RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

Transcription

1 RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY Student Policy Manual Policies within this Student Policy Manual are in compliance with College policies. All policies are subject to revision as necessary. Any changes or additions to this policy manual will be in writing and provided to the students.

2 Table of Contents Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual Mission... 4 Program Goals... 4 Student Learning Outcomes... 4 Program Competencies... 5 Technical Performance Standards for Admissions and Progression... 6 Principles of Professional Conduct... 7 General Eligibility for ARRT Certification... 9 Ethics... 9 Education... 9 Examination... 9 South Carolina Medical Radiation Health & Safety Act Eligibility for S.C. State Certification South Carolina Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu POLICIES Academic Dishonesty Policy Academic Progression Policy Additional Liability Insurance Attendance Policy Clinical Supervision Policy Competency-Based Curriculum Course Exemption Policy Course Exemption for Graduates of an Accredited Hospital Based Radiography Program or an Accredited Program Outside of the US Course Exemption for Graduates of a Limited General Radiography Program Departmental Resource Use Policy Departmental Computer Resource Use Policy Dismissal from a Clinical Education Center Dress Code Policy Documentation of Infractions and Enforcement of Policies Eligibility for RAD Student Ethics and Communication Policy Equipment Use Policy Extended Clinical Leave Policy Grievance Policy Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Harassment Policy Student Conduct Policy Inclement Weather Policy Jury Duty Policy Liability Insurance Limited Scope of Practice Radiographer-General Required Competencies for SCRQSA Limited Certification Eligibility MRI Screening for Students Participation in Professional Organizations Patient Identification Policy Radiation Safety Policy Student Health Policy Student Employment

3 Use of Student Mailbox Policy Student Uniform Policy Transitioning Students from the LGR Program at Greenville Technical College Workplace Hazards Policy HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIVISIONAL POLICIES Divisional Dismissal/Re-Admittance Policy Divisional Program Compliance Procedures Divisional Student Fees for Certification Exams Divisional Criminal Background Check Policy Divisional Student Drug Testing Policy Divisional Technology Policies Divisional Social Networking Policy Divisional Program Student Change of Major Policy APPENDIX Application for Course Exemption Candidacy What to do in case a student has an ACCIDENT/ILLNESS: Anecdotal Form Radiation Monitor Use Basics Principles of Radiation Protection for Students Radiation Exposure Facts for Review Radiation Dosimetry Report for Landauer Clinical Drug Screening with Reasonable Suspicion Student Policy Agreement Policies within this Student Policy Manual are in compliance with College policies. All policies are subject to revision as necessary. Any changes or additions to this policy manual will be in writing and provided to the students. These policies are in addition to all College policies as stated in the College Student Handbook and the policies of the Clinical Education Settings. Policies in the College Student Handbook can be found on the Greenville Technical College website ( 3

4 Mission Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual The mission of the GTC Radiologic Technical Program is to graduate well trained, entry-level Radiologic Technologists who are prepared to successfully demonstrate professional behavior, patient centered care, clinical competence, effective communication and critical thinking skills to function as a member of the health care team. Program Goals I. The student will graduate with the necessary skills to function effectively as an entry-level radiographer. II. III. IV. The student will provide quality patient care. The student will effectively communicate in a professional manner. The student will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills. V. The student will be able to model professional behaviors that are appropriate for the academic and healthcare environment. Student Learning Outcomes 1A. The students will demonstrate the application of radiation protection principles. 1B. Students will demonstrate the ability to maintain the flow of patients in an assigned radiographic room. 1C. The graduates will exhibit entry-level mastery of overall clinical skills. 2A. The student will be able to provide basic patient care to patients encountered in the radiology department. 2B. The student will demonstrate the necessary skills for general assessment of patients including vital signs, proper infection control and documentation. 3A. Students will be able to communicate effectively in the clinical environment. 3B. Students will demonstrate professional verbal communication skills in taking a patient history. 4A. The student will apply theory and practical knowledge to given scenarios to determine best clinical solutions. (In 4 th semester) 4B. The student will demonstrate the ability to accurately evaluate images for overall radiographic quality (positioning, technique and diagnostic acceptability). 5A: The students will demonstrate professional behaviors. 5B: The student will evaluate the various opportunities for professional growth within Medical Imaging Sciences. 4

5 Program Competencies Correlate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, positioning, and radiographic techniques to produce diagnostic images. Select exposure factors to achieve optimum radiographic techniques with minimum radiation exposure to the patient. Analyze radiographic images for appropriate positioning and image quality. Value and practice the principles of radiation protection for the patient, self, and others. Assess patient needs and provide appropriate patient care and comfort, maintaining patient modesty and confidentiality. Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate lifesaving first aid and basic life support procedures. Detect and report equipment malfunctions to the proper authority, and operate equipment safely and efficiently. Participate in and support departmental quality assurance and quality control programs. Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures. Provide patient/public education related to radiologic procedures and radiation protection/safety as they perform radiographic procedures. 5

6 Technical Performance Standards for Admissions and Progression Purpose: To provide the applicant/student with a clear understanding of the physical demands required of the program based on the tasks performed by the graduate. Demonstration and/or documentation may be required. Description of Work Environment and Activities: Constant public contact and decision-making, constantly moving, communicating, manipulating equipment, frequent operation of computers, usage of telephone, pushing wheelchairs, turning patients, helping patients walk, lifting patients, assisting patients sit up, frequent exposure to ionizing radiation, blood borne pathogens, and body fluids. ISSUE STANDARD EXAMPLES OF NECESSARY ACTIVITIES Cognitive Communication Hearing Mobility Motor Skills Physical Stamina Smell Tactile Visual The ability to consistently execute complex mental processes necessary to apply academic information to clinic/lab procedures. Communication ability sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs without visual contact. Physical abilities sufficient to maneuver in small areas and to maneuver equipment. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to perform imaging procedures and patient care procedures safely and efficiently. Physical ability sufficient to remain continuously on a task for several hours while standing, moving, lifting and/or bending. Olfactory senses sufficient for maintaining environmental and patient safety. Tactile ability sufficient for assessment of physical health status and location of body landmarks with fingertips. Visual ability sufficient for observation, assessment, and implementation of patient care and imaging procedures. Immediately adapt to different clinical and lab environments which include: various types of radiographic equipment and clinical/lab situations (i.e. trauma, surgery, moving from one radiographic room to another). PERFORMANCE ABILITY (circle answer) Explain radiographic procedures; give directions; answer patient s questions while position/performing procedure; discuss procedure with physicians and/or other health care professionals. Act upon verbal and/or written directions quickly under pressure. Communicate and interact effectively in a group situation. YES NO* Hear monitor alarms; equipment audible signals during exposure; emergency signals; voices under protective garb; calls for help. YES NO* Move freely and quickly around x-ray room, patient s room or surgery with portable x-ray equipment, dark rooms, and work areas; administer CPR; manipulate equipment above head at a standard height; work quickly and accurately. Independently use body members for power grip, speed, and precision work; to start, stop, control, and adjust the progress of machines/equipment within tight crowded places; position patients and equipment. Independently manipulate radiographic equipment including portable machines; carry multiple cassettes; wear radiation protection devices such as lead aprons for extended periods of time; lift patients for cassette placement; assist patients from wheelchairs and stretchers; elevate stretchers of immobile patients for positioning purposes. Distinguish smells which are contributory to assessing and/or maintaining patient s health status, i.e. smell smoke. YES NO* Perform palpation of anatomic structures while positioning for imaging procedures, assessing patient vital signs, and identifying landmarks used in administration of CPR. YES NO* Observe patient responses; read orders; prepare contrast media; read computer screens and control panel buttons. Distinguish between shades of gray on radiographs/other imaging modalities. YES NO* I, the undersigned, do hereby testify that I have read and understand the Technical Performance Standards for admission to the Health & Wellness Division and that the above statements, as indicated, are true.* YES YES YES YES NO* NO* NO* NO* Applicant s Signature Date Telephone Number Print Name *Indicates awareness of applicant to make an appointment with Student Disabilities Services by calling (864) between the hours of 8:00 and 5:30 (Mon-Thurs) to determine reasonable accommodations. Demonstration may be required. 6

7 The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Principles of Professional Conduct Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual The radiologic technologist conducts himself or herself in a professional manner, responds to patient needs and supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care. Responds to patient needs. Performs tasks competently. Supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care. 2. The radiologic technologist acts to advance the principal objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind. Participates in and actively supports the professional organizations for radiologic technologists. Acts as a representative for the profession and the tenets for which it stands. Serves as an advocate of professional policy and procedure to colleagues and associates in the health care delivery system. 3. The radiologic technologist delivers patient care and service unrestricted by concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the disease or illness, and without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion or socio-economic status. Exhibits no prejudice for sex, race, creed, religion. Provides service without regard to social or economic status. Delivers care unrestricted by concerns for personal attributes, nature of the disease or illness. 4. The radiologic technologist practices technology founded upon theoretical knowledge and concepts uses equipment and accessories consistent with the purpose for which they were designed and employs procedures and techniques appropriately. Applies theoretical knowledge and concepts in the performance of tasks appropriate to the practice. Utilize equipment and accessories consistent with the purpose for which it has been designed. Employs procedures and techniques appropriately, efficiently and effectively. 5. The radiologic technologist assesses situations; exercises care, discretion and judgment; assumes responsibility for professional decisions; and acts in the best interest of the patient. Assumes responsibility for professional decisions. Assesses situations and acts in the best interest of the patient. 6. The radiologic technologist acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient and recognizes that interpretation and diagnosis are outside the scope of practice for the profession. Complies with the fact that diagnosis and interpretation are outside the scope of practice for the profession. Acts as an agent to obtain medical information through observation and communication to aid the physician in diagnosis and treatment management. 7. The radiologic technologist uses equipment and accessories, employs techniques and procedures, performs services in accordance with an accepted standard of practice and demonstrates expertise in minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, self, and other members of the health care team. 7

8 Performs service with competence and experience. Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual Utilizes equipment and accessories to limit radiation to the affected area of the patient. Employs techniques and procedures to minimize radiation exposure to self and other members of the health care team. 8. The radiologic technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protects the patient s right to quality radiologic technology care. Protects the patient s right to quality radiologic technology care. Provides the public with information related to the profession and its functions. Supports the profession by maintaining and upgrading professional standards. 9. The radiologic technologist respects confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice, respects the patient s right to privacy and reveals confidential information only as required by law or to protect the welfare of the individual or the community. Protects the patient s right to privacy. 10. The radiologic technologist continually strives to improve knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education and professional activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues and investigating new aspects of professional practice. These Principles are intended to serve as a guide by which, Radiologic Technologists may evaluate their professional conduct as it relates to patients, colleagues, other members of the medical care team, healthcare consumers, and employers and to assist Radiologic Technologists in maintaining a high level of ethical conduct. 8

9 American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) General Eligibility for ARRT Certification Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual PURPOSE: To inform the student of one issue addressed by the Rules of Ethics according to the ARRT. All ARRT certification categories have three basic requirements: Ethics The ethical behavior eligibility requirement is the same for both ARRT certification categories: primary (radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy) and post-primary (advanced-level and added qualifications). The requirements specify that every applicant for certification and every registrant must be a person of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT Rules of Ethics, and they must agree to comply with the ARRT Rules and Regulations and the ARRT Standards of Ethics. One issue addressed by the Rules of Ethics is the conviction of a crime, including a felony, a gross misdemeanor or a misdemeanor, with the sole exception of speeding and parking violations. All alcohol and/or drug related violations must be reported. Conviction as used in this provision includes a criminal proceeding where a finding or verdict of guilt is made or returned but the adjudication of guilt is either withheld or not entered, or a criminal proceeding where the individual enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or a proceeding resulting in a military court-martial. All potential violations must be investigated by the ARRT in order to determine eligibility. Further information may be found the web site in the handbooks for each examination. View Frequently Asked Questions for more ( Education Eligibility for certification also specifies the satisfaction of educational preparation requirements. For the primary categories of radiography, nuclear medicine technology and radiation therapy, eligibility requires the successful completion of a formal educational program in the respective discipline that is accredited by a mechanism acceptable to ARRT. Beginning January 1, 2002, candidates must also demonstrate competency in didactic coursework and an ARRT-specified list of clinical procedures. For post-primary categories (i.e., mammography, CT, MR, quality management, sonography, bone densitometry, vascular sonography, cardiovascular interventional technology, vascular-interventional radiography, and breast sonography), satisfaction of the preparation requirements involves documentation of ARRT-specified clinical experience. Further details may be found in the handbooks available for each of the post-primary certification categories. Examination Finally, eligibility requires that applicants for certification, after having met all other qualifications for certification, must pass an examination developed and administered by the ARRT. The exams assess the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically required of staff technologists practicing within the respective disciplines. The handbooks available for each of the disciplines provide specifications listing the content covered by the examination. To request a pre-application review form, phone ARRT at ext

10 South Carolina Medical Radiation Health & Safety Act Eligibility for S.C. State Certification Effective: June 30, 2000 Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual PURPOSE: To inform the student of the eligibility requirements to obtain certification to use ionizing radiation on humans in the state of South Carolina. Effective June 30, 2000, registrants of x-ray or other equipment, which emits ionizing radiation, are required by law to ensure that only operators certified by the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA) can use ionizing radiation, or equipment emitting or detecting ionizing radiation on humans for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. PROCEDURE Students enrolled in the Associate degree program for Radiologic Technology are eligible to apply for a limited general radiography certificate through the SCRQSA. However, students must complete the following program requirements: Must successfully complete the first two semesters of didactic coursework. Must successfully complete a minimum number of designated clinical competencies. Obtain a letter from the program director indicating that the above mentioned requirements have been met. Submit an application and appropriate fee to the SCRQSA. NOTE: Students who receive a limited general radiography certificate are only to work within the scope of practice of a limited general radiographer. Once a student graduates from the program: Application can be made to the SCRQSA for a temporary certificate to work as a radiographer. This must be done prior to working as a General Radiographer (not limited). Upon successful completion of the ARRT certification exam, the graduate will receive a permanent certificate after submitting a copy of his/her ARRT card. In the case that a student does NOT complete the RAD program, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain eligibility information from the SCRQSA on maintaining certification. Additional information can be found on the SCRQSA website ( 10

11 South Carolina Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu Revised 5/15 Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual PURPOSE: The South Carolina Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu is a national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences. This chapter has been established at Greenville Technical College. The purpose of this Chapter is to: Foster academic scholarship at the highest academic levels. Promote research and investigation in the radiologic and imaging sciences. Recognize exemplary scholarship. Mentor students in the radiological sciences. Promote community service. In order to qualify for membership in this society, Associate Degree Radiology students will be required to meet minimum requirements as specified in the by-laws of the Chapter. Academic: Minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale after two semesters of the radiology program (fall and spring) Recommendation: Sponsorship by a Faculty Member of the South Carolina Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu. Dues: Payment of a one-time induction fee representing National and SC Alpha Chapter dues. Race, creed, handicap, sex, nationality or religion shall not be a factor in deciding which students are eligible for membership. 11

12 POLICIES 12

13 Academic Dishonesty Policy Revised 2015 PURPOSE: To promote ethical judgment as required to be in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT). As medical imaging professionals, it is imperative that individuals act and uphold high ethical standards including but not limited to proper documentation. As stated in the ARRT Code of Ethics, The Radiologic Technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession, and protects the patient s right to quality radiologic technology care. Therefore, the program will enforce the following policy. POLICY: According to the Academic Misconduct policy as stated in the College Student Handbook, students should know what activities constitute dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsification, and sabotage of information. Refer to the College Handbook. Cheating is defined as copying from another student s tests or any other assigned work including but not limited to examinations, written reports, laboratory experiments, clinical documentation, etc. for the purpose of gain for self or others. Cheating can also include using materials or equipment during a test not authorized by the person giving the test. Additional examples are found in College Student Handbook. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy. Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else s work, including the work of other students, as one s own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged, unless the information is common knowledge. What is considered common knowledge may differ from course to course. Additional examples are found in College Student Handbook. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy. Collusion is defined as knowingly assisting another person in an act of academic misconduct. Falsification/Fabrication: is defined as falsifying or inventing information such as academic exercises as reports, laboratory results, citations to the sources of information, and including but not limited to clinical documentation. Sabotage is defined as purposefully undermining a student s or an instructor s academic work. PROCEDURE: Due to the nature of the medical profession where proper documentation is essential, if it is determined that a student participated in any form of academic dishonesty he/she is subject to immediate dismissal from the program without a verbal or written warning. Additionally, students dismissed from the program due to such behavior are not eligible to recycle through the program. Refer to the Academic Progression Policy and the college handbook. Any student who is suspended or expelled due to an act of academic misconduct will have the right to due process. Refer to the Grievance Policy. 13

14 Academic Progression Policy PURPOSE: In that properly academically and technically prepared students should be able to complete the radiography program in a reasonable time frame, the following policy is established to prevent excessive continuation in the program. The program is divided into two parts: Phase I (Pre-clinical) and Phase II (radiography core). During Phase I, all students must maintain a technical GPA of 2.50 and a minimum grade of C or better in each course. Phase I courses must be successfully completed without repeating a course more than once. Once Phase II of the radiography program has begun, failure of ANY core course will result in dismissal from the program. Students who fall out of progression for any reason will no longer be coded as a Radiologic Technology student. Your program will be changed to Undecided, so it is imperative to meet with your advisor to determine your future academic goals. Students coded as Undecided will be ineligible for any financial aid until you decide on a major of study NOTE: Failure is considered any grade of D or F. STUDENTS INELIGIBLE FOR RE-ENTRY: Students who have been withdrawn from Phase II as a result of being removed from a clinical education center or for other disciplinary reasons will NOT be eligible to apply for re-entry into Phase II of the Associate degree program for a period of one year. (Divisional Dismissal Readmit Policy) Students who fail more than one Phase II course are NOT eligible for re-entry into Phase II for a minimum of 12 months during which time they must complete a program of remediation as recommended by program faculty. Once the program of remediation is completed, he/she may reapply and be considered under the weighted admission criteria implemented for that particular class of students. Therefore, all program admission requirements at the time of application must be met in addition to the remediation. Students who were unable to successfully complete the program requirements more than once are no longer eligible for re-entry into Phase II. RE-ENTRY PROCEDURE: A student will be allowed a maximum of two attempts through the core courses to complete the program. This allows for one (1) option of re-entry through the curriculum. Students who opt to apply for re-entry into Phase II are required to submit a Weighted Admission form by May 1 of the year in which they want to be considered for acceptance. 14

15 The admission requirements and deadlines are the same for all students applying for acceptance into Phase II. Students applying for re-entry are considered with the pool of students applying for Phase II acceptance. Therefore students applying for re-entry are not guaranteed acceptance. Students who re-enter are subject to any changes made in policies or curriculum courses, and requirements related to such changes. VALIDATION PROCEDURE FOR DIDACTIC COURSES: The student accepted for re-entry into Phase II has two options: 1. Register and successfully complete all Phase II classes and including all methods of evaluation with a minimum grade of 75% or higher. OR 2. Take a validation test equivalent to a course final examination. This option is only available if the student completed the course successfully no more than 6 semesters prior to when the course is being offered. If successful, validation is complete. A minimum grade of 85% is required. Testing must be completed no more than 30 days prior to the beginning of the term and no less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the course. At no time will a validation exam be given after the start of a course. Tests are to be given by the regularly scheduled course instructor. If unsuccessful, the student must repeat the course according to the course syllabus. Program grading scale is as follows: A = B = less than C = less than D = less than F = <70 ALL courses must be passed with a grade of C or better. Note: Final Grades will NOT be rounded up to 2 significant digits, i.e. a final grade of 74.9 is a D, not a C. SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A COURSE IS DEFINED AS A GRADE OF 75% (C) OR BETTER. Individual course grading policies (that is - percentage breakdowns) are the responsibility of the course instructor and will be stated in the course outline. TRANSFER STUDENTS: Students transferring from another radiography program must meet all Phase I requirements and must validate all RAD course work. (See: VALIDATION PROCEDURE above) Completed RAD course work must have been completed in a JRCERT or regionally accredited radiography program in order for the student to be eligible for the validation procedure. 15

16 Additional Liability Insurance Some clinical sites may require additional liability insurance for student rotations at their facility. Including, but not limited to: Baptist Easley Students scheduled for clinical rotations at one of these sites must follow the instructions below: GTC students can get additional insurance from Healthcare Provider Services Organization. This can be done on-line at the HPSO website ( 1. Click here to apply 2. Choose Profession/Area of Study: Radiologic Technologist 3. Choose Status: Student and provide anticipated graduation date 4. Select Continue 5. Apply online using a credit/debit card 6. Request Effective Date of Coverage: August Continue Limits of Liability: $1,000,000 / $3,000,000 Total Annual Premium: $38.00 After completing this process, print a copy of the policy and give to the Clinical Coordinator. *price subject to change 16

17 Attendance Policy Revised July 2014 PURPOSE: In an effort to assure an ample amount of time for learning opportunities for the radiologic technology students, and to create a specific policy for didactic (class lectures) as well as clinical assignments, the faculty of the Radiologic Technology program has formulated the following guidelines for class, clinical, and seminar attendance. ABSENCES: All absences from didactic (classroom) or clinical assignments are discouraged. There is a direct relationship between attendance and academic success, which is valued by the program. If an absence is necessary, the following procedure must be followed: 1. The student must notify the course instructor PRIOR to class absence with a valid explanation if any consideration is to be given for an excused absence. If absent from clinic, the clinical site must also be notified prior to the beginning of the student s shift assignment. Failure to follow the call in procedure may result in an unexcused absence and may prohibit any make-up work in didactic courses. 2. The program recognizes and will abide by the College and Division attendance policies. Therefore, the program restricts absences to the maximum 10% of total contact hours of a course that is allowable by the College. Extended illness may be an exception. 3. Individual course instructors may have additional policies that would govern absences and make-up work. Please refer to course syllabi for specifics. 4. If a student is absent more than 10% of the total contact hours in ANY course, he/she is not allowed to earn PTO when performing voluntary extra clinic time (Each semester, the student is allowed to do 16 hours of extra clinic time for 16 hours of PTO.) 5. If a student is absent more than 10% of the total contact hours in ANY course for a second offense, they will not be allowed to earn any PTO hours. 6. If a student is absent more than 10% of the total contact hours in ANY course for a third offense, they will not be allowed to perform any voluntary extra clinic time. Classes and clinical begin and end promptly at the assigned time. Students are expected to attend classes promptly as late entrance into a class already in progress is disruptive to the learning environment of those students who were on time for class/clinics. Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated. TARDINESS: It is understandable that on occasion a student may be late or may need to leave early for extenuating circumstances; however the student should enter or leave the class in progress quietly without interference or disturbance. It is the student s responsibility to obtain any missed information. Individual instructors may have policies that govern any work missed due to tardiness. Please refer to course syllabi. 17

18 CLINICAL ATTENDANCE: Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual Clinical hours are considered an integral part of the total curriculum in the Radiologic Technology Program. The objectives of the clinical courses require different assignments at various affiliate hospitals. During these assignments students are expected to gain experience in practical application of the duties of the Radiographer as well as exposure to the different facets of the profession. This experience will include day, evening, and weekend assignments not to exceed 40 contact hours per week when combined with didactic hours. Required clinical assignments cannot exceed 10 hours per day. Due to the nature and length of the assignments, attendance is a must for the student to derive the required educational benefits from the assignments. It is essential that the student take advantage of the opportunity scheduled for clinical education by demonstrating the ability to attend and record attendance according to scheduled and posted hours. Absences and tardiness will also be recorded. The policy for attendance, absences, tardiness, sign in/out procedures and schedule changes are as follows: Attendance: Students are assigned a designated number of hours for each clinical course per term. All scheduled hours must be completed at the scheduled time and place. Absences: All absences from clinic are subject to the College policies regarding class attendance unless the student has prior approval of the Clinical Coordinator to use earned personal time off (PTO). Excused Absence: One in which a student provides documentation from a physician regarding illness. This documentation must be for the date(s) in which the absence(s) occurred. Students are permitted two (2) excused occurrences per semester. Hours must be made up to avoid a penalty of the clinical grade. The Program does not require or make provisions for make-up time of lost clinical hours for unexcused absences. Clinical absences will result in the following: 1. Students will not receive a daily grade on the weekly evaluation for the day in which he/she did not attend clinic. The student will also receive a verbal warning from the Clinical Coordinator. 2. Second absence, the student will receive a written warning. This warning will inform the student that the student s overall clinic grade will be lowered a letter grade if he/she is absent a third day. 3. Third absence, the student s overall clinic grade will be lowered a letter grade. 4. For each additional absence after the third absence, the clinical grade will be lowered one letter grade. This may result in failure of a specific clinical course. 5. if there is a death in the immediate family (see definition below), a student may be excused for up to three consecutive days from his/her clinic rotation without penalty. 18

19 NOTE: Immediate family includes: parents, step-parents, siblings, grandparents, parent in-laws, sister/brother in-laws, grandparent in-laws, children, step-children, and spouse. For extenuating medical conditions, refer to the Extended Clinical Leave Policy. Personal Time Off (PTO): Personal time off is accrued time that a student can use for time off from clinic without having an impact on the clinical grade. This time can be accrued by: 1. attending professional society meetings such as those sponsored by the Piedmont Chapter participating in Career Talk sessions or other recruiting functions 2. attending the Saturday sessions of the SCSRT Annual Meeting. 3. Submitting projects to the SCSRT. 4. Advisory committee participation. A maximum of 16 hours of PTO can be earned per semester by participating in additional clinical experience. Additional clinical hours are to be requested in blocks of four or more hours. Additional clinical hours must be at the student s request. Hours must be pre-approved with appropriate forms completed and signed by the clinical coordinator. It is the student s responsibility to notify the clinical site prior to the start of his/her clinical day. All functions must be pre-approved by the Clinical Coordinator. If a student elects to use PTO, he/she must have prior approval of the Clinical Coordinator. In addition, PTO must be used in a minimum of a four hour block. Student rotations are scheduled to provide experience to obtain competency in all areas of diagnostic radiography and that a student who elects to utilize PTO should be mindful of that. Students may use earned PTO for a maximum of one day of his/her evenings or weekend rotation per semester. This is in an effort to ensure that each student gets the benefit of the trauma radiography performed during these shifts. Scheduled Clinic Hours: Clinic hours are provided to the student at the beginning of each semester. They are posted on the clinic schedules. Students are expected to arrive to and leave from clinic site as scheduled. Tardiness/ Leaving Clinic Early: Clinical rotations are established by the Program and are to be strictly adhered to by all program students. Due to the nature of the clinical environment, it is essential that students arrive on time to prepare the exam rooms for the patient exams scheduled. Student clinical schedules follow the hospitals normal shift change for this purpose. Tardiness and/or leaving clinic early is (are) not permitted during clinical rotations. 1. Two (2) occurrences of arriving late to and/or leaving the clinical site early will be counted as an absence. 2. When assigned to a shift greater than 4 hours, a student will be considered absent if the occurrence of being late or leaving early is two (2) hours or more. 19

20 3. When assigned to a shift less than 4 hours in length, a student will be considered absent if the occurrence of being late or leaving early is Ten (10) minutes or more. Sign In/Out Procedure: 1. Sign in and out with exact times in the appropriate area on the weekly evaluation form. 2. Times must be verified by the supervising technologist with his/her initials. 3. If weekly evaluations are submitted without technologist s verification of attendance, the student will be considered absent for the day in question. Image Analysis: Film critique is a component of the clinical courses. Two (2) absences from film critique will be considered an absence from clinic. All other attendance policies apply to film critique. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE: Students are required to notify both the hospital and the course instructor prior to the beginning of scheduled clinical assignments when they are going to be absent or tardy. The appropriate telephone numbers will be provided in each course syllabus. BREAKS DURING SCHEDULED CLASS/LAB/CLINIC: Breaks during class, lab, and/or clinic are provided at the discretion of the faculty member/clinical instructor. During clinical experience, students are required to complete any procedure already in progress prior to leaving the department with the approval of his/her supervising technologist. If a student leaves the classroom during lecture or lab, it is his/her responsibility to obtain any missed work. If it is during a quiz, test, simulation, etc., the student s grade may be affected. If a scheduled clinic day requires your attendance more than 5 hours, you must take a 30 minute lunch/dinner break. You should take a lunch/dinner break at the hour mark of the scheduled rotation. You are not allowed to miss your lunch break and leave 30 minutes early. SCHEDULES: Schedules are posted prior to the beginning of each term. Students may see a rough draft of the schedule and request a change before the final draft is made. Changes may not be feasible; however, every effort will be made to comply with the request. Student clinical rotations are developed to provide each student a specific educational balance of clinical experience. Therefore, students are NOT permitted to trade clinical rotations. Students must remain in his/her assigned area unless he/she is directed to a different area by the supervising technologist or faculty. Reasons for change may include specific educational purposes, development of student flexibility in handling a variety of procedures, equipment maintenance, or lack of patients in a specific area. Students who do not remain in their assigned areas will be considered absent from clinic. 20

21 ADDITIONAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: Radiologic Technology Student Policy Manual Students may request additional clinical experience by completing the appropriate form. Forms can be obtained from the Clinical Coordinator and are also available in Blackboard under the clinical course each semester. This additional experience will be considered scheduled clinic hours and the student must therefore follow all policies and procedures of the Program. All additional clinical experience MUST be preapproved. s and phone messages will not be accepted. Additional clinical experience will be approved at the discretion of the course instructor. Additional clinical experience will NOT be approved during scheduled holiday breaks in which the college is closed. If a student elects to do additional voluntary clinical hours at a place where they are employed, they must have a Student Employment form completed to prove they were not clocked into work during the clinic hours. SEMINARS, CONVENTIONS, ETC. Students must receive approval prior to attending any type of extra activities which require their absence from clinical or classroom assignments. Students will attend all scheduled meetings at such events if they elect to participate/attend. Attending these functions is considered to be a privilege during regular scheduled class time. Written assignments may be given about seminar content, as well as any other assignment that participating faculty may request. Unprofessional behavior at these functions will result in disciplinary action. If academic classes are canceled so that students can attend an educational function, those students not attending the function for any reason will report for clinical practicum. This is to enhance their clinical performance in lieu of the educational benefits gained from the function. Obviously, functions which occur on off days do not require approval, but the student is still a representative of the Program and shall conduct themselves in a professional manner. PROGRAM CALENDAR: The Program operates according to the College calendar as outlined in the student handbook. Classes, and registration dates will abide by the published schedule. All events required of the student by the College will be adhered to by the Program. CLINICAL ASSIGNMENTS: The Program or Clinical Coordinator is responsible for making all assignments to the clinical affiliates. Due to the sensitive nature of the clinical contracts, students are strictly prohibited from taking the initiative of contacting any clinical personnel to arrange rotations or change clinical hours. All students must be officially registered for a clinical course in order to participate in clinical experience. Students not registered for a course are NOT covered under worker s compensation or liability insurance. 21

22 Clinical Supervision Policy PURPOSE: To define and explain the types of supervision of students in the Radiography Program. Clinical Supervision: Greenville Technical College requires that student technologists be supervised during all aspects of the clinical education courses, either directly or indirectly supervised. 1. Direct Supervision: a qualified practitioner is present with the student during a radiographic examination. Students must work under Direct Supervision of a qualified practitioner: until competency has been achieved and documented. when performing ALL portable and surgical examinations regardless of student s level of competency. when performing any REPEAT RADIOGRAPHS regardless of the student s level of competency. 2. Indirect Supervision: a qualified practitioner is immediately available to assist the student in an adjacent room or location. Once competency has been established and documented, the student is permitted to work under indirect supervision. Exceptions are noted above. 3. Supervision by a Limited General Radiographer, as defined by the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association, is NOT appropriate under any circumstances. This includes second year students who have their temporary LGR certification. Therefore they MAY NOT supervise students in the clinical environment. Appropriate supervision is just as much the responsibility of the student as it is the clinical staff and program faculty. Students must take the responsibility to assure that they are appropriately supervised. Students may not be covered under the liability insurance if an incident were to occur while not supervised according to program policy. 22

23 Competency-Based Curriculum PURPOSE: To allow for effective student learning by providing a knowledge foundation prior to performance of procedures. POLICY: Prior to obtaining a Level I or II competency, the student must complete the number of required unassisted procedures and successfully complete the simulation of exam/procedure in positioning lab (Rad 130, Rad 136 and Rad 230). 23

24 Course Exemption Policy PURPOSE: To provide a method for students to exempt course work if he/she has documentation of previous experience that may replace didactic work. This policy covers course exemptions other than those requested by transfer or students re-entering Phase II. Exemptions are possible for the following courses: RAD 102: Introduction to Radiologic Sciences and Patient Care Students requesting permission to exempt these courses must document a substantial amount of clinical expertise gained through non-traditional methods. Examples include military training, on-the-jobtraining, or limited radiographers grandfathered in according to the guidelines of the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA). Documentation must be submitted by the student s former supervisors or instructors and demonstrate sufficient justification for allowing an exemption process. Permission to exempt RAD 102 must be approved by the program faculty. A. An individual who requests the opportunity to exempt RAD 102 must: 1. complete an application form obtain from department head. 2. submit the appropriate training documentation. B. Once an applicant is notified of candidacy, he/she must complete the following: 1. Pay a $ non-refundable application fee. By paying this fee, the student will be assigned an E for the course on his/her transcript. However, if the student wants a letter grade assigned to the course, he/she must pay the full tuition rate for that course. RAD 102 is a 2- credit hour course. The student would need to pay the tuition rate for the 2-credit hour course. 2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts, terminology, and theory or radiologic technology covered in the course by earning a score of 85% or better on a validation examination. 3. Demonstrate proficiency in each skill by passing each practical competency given in the course with a grade of 85% or better. 24

25 Course Exemption for Graduates of an Accredited Hospital Based Radiography Program or an Accredited Program Outside of the US Revised July 2015 PURPOSE: To provide a means for graduates of accredited hospital based radiography programs or accredited programs outside of the US to obtain an Associates of Science degree in Health Sciences with a major in Radiologic Technology. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS: Must be in good standing with the ARRT or other certifying agencies, this includes being in compliance with CE requirements if applicable. Must be a graduate of an accredited radiography program. PROCEDURE: The student must: 1. Apply to college and declare RAD as major. 2. Submit high school transcripts (or GED certificate) and college transcripts if applicable. 3. Submit current ARRT card or registry card from other certifying agencies. 4. Submit official transcripts from the accredited radiography program in which he/she graduated. 5. Take the math and English placement test if applicable. Once the above has been completed, the student will: Receive exemption credit for applicable Phase II courses. Documentation of course content is required. Be advised to complete the Phase I courses as well as any remedial courses if applicable. In order to be eligible for graduation, the student must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better and obtain a technical GPA of 2.50 or better. Technical GPA is calculated using only the courses listed below: 1. ENG MAT SPC BIO 210/BIO SOC College Transferable Humanities Course (3 semester hours) 7. AHS