should not give the person
requesting the repeat a difficult time. Opposition to the decision should not be expressed
verbally or nonverbally; requesting an explanation of the reason for the repeat is acceptable.
The student should be certain of how to correct the error and must be accompanied by a
technologist (direct supervision) for the repeat film. The student should strive for the
perfect film, accept the good film, and be willing to repeat the poor one if necessary.
32 Radiography
PROCESS OF DEMONSTRATING CLINICAL COMPETENCY
The Radiography School is a competency based program in that the student MUST complete the required
clinical objectives and MUST demonstrate the required level of clinical competence to remain in the school,
and ultimately graduate. Competency based clinical education is a progressive approach to the development
and eventual success of the student in the performance of radiographic procedures. The following is an
outline of the sequential process:
A. CLINICAL EXAM EVALUATION
1.
The student will first receive didactic instruction for a particular exam.
2.
The faculty will give laboratory demonstration of each projection for that exam.
3.
The student will successfully complete a lab test.
4.
The student can now perform exams with direct supervision.
5.
The student will successfully complete a specific minimum number of cases that is recorded on
their procedure list.
6.
After successful completion of the specific minimum number of exams for that procedure, the
student will, when ready for competency testing, ask their supervising technologist to evaluate
them for clinical competency on a patient. Faculty and/or technologist will not decide when the
student is ready for testing.
B.CLINICAL COMPETENCY TESTING PROCEDURE
The student will follow these steps when requesting a clinical competency test.
1. Prior to the start of an exam, inform the instructor/technologist (evaluator) that they wish to be tested
on the exam.
2. The student will provide the evaluator with the appropriate competency grading/evaluation form.
3. The student will perform the exam with evaluator present for all phases of the exam. Once the
patient has been brought to the room or the exam has started, the student may not cancel the
evaluation. Special considerations will be made (i.e. handicapped etc.)
4. The evaluator will grade the student's performance based on the established guidelines printed on the
form. The form contents, grading criteria and required projections may not be changed, altered or
deleted. All items on the form must be completed and evaluated.
5. A clinical competency test form must be completed for every competency exam attempted.
6. The evaluator must evaluate student's performance by observing all aspects of the exam, not
just by critique of the finished radiograph(s).
33 Radiography
The student must receive a grade of 85% or better in order to pass a clinical competency evaluation/test.
The students will AUTOMATICALLY FAIL for not properly identifying the patient, not obtaining the
pregnancy status of childbearing age women, not shielding and compromising patient safety, no visible
or correct markers not insuring physician order is correct. A student failing a competency test will
receive a grade of 74% if it is an automatic failure and the actual percentage score for all other failures.
The student will be REEVALUATED for that procedure following remedial training.
C. THE REMEDIAL TRAINING PROCESS:
1. Discussion of the areas requiring improvement.
2. Review of didactic material for the exam if necessary.
3. Repeat lab of the exam, lab test, or clinical exam evaluation if necessary.
4. Student is able to attempt second clinical competency. Repeat competency exam with a grade of
85% or better.
5. If the student fails the competency exam on their second try, they will receive a grade of "0". The
student will then repeat the category: the above remedial training procedure, repeat required
minimum number of exams under the direct supervision of a technologist if necessary, and student is
able to attempt third clinical competency. A third Failure will require academic counseling based on
Disciplinary Action step 2 with possible dismissal.
From the list of exams provided on the competency form, the student must have completed the number
of exams listed by the semester due date listed. The student may complete a competency test on any
exam in any semester, provided they have first successfully completed the required lab test and required
minimum number of exams under the Direct Supervision of a technologist. Failure to meet the clinical
competency criteria at the end of a marking period will result in the REDUCTION of the CLINICAL
LETTER GRADE BY TWO-LETTER GRADES (i.e., A to B+, etc).
Failure to meet the total minimum number of clinical competency by the end of the two years will result
in dismissal from the program. The student may reapply for another term as a student within the
program.
CLINICAL GRADE
The clinical grade is an average derived from the grades of the competency exams, lab test and in your
sixth semester, a written assignment regarding Evening Weekday Rotation. A student must pass their
clinical education with a grade of 75% or better and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better for all course work.
CLINICAL PROCEDURE LIST
During FILM CRITIQUE SESSIONS in the department, the student will review their cases with
school faculty to determine if the performance meets acceptable criteria. If the exam is satisfactory, the
student may count the procedure on the competency form in the clinical competency process. The
student is only allowed to count exams shown and accepted during film critique.
The student must comply with the following directions and criteria in order to count procedures for the
clinical competency process.
34 Radiography
1. The student must have successfully completed a lab test for the clinical exam.
2. The student is reminded that even though a study may be acceptable enough in the core to send to
the reading room, this does not automatically mean that the study will meet the acceptable criteria for
film critique and counting towards competency.
3. The student must perform ALL aspects of the case, to include postioning and selecting proper
technique, with minimal help from the supervising technologist correcting the performance.
4. The student must have the original hard-copy identification card present with history, technique and
signature of the technologist on back.
5. Exams cannot be counted if:
a.
Any views were repeated other than for equipment malfunctions.
b.
There is no evidence of proper collimation, whenever practical, on all four sides.
There are no visually distinguishable or incorrect letter markers.
d.
There is no evidence of proper gonad shielding whenever appropriate.
e.
Technical factors are not acceptable for the specific study (within “S” number range).
6. The student must have used the smallest film size practical for the study.
c.
7. The patient ID blocker and markers must be out of the anatomy on all views of the study.
8. Left and right markers must be placed appropriately.
9. All accessory markers, when appropriate, must be clearly visible and out of the anatomy.
10. All required anatomical structures, as stated in Merrill's and/or department procedure manual for
each view, must be present.
11. The medical record number of the patient will be written down under the appropriate exam on the
student's procedure list and initialed by the instructor. The instructor will sign, and date the ID card
and then turn the cards into the Program Director so that the student's master list may be updated.
The student is responsible for placing their name on the card. Cards submitted without the students
name will not be counted.
12. When there is difficulty in obtaining cases for a particular exam, the student may elect to perform a
clinical competency test on the procedure even though they have not completed the required
minimum number of clinical exams. The student may initiate this by meeting the following criteria:
A.
The student must be in their last two (2) semesters, as experience is a consideration to these
alternative methods.
B.
There must be at least one (1) case counted in that exam category.
C.
The student must complete a laboratory or lab test evaluation with one of the school's
instructors prior to the clinical competency test.
D.
The clinical competency test must follow within one month of the laboratory/guided practice
evaluation.
35 Radiography
13. The Program Director and Clinical Instructors will make the final decision as to the student's use of
this alternative method. This method is not meant to be the normal process for clinical competency
evaluation. The purpose of this method is to allow for flexibility when there are a lack of
opportunity for certain exams (i.e. headwork).
15. The student must realize that they are still required to maintain a passing grade of 85% for their
clinical competency test.
OBSERVATIONS IN THE CLINICAL SETTING
Has part of the educational experience, students are required to observe. These observations
occur throughout the organization to include; but, not limited to; GI Lab, Cardiac
Catheterization, Ultrasonography, Nuclear Medicine, EKG etc. During these assignments, the
student is only meant to observe and not be allowed to assist and/or perform any aspect of patient
care.
FLUOROSCOPY POLICY
Due to the nature of the exams and the amount of radiation involved, to insure patient safety, the following
policy must be observed for all fluoroscopic exams.
1.
During the first year of training all students must have a qualified technologist present in the
radiographic room for the length of the exam.
2.
During the second year of training all students who have satisfactorily completed a competency
exam for the procedure being done, must have a technologist either in or outside the radiographic
room at the control panel for the length of the exam.
3.
If, a second year student has not satisfactorily completed a competency for the exam being done,
there must be a technologist present in the radiographic room for the length of the exam.
4.
Regardless of where the student is in their training, a technologist must be present in the
radiographic room:
A.
Whenever a student inserts the tip for a barium enema.
B.
Whenever any special or invasive exam is being performed.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
DISMISSAL:
A student may be dismissed from the Radiography School for any of the following:
1.
If the student has committed a breach of the hospital and/or school policies and procedures.
2.
If the student does not complete any course with a 75% or greater average.
3.
If the student does not maintain a program accumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
4.
Any breach of confidentiality and/or professional ethics.
36 Radiography
5.
Insubordination.
6.
Violation of any New York state law whereby the student is found guilty of felony.
7.
The Glens Falls Hospital has an Alcohol/Substance Abuse Policy and Procedure to help
establish a drug-free workplace. The students are a part of the hospital organization and
MUST follow this policy. A copy of this policy is accessible through the intranet using an
assigned password. The Program Director will immediately SUSPEND any student under the
influence of alcohol or drugs during school hours with DISMISSAL pending decision.
8.
Any other occurrence addressed in other sections of this handbook.
9. The above is not an all-inclusive list. Other circumstances will be addressed on a case-by-case
basis.
SEQUENTIAL METHOD OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION
STEP 1:
Oral warning form explaining offense and possible further action if offense is
repeated; the form will be dated, documented and placed in student’s file
STEP 2:
Written warning and/or academic counseling: form explaining possible further action
if offense is repeated; the form will be dated, documented and placed in student’s file
STEP 3:
Suspension: not to exceed 3days. Time missed must be made up for program
completion.
STEP 4:
Dismissal.
Due to the variety of circumstances involved, no one disciplinary standard can apply. The type and
agree of disciplinary action will depend upon the type of infraction, the seriousness of
it and the repetition of the offense.
37 Radiography
The severity of the disciplinary action may range from STEPS 1-4 (above), in a progressive manner,
immediately to a written warning form or immediately to the dismissal at the discretion of the Program
Director of the school with advisement from faculty and other sources.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The student has the right to file a grievance regarding any disciplinary, student/faculty, staff member, or
action that they feel is unjust including non-compliance with the Standards. The following procedure will
be followed:
1.
The student must submit their grievance in writing to the Program Director within three (3) days of
the occurrence of the issue being grieved.
2.
The written grievance must clearly state:
A.
B.
C.
D.
3.
The date and signed by the student presenting it.
What action is being grieved
Why the student feels the action is unjust.
Any additional information the student wishes to provide in support of their grievance.
The grievance and all documentation/information relevant to the incident will be reviewed and
discussed by a committee of the Program Director, Department Administrator, and/or faculty and a
decision reached within three (3) days with student being informed at this point.
The student may appeal the decision to the hospital’s Human Resources Vice President within three (3) days
of receipt of decision from step 3. The decision by the Human Resources Vice President will be the final
decision and will be rendered within three (3) days from the time of submission to the HR panel. The
Human Resources Vice President can solicit feedback from non-school related staff prior to rendering a
decision.
At no time will the student's future in the program be jeopardized as a result of a grievance being filed.
Failure to follow this policy will result in the student's grievance not being heard or addressed. It is the
student’s responsibility to continue to follow all school policies during this time.
Grievance for non-compliance with the Standards by the JRCERT can be made via access to the JRCERT
website as follows: www.jrcert.org.
STUDENT RECORDS REVIEW AND RELEASE
The Glens Falls Hospital Radiography Program provides students the right to inspect and review their
educational records and to challenge the contents of these records to insure that such records are not
inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's privacy or other rights. In addition, personally
identifiable records and/or transcripts will not be released without the written consent of the student. The
transcripts will be sealed and mailed to the address requested for a fee of $5 per transcript.
38 Radiography
GRADUATION
Graduation is held in July following completion of the two (2) year program. All students are expected to
attend graduation exercises. During the graduation ceremony, several awards are presented.
In order to graduate from the program, the radiography student must meet the following requirements for
ALL academic and clinical assignments:
1.
Complete each course with a minimum course average of 75%.
2.
Maintain a 2.5 or higher accumulative GPA.
3.
All time owed must have been made-up; otherwise, the student will be allowed to participate in
graduation ceremonies; however, no certificate will be granted at that time. A signed certificate will
be issued once all time has been made up and all competencies completed.
4.
Completed all competencies for clinical.
OTHER
Should any issues, problems, or situations not specifically addressed by a policy in this Handbook arise,
they will be reviewed and evaluated by the Program Director. The Program Director will make any and all
decisions regarding these items on a case-by-case basis as well as consult with Human Resources for review
of Glens Falls Hospital policies. Students should know that the program follows all Glens Falls Hospital
policies and procedures. These policies and procedures can be viewed on the intranet using the student’s
password assigned to them.
Students shall know that any documentation indicating an oral, written or counseling record will be filed
under their name. This record is accumulative and can be viewed as a reason for dismissal. This file can be
viewed at the request of the student and is made available to those making a decision for dismissal.
39 Radiography
GLENS FALLS HOSPITAL
RADIOGRAPHY SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK CONTRACT
I, the undersigned, have received the Glens Falls Hospital Radiography Program Student Handbook.
I have read and have the opportunity to discuss with Program faculty any concerns or questions I may have
had.
I fully understand the contents and agree to abide by all policies, rules and regulations set forth by
the Radiology School and all applicable Glens Falls Hospital policies, rules and regulations. I further
understand that circumstances may require policy and procedure changes to be made and that such changes
will be communicated to me in writing with an opportunity to discuss and ask questions regarding them.
I understand that failure to do so can result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including
dismissal from the Radiography School.
Student Signature:
Date:
(When signed, becomes part of the student's permanent record.)
40 Radiography
APPENDIX A
41 Radiography
Standards
For an Accredited Educational
Program in Radiography
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011
Adopted by:
The Joint Review Committee on Education
in Radiologic Technology - April 2010
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312.704.5300 ● (Fax) 312.704.5304
www.jrcert.org
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 © 2010 by the JRCERT
42 Radiography
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.
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 ..........................................................................................................22
The program has sufficient resources to support the quality and effectiveness of the
educational process.
Standard Three: Curriculum and Academic Practices ...........................................................34
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 .....................................................74
44 Radiography
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, academic policies, clinical
obligations, grading system, graduation requirements, and the criteria for transfer credit.
1.10
Makes the program’s mission statement, goals, and student learning outcomes readily available to
students, faculty, administrators, and the general public.
1.11
Documents that the program engages the communities of interest for the purpose of continuous
program improvement.
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.
1.13
Has student recruitment and admission practices that are consistent with published policies of the
sponsoring institution and the program.
45 Radiography
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.
1.15
Has procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance education courses.
1.1
Adheres to high ethical standards in relation to students, faculty, and staff.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
47 Radiography
1.2
Provides equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program assures equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
48 Radiography
1.3
Provides timely, appropriate, and educationally valid clinical experiences for each admitted student.
Explanation:
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 education settings that provide a
wide range of procedures for competency achievement including mobile, surgical, and trauma examinations. Clinical
education 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 education setting must be
supported by sufficient human and physical resources. The number of students assigned to the clinical education
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 is 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.
Required Program Response:
 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 education
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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
49 Radiography
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.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
50 Radiography
1.5
Assures the security and confidentiality of student records, instructional materials, and other
appropriate program materials.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program maintains the security and confidentiality of student records and other program
materials.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of institution’s/program’s published policies/procedures
 Review of student academic and clinical records
 Tour of program offices
 Tour of clinical education 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.
Explanation:
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 the student’s formal grievance and its resolution. Records must be retained in accordance with the
institution’s/program’s retention policies/procedures.
Required Program Response:
Provide a copy of the grievance procedure.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of institutional catalog
 Review of student handbook
 Review of formal grievance records, if applicable
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
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.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe the procedure for making students aware of the STANDARDS.
 Describe how students are provided contact information for the JRCERT.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of program publications
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
53 Radiography
1.8
Has publications that accurately reflect the program’s policies, procedures, and offerings.
Explanation:
Maintaining published information regarding the program’s current policies, procedures, and offerings
provides interested parties with an accurate overview of program requirements and expectations.
Required Program Response:
Provide program publications that reflect program policies, procedures and offerings.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Review of student handbook
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
54 Radiography
1.9
Makes available to students, faculty, and the general public accurate information about
admission policies, tuition and fees, refund policies, academic calendars, academic policies,
clinical obligations, grading system, graduation requirements, and the criteria for transfer
credit.
Explanation:
The institutional and/or program policies must be published and made available to students, faculty, and the
general public to assure that they are adequately informed. Policy changes must be made known to
students, faculty, and the general public in a timely fashion. It is recommended that revision dates be
identified on program publications.
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 education settings,
this information must also be included.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how institutional and/or program policies are made known to students, faculty, and the
general public.
 Provide publications that include these policies.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of institutional materials
 Review of published program materials
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with Admissions personnel
 Interviews with Registrar
 Interviews with students
55 Radiography
1.10
Makes the program’s mission statement, goals, and student learning outcomes readily
available to students, faculty, administrators, and the general public.
Explanation:
Program accountability is enhanced by making its mission statement, goals, and student learning outcomes
available to the program’s communities of interest. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways,
including program publications and/or a Web site.
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.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Interviews with administrative personnel
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
56 Radiography
1.11
Documents that the program engages the communities of interest for the purpose of
continuous program improvement.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 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).
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of meeting minutes
 Review of evaluations
 Review of surveys
 Interviews with members of various communities of interest
57 Radiography
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.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how admission practices are non-discriminatory.
 Provide institutional and/or program admission policies.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Review of student records
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with Admissions personnel
 Interviews with students
58 Radiography
1.13
Has student recruitment and admission practices that are consistent with published policies of
the sponsoring institution and the program.
Explanation:
Defined admission practices facilitate objective student selection. In considering applicants for admission,
the program must follow published policies and procedures.
Required Program Response:
 Describe the implementation of institutional and program admission policies.
 Provide institutional and program admission policies.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with Admissions personnel
 Interviews with students
59 Radiography
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.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how non-discriminatory employment practices are assured.
 Provide copies of employment policies and procedures that assure non-discriminatory practices.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of employee/faculty handbook
 Review of employee/faculty application form
 Review of institutional catalog
 Interviews with faculty
60 Radiography
1.15
Has procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance education courses.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Review the process of student identification
 Review of student records
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
61 Radiography
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.
62 Radiography
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
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 education 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.
2.10
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.
63 Radiography
2.1
Has an appropriate organizational structure and sufficient administrative support to achieve
the program’s mission.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of organizational charts of institution and program
 Review of meeting minutes
 Review of published program materials
 Review of master plan of education
 Interviews with faculty and institutional officials
 Interviews with clinical instructor(s)
64 Radiography
2.2
Provides an adequate number of faculty to meet all educational, program, administrative, and
accreditation requirements.
Explanation:
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 education 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 education 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.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review institutional policies in relation to teaching loads and release time
 Review of master plan of education
 Review of position descriptions
 Review of clinical education settings
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with clinical instructor(s)
 Interviews with students
65 Radiography
2.3
Provides faculty with opportunities for continued professional development.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
Describe how continued professional development opportunities are made available to faculty.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
66 Radiography
2.4
Provides clerical support services, as needed, to meet all educational, program, and
administrative requirements.
Explanation:
Clerical support services necessary to assist in meeting educational, program, and administrative
requirements of the program must be provided as appropriate.
Required Program Response:
Describe the availability and use of clerical support services.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of program’s staffing plan
 Interviews with administrative personnel
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
67 Radiography
2.5
Assures JRCERT recognition of all clinical education settings.
Explanation:
JRCERT recognition helps assure an appropriate learning environment for student clinical education. All
clinical education settings must be recognized by the JRCERT. Recognition of a clinical education setting
must be obtained prior to student placement. A minimum of one (1) clinical instructor must be identified
for each recognized clinical education 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
education settings. Students may not assist in, or perform, any aspects of patient care during observational
assignments.
Facilities where students are participating in service learning projects or community-based learning
opportunities do not require recognition.
Required Program Response:
 Assure all clinical education settings are recognized by the JRCERT.
 Describe how observation sites, if used, enhance student clinical education.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of JRCERT database
 Review of clinical records
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with clinical instructors
 Interviews with clinical staff
 Interviews with students
68 Radiography
2.6
Provides classrooms, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices to facilitate the
achievement of the program’s mission.
Explanation:
Learning environments are defined as places, surroundings, or circumstances where knowledge,
understanding, or skills are studied or observed such as classrooms and laboratories. 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.
Required Program Response:
Describe how classrooms, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices facilitate the achievement of
the program’s mission.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Tour of the classroom, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
69 Radiography
2.7
Reviews and maintains program learning resources to assure the achievement of student
learning.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe the available learning resources.
 Describe the procedure for review and maintenance of learning resources.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Tour of learning facilities
 Review of learning resources
 Review of surveys
 Review of meeting minutes
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
70 Radiography
2.8
Provides access to student services in support of student learning.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe the students’ access to student services.
 Provide published program materials that outline accessibility to student services.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
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2.9
Has sufficient ongoing financial resources to support the program’s mission.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe the adequacy of financial resources.
 Provide copies of the program’s budget and/or expenditure records.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of program budget and/or other fiscal appropriations
 Interviews with administrative personnel
 Interviews with faculty
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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.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of records
 Interviews with administrative personnel
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
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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.
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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 regularly to assure instructional
responsibilities are performed.
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3.1
Has a program mission statement that defines its purpose and scope and is periodically
reevaluated.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Provide a copy of the program’s mission statement.
 Provide meeting minutes that document periodic reevaluation of the mission statement.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Review of meeting minutes
 Review of master plan of education
 Interviews with faculty
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3.2
Provides a well-structured, competency-based curriculum that prepares students to practice in
the professional discipline.
Explanation:
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 www.jrcert.org).
Required Program Response:
 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).
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
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3.3
Provides learning opportunities in current and developing imaging and/or therapeutic
technologies.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program provides opportunities in developing technologies in the didactic and/or clinical
curriculum.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of master plan of education
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
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3.4
Assures an appropriate relationship between program length and the subject matter taught for
the terminal award offered.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
Describe the relationship between the program length and the terminal award offered.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of course catalog
 Review of published program materials
 Review of class schedules
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
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3.5
Measures the length of all didactic and clinical courses in clock hours or credit hours.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Review of class schedules
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
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3.6
Maintains a master plan of education.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Identify the location of the component parts of the master plan of education.
 Provide a Table of Contents for the program’s master plan.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of master plan of education
 Interview with program director
 Interviews with faculty
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3.7
Provides timely and supportive academic, behavioral, and clinical advisement to students
enrolled in the program.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe procedures for advisement.
 Provide sample records of student advisement.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of students’ records
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with clinical instructor(s)
 Interviews with students
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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.
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

Part-Time Didactic Program Faculty:
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.
Explanation:
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. For
other than regular academic terms (i.e., summer session) when students are enrolled in didactic courses, the
program director must be available to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. Additionally, when students
are enrolled in clinical courses, the clinical coordinator must be available to fulfill the responsibilities of the
position.
84 Radiography
Required Program Response:
Provide documentation that faculty and clinical staff positions are clearly delineated
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of position descriptions
 Review of handbooks
 Interviews with faculty and clinical staff to assure responsibilities are being performed
 Interviews with students
85 Radiography
3.9
Evaluates program faculty and clinical instructor performance regularly to assure
instructional responsibilities are performed.
Explanation:
The performance of program faculty and clinical instructors must be regularly evaluated. 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 in a timely manner with program faculty and
clinical instructors to assure continued professional development.
Required Program Response:
 Describe the evaluation process.
 Describe how evaluation results are shared with program faculty and clinical instructors.
 Provide samples of evaluations of program faculty.
 Provide samples of evaluations of clinical instructors.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
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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.
87 Radiography
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 education setting policies and procedures in regard to
health and safety.
88 Radiography
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.
Explanation:
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 for incidents in which dose limits are exceeded.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Review of student records
 Review of student dosimetry reports
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
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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.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how the pregnancy policy is made known to accepted and enrolled female students.
 Provide a copy of the program’s pregnancy policy.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Review of student records
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with clinical instructor(s)
 Interviews with students
90 Radiography
4.3
Assures that students employ proper radiation safety practices.
Explanation:
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 education settings.
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. Student 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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how the curriculum sequence and content prepares students for safe radiation practices.
 Provide the curriculum sequence.
 Provide policies/procedures regarding radiation safety.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
91 Radiography
4.4
Assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the direct supervision of a
qualified radiographer until a student achieves competency.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how the direct supervision requirement is enforced and monitored in the clinical education
setting.
 Provide documentation that the program’s direct supervision requirement is made known to students,
clinical instructors, and clinical staff.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
92 Radiography
4.5
Assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the indirect supervision of a
qualified radiographer after a student achieves competency.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how the indirect supervision requirement is enforced and monitored in the clinical
education setting.
 Provide documentation that the program’s indirect supervision requirement is made known to
students, clinical instructors, and clinical staff.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
93 Radiography
4.6
Assures that students are directly supervised by a qualified radiographer when repeating
unsatisfactory images.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how the direct supervision requirement for repeat images is enforced and monitored in the
clinical education setting.
 Provide documentation that the program’s direct supervision requirement for repeat images is made
known to students, clinical instructors, and clinical staff.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
94 Radiography
4.7
Assures sponsoring institution’s policies safeguard the health and safety of students.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
Provide program policies that safeguard the health and safety of students.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of published program materials
 Review of student records
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
95 Radiography
4.8
Assures that students are oriented to clinical education setting policies and procedures in
regard to health and safety.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
 Describe the process for orienting students to clinical education settings.
 Provide documentation that students are apprised of policies and procedures specific to each clinical
education setting.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of orientation process
 Review of student records
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with clinical instructor(s)
 Interviews with students
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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.
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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,

Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within six months of
graduation,

Annual 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.
98 Radiography
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.
Explanation:
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 www.jrcert.org.
Required Program Response:
Provide a copy of the program’s current assessment plan.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of assessment plan
 Review of assessment tools
 Interviews with faculty
99 Radiography
5.2
Documents the following program effectiveness data:
 Five-year average credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 75 percent at
first attempt,
 Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within six months of
graduation,
 Annual program completion rate,
 Graduate satisfaction, and
 Employer satisfaction.
Explanation:
Credentialing examination, job placement, and program completion data must be reported annually on JRCERT
Program Effectiveness Data (PED) form. 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 graduates who pass, on first attempt, the American
Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination or an unrestricted state licensing examination
compared with the number of graduates who take the examination.
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.
Program completion rate is calculated by dividing the number of students who complete the program within a cohort
by the number who enrolled in the cohort initially and subsequently (for example, transfer students or re-admits).
Students who leave or do not graduate on time for any reason, such as medical leave, personal choice, or course
failure, are considered as not completing the program with the original cohort.
PCR =
# of graduates in the cohort
_________________________________________________________________
# of students initially enrolled in cohort + # of transfer students or re-admits
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.
Required Program Response:


Provide a copy of the program’s current PED form.
Provide outcome data in relation to graduate and employer satisfaction.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:

Review of PED form

Interviews with faculty
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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.
Explanation:
Program accountability is enhanced by making its effectiveness data available to the program’s
communities of interest and the general public. The JRCERT will post five-year average credentialing
examination pass rate, five-year average job placement rate, and annual program completion rate at
www.jrcert.org. The program must publish the JRCERT URL (www.jrcert.org) to allow the public access
to this data.
Required Program Response:
Provide samples of publications that document the availability of program effectiveness data via the
JRCERT URL address.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of program publications
 Review of Web site
 Interviews with faculty
 Interviews with students
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5.4
Analyzes and shares student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to foster
continuous program improvement.
Explanation:
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.
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 www.jrcert.org.
Required Program Response:
 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.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 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
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5.5
Periodically evaluates its assessment plan to assure continuous program improvement.
Explanation:
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 www.jrcert.org.
Required Program Response:
 Describe how this evaluation has occurred.
 Provide documentation that the plan is evaluated at least once every two years.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
 Review of meeting minutes related to the assessment process
 Review of assessment committee meeting minutes, if applicable
 Interviews with faculty
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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.
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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 Education Settings
6.4
Establishes and maintains affiliation agreements with clinical education settings.
6.5
Documents that clinical education 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.
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6.1
Documents the continuing institutional accreditation of the sponsoring institution.
Explanation:
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.
Required Program Response:
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.
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6.2
Documents that the program’s energized laboratories are in compliance with applicable state
and/or federal radiation safety laws.
Explanation:
Compliance with applicable laws promotes a safe environment for students and others. Records of
compliance must be maintained for the program’s energized laboratories.
Required Program Response:
Provide certificates and/or letters for each energized laboratory documenting compliance with state and/or
federal radiation safety laws.
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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
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).
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
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 education 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 education setting
is located).
Explanation:
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.).
Required Program Response:
 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
www.arrt.org.
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6.4
Establishes and maintains affiliation agreements with clinical education settings.
Explanation:
Formalizing relations between the program and the clinical education setting helps assure the quality of
clinical education by delineating appropriate responsibilities of the program and the clinical education
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 education 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 education settings owned by the sponsoring institution;
however, a memorandum of understanding between the clinical education setting and the sponsoring
institution is recommended. At a minimum, the memorandum should address responsibilities of both parties
and student supervision.
Required Program Response:
Provide copies of current, signed affiliation agreements with each clinical education setting.
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6.5
Documents that clinical education settings are in compliance with applicable state and/or
federal radiation safety laws.
Explanation:
Compliance with applicable laws promotes a safe environment for students and others. Records of
compliance must be maintained for each clinical education setting. Clinical education settings may be
recognized by The Joint Commission (TJC) or an equivalent agency, or may hold a state-issued license.
Required Program Response:
Provide letters, certificates, or printouts of Web pages demonstrating the current recognition status of each
clinical education setting.
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6.6
Complies with requirements to achieve and maintain JRCERT accreditation.
Explanation:
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.
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.
Required Program Response:
 Report any database changes.
 Report any substantive change not previously submitted.
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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.
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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 60606-3182
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 www.jrcert.org.
Program failure to meet administrative requirements for maintaining accreditation will lead to being
placed on Administrative Probationary Accreditation and result in Withdrawal of Accreditation.
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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 education 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 www.jrcert.org.
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.
Educators may wish to contact the following organizations for additional information and materials:
accreditation:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
www.jrcert.org
curriculum:
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Avenue, S.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909
(505) 298-4500
www.asrt.org
certification:
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
(651) 687-0048
www.arrt.org
Copyright © 2010 by the JRCERT
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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 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
(312) 704-5304 (fax)
mail@jrcert.org (e-mail)
www.jrcert.org
116 Radiography