Stanly Community College Program Mission Statement and Accreditation 7 . ... and concerned citizens...

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Number

Welcome and Introduction 4

College and Program Officials 5

Adjunct Faculty 5

Radiography Program Advisory Committee 5

ARRT Certification Exam 5

Radiography Program Faculty Contact Information 6

Points of Contact 6

Stanly Community College Purpose and Mission Statement 7

Radiography Program Mission Statement and Accreditation 7

Radiography Program Philosophy and Overview 8

Outcomes Assessment Plan 10

Admission Policy 14

Radiography Curriculum 17

Criteria for Progression 18

Criteria for Graduation 18

Readmission Policy 19

Stanly Community College General Policies 21

Radiography Program General Policies 22

Radiography Program Clinical Policies 27

Clinical Guidelines and Expectations 42

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APPENDIX

Consent to Release Information 44

Essential Functions of a Radiographer 46

iPod/iPad Usage for Clinical Agreement Receipt 47

ARRT Radiography Requirements Receipt 48

Radiography Student Handbook Receipt 48

Record of Student Injuries and Illnesses Form 49

Clinical Absentee Form 50

Voluntary Declaration of Pregnancy Form 51

Withdrawal of Declaration of Pregnancy Form 52

Lost, Damaged, or Misplaced Dosimetry Badge Form 53

Exceeding Threshold Dose Report Form 54

ARRT Didactic and Clinical Competency Requirements 55

Faculty Responsibilities and Duties 61

JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography 64

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WELCOME!

Welcome to the Radiography Program at Stanly Community College! You have chosen a very

exciting, challenging, and rewarding profession. In your course of study, we hope to provide you with

the skill, knowledge, and attitude to deliver quality patient care as a valuable member of the health care

team. Working and learning together over the next two years should be an exciting and rewarding

experience. We look forward to working with you on your way to success!

The purpose of this handbook is to share information concerning policies, procedures, and

requirements to successfully complete this program. Radiography students are expected to abide by all

policies outlined in the handbook. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal

from the program. If you have questions concerning any specific policy or procedure, please contact any

member of the Radiography Program faculty.

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College and Program Officials: College President……………………………………………………………………………………….Dr. John Enamait Chief Academic Officer…………………………………….……………………………………………Dr. Heather Hill Associate Vice President of Health Sciences and Public Services……………….Dr. Tammy Crump Radiography Program Director………………………………………………………….……………Tiffany Barbee Radiography Director of Clinical Education………………………………………………..……...Christa Little Adjunct Clinical/Didactic Faculty: Danielle Burgess, RT(R)(CT)(ARRT) Rosalyn Cline, RT(R)(ARRT) Trena Honeycutt, RT(R)(ARRT) Steve Lee, RT(R)(ARRT) Dana Mosley, BS, RT(R)(ARRT) Kim Weaver, RT(R)(ARRT) Avery Joey Wittman, RT(R)(CT)(ARRT) Radiography Program Advisory Committee: Program advisory committees assist SCC in establishing and maintaining up-to-date educational programs. Changes in business, industry, and government have increased the need for effective communication between education and community. An advisory committee of interested, competent, and concerned citizens is the most productive and effective method for involving the community in education; it is a vital link between the college and the community. Specifically, the Radiography Program Advisory Committee is composed of distinguished members of our clinical affiliates whose charge is to review the program and address any concerns and/or recommend changes. ARRT Certification Exam: Upon successful completion of the Radiography Program, students are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam. Applications are submitted to the ARRT during the last semester of study. Graduation from the Radiography Program does not guarantee that a student will be permitted to sit for the exam; applicants must successfully complete an ethics review conducted by the ARRT. The ARRT provides students three attempts within a three year time period to complete the certification exam. Fees are associated with this process. For more information, visit www.arrt.org.

http://www.arrt.org/

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Radiography Program Faculty:

Program Director: Tiffany Barbee, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(M)(CT)(ARRT) Crutchfield Campus, Office 216A Telephone: (704) 991-0162 Email: [email protected] Director of Clinical Education: Christa Little, B.S., R.T.(R)(M)(ARRT) Crutchfield Campus, Office 216B Telephone: (704) 991-0113 Email: [email protected] Other Points of Contact: Associate Vice President of Health Sciences and Public Services: Dr. Tammy Crump Telephone: 704-991-0292 Email: [email protected] Director of Admissions: Jeania Martin Telephone: 704-991-0114 Email: [email protected] Dean of Financial Aid Management: Petra Fields Telephone: 704-991-0231 Email: [email protected] Retention Specialist (Allied Health): Whitney Brosius Telephone: 704-991-0169 Email: [email protected] Student Resources Center (Crutchfield Education Center) Coordinator: Debbie Utley Telephone: 704-991-0320 Email: [email protected] Director of Counseling and Special Services: Megan Brehun Telephone: 704-991-0161 Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]








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Stanly Community College

Purpose and Mission Statement

Stanly Community College offers a learning-centered environment that encourages student access, success, and completion. The College values partnerships, enables life-long learning, and actively strives to enhance the economic, social, and cultural life of the community. The College is committed to:

• Encouraging diversity and mutual respect that promotes excellence and a free exchange of ideas;

• Providing quality programs and instruction, through traditional and electronically delivered formats, to prepare students for a competitive, global marketplace and an evolving work force;

• Providing the foundation for students to successfully transfer to universities and pursue other educational goals;

• Providing a productive level of technological expertise; • Supporting the economic growth and development of the community.

Radiography Program Mission Statement The Radiography program at Stanly Community College provides a quality and diverse education in medical imaging which will prepare graduates to function as entry-level radiographers certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This five-semester, competency-based program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality radiographic care in the use of ionizing radiation to produce images of the human body.

Accreditation Stanly Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees. The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

JRCERT Standards

JRCERT standards for accreditation of radiography programs are located in the appendix of the Radiography Student Handbook and on the JRCERT website at www.JRCERT.org. If a student feels the Radiography Program at Stanly Community College is not in compliance with the standards set forth by the JRCERT, the student has the right to pursue allegations of non-compliance. The student should first report the allegations to the appropriate college personnel. If the allegations are not resolved, the student may follow the appropriate procedures for reporting non-compliance to the JRCERT. This procedure is located on the JRCERT website at www.JRCERT.org.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850

Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182 312-704-5300

[email protected]

http://www.jrcert.org/



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Radiography Program Philosophy

Our role as educators in Radiography is to prepare students to serve the total needs of the patient while in the Radiology Department. We strive to enrich the student’s mind, body, and spirit. We feel the cognitive objectives are achieved best through a strong academic background. Good affective behavior is effectively learned by integrating classroom instruction with exemplary attitudes of the entire staff. The psychomotor skills, which are the most distinguishing characteristics of a skilled Radiologic Technologist, are best learned through varied and sufficient clinical practice. This natural learning experience incorporates every aspect of technology needed to develop expertise. We also feel that clinical practice by students should not be used as a substitute for qualified technologists performing examinations. Clinical practice properly used as a learning experience requires professional staffing to supervise the student through the following phases:

1) Explanation 2) Demonstration 3) Participation 4) Evaluation

We are committed to providing the highest level of radiologic technology education. We are willing to give our best efforts. In return, we expect all students to perform at their peak efficiency. The Radiography Program is committed to rigid discipline. We are flexible when it proves progressive, but rigidly retain proven principles and practices, in order to produce highly skilled professional technologists. Our graduate technologists serve as the best gauge of the worth of our philosophy. It is never easy for us to maintain our philosophy through changing social and educational changes. Neither is it easy for students to fulfill the role they play in our philosophy. However, their favorable attitude and successful practice as professional technologists are proof that our thoughts and beliefs are demanding, though prudent. This program offers an education in living as well as learning.

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Radiography Program Overview The Radiography curriculum offers career education for radiographers who specialize in the application of scientific knowledge and theory to use radiation to produce images of the human body. Knowledge and skills for performing these functions are usually achieved through two or more years of academic and clinical preparation. Acceptance and continuation in this program are contingent upon acceptance by the clinical facility for practicum training. If a student does not appear to be in good physical or mental health, as evidenced by his or her performance or behavior in the clinical practicum, the faculty can request a physical examination and a written report from a physician. The Radiology Department of Carolinas Healthcare System-Union, Carolinas Healthcare System-Stanly, Carolinas Healthcare System-Anson, and FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital offer the necessary clinical education. Physician offices and orthopedic clinics are also used as clinical sites for the program. During the two years of training, the program provides approximately 1,200 hours of clinical education. It is planned to include routine and emergency radiographic procedures and may be scheduled during weekdays and weekends on first and evening shifts during both years. The student will also have the opportunity to observe other modalities within the Radiology Department. The Radiography Curriculum at Stanly Community College consists of 40 hours or less each week. Each student must purchase liability insurance through Stanly Community College when registering for classes for each year of the program. Upon completion of all required course work, the student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radiography. Graduates of the Radiography Program are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (Radiography) examination. Graduates may seek employment in a hospital Radiology Department, minor emergency facility, clinic, private office, industry, and college.

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Outcomes Assessment Plan Stanly Community College – Radiography

August 2017 – July 2018

Mission Statement: The Radiography program at Stanly Community College provides a quality and diverse education in medical imaging which will prepare graduates to function as entry-level radiographers certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This five-semester, competency-based program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality radiographic care in the use of ionizing radiation to produce images of the human body.

Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent. Outcome Measurement Tool Benchmark Timeframe

Responsible Party

Students will position patients.

1. RAD 151: End-of-semester Clinical Evaluation (Positioning Section)

2. RAD 251: End-of-semester

Clinical Evaluation (Positioning Section)

1. Average score ≥ 16 (20 point scale) 2. Average score ≥ 16 (20 point scale)

1. Semester 1 2. Semester 4

1. Director of Clinical Education Clinical Instructor

Clinical Staff

2. Director of Clinical Education Clinical Instructor

Clinical Staff

Students will select appropriate technical factors.

1. RAD 151: End-of-semester Clinical Evaluation (Technical Factors Section)

2. RAD 121: Exposure Factor Selection Activity

3. RAD 251: End-of-semester

Clinic Evaluation (Technical Factors Section)

1. Average score ≥ 12.5 (15 point scale) 2. Average score of 85% or

higher

3. Average score ≥ 12.5 (15 point scale)


3. Semester 4

1. Director of Clinical Education Clinical Instructor Course Instructor

2. Course Instructor

3. Director of Clinical Education Clinical Instructor Clinical Staff

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Goal 2: Students will demonstrate communication skills. Outcome Measurement Tool Benchmark Timeframe

Responsible Party

Students will use effective oral communication skills.

1. RAD 161: End-of-semester Clinical Evaluation (Communication Section)

2. RAD 261 End-of-semester

Clinical Evaluation (Communication Section)

3. RAD 245: Pathology Profile Project (Oral Component)

1. Average score ≥ 12.5 (15 point scale)

2. Average score 12.5 (15

point scale)

3. Average score of 85% or higher


3. Semester 5


2. Director of Clinical Education

Clinical Instructor Clinical Staff


Students will practice effective written communication skills.

1. RAD 151: Reflection Paper - “Back to the Basics” Article (Scoring Rubric for Written Assignments)

2. RAD 245: Pathology Profile Project (Scoring Rubric for Written Assignments)



1. Semester 1

2. Semester 5



Goal 3: Students will develop critical thinking skills. Outcome Measurement Tool Benchmark Timeframe

Responsible Party

Students will be able to modify positioning for non-routine (trauma) patients.

1. RAD 112: Trauma Laboratory Exam

2. Cross-table Hip Competency

Exam (Positioning Section)

1. Average score of 85% or higher 2. Average score ≥ 13 (16 point scale)

1. Semester 2

2. Semester 2, 3, 4, or 5



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Students will analyze images.

1. RAD 151: Film Critique II Assignment

2. RAD 251: Film Critique II Assignment



1. Semester 1

2. Semester 4



Goal 4: Students will model professionalism. Outcome Measurement Tool Benchmark Timeframe

Responsible Party

Students will understand professional behaviors.

1. RAD 110: Module 1 Exam, Essay 1 (question 71 on exam) 2. Employer Survey, question #7

1. Average score of 8 (of 10 points) 2. Employers will indicate satisfaction in this area. (scale = satisfied or dissatisfied)

1. Semester 1 2. 12 months after graduation


2. Program Director

Students will understand ethical behaviors.

1. RAD 110: Module 1 Exam, Essay 3 (question 73) 2. RAD 241: Module 1 Exam, Essay 1 (question 51)

1. Average score of 8.0 (of 10 points) 2. Average score of 8.5 (of 10 points)




Goal 5: Program Effectiveness Outcome Measurement Tool Benchmark Timeframe

Responsible Party

Students who enroll in the program will complete the program.

Enrollment and Graduation Report

60% of students will successfully complete the program Entry date: First day of semester

End of Program (May)

Radiography Faculty

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Graduates will pass the national registry on the first attempt.

ARRT Examination Pass Rate Reports

75% of students will pass the ARRT national registry on the first attempt (5-year average)

December

Program Director

Graduates will find employment as a radiographer.

Graduate Survey

75% of graduates actively seeking employment will be employed within 12 months

May-June

Program Director

Graduates will be satisfied with quality of their radiography education.

Graduate Survey All graduates will be satisfied with the quality of their radiography education. Benchmark: 4 of 5

May-June

Program Director

Employers will be satisfied with the performance of the program’s graduates.

Employer Survey

All employers will be satisfied with the performance of the program’s graduates (scale = satisfied or dissatisfied)

May-June

Program Director

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

Application Period: June 1 – February 15 Applicants seeking admission into the Radiography program must complete steps 1 through 4 in entirety by

February 15 at 5:00 pm in order to be considered for acceptance for the fall semester.

Step 1: Application • Submit a completed application electronically for the Radiography program (A45700) of the fall you wish to

enroll by visiting the SCC homepage, www.stanly.edu, and clicking the link “new students start here”. Application submissions are free of charge.

• If you wish to take general education courses for the RAD program prior to admission, then an additional application must be completed as an Associate in General Education (AGE) with radiography interest applicant for the term and year you plan to begin general education courses. Please note this does not take the place of an application for the Radiography program, nor is it required to be enrolled in the Radiography program.

• For questions on completing an application, contact the Eagle’s One Stop at 704-991-0123 or by emailing [email protected].

Step 2: Transcripts • Submit to the Admissions Office an official high school transcript and official post-secondary transcripts for all

institutions attended. Applicants who obtained a GED/Adult High School diploma must submit an official GED/AHS transcript and a high school transcript even if he/she did not complete high school.

• After the Admissions Office has received and evaluated other college transcripts, you may view transfer credit awarded by clicking the My Documents tab in WebAdvisor. For questions related to transfer credits, call the records department at 704-991-0331.

Step 3: Complete one course of Biology, Algebra, and Chemistry with a grade of “C” or better. • Submit evidence of successful completion of one unit of biology, algebra, and chemistry in high school with a

grade of “C” or higher or the equivalent at a post-secondary institution (BIO 090 or higher, MAT 070/DMA 040 or higher, CHEM 090 or higher). Students may choose to complete these subjects through SCC's Adult High School program. The Adult High School courses are self-paced classes that will take approximately 2-3 months or more to complete. Students may choose seated or online classes, and must score 85 or higher to receive credit. Contact the College and Career Readiness department at 704-991-0362 for more information or to sign-up for the Adult High School courses. Applicants wishing to complete these credits at other colleges should contact the Admissions Office at Stanly Community College to ensure that the credits are acceptable.

http://www.stanly.edu/


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Step 4: Complete either Option A OR B Placement Testing __________ (date completed and scores)

• Option A: The NC DAP, Accuplacer, Compass, or Asset placement scores can be used for this requirement. The required scores are listed in the table below:

NC DAP (newest placement

test)

ACCUPLACER COMPASS ASSET Classes/Transfer Credit

Writing Writing and Reading Composite: 151 or

higher

86 70 41

Reading 80 81 41 Math 7 or higher on

DMA 010, 020, 030, 040, and 050

7 or higher on DMA 010, 020, 030,

040, and 050 or

55 Pre-Algebra 55 Algebra

47 Pre-Algebra

46 Algebra

41 Pre-Algebra

41 Algebra

Successful completion of DMA 010, 020, 030, 040, and 050 or MAT 070, MAT 143,

MAT 171 within the last five years. Math transfer courses outside the NC Community

College system will be evaluated on an individual

basis.

• Please note that applicants who fail to achieve the required minimum scores on the first attempt of the placement test may retest once during a twelve-month period. When retesting, applicants will retest only on those sections of the test that were not successfully completed on a previous attempt. Placement test scores older than five years are not valid for admission consideration. Placement testing is free for applicants of SCC.

• Applicants are encouraged to prepare for the placement test. Practice items can be located on the SCC homepage under the testing and tutoring link of the current students tab. For questions related to how to schedule the placement test, contact the Eagle One Stop at 704-991-0123 or [email protected].

• SAT, ACT, or PLAN scores do not satisfy this requirement for radiography program admissions. If unable to meet the required placement test scores, an applicant can complete ALL general education courses required within the radiography program of study. See option B below:

• Option B: Complete ALL general education courses required for the RAD program with a minimum GPA of 2.5 by the required application deadline.

• These courses include: ENG 111 and 112 or 114, BIO 163, PSY 150, MAT 143, CIS 110, and a Humanities elective.

• If general education courses are completed at institutions other than Stanly Community College, official transcripts must be received in the SCC Admissions Office by the February 15th deadline. Credit will be given for BIO taken within the last 10 years, and CIS taken within the last 5 years. There are no other time limits on transfer courses at this time.

Requirements 1 through 4 must be completed no later than February 15 to be considered for acceptance into the RAD program.


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Step 5: TEAS Testing __________ (date completed and score) • Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) after successfully completing admission requirements one and

four above. Only those applicants who successfully complete Option 4 A or B will be eligible to take the TEAS exam. Applicants eligible to take the TEAS exam will be notified through their student email account by the Admissions Office. This email will include steps for signing up for the exam. Applicants may test as often as the exam is offered. There is a minimal fee for the exam, and test scores are valid for a period of two years. All eligible applicants must take the most current version of the TEAS exam at SCC; TEAS scores are not accepted from other colleges/universities. Test scores are valid for a period of two years.

• There are no required scores for the TEAS test. It is used strictly as a ranking tool for applicants. • TEAS prep courses are periodically offered through SCC’s continuing education division. Contact 704-991-0219

or [email protected] for upcoming prep courses offerings. Step 6: Maintain GPA (ongoing)

• For the applicant who has completed any college level courses taken with SCC prior to admission into the RAD program, a minimum

cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. After conditional acceptance is granted by the admissions office, applicants must provide successful completion of the

following:

• Submit SCC medical form. The medical form will be mailed to applicants who are conditionally accepted to the RAD program and must be

• completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner by the date given on the conditionally accepted letter.

• Submit evidence of current certification in CPR covering infant, child, adult, and AED or CPR for the Healthcare

Provider that is endorsed by the American Heart Association. Current CPR certification is required throughout the student’s attendance in the Radiography program.


Radiography Curriculum Provided by the North Carolina Community College System

Contact Hours Credit Hours Fall Semester (First Year) (per week) BIO 163 Basic Anatomy and Physiology 6 5 MAT 143 Quantitative Literacy 4 3 RAD 110 Radiography Intro. & Patient Care 5 3 RAD 111 Radiographic Procedures I 6 4 RAD 151 Radiography Clinical Education I 6 2 Total: 27 17 Spring Semester (First Year) CIS 110 Introduction to Computers 4 3 PSY 150 General Psychology 3 3 RAD 112 Radiographic Procedures II 6 4 RAD 121 Radiographic Imaging I 5 3 RAD 161 Radiography Clinical Education II 15 5 Total: 33 18 Summer Semester (First Year) RAD 122 Radiographic Imaging II 4 2 RAD 131 Radiographic Physics I 4 2 RAD 171 Radiography Clinical Education III 12 4

Total: 20 8 Fall Semester (Second Year) ENG 111 Expository Writing 3 3 RAD 211 Radiographic Procedures III 5 3 RAD 231 Radiographic Physics II 4 2 RAD 241 Radiation Protection 2 2 RAD 251 Radiography Clinical Education IV 21 7 Total: 35 17 Spring Semester (Second Year) ENG 112 Writing/Research in the Disc. 3 3 or ENG 114 Professional Research & Reporting 3 3 RAD 245 Image Analysis 4 2 RAD 261 Radiography Clinical Education V 21 7 RAD 271 Radiography Capstone 3 1

Humanities Elective 3 3 Total: 34 16

Total Program Credit Hours 76

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Criteria for Progression: 1. All Radiography courses must be taken and passed in sequence as offered in the curriculum.

General education courses may be taken prior to any semester offered upon advisors’ approval. The grading scale for Radiography courses is:

A = 100 – 93 Excellent B = 92 – 86 Good C = 85 – 78 Average F = Below 78 Failing S = Satisfactory Passing U= Unsatisfactory Failing

Students must earn a 78 or higher on the final exam in all Radiography courses to progress in the program. All students must make a minimum grade of "C" or “S” in all Radiography courses and Radiography-related courses within the Radiography curriculum to progress in the Radiography Program. Students earning less than a “C” in these courses or a grade of “U” in a clinical course will result in automatic dismissal from the program. Students will receive their final grades through WebAdvisor. Access to WebAdvisor is provided at www.stanly.edu. 2. In the event that a student’s physical or mental health interferes with the student’s academic

and/or clinical performance, the Radiography faculty may require the student to submit written verification of current health from an appropriate health care provider (i.e., physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, psychiatrists, or psychologist). Upon consultation with the Associate Dean of the Health Services Division and review of professional statement of health submitted by the student, the Associate Dean of Students will render a decision as to whether the student will be allowed to continue in the program. The Associate Dean of Students will notify the student in writing of the decision.

3. In the event that a student’s behavior is not consistent with the sound radiography practices and/or safety essential to Radiography, the instructors or the Associate Dean of the Health Services Division has the authority to remove the student immediately. Students so removed will be referred to the Associate Dean of Students for further investigation and/or possible dismissal from the Radiography Program.

4. Students should be aware that clinical affiliates require that students submit an acceptable criminal

record check and/or drug screening prior to participation in a clinical component at that site. Students are responsible for paying any costs associated with meeting these clinical site requirements. Progression toward graduation may be jeopardized by any inability to complete the clinical portion of the Radiography Program.

Criteria for Graduation: To be eligible for graduation a student must:

• Complete all course requirements in the curriculum, earning a grade of “C” or higher in RAD courses and an overall 2.0 grade point average.

• Complete an Application for Graduation when registering for your last class. • Pay a graduation fee at the time of registration for the last semester of enrollment. • Earn at least one-fourth of the credits required for a degree, diploma, or certificate from SCC. • Fulfill all financial obligations to the College.


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Readmission or Admission in Advance Standing: (This procedure also applies to applicants transferring from other Radiography programs to SCC’s Radiography program.) Students seeking readmission to Radiography (RAD) program must submit an application for readmission to the SCC Admissions Office and satisfy the program’s initial admission requirements. Students will be permitted to reenter the Radiography program no more than once. Readmission to the Radiography program will be on a space available basis. To qualify for readmission, an applicant must submit a properly completed application for admission no later than 90 days preceding their intended start date. Applicants from other institutions must complete the placement test, NC DAP or Accuplacer, scoring the minimums indicated for admission to the RAD Program. (Applicants who are unable to score the minimums on NC DAP or Accuplacer may complete the general education courses required in the RAD Program and subsequently be considered for admission). Only those students whose GPA in their major is 2.5 or higher at the time of readmission to the RAD Program will be considered for readmission. A student’s GPA in their major will include only Radiography and Radiography related courses completed, either successfully or unsuccessfully, up to the point of readmission. Specifically for students formerly enrolled in the RAD program at SCC and are returning within 2 years: Students seeking readmission, who were formerly enrolled in the RAD Program at Stanly Community College and wish to reenter within two years after exiting the program, must reenter the semester immediately following their last successful semester. All Radiography and general education courses required in the semesters preceding the intended point of reentry must be satisfactorily completed. Students who do not successfully complete the first semester of the program and are seeking readmission will be competing for acceptance in the fall term along with incoming freshmen. Students who enter SCC’s RAD Program within two years of withdrawing from a RAD Program will be required to: (1) successfully complete a written competency exam for each Radiography course completed prior to withdrawal, and (2) successfully complete selected lab competencies administered by the SCC Radiography department. Students should contact the Radiography Program Director well in advance of re-entering in order to arrange for competency testing. Students only have one attempt to successfully pass the written competency exam and lab competencies. If a student does not successfully pass the written competency exam or lab competency exam on the first attempt, the student is ineligible for return to the program for admission. Specifically for students formerly enrolled in the RAD program at SCC and are returning after 2 years: Students who enter SCC’s Radiography program after having withdrawn from a Radiography program more than two years earlier will enroll in the first semester of the program.

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Specifically for students formerly enrolled in a RAD program at another institution and attempting to enter SCC’s RAD program: Applicants who have completed Radiography courses at institutions other than Stanly Community College must provide the Radiography Program Director with a complete transcript of credits earned at the other institution and a syllabus for each RAD course completed. The Radiography Program Director will review these documents and determine the appropriate beginning point for the applicant. Students wishing to transfer into SCC's RAD program must (1) successfully complete a written competency exam covering all SCC courses the student has received transfer credit for, and (2) successfully complete selected lab competencies administered by the SCC Radiography department. This is in addition to the general admission requirements for the RAD program. Students should contact the Radiography Program Director well in advance of the entering semester to arrange for competency testing. Students only have one attempt to successfully pass the written competency exam and lab competencies. If a student does not successfully pass the exam or lab competencies on the first attempt, the student is ineligible for transfer into the program.

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Stanly Community College General Policies

College Policies: College policies are found on the SCC website at https://www.stanly.edu/future-students/college-catalog/policies. Students are responsible for reading and adhering to all College policies. Student Resources: Links to the following student resources can be found at www.stanly.edu.

1. Student Email Accounts: All students are provided an SCC Gmail account. Check your student email account daily.

2. WebAdvisor: Students are able to view grades, request a transcript, view class schedule, etc. Students may also register for the courses online through WebAdvisor.

3. Tech Support: This resource is a one-stop center where questions about technical support for WebAdvisor, Moodle, e-mail, and password reset can be answered quickly and efficiently.

ADA Statement: If you have a disability that may affect your academic performance and are seeking accommodations, it is your responsibility to inform the ADA services office located in SB220. You may contact Megan Brehun at (704) 991-0161 or [email protected] if you have any questions concerning disability services. You may also visit https://www.stanly.edu/future-students/college-catalog/student-support-services/disability-services-ada to learn more about ADA services at Stanly Community College. It is important to request accommodations early enough to give the ADA services office adequate time to consider your request and recommend reasonable accommodations. Students are encouraged to initiate the request process 30 days prior to the beginning of a semester or class. Accommodations are not retroactive and can only become active after all required documents are submitted. Instructors will provide necessary accommodations based solely on the recommendations of the ADA services office.

https://www.stanly.edu/future-students/college-catalog/policies

https://www.stanly.edu/future-students/college-catalog/policies



https://www.stanly.edu/future-students/college-catalog/student-support-services/disability-services-ada

https://www.stanly.edu/future-students/college-catalog/student-support-services/disability-services-ada

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Radiography Program General Policies

Course Syllabi: A detailed course syllabus is given to each student for each course in the Radiography curriculum at the beginning of the respective semester. The instructor will review the syllabus with the students and the students in turn, are expected to read and acknowledge the syllabus by signing a receipt. Class Attendance: Class attendance is an integral part of the learning process, and each student is expected to attend all classes, labs, and clinical meetings for which he or she is registered. Absences do not relieve the student’s responsibility for meeting the requirements of the class. Students may be withdrawn by the instructor if class requirements are not being met. Any student missing two consecutive weeks after the first day of classes without permission of the instructor will be withdrawn. After loss of contact with the student, the instructor will withdraw the student from the class. Students auditing classes must adhere to the same attendance policy as other students. Personal Appointments: All appointments (medical, etc.) must be scheduled on scheduled days off or after school hours. Appointments should not interfere with didactic or clinical instruction. If, for some reason, a student needs to be excused from class or clinic, the student will be held to the college and program attendance policies. Classroom Rules: Each student is required to have the following items in class and lab: student ID badge, personal radiation badge, iPod/iPad device, x-ray markers, a calculator, and a pencil. Students who do not have these items may be issued an unsatisfactory rating. No smoking, eating, or drinking will be allowed in the Radiography lab. Classroom Dress Code: There is no written dress code for classroom attendance. However, all students are expected to exhibit a neat, tasteful appearance. On the occasion when students are testing in the laboratory setting, ceil blue scrubs are required. Also, when students attend lab at hospital facilities, ceil blue scrubs are required.

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Radiography Testing Policy: Testing Procedures:

A. Before each exam, all items will be stored at the front of the classroom except for pencils, clean scrap paper, and a calculator.

B. During the exam, students will not be allowed to leave the room. C. Students should review their exam for completeness before handing it in. Once exams are

handed in, they will not be returned.

Students must be on time for scheduled exams. Students who do not arrive on time will not be given any additional time to complete exams and will be subject to a 5-point deduction from the test grade. Extenuating circumstances will be evaluated by the instructor. A student who is unable to attend class for a scheduled exam must notify the instructor prior to the scheduled exam time. If a student fails to notify the instructor prior to the exam, a zero will be given to the student for that exam. Failure to take a scheduled course exam on the assigned day will result in a 5-point deduction from the exam grade if approval is granted to make-up the exam. Therefore, the highest possible grade for a make-up exam will be 95. Any course or final exam that has received make-up approval must be made-up within three school days following the initial administration of the exam, including clinical days. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor and make arrangements for the make-up exam. Quizzes are not considered scheduled exams and cannot be made up. A zero will be given for any missed quizzes. Students are expected to adhere to the honor code by not discussing the test with classmates and not using references while taking the test. Examinations will be done independently. Students will neither overtly or covertly solicit information from any other student or alternate source nor give information to any other student during examination period. Students witnessing such activity are required to bring it to the attention of the examination proctor. Failure to abide by this policy will result in a zero on the examination during which the incident occurred and may result in a citation for unprofessional conduct and/or dismissal from the college. Students assigned a lower grade for using unauthorized help on a test, quiz, or assignment will be considered as having violated the SCC Student Code of Conduct. These students are entitled to certain rights, including due process. Students who want to exercise their rights under the Student Code of Conduct should contact the Associate Dean of Students. The instructor reserves the right to require any student to take a re-test if the instructor has evidence to believe that the student received unauthorized help on a test, quiz, or assignment. Test reviews will be done after all students have completed each test. Students will not be given copies of their individual tests to keep. All tests must be kept on file for accreditation purposes. Students are not allowed to print online tests or quizzes. A zero will be given as the grade for any test or quiz that is printed.

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RE-TEST Policy (RAD 111 and RAD 112 only): Grades received on an examination will be the final grade recorded. However, students will not proceed to the next chapter with a failing written exam or lab exam grade. These students are expected to prove competency in that area and will re-take the exam within three school days and earn a passing grade (78 or higher) before proceeding to the next chapter. Students who do not re-take the exam in three school days will be withdrawn from the program. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor to re-take the exam. A failed exam may be re-taken once (scheduled test + re-take). Failure to pass the re-take exam will result in the ineligibility to further advance in the program. The maximum number of tests that a student may re-take is two. This can be a combination of one written exam and one lab exam, two written exams, or two lab exams. Students who receive a failing grade on more than two exams (after re-testing) will be ineligible for further advancement in the Radiography Program. Students will not be allowed to re-test on the final exam; this grade is final and will be calculated with all other grades. Students must earn a 78 or higher on the final exam in all Radiography courses to progress in the program. Skills Lab: Laboratory practice of techniques prior to entering the clinical is extremely important. No student will be allowed to perform any technique in the clinical area without adequate skills lab practice and refinement. Student Performance Evaluations: At the end of each semester, the Program Director and Director of Clinical Education will meet with each student to evaluate academic, behavioral, and clinical progress in the program. All RAD course grades, clinical competencies, and clinical evaluations are reviewed, and behavioral advisement is also provided during these evaluation meetings. Honor Code: It is understood that the material submitted for evaluation in this course will be that of the student submitting it and will be original work. Any student violating this basic principal will be dismissed from the course, cited for unprofessional conduct, and may be dismissed from the college. All students are expected to be honest with the faculty or staff in all situations related to clinical and academic activities. Students witnessing any dishonest activity are required to bring it to the attention of a faculty member. Failure to abide by this policy is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary action as noted in the SCC catalog. Tutoring: Students desiring tutoring in any course should deal directly with the instructor or Radiography faculty member. Arrangements for specific Radiography tutoring can be made by the faculty on an appointment basis. General education and science department tutoring may be arranged through the Student Development office (704-991-0226) at no cost to the student.

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Radiography Program - Student Grievance Policy: Students will be supervised, observed, critiqued, and guided in the classroom by SCC faculty or adjunct faculty each semester. A student who has a grievance of any kind should see the following individuals in the given order. The student must discuss his/her grievance with the individual beginning with Level 1. If the result of the discussion is not satisfactory, then the student can proceed to the next level. If the grievance occurs at the clinical site, and the grievance reaches Level 2, the student should contact the Director of Clinical Education. The student must initiate the grievance process within 3 days of the incident. Level 1: Instructor, supervisor, or preceptor Level 2: Program Director/Director of Clinical Education Level 3: Associate Vice President of Health and Public Services *Beyond Level 3, please refer to the Grievance Policy in the SCC Catalog. Each conflict will be assessed on an individual basis and individual situation with each student and/or appropriate staff or faculty member. It should be noted that Radiography faculty take a holistic approach to student learning and may enlist the assistance of other faculty when deemed appropriate. If the grievance pertains to a charge of sexual harassment, then the student may go directly to the Dean of Students rather than to the offending person. Documentation must occur at all levels, from student to level where resolution occurred. This is to be filed in the Program Director’s office. Please refer to the SCC Catalog and www.stanly.edu for additional information. The program’s resolution will occur within 7 days of the student’s initiation of the grievance process. If the grievance goes beyond Level 3, then the time frame will be as listed in the SCC catalog. Cassette Tape Recorders: Students may not record class lectures with their own personal tape recorder. No tape recorders will be allowed in any clinical area. Use of Paper Copier: Students are not allowed to use the copier machine in the hallway. Students must print their class materials before the start of class. Current Radiography students may use the Resource Center for printing. Internet Usage: In classes where Internet access is provided, the student may use the Internet for valid, academic purposes only. The student may not use it for open access to other non-academic sites, which are unrelated to the course. Social Networking/Electronic Communications: All students and faculty are to practice professional behaviors of confidentiality as well as follow legal and ethical standards of conduct as stated in the SCC Radiography Student Handbook, ARRT Code of Ethics, and the SCC College Catalog. No reference is to be made about clinical sites, patients, clinical staff or Stanly Community College employees at any time on any social networking site. Failure to abide by this policy will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the Radiography program.

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Visitors: Only students registered for a specific class are allowed to attend that class session. Visitors are not allowed in any clinical area. Messages: The SCC switchboard or Radiography faculty will not be held responsible for any telephone or voice mail messages not of an emergency nature for the student. If a family member needs to contact a student in the event of an emergency, have them channel the call through the SCC switchboard. Identical limitations apply to the hospital situation. Callers are to direct their messages to the appropriate instructor/preceptor rather than to the student. Instructors/preceptors will be responsible for notifying the students of needed messages. Phones at clinical sites will not be used to make personal phone calls. Personal or non-urgent phone calls are not allowed during clinical hours. Personal cell phones must be kept out of sight during scheduled clinical hours. Professional Conferences: Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to attend a variety of professional Radiography conferences. Any expenses occurred will be the individual student’s responsibility. SCC considers any conference a college-related activity. Therefore all Radiography Program/College rules and policies are applicable for all students attending any conference. Program Evaluations: The student will have the opportunity to complete a variety of evaluations on Radiography courses, clinical rotations, Radiography Program faculty, and college staff and services. These evaluations will be completed anonymously. Information obtained from the evaluations will be tallied and evaluated by SCC Radiography faculty. Medical Release: A student with changes at any time during the length of the program in his/her medical condition from what is documented on the student medical form is required to notify the Program Director and Director of Clinical Education within 48 hours of the hospitalization or care. Changes in condition which must be communicated include, but are not limited to pregnancy, childbirth, fractures, all surgical procedures, etc. The student is to provide a medical release by the medical professional providing care in order to return to the classroom, lab, and clinical settings. All instructional areas must be addressed on the medical release form. The essential functions and performance standards noted in the RAD Student Handbook must be maintained in order to provide safe care to patients and to provide a safe environment for learning. During the active dates under the care of a medical professional through the release date, access will be denied to re-enter the classroom, lab, and clinical settings, including Moodle access, unless the medical release specifies differently. Access will be restored based on the date of the release. Immediate dismissal from the program will result if this policy is breached by the student. As determined by the Program Director and Director of Clinical Education, when the student is unable to complete course requirements, the student will be withdrawn from the course and subsequently unable to progress in the program or an incomplete grade will be issued to the student. If applicable, the student may reapply to the program using the re-entry status policy.

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Radiography Program Clinical Policies

Clinical rotations have been developed to provide you with interrelated educational experiences in striving for the following goals: development of radiographic skills, improvement of patient care skills, enhancement of critical thinking skills, evolvement of a professional attitude, and preparation for the national registry exam. Each student must realize that clinical training is a privilege provided by the clinical agency. Clinical Assignment Schedules: Clinical assignment schedules will be provided to the student prior to the beginning of each semester. Students are assigned to their clinical sites via a random lottery. Each student is assigned to a particular hospital or imaging facility on a rotational basis. The Director of Clinical Education makes the clinical assignment schedules and rotates the students to various sites based upon the availability of space at the clinical affiliates of the program to ensure all students have equal opportunity to learn different equipment and procedures. The student must complete the assignment as defined by the Director of Clinical Education. The student’s home/work address or personal schedule cannot be taken into consideration when scheduling clinical rotations. Do not request a change of assignment. Students may not make changes to the clinical assignment schedules. Students should not volunteer for additional rotations or for special observations without the consent of the DCE. Students should not represent themselves as a SCC Radiography student while they are functioning in roles outside of school and clinical assignments (i.e., visitors, employees). Any student violating these rules is subject to dismissal from the Radiography Program. Clinical Affiliate Locations: This list is subject to change at the discretion of the SCC and affiliate faculty. Mileage is an approximation from SCC’s Crutchfield campus in Locust.

Clinical Site Address Approximate Distance From SCC – Crutchfield Campus

Albemarle Orthopedic Specialists (Alb Ortho)

105 Yadkin Street, Suite 101 Albemarle, NC

18.1 miles – 24 minutes

Cabarrus Family Medicine - Concord (CFM- Concord)

270 Copperfield Blvd NE #201 Concord, NC


Cabarrus Family Medicine - Harrisburg (CFM-Harr)

4315 Physicians Blvd, Suite 101 Harrisburg, NC 28075


Cabarrus Family Medicine - Mt. Pleasant (CFM- MTP)

8560 Cook Street Mt. Pleasant, NC


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Cabarrus Family Medicine - Poplar Tent (CFM- PT)

5641 Poplar Tent Road Concord, NC


Carolinas Healthcare System – Anson (CHS-Anson)

2301 U.S. Highway 74 W Wadesboro, NC


Carolinas Healthcare System – Stanly (CHS-Stanly)

301 Yadkin Street Albemarle, NC


Carolinas Healthcare System - Union (CHS-Union)

600 Hospital Drive Monroe, NC


Carolinas Healthcare System Urgent Care – Albemarle (Albemarle UC)

703 Leonard Avenue Albemarle, NC 28001

18 miles – 23 minutes

Carolinas Healthcare System Urgent Care – Mint Hill (Mint Hill UC)

10545 Blair Road, Suite 1200 Mint Hill, NC 28227


Carolinas Healthcare System Urgent Care – Union West (Union West)

6030 W HWY 74 Indian Trail, NC 28079


FirstHealth – Montgomery Memorial Hospital (FH - Troy)

520 Allen Street Troy, NC


Midland Family Medicine (Midland)

12925 HWY 601 South Midland, NC 28107


OrthoCarolina - Monroe 703 Comfort Lane Monroe, NC 28112


OrthoCarolina - University 9848 North Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28262


Sports Medicine & Injury Center

5651 Poplar Tent Road, Suite 102 Concord, NC


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Hospital Orientations and OSHA Regulations: Students will receive information on infection control basics, blood-borne pathogens, confidentiality, customer service standards, electrical and fire safety, ergonomics, hazard communication, and patient and public safety. The student is responsible for reading the material and adhering to all standard polices. Clinical affiliates may also require separate orientation sessions or modules. Each student will be responsible for completing orientations as necessary. The student will be held accountable for hospital policies and procedures discussed for each clinical affiliate. Clinical Differences: While it is the intent and objective of the Radiography Program to be as uniform as possible with all policies, students must realize that we cannot change or circumvent hospital policies. For this reason, there will be differences at each clinical facility; and students shall be concerned with, and adhere to the policies of the clinical facility to which he or she is assigned. The student is not qualified to make a determination of correctness and should never question or express their personal opinion. Professional success depends upon more than academic achievement. Becoming a professional includes a positive attitude, integrity, cooperation, dependability, and accountability. Radiography students are representatives of Stanly Community College and the Radiography Program. Unprofessional behavior on any level will not be tolerated and may serve as grounds for dismissal from the program. Students must treat all fellow students, faculty, hospital affiliates, and patients with respect. Self-confidence comes with practice and perseverance. Students are expected, to adhere to high standards of personal and professional conduct. Students will be supervised, observed, critiqued and guided in the clinical site by SCC Faculty or site preceptors each semester. Any clinical concerns such as questions concerning positioning, exposure and/or clinical procedures will be directed to the SCC Faculty or site preceptor. Confidentiality Statement: The student must maintain confidentiality regarding patients, medical records, and care provided during any clinical experience. The student is required to sign a confidentiality statement stating that he/she understands and will abide by the policy. Any breech of this policy may result in dismissal from the Radiography Program and possible prosecution (See HIPAA regulations). Consent to Release Information: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a law passed by Congress that is a detailed set of regulations created and enforced by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. HIPAA gives patients a series of rights for their health information. The student will consent to the release of a copy of their immunizations record and TB skin test results, as well as a copy of their CPR card to the clinical affiliates when requested. Students will also allow for verification of their social security number for identification purposes and release of criminal background check and drug screening results to clinical affiliates when requested.

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Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening: Clinical affiliates may require all students that participate in clinical activities and patient care at their facility complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to participating in clinical rotations. This mandate is a recommendation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. To fulfill contractual agreements with clinical affiliates, all Radiography students are required to submit an official criminal background check and drug screening prior to participating in clinical rotations. The Criminal Background Checks and drug screenings will be done through CastleBranch (Certified Background). This professional organization will collect and forward the reports to all clinical affiliates. Then in turn, each clinical affiliate will make their decision about granting student clinical privileges on an individual-by-individual basis. Each clinical affiliate has the right to deny any student access for clinical rotations based upon criminal background. This denial would result in the student’s inability to complete the clinical courses for the Radiography Program and subsequently, the student would not be able to progress in the Radiography Program. Any allegations or charges of a misdemeanor(s) or felony(s) that occur after the criminal background check has been originally submitted must be reported to the Program Director and Director of Clinical Education immediately. Students may be asked to participate in random drug screenings throughout the program, which will be completed at the student’s expense. Medical Form and Immunizations Records: Medical forms and immunization records must be maintained throughout the Radiography Program. TB Skin Testing (PPD) is required to maintain verification of freedom from tuberculin infection on a yearly basis while enrolled in the Radiography Program. Failure to maintain a current TB skin test may jeopardize the student’s eligibility to participate in clinical activities. CPR Certification: All students must be CPR certified by the American Heart Association and maintain this certification throughout the program. Failure to maintain certification may jeopardize the student’s eligibility to participate in clinical activities. CPR certification will be at the student’s expense. Physical Requisites: Students in the Radiography Program should have sufficient visual acuity and auditory perception to observe the patient during diagnostic procedures in order to take appropriate action if the patient experiences difficulties and may require immediate medical assistance. Auditory perception, gross and fine motor coordination is also important in order to receive verbal communication from the patient and manipulate the equipment. Students should be able to think critically to implement immediate care as needed. The performance of the tasks related to the Radiography profession includes potentially strenuous physical skills to include, but not limited to, heavy lifting/moving patients and equipment utilizing proper body mechanics.

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RADIATION SAFETY Radiation Safety Practices The Radiography Program strives to keep student radiation exposure As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). To minimize radiation exposure, the student must abide by the following guidelines:

• Students are not allowed to hold patients during an exposure under any circumstances. • Students must stand behind a primary barrier, when available, during an exposure. • Students must wear radiation protection apparel as appropriate when performing exams that

require exposures to be made without a primary barrier (i.e. fluoroscopy, surgical studies, mobile studies, etc.).

• Students are required to wear their radiation badge at the level of the thyroid during clinic at all times.

• Students must follow the cardinal rules of radiation protection at all times: o Minimize time of exposure o Maximize distance to exposure o Maximize use of available shielding and radiation protection apparel

• Students must immediately contact the appropriate program official or clinical staff member with questions or concerns regarding the integrity of the radiation safety guidelines.

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Radiation Safety Policies

I. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Christa Little, B.S., R.T.(R)(M)(ARRT) Director of Clinical Education [email protected] 704-991-0113

II. RSO Duties a. Issues dosimeters to students and faculty on a quarterly basis

(In the case of pregnancy, dosimeters are exchanged on a monthly basis) b. Receives and reviews dosimetry reports on a quarterly basis c. Issues dosimetry reports to students for review within thirty days of receipt d. Issues reports to graduates and/or employers of former students upon request and signed

release e. Maintains radiation exposure reports indefinitely f. Maintains Radiation Safety Manual and updates information as required

III. Location of Radiation Safety Documents

Radiation dosimetry reports are available in the RSO’s office for students to review.

IV. Radiation Exposure Limits State of NC, Division of Health Service Regulation, Radiation Protection Section Rule .0104 (65) “Limits” or “dose limits” – the permissible upper bounds of radiation dose are termed limits or dose limits. Dose limits represent an acceptable limit of potential risk and do not represent a level that will necessarily be unsafe if exceeded. Rule .1604 (a) Occupational Dose Limits for Adults 5 rems (5,000 mrem)(0.05Sv) = Total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) 50 rems (50,000 mrem)(0.5 Sv) = Total Organ dose equivalent (TODE) 15 rems (15,000 mrem)(0.15 Sv) = Eye dose equivalent 50 rems (50,000 mrem)(0.5 Sv) = Shallow dose equivalent (SDE) Radiation Exposure Action Limits

Dose Equivalent Annual Limit (mrem)

ALARA 1 Level (mrem) ALARA 2 Level (mrem)

Whole Body (TEDE) 5,000 125 250 Lens 15,000 375 750 Shallow (SDE) 50,000 1,250 2,500

• Typical quarterly readings are M (too low to record) to about 20 mrem. • Students whose dose level exceeds ALARA Level 1 but is under ALARA Level 2 will meet with

the RSO. This meeting will be documented, and the student will be counseled on radiation safety practices.

• Students whose dose level exceeds ALARA Level 2 will meet with the RSO and document the reason for the level on the “Exceeding Threshold Dose Report Form.” The student will be counseled on radiation safety practices and closely monitored for the remainder of the year.


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Policy of Student Supervision

1) DIRECT SUPERVISION (JRCERT Standard 4.4): Students are required to perform procedures under the direct supervision of a qualified radiographer until competency is achieved. The JRCERT defines direct supervision of a qualified radiographer as follows:

• The radiographer reviews the procedure in relation to the student’s achievement. • The radiographer evaluates the condition of the patient in relation to the student’s

knowledge. • The radiographer is physically present during the procedure. • The radiographer reviews and approves the procedure and/or image.

2) INDIRECT SUPERVISION (JRCERT Standard 4.5): Students are allowed to perform procedures under the indirect supervision of a qualified radiographer after competency is achieved in the respective procedure. The JRCERT defines indirect supervision of a qualified radiographer as follows:

• The radiographer must be immediately available to assist students regardless of the student’s achievement level.

• “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. • The radiographer reviews and approves the procedure and/or image.

3) REPEAT IMAGES (JRCERT Standard 4.6): In the event a radiographic image produced by a student is unsatisfactory and must be repeated, the following steps will be followed as outlined below.

a. The student and radiographer review the unsatisfactory image in order to identify the unacceptable factors and needed corrections.

b. The student then accurately identifies how those corrections should be implemented. • If the student’s correction plan is satisfactory, continue to step c. • If the student’s correction plan is incorrect, the radiographer will assist the student

in determining the steps needed to correct the error. c. The student implements the needed corrections under the direct supervision of a

radiographer and makes the exposure with the approval of the radiographer. d. The supervising radiographer’s initials are recorded in the “Repeat Supervision” section of

the Daily Clinical Tracking database indicating that direct supervision was provided.

If a student performs a repeat image without proof of direct supervision of a qualified radiographer, the clinical instructor or primary x-ray technologist will notify the Director of Clinical Education who will meet with the student to discuss disciplinary actions. If the offense is repeated, the student will be dismissed from the program.

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Student Supervision during Mobile Radiography: All mobile exams performed by students, regardless of their level of competency, must be performed under direct supervision of a registered Radiologic Technologist. Students must wear lead aprons during mobile radiography. Pregnancy Policy: Students enrolled in the Radiography program are classified as occupational exposed individuals to ionizing radiation. Occupational radiation exposure to radiation does present health risk, particularly during pregnancy. Radiation exposure to females who are pregnant poses a number of potentially serious health risks to the developing embryo/fetus. However, pregnancy may be a private matter, and disclosure or acknowledgement of pregnancy must ultimately rest with the mother regardless of radiation exposure status or risk to the developing embryo/fetus. Under federal and state regulations, any student who becomes pregnant has the option to declare her pregnancy. The student must declare her pregnancy in writing before this program can consider her pregnant and provide her with the appropriate steps to reduce and monitor the radiation risks to the embryo/fetus.

• Once the pregnancy is declared in writing, the student will be issued a fetal radiation dosimeter to be worn at waist level under the lead apron to monitor radiation exposure. The institution is required to ensure that the fetal exposure does not exceed 500 millirems during the term of the pregnancy as determined by the fetal radiation dosimeter. The declaration of pregnancy will remain in effect until the declared student withdraws the declaration in writing or is no longer pregnant. The student has the option to withdraw the declaration in writing at any time.

• If the student chooses not to declare her pregnancy, she cannot be considered pregnant and is putting the embryo/fetus at risk.

With or without disclosure, the pregnant student can opt to continue in the educational program without modification, but with the knowledge that she is at her own risk and has signed a waiver acknowledging that fact. Any pregnant student, who opts not to continue in the educational program, can be readmitted according to the readmission policy found in the Stanly Community College catalog and the Radiography Program Handbook. MRI Safety Policy: During the fifth semester of the program, students may have the opportunity to participate in an observational MRI rotation at CHS-Union or CHS-Stanly. Students will receive training regarding MRI safety policies and procedures during hospital orientation and prior to beginning clinical rotations. Students will also complete an MRI safety screening questionnaire before observing any MRI examination.

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Definition of Safe Clinical Practice 1. Practicing within the guidelines of the Radiography Program policies and objectives at Stanly Community College. 2. Practicing within the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist standards. 3. Practicing within the ethical standards of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. 4. Practicing within the standards of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. 5. Practicing within the direction and supervision of the Radiologist on site at clinical affiliates. 6. Practicing within the direction and supervision of the registered Radiologic Technologist assigned as clinical instructor or preceptor or staff technologist. 7. Using appropriate shielding, imaging technique or other means of radiation exposure reduction commonly named ALARA at all times. 8. Giving excellent care to every patient without regard to race, creed, sex, color, religion, and physical or mental limitations. 9. SCC Radiography students may not remove a patient from the following: a. Cervical collars b. Traction devices 10. SCC Radiography students may remove a patient from the following if directly supervised by a technologist: a. Monitoring devices b. Bandages or splints 11. SCC Radiography students may not give medication or treatment to patients with the exception of contrast agents and only with direct supervision and approval of a physician or technologist. Food and/or liquids may be given with consent of the attending physician. 12. SCC Radiography students may not inject IV contrast. 13. SCC Radiography students are not permitted to use fluoroscopy to locate or position anatomy for any examination in any clinical setting. 14. Critically ill patients should take priority and should never be left alone. Note any changes in patient condition and report it immediately. 15. SCC Radiography students should never keep valuables for a patient. Valuables should be given to a family member or given to nursing personnel to be locked up. Note the name of the person in possession of valuables in case it is needed later.

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16. SCC Radiography students should always check for glasses, clothing, and other personal belongings when escorting the patient from the exam room. 17. Never be afraid to ask for a radiologist to check a patient. 18. Never be afraid to ask a technologist for help. 19. Never get between an upset or belligerent patient and the exit. Patient Identification: Before performing a radiographic procedure, students must first check with the supervising technologist and confirm the identification of the patient by at least two identifiers including: ❧ check the wrist band ❧ verify name and date of birth by asking patient ❧ verify patient’s order with the information given by the patient ❧ verify patient’s medical record number Labeling of Radiographs: Patient identifiers must be placed appropriately on all images according to facility policy. All images will be marked with appropriate lead markers (supplied by the program). Students will place the marker on the lateral border of the anatomic part. If a structure is in a lateral position, the marker will be placed anterior of that structure. Students should realize that clinical site regulations must be followed, but when not specified, students should apply the standard taught by the program in class or lab. Routine Views of an Examination: ❧ Each radiology department should have a manual listing routine views for each examination. ❧ All radiographic examinations must be ordered by a physician or appropriate delegate. ❧ All radiographic examinations must have a written diagnosis or pertinent information related to the examination ordered. ❧ Any modification of routine views must be approved by the student’s supervising technologist. A list of routine views recommended by the ARRT for competency can be found in the appendix of the Radiography Student Handbook and on the ARRT website at www.arrt.org. Disease Policy: Students participating in required clinical education experiences may find themselves at risk for exposure to infectious diseases. The risk cannot be completely eliminated. It can be minimized by careful and consistent technique and the implementation of universal precautions (hand washing, use of gloves, goggles, gowns, and masks when appropriate) in the care of all patients. Students will be expected to use universal precautions with all patients. In the event of a student exposure incident, the clinical affiliate or instructor will notify the Director of Clinical Education concerning the incident. Proper documentation will be completed and the student will be advised according to College and/or clinical affiliate policy on the follow-up procedure.


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Clinical Grading Policy

Students will be held accountable for retaining and refining skills and knowledge obtained in previous courses as they progress through the curriculum. Students’ overall clinical performance and ability to meet all predetermined criteria for the clinical course will be evaluated on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Any student receiving 3 unsatisfactory ratings as outlined in the clinical policies will receive a failing grade of Unsatisfactory (U) for the clinical course and will be immediately dismissed from the Radiography Program. An unsatisfactory rating may be issued for any of the following, but not limited to: failing clinical competency exam, failing clinical performance evaluation, violation of the student code of conduct, failure to follow program policy. Clinical Competency Exams: Competency exams are performed solely by the student with the supervision of a Registered Radiologic Technologist. The student must notify the Radiologic Technologist prior to beginning the competency and must follow through once they have requested the competency. The SCC Comp form must be completed in the iPod device by a Registered Radiologic Technologist after the exam. Students are only allowed to perform a competency on exams they have successfully tested on in both the classroom and lab settings. Each semester students are required to complete an assigned number of competencies. All competencies must be completed during clinical hours. Exams performed while employed by a clinical site may not be used for the Radiography Program. Students who do not complete all required competencies will be issued an unsatisfactory rating. Semester/Course Total Number of Comps to be Completed Semester 1/RAD 151 2 (one of which must be Chest) Semester 2/RAD 161 15 (for 17 total) Semester 3/RAD 171 10 (for 27 total) Semester 4/RAD 251 20 (for 47 total) Semester 5/RAD 261 Any remaining Comps

22 Clinical Objectives Clinical Objectives: Students will continue to develop and demonstrate an increasing degree of competence in the performance of radiographic examinations by completing clinical objectives during their final semester of the program. Clinical objectives must be evaluated with the direct supervision of a clinical instructor, with the exception of fluoroscopy and OR exams. Clinical objectives will be documented in HanDBase with a signature from the clinical instructor. Failure to successfully complete any objective will result in a repeat of the clinical objective with the Director of Clinical Education. An unsatisfactory will be given if the repeat exam is unsuccessfully completed. Students must complete all clinical objectives within 8 weeks of starting their clinical rotation at CHS-Union or CHS-Stanly. Failure to do so will result in an unsatisfactory.

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Student Clinical Performance Evaluations: Clinical instructors or registered radiologic technologists will complete an evaluation of individual student clinical performance at their institution at mid-term and end-of-semester. Students who visit multiple clinical sites in one semester are required to have a clinical performance evaluation completed at the end of each rotation. Clinical evaluations will be kept on file for accreditation purposes. Clinical Attendance and Tardiness: Since one of the objectives of clinical education is to prepare students to function as a reliable technologist upon graduation, attendance and punctuality will be emphasized throughout the program. A student's history of attendance and punctuality is always a point mentioned to prospective employers when members of the college faculty are used as references. All students will be given a clinical schedule, directions concerning the rotations, and objectives for each area at the beginning of each semester. These rotations are mandatory, and no schedule changes can be made without prior approval of the Director of Clinical Education. All students will be responsible for keeping their time recorded in their iPod/iPad device. Once the student arrives to the clinical site, they must enter the time of arrival (Sign-In) and have it initialed by a Radiologic Technologist. At the end of the clinical day, the student must enter the time of departure (Sign-Out) and have it initialed by a Radiologic Technologist. Clinical Absences: Absences are extremely difficult to deal with by all parties involved. When the student is going to be absent from clinical practice, he/she must notify both the Director of Clinical Education and the clinical instructor or radiologic technologist at the schedule clinic site prior to the scheduled clinical time. The student must notify the Director of Clinical Education by phone (704-991-0113) or email at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the clinical day. The student must notify the clinical site by phone at the start of the clinical day. If the student is unable to reach the clinical instructor or radiologic technologist at the scheduled clinic site, a message must be left with a staff member in the appropriate clinical department. Students must continue calling until they have spoken directly with their clinical instructor or radiologic technologist. After returning from an absence, a Clinical Absentee Form must be completed by the student and submitted to the Director of Clinical Education within 3 business days. In addition, each clinical absence that should occur will be subject to a make-up day at a clinical site determined by the Director of Clinical Education. If the make-up day is not completed satisfactorily, another clinical absence will result. Semester/Course Total Number of Allowed Absences Semester 1/RAD 151 2 Semester 2/RAD 161 2 Semester 3/RAD 171 2 Semester 4/RAD 251 2 Semester 5/RAD 261 2 ***Students who are absent more than the allowed number of absences per semester will be dismissed from the program. Absences resulting from unusual or extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the Program Director and the Director of Clinical Education who will jointly decide if the absence is excused.

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Arriving Late/Leaving Early: As with any employment situation, routine tardiness and leaving early must be avoided. Students are expected to be punctual for all clinical education experiences. If a student is more than 10 minutes late for clinic or leaves clinic more than 10 minutes early, he/she will be counted absent and needs to adhere to the absence policy above. Remediation Policy: Students who receive an unsatisfactory rating on a clinical competency exam or clinical performance evaluation will be issued a remedial work slip by the Director of Clinical Education. A student will receive a remedial work slip if he/she does not properly demonstrate a skill, level of knowledge, or appropriate behavior in the clinical rotation. Students are to practice skills and/or complete assignment(s) as directed on the remedial work slip. The student has one week from the issue date to complete objectives/assignments in a satisfactory manner, unless otherwise indicated by the Director of Clinical Education. If the student does not complete all remedial objectives satisfactorily, an additional unsatisfactory rating will be issued. If the student is still unable to perform to the program’s standards/objectives upon returning to the clinical area after remediation has taken place, the student will receive another unsatisfactory evaluation. No more than 2 remedial work slips will be issued for the semester per clinical course. If the student does not satisfactorily perform to program’s standards/objectives after 2 slips have been issued, the student will receive a third unsatisfactory rating and subsequently fail the clinical course. Unsatisfactory ratings may be issued without remediation to students who may potentially pose a threat to the safety of a patient or staff member due to lack of preparation, inappropriate demonstration, inadequate knowledge or skill level, or any previously remediated material. Students that exhibit immature, objectionable, or inappropriate behavior, or violate any code of conduct will be subject to an unsatisfactory evaluation or dismissal from the Radiography Program immediately. Professionalism: Students should always demonstrate high standards of professionalism in all settings and display a well-developed sense of moral obligation, ethical judgment, and respect for patients, staff, and faculty. Students who exhibit immature, objectionable, or inappropriate behavior, or violate any code of conduct will be subject to an unsatisfactory evaluation without remediation or dismissal from the program. General Conduct:

• Respect patient privacy and confidentiality. Do not discuss patients where others may hear your conversation.

• Report away from the patient's bedside. • iPods/iPads are not to be openly displayed in patient areas. • Speak softly. • Do not use inappropriate or offensive commentary or body language toward others. Obscene or

profane language will not be tolerated in the clinical area. • Breaks and lunch will be arranged by the clinical instructor or preceptor. • Students must remain within the clinical facility during meals and breaks unless otherwise

instructed by the technologist. • Students should bring textbooks and study materials to clinic unless asked not to by clinic site.

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Clinical Site Denial: Any student who is denied attendance to a clinical site by Radiology Department management or any other hospital management is not allowed to continue in the Radiography Program. The ineligibility to participate in clinical rotations at any site will result in immediate dismissal from the Radiography Program. The student will not be allowed for re-admission to the program at any time. Specialty Rotations: Specialty rotations will allow for the understanding of the Radiographer’s expanding role in health care. The student will have an opportunity to observe specialized practices and other procedures that will aid the student in their overall knowledge of the Radiology Department. Learning modules and assignments may be given to accompany each of these rotations. Failure to complete the assignment in a satisfactory manner will result in a grade of unsatisfactory. Required Clinical Tools: • Radiation Badge • Student ID Badge • iPod/iPad device • Mini Pocket Notepad

• Black Ink Pen • Lead Markers • Merrill’s or Bontrager’s Pocket Guide

Clinical Dress Code and Appearance: Any student not complying with the Radiography Program’s dress code will be dismissed from clinical for the day and will be given a clinical absence.

• Uniforms: Uniforms must be clean, wrinkle-free standardized ceil blue uniform with optional ceil blue jacket purchased from A Perfect Fit Uniform Boutique.

• Shoes: Shoes must be clean, white, laced, leather shoes. • Student Photo ID Badge/Radiation Dose Monitor: Student photo ID badge and radiation

dose monitor must be worn at the collar level and visible at all times. Photo ID badges must be worn so that the student name and photo are seen.

• Hygiene: Daily bathing, use of deodorants and mouth care are a must. • Hair: Hair must be clean, neatly groomed, appropriately styled and colored. Long hair must

be neatly pinned or pulled back above the collar. Hair should not fall forward when providing patient care or positioning a patient. Mustaches and beards must be neatly trimmed.

• Cosmetics: Use cosmetics sparingly. Do NOT wear perfume, body sprays, aftershave, or heavy makeup. Any lotions must be scent free.

• Nails: Nails must be cut to just cover the fingertips and must be kept clean. No polish. No artificial nails for infection control reasons.

• Jewelry: A watch, wedding band, engagement ring, and medical alert bracelet are permitted. Small posts may be worn in pierced ears. No visible body piercings (other than ear) may be worn.

• Tattoos/Markings: All tattoos/markings must be covered with clothing, appropriate makeup or a skin tone band aid.

• Only a white t-shirt may be worn under the scrub top.

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ARRT Requirements: Each student is provided a copy of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Competency Requirements for Radiography in the appendix of the Radiography Student Handbook. Students will be responsible for keeping these requirements as a guide and reference through the Radiography Program. Students are encouraged to visit the ARRT website at www.arrt.org for additional information. Case Study Presentations (Pathology Project): During the second year of the Radiography Program, the student will prepare a pathology profile. The student will orally present their case study to a small panel composed of a combination of Radiography instructors, classmates, and technologists. The members of the panel will be determined by the Clinical Coordinator and will also be based upon availability of interested parties. The panel will evaluate presentations in which the student must achieve a minimum average score of 78 to be considered satisfactory. Scoring less than 78 will result in an unsatisfactory grade for this course requirement.


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Stanly Community College Radiography Program

Clinical Guidelines and Expectations

1. Students will present themselves punctually at the clinical site in the appropriate dress code. Each student is required to have the following items in clinical: personal radiation badge, student ID badge, iPod/iPad device, x-ray markers, and an ink pen. Students who do not have these items will be sent home and an unsatisfactory rating will be issued.

2. Students will be issued an unsatisfactory rating for any clinical performance evaluation that receives a failing grade. Students are allowed 2 unsatisfactory ratings each semester. Three unsatisfactory ratings will result in dismissal from the Radiography Program.

3. Students may perform a competency on a procedure or exam after they have successfully completed a procedures lab and written test on the material. Competency exams will be performed solely by the student under the supervision of a Registered Radiologic Technologist. The student must notify the technologist prior to beginning the competency. A student is allowed to access the patient first, but must follow through once they have requested the competency. The SCC Comp form must be completed by a Registered Radiologic Technologist on the iPod/iPad device on the same day the exam is completed.

4. Each semester students are required to complete an assigned number of competencies. All competencies must be completed during clinical hours. Exams performed while employed by a clinical site may not be used for the Radiography Program. Students who do not complete all required competencies will be issued unsatisfactory rating.

5. Students may perform multiple competencies on a patient. For example, if the patient has a knee, foot, and hand ordered, the student may perform a competency on each of these studies.

6. Students are not allowed to break up requisitions. For example, if a facility’s protocol of a hip includes an AP pelvis, AP hip and a lateral hip, the student is not allowed to get a competency on both an AP pelvis and hip. The student will select either the AP pelvis or the hip to receive the competency.

7. Students are not allowed to hold a patient or IR under any circumstances, even if that student is obtaining a competency. The student will position the patient and if necessary, have a nurse or family member hold the patient during exposure.

8. Current CPR certification and PPD skin test are required for entry into the Radiography Program. Certification must be maintained during the entire program. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with their expiration date. If a student fails to maintain current CPR certification and/or PPD skin test during the program, the student will not be allowed to participate in clinical rotations.

9. Students will keep track of their clinical competencies, clinical performance evaluations, daily clinical tracking and clinical time with an iPad or iPod.

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APPENDIX

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Stanly Community College Allied Health Division

Consent to Release Information Clinical affiliates that provide clinical experiences for students reserve the right to mandate various requirements per clinical education affiliation agreement in order for students to participate in clinical activities at a particular clinical affiliate. Failure to abide by this affiliation agreement may determine that a student may not be able to participate in clinical activities of their respective program, therefore resulting in dismissal from the program. I, , consent to have any results that arise from the requirements below shared with clinical affiliates before my student privileges are granted. This requirement is in compliance with the policies of clinical affiliates. It is the responsibility of each participating clinical affiliate to grant student clinical privileges. Please read, acknowledge and initial each requirement below. 1. Maintain general and professional liability insurance as stated in clinical

education affiliation agreement. 2. Allow for verification of my social security number for identification purposes by

clinical affiliates. I understand that if I have an invalid social security number, clinical affiliates may not allow me to participate in clinical activities and therefore I may be unable to progress in the program.

3. Complete a criminal background check for a minimum of seven years and

release results to clinical affiliates. I understand that clinical affiliates may not allow me to participate in clinical activities and therefore I may be unable to progress in the program, based upon the screening. (Any allegations or charges of a misdemeanor(s) or felony(s) that occur after the criminal record check has been originally submitted must be reported to the program head.)

4. N/A Complete a federal criminal history screening by fingerprint check and release

results to clinical affiliates. I understand that clinical affiliates may not allow me to participate in clinical activities and therefore I may be unable to progress in the program, based upon the screening.

5. Complete drug testing by urine specimen and release results to clinical affiliates.

I understand that if I have a positive result, clinical affiliates may not allow me to participate in clinical activities and therefore I may be unable to progress in the program.

6. Release current vaccination records, including MMR, varicella, pertussis,

tetanus, and tuberculosis. Hepatitis B vaccination is encouraged or acknowledgement of waiver signed.

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7. Release verification of current CPR certification. 8. Maintain confidentiality regarding patients, medical records, and care provided

during any clinical experience.

9. Successfully complete general hospital orientation packet as applicable. 10. I do not hold Stanly Community College responsible for any consequences that

may result from the sharing of this information. Name of Student Signature of Student Date Course / Director of Clinical Education Date

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Essential Functions of a Radiographer

To successfully complete the clinical component of the Radiography Program, the student must be able to perform all of the essential functions of a radiographer.

1. Communicate effectively with patients, physicians, peers and ancillary staff. 2. Physically move and position patients manually, by wheelchair, and/or by stretcher. 3. Lift and move 50+ pounds at waist level or below waist level. 4. Capable of intermittent sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, and bending as required. 5. Can use both hands for grip, speed, and precision work. 6. Can use both feet. 7. Must have good eye/hand/foot coordination. 8. See and hear adequately to note slight changes in the patient's condition. 9. Hear adequately to perceive and interpret various equipment signals. 10. See adequately to read emergency monitor data. 11. Can differentiate colors and shades of colors. 12. Able to inspect the dimensions of items (i.e. depth perception). 13. Can read and understand complex information. 14. Capable of collecting and classifying information about data, people, or events 15. Apply principles of logical or scientific thinking. 16. Can report and/or carry out a prescribed action in relation to collected information. 17. Effectively deal with stressful situations (i.e. emergency situation).

I understand and am capable of performing the functions listed above. Print Name: Signature: Date: If unable to perform the functions listed above please provide an explanation below. The inability to perform the functions listed above may prevent the student from progressing in the Radiography Program.

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iPod/iPad Usage for Clinical Agreement

♦ iPod/iPad devices (with fully charged batteries) will be taken to all scheduled clinical rotations. Students who fail to bring their iPod/iPad device to clinic will receive an unsatisfactory rating. If a iPod/iPad device is not in working condition because of low or dead battery, the student will receive an unsatisfactory rating.

♦ All clinical information will be synched to the student’s personal computer and emailed to the Director of Clinical Education on a weekly basis.

HanDBase Application ♦ TIME CLOCK: Students will clock in upon arrival and clock out upon exiting the clinical site. If a

technologist is not available upon arrival to sign in a student, the technologist must provide a comment about why it is being signed late. The actual access times are recorded into the internal memory of the device.

♦ DAILY CLINICAL TRACKING: Every procedure viewed by or completed by the student will be logged into the Daily Clinical Tracking database.

♦ SCC COMP: Every clinical competency exam will be logged into the SCC Comp database.

♦ GENERAL PATIENT CARE: Every patient care competency exam will be logged into the General

Patient Care database.

♦ CLINICAL EVALUATION: Performance evaluations will be completed by a Registered Radiologic Technologist twice a semester for the main clinical site and one for each ancillary site visited by the student. The due dates for these evaluations can be located in the course syllabus. Failure to submit evaluations by the indicated due date will result in an unsatisfactory rating.

I have been given the above guidelines for using the iPod/iPad device. I understand and agree to abide by these guidelines while a student in the Radiography Program at SCC. Print Name: Student Signature: Date:

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ARRT Radiography Requirements Receipt and Acknowledgement

I have been provided with a copy of the ARRT Radiography Requirements. I have reviewed these requirements and understand that it is my responsibility to keep these in my possession as a guide and reference throughout the Radiography Program. Print Name: Student Signature: Date:

Radiography Student Handbook Receipt and Acknowledgement

This is to certify that I have read and understood the information found in the Stanly Community College Radiography Student Handbook. I agree to abide by all rules and regulations set forth in this handbook. I also understand that failure to abide by these rules and regulations may serve as grounds for my dismissal from the Radiography Program. I understand that it is my responsibility to retain a copy of this Radiography Student Handbook for the duration of the program. Print Name: Student Signature: Date:

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Clinical Absentee Form Student’s name: _____________________________________________________________ Date of absence: _____________________________________________________________ Clinical Education Level: ______________________________________________________ Clinic site notified: YES NO Total Absences (in current semester): ____________________________________________ Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Director of Clinical Education Signature: _________________________________________

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STANLY COMMUNITY COLLEGE RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM

VOLUNTARY DECLARATION OF PREGNANCY FORM

In accordance with the NRC’s regulation at 10CFR 20.1208, “Dose to an Embryo/Fetus,” I am declaring that I am pregnant. I believe that I became pregnant in the month of ______________________, 20___ (only the month and year need to be provided) or my due date is _________________________. I understand that the radiation dose to my embryo/fetus during my entire pregnancy will not be allowed to exceed 0.5 rem (5mSv). I also understand that I am responsible for practicing safe radiation practices at all times. By signing this form I am also confirming that I have read the program’s pregnancy policy and agree to abide by the established policy. I choose to: ( ) Continue in the program without modification ( ) Continue in the program with modification Date___________________________ Student Signature_____________________________________ Print your name_______________________________________ Program Director Signature_______________________________________Date________________ Director of Clinical Education Signature_______________________________________Date________________

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WITHDRAWAL OF DECLARATION OF PREGNANCY FORM

In accordance to my right to do so, I do hereby withdraw my declaration of pregnancy. I realize that the radiation dose limits will then be applied only to the time between the declaration date and the date of withdrawal of declaration. Date___________________________ Student Signature_____________________________________ Print your name_______________________________________ Program Director Signature_______________________________________Date________________ Director of Clinical Education Signature_______________________________________Date________________

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LOST, DAMAGED, OR MISPLACED DOSIMETRY BADGE FORM

Student Name: _________________________________________ Date: _______________ Dosimetry Badge Identification Number: _________________________________________ ( ) Lost or misplaced on ____(date)____ ( ) Damaged ( ) Other Student must provide an explanation below. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ This form must be submitted to the Director of Clinical Education within 24 hours of loss or damage. The student is not permitted to attend clinic until the lost badge is replaced. The student will cover the cost of the lost badge plus expedited shipping. Replacement badge was issued on ______________. Director of Clinical Education: ________________________________________________

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EXCEEDING THRESHOLD DOSE REPORT FORM

Student Name: ____________________________________________________________ Dosimeter Reporting Period: _________________________________________________ The student’s dosimetry badge indicated a reading in excess of the program’s ALARA Level 2 threshold dose. The student must indicate why you think this threshold was exceeded. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Plan of Action ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ RSO Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _________________

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Radiography Program Faculty Program Director/Instructor OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY: Plan, implement, evaluate and coordinate clinical and classroom activities for Radiography students. Teach classroom sessions, evaluate student progress, develop instructional plans, advise students, review and request new materials, maintain records and prepare reports. Oversee and participate with faculty and staff. WORK PERFORMED:

• Develop syllabi for and instruct courses in Radiography and related fields. • Create, administer, grade and maintain records for exams, projects, activities and reports for

evaluation of students in each course. • Advise students on a semester basis in relation to academic progress. • Serve as academic advisor for Radiography students. • Participate in the evaluation of and acquisition of instructional materials, audio-visual aids,

support and equipment needs. • Participate in the revision process as needed for course(s) or curriculums in field or related

areas. • Participate in professional organizations, attend conferences and workshops as appropriate and

maintain professional contacts with instructors in similar instructional areas on other campuses. • Organize annual advisory committee meetings, keep minutes and assist in the recruitment of

new members. • Participate in student recruitment and retention for the Radiography program. • Serve on a variety of campus committees and participate in campus activities. • Maintain daily office hours as part of work load. • Establish industry contacts and make arrangements for guest speakers, field trips, etc. • Establish course offerings and scheduling for curriculum courses. • Participate in registration and pre-registration activities and as needed at SCC. • Assist students with career opportunities in conjunction with Student Services. • Determine budget needs for equipment, supplies and travel needs for program and recommend

purchases when appropriate. • Review and recommend texts for use in program courses. • Assist in recruitment of full-time and part-time faculty. • Supervise Director of Clinical Education and part-time instructional faculty, day and evening. • Maintain effective relationships with all hospitals and community agencies concerning activities

of both faculty and student functioning in clinical areas. • Supervise and evaluate student performance in radiography lab and clinical situations. • Conduct yearly lab equipment inventory. • Maintain lab equipment. • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

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Director of Clinical Education/Instructor OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY: Plan, implement, evaluate and coordinate clinical and classroom activities for Radiography students. Teach classroom sessions, evaluate student progress, develop instructional plans, advise students, review and request new materials, maintain records and prepare reports. WORK PERFORMED:

• Develop syllabi for and instruct courses in Radiography and relate fields. • Create, administer, grade and maintain records for exams, projects, activities and reports for

evaluation of students in each course. • Advise students on a semester basis in relation to academic progress. • Serve as academic advisor for Radiography students. • Participate in the evaluation of and acquisition of instructional materials, audio-visual aids,



maintain professional contacts with instructors in similar instructional areas on other campuses. • Participate in student recruitment and retention for the Radiography program. • Serve on a variety of campus committees and participate in campus activities. • Maintain daily office hours as part of workload. • Establish industry contacts and make arrangements for guest speakers, field trips, etc. • Establish course offerings and scheduling for curriculum courses. • Participate in registration and pre-registration activities and as needed at SCC. • Assist students with career opportunities in conjunction with Student Services. • Review and recommend texts for use in program courses. • Maintain lab equipment. • Ensure continuity between all clinical evaluation systems. • Supervise and evaluate student performance in radiography lab and clinical situations. • Attend annual advisory committee meetings. • Collaborate with clinical affiliates to plan, implement, and evaluate student clinical experiences. • Develop clinical schedules, coordinate, and supervise part-time clinical faculty. • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

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Clinical Instructor: The clinical instructor instructs clinical courses at designated affiliate site(s) for the Radiography program. He/she evaluates student progress, develops instructional plans, advises students, reviews and requests new materials, maintains records, and prepares a variety of reports as requested. Other related duties include:

• Maintain current knowledge of program goals, policies, and procedures. • Create, administer, grade and maintain records for competency exams, projects, activities and

reports for evaluation of students in each course. • Assign students to patients and oversee care given by students. • Develop rapport with facility employees regarding student presence and ongoing plans for

clinical experience. • Participate in the revision process as needed for course or curriculums in field or related areas. • Attend/participate in annual advisory committee meetings and assist in the recruitment of new

members. • Participate in professional organizations, attend conferences and workshops as appropriate and

maintain professional contacts with instructors in similar instructional areas. • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Part-time Didactic Instructor The part-time didactic instructor instructs classroom, lab and clinical sessions, evaluates student progress, develops instructional plans, advises students, reviews and requests new materials, maintains records, and prepares a variety of reports as requested. Other related duties include:

• Maintain current knowledge of program goals, policies, and procedures. • Develop syllabi for and instruct courses in Radiography program. • Create, administer, grade and maintain records for exams, projects, activities and reports for

evaluation of students in each course. • Advise students on a regular basis in relation to academic progress. • Participate in the evaluation of and acquisition of instructional materials, audio-visual aids,



maintain professional contacts with instructors in similar instructional areas on other campuses. • Attend/participate in annual advisory committee meetings and assist in the recruitment of new

members. • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

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Standards for an Accredited Educational

Program in Radiography

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014

Adopted by: The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology - October 2013

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850

Chicago, IL 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 © 2014 by the JRCERT


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.

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Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography

Table of Contents Standard One: Integrity ...............................................................................................................4 The program demonstrates integrity in the following: representations to communities of interest and the public, pursuit of fair and equitable academic practices, and treatment of, and respect for, students, faculty, and staff. Standard Two: Resources ..........................................................................................................23 The program has sufficient resources to support the quality and effectiveness of the educational process. Standard Three: Curriculum and Academic Practices ...........................................................35 The program’s curriculum and academic practices prepare students for professional practice. Standard Four: Health and Safety ............................................................................................47 The program’s policies and procedures promote the health, safety, and optimal use of radiation for students, patients, and the general public. Standard Five: Assessment ........................................................................................................57 The program develops and implements a system of planning and evaluation of student learning and program effectiveness outcomes in support of its mission. Standard Six: Institutional/Programmatic Data......................................................................64 The program complies with JRCERT policies, procedures, and STANDARDS to achieve and maintain specialized accreditation. Awarding, Maintaining, and Administering Accreditation .....................................................73

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Standard One Integrity Standard One: The program demonstrates integrity in the following:

• Representations to communities of interest and the public, • Pursuit of fair and equitable academic practices, and • Treatment of, and respect for, students, faculty, and staff.

Objectives: In support of Standard One, the program: 1.1 Adheres to high ethical standards in relation to students, faculty, and staff. 1.2 Provides equitable learning opportunities for all students. 1.3 Provides timely, appropriate, and educationally valid clinical experiences for each admitted student. 1.4 Limits required clinical assignments for students to not more than 10 hours per day and the total didactic

and clinical involvement to not more than 40 hours per week. 1.5 Assures the security and confidentiality of student records, instructional materials, and other appropriate

program materials. 1.6 Has a grievance procedure that is readily accessible, fair, and equitably applied. 1.7 Assures that students are made aware of the JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography and the avenue to pursue allegations of non-compliance with the STANDARDS. 1.8 Has publications that accurately reflect the program’s policies, procedures, and offerings. 1.9 Makes available to students, faculty, and the general public accurate information about admission

policies, tuition and fees, refund policies, academic calendars, clinical obligations, grading system, graduation requirements, and the criteria for transfer credit.

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.

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.

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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

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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

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1.3Provides 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 settings that provide a wide range of procedures for competency achievement including mobile, surgical, and trauma examinations. Clinical settings may include hospitals, clinics, specialty/imaging centers, orthopedic centers, and other facilities. With the exception of observation site assignments, students must be provided the opportunity to complete required program competencies during clinical assignments. Clinical placement must be non-discriminatory in nature and solely determined by the program. A meaningful clinical education plan assures that activities are educationally valid and prevents the use of students as replacements for employees. The maximum number of students assigned to a clinical setting must be supported by sufficient human and physical resources. The number of students assigned to the clinical setting must not exceed the number of clinical staff assigned to the radiography department. The student to radiography clinical staff ratio must be 1:1. However, it is acceptable that more than one student may be temporarily assigned to one technologist during uncommonly performed procedures. Students assigned to advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance, angiography, and sonography, are not included in the calculation of the authorized clinical capacity (unless the clinical setting is recognized exclusively for advanced imaging modality rotations). Once the students have completed the advanced imaging assignments, the program must assure that there are sufficient clinical staff to support the students upon reassignment to the radiography department. The utilization of clinical assignments such as file room, reception area, and patient transportation should be limited. Additionally, traditional programs that require students to participate in clinical education during evenings and/or weekends must assure that:

• students’ clinical clock hours spent in evening and/or weekend assignments must not exceed 25% of the total clinical clock hours.

• program total capacity is not increased through the use of evening and/or weekend assignments.

The JRCERT defines the operational hours of traditional programs as Monday - Friday, 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Programs may permit students to make up clinical time during term or scheduled breaks; however, they may not be assigned to clinical settings on holidays that are observed by the sponsoring institution. Program faculty need not be physically present; however, students must be able to contact program faculty during makeup assignments. Also, the program must assure that its liability insurance covers students during these makeup assignments. 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 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.

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• 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

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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

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 setting(s) • Interviews with administrative personnel • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with clinical instructor(s) • Interviews with clinical staff • Interviews with students

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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 all formal grievances and their resolution. Records must be retained in accordance with the institution’s/program’s retention policies/procedures. The records must include information on how the grievance was resolved and assurance that there are no trends that could negatively affect the quality of the educational program. Additionally, the program must have a procedure to address any complaints apart from those that require invoking the grievance procedure. The program must determine if a pattern of complaint exists that could negatively affect the quality of the educational program (e.g., cleanliness of the classroom). Required Program Response: Describe the nature of any formal grievance(s) that would jeopardize the program’s ability to meet its mission. Describe the nature of any complaint(s) that would jeopardize the program’s ability to meet its mission. Provide a copy of the grievance procedure. Provide a copy of any formal grievance(s) resolution. Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:

• Review of institutional catalog • Review of student handbook • Review of formal grievance(s) record(s), if applicable • Review of complaint(s) record(s), if applicable • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with students

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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.


• Review of program publications • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with students

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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

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1.9 Makes available to students, faculty, and the general public accurate information about admission policies, tuition and fees, refund policies, academic calendars, clinical obligations, grading system, graduation requirements, and the criteria for transfer credit. Explanation: The institutional and/or program policies must be published and made readily available to students, faculty, and the general public on the institution’s/program’s Web site to assure transparency and accountability of the educational program. For example, requiring the general public to contact the institution/program to request program information is not adequate. Policy changes must be made known to students, faculty, and the general public in timely fashion. It is recommended that revision dates be identified on program publications. The institution and/or program must establish and publicly disclose the criteria used when determining the transfer of credit earned from other institutions and/or programs. Also, programs must publicly disclose a list of institutions with which the program has established an articulation agreement.

The program’s academic calendar must be published and, at a minimum, identify specific start and end dates for

each term, holidays recognized by the sponsoring institution, and breaks.

Student clinical obligations (e.g., drug screening, background checks, and associated fees) must be clearly

identified in appropriate program publications. Additionally, if evening and/or weekend clinical assignments are

required or if students must travel to geographically-dispersed clinical settings, this information must also be

included.

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.


• Review of institutional materials • Review of published program materials • Review of institutional and/or program Web site • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with Admissions personnel • Interviews with Registrar • Interviews with students

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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 on the institution’s/program’s Web site to assure transparency and of the educational program. Requiring the general public to contact the institution/program to request program information is not adequate.

Example:

Mission: The mission of the radiography program is to prepare competent, entry-level radiographers able to function within the healthcare community. Goal: Students will be clinically competent. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will apply positioning skills. Students will select technical factors. Students will utilize radiation protection. Goal: Students will demonstrate communication skills. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate written communication skills. Students will demonstrate oral communication skills. Goal: Students will develop critical thinking skills. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients.

Students will critique images to determine diagnostic quality. Goal: Students will model professionalism. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate work ethics.

Students will summarize the value of life-long learning. 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 • Review of institutional and/or program Web site • Interviews with administrative personnel • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with students

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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

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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.


• Describe how admission practices are non-discriminatory. • Provide institutional and/or program admission policies.


• Review of published program materials • Review of student records • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with Admissions personnel • Interviews with students

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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.


• Review of published program materials • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with Admissions personnel • Interviews with students

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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.


• Review of employee/faculty handbook • Review of employee/faculty application form • Review of institutional catalog • Interviews with faculty

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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

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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.

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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 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.

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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)

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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 settings or more than thirty (30) students enrolled in the clinical component. The clinical

coordinator position may be shared by no more than four (4) appointees. If a clinical coordinator is

required, the program director may not be identified as the clinical coordinator. The clinical coordinator

may not be identified as the program director.

The program director and clinical coordinator may perform clinical instruction; however, they may not be identified as clinical instructors. A minimum of one clinical instructor must be designated at each recognized clinical setting. The same

clinical instructor may be identified at more than one site as long as a ratio of one full-time equivalent

clinical instructor for every ten (10) students is maintained.


• Provide, if available, institutional policies in relation to teaching loads and release time. • Describe faculty teaching loads and release time in relation to a comparable health science (allied

health) program within the institution. • Describe the adequacy of the number of faculty and clinical staff to meet identified accreditation

requirements and program needs. 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 settings • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with clinical instructor(s)

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• Interviews with students

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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

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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.


• Review of program’s staffing plan • Interviews with administrative personnel • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with students

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2.5 Assures JRCERT recognition of all clinical settings.

Explanation: JRCERT recognition helps assure an appropriate learning environment for student clinical education.

All clinical settings must be recognized by the JRCERT. Recognition of a clinical setting must be

obtained prior to student placement. A minimum of one (1) clinical instructor must be identified for each

recognized clinical setting.

An observation site is used for student observation of the operation of equipment and/or procedures. If the program uses observation sites, these sites do not require recognition by the JRCERT. These sites provide opportunities for observation of clinical procedures that may not be available at recognized clinical settings. Students may not assist in, or perform, any aspects of patient care during observational assignments. Facilities where students are participating in service learning projects or community-based learning opportunities do not require recognition. Required Program Response:

• Assure all clinical settings are recognized by the JRCERT. • Describe how observation sites, if used, enhance student clinical education.


• Review of JRCERT database • Review of clinical records • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with clinical instructors • Interviews with clinical staff • Interviews with students

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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. Learning environments must be consistent with those of comparable health science programs in the same institution. Provision of appropriate learning environments facilitates achievement of the program’s mission. Although a dedicated classroom and/or laboratory are not required, scheduled accessibility to facilities conducive to student learning must be assured. Faculty office space should be conducive to planning and scholarly activities. Space should be made available for private student advisement. Required Program Response: Describe how classrooms, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices facilitate the achievement

of the program’s mission.


• Tour of the classroom, laboratories, and administrative and faculty offices • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with students

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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.


• Tour of learning facilities • Review of learning resources • Review of surveys • Review of meeting minutes • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with students

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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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.




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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 and shares evaluation results 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.


• Provide a copy of the program’s mission statement. • Provide meeting minutes that document periodic reevaluation of the mission statement.


• Review of published program materials • Review of meeting minutes • Review of master plan of education • Interviews with faculty

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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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.

• Part-time Didactic Program Faculty:

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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. At all times when students are enrolled in didactic and/or clinical components, the program director and/or clinical coordinator must assure that their program responsibilities are fulfilled. Required Program Response: Provide documentation that faculty and clinical staff positions are clearly delineated.

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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

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3.9 Evaluates program faculty and clinical instructor performance and shares evaluation results regularly to assure instructional responsibilities are performed.

Explanation: The performance of program faculty and clinical instructor(s) must be evaluated minimally once per year.

Evaluation assures that instructional responsibilities are performed and provides administration and faculty with

information to evaluate performance. Evaluation promotes proper educational methodology and increases

program effectiveness. Evaluation results must be shared minimally once per year with the respective program

faculty and clinical instructor(s) being evaluated to assure continued professional development. Any evaluation

results that identify concerns must be discussed with the respective individual(s) as soon as possible.


• Describe the evaluation process. • Describe how evaluation results are shared with program faculty and clinical instructor(s). • Provide samples of evaluations of program faculty. • Provide samples of evaluations of clinical instructor(s).


• Review of program evaluation materials • Review of clinical instructor evaluation • Interviews with administrative personnel • Interviews with program faculty • Interviews with clinical instructor(s) • Interviews with students

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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.




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Standard Four Health and Safety Standard Four: The program’s policies and procedures promote the health, safety, and optimal use of radiation for students, patients, and the general public. Objectives: In support of Standard Four, the program: 4.1 Assures the radiation safety of students through the implementation of published policies and procedures that are in compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and state laws as applicable. 4.2 Has a published pregnancy policy that is consistent with applicable federal regulations and state laws,

made known to accepted and enrolled female students, and contains the following elements: • Written notice of voluntary declaration, • Option for student continuance in the program without modification, and • Option for written withdrawal of declaration.

4.3 Assures that students employ proper radiation safety practices. 4.4 Assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the direct supervision of a qualified radiographer until a student achieves competency. 4.5 Assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the indirect supervision of a qualified

radiographer after a student achieves competency. 4.6 Assures that students are directly supervised by a qualified radiographer when repeating unsatisfactory

images. 4.7 Assures sponsoring institution’s policies safeguard the health and safety of students. 4.8 Assures that students are oriented to clinical setting policies and procedures in regard to health and

safety.

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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 that identifies a threshold dose for incidents in which dose limits are exceeded. Programs are encouraged to identify a threshold dose below those identified in NRC regulations. 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.


• 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.


• Review of published program materials • Review of student records • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with clinical instructor(s) • Interviews with students

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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 settings. Students must

not hold image receptors during any radiographic procedure. Students should not hold patients during any

radiographic procedure when an immobilization method is the appropriate standard of care. As students progress

in the program, they must become increasingly proficient in the application of radiation safety practices.

The program must also assure radiation safety in energized laboratories. Students’ utilization of energized

laboratories must be under the supervision of a qualified radiographer who is readily available. If a qualified

radiographer is not readily available to provide supervision, the radiation exposure mechanism must be disabled.

Programs are encouraged to develop policies regarding safe and appropriate use of energized laboratories by

students.


• Describe how the curriculum sequence and content prepares students for safe radiation practices. • Provide the curriculum sequence. • Provide policies/procedures regarding radiation safety.

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

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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 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

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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 setting.

• Provide documentation that the program’s indirect supervision requirement is made known to students, clinical instructors, and clinical staff.


• Review of published program materials • Review of student records • Review of meeting minutes • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with clinical instructor(s) • Interviews with clinical staff • Interviews with students

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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 setting.

• Provide documentation that the program’s direct supervision requirement for repeat images is made known to students, clinical instructors, and clinical staff.


• Review of published program materials • Review of student records • Review of meeting minutes • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with clinical instructor(s) • Interviews with clinical staff • Interviews with students

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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

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4.8 Assures that students are oriented to clinical 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 settings. • Provide documentation that students are apprised of policies and procedures specific to each clinical

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.




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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 within six months of graduation,

• Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within twelve months of graduation,

• Program completion rate, • Graduate satisfaction, and • Employer satisfaction.

5.3 Makes available to the general public program effectiveness data (credentialing examination pass rate, job placement rate, and program completion rate) on an annual basis. Analysis and Actions 5.4 Analyzes and shares student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to foster continuous program improvement. 5.5 Periodically evaluates its assessment plan to assure continuous program improvement.

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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


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5.2 Documents the following program effectiveness data: • Five-year average credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 75 percent at first

attempt within six months of graduation, • Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within twelve months of

graduation, • Program completion rate, • Graduate satisfaction, and • Employer satisfaction.

Explanation:

Credentialing examination, job placement, and program completion data must be reported annually to the JRCERT. Graduate and employer satisfaction data must be collected as part of the program’s assessment process.

Credentialing examination pass rate is defined as the number of student graduates who pass, on first attempt, the

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination or an unrestricted state licensing

examination compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation.

Job placement rate is defined as the number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the

number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences. The JRCERT has defined not

actively seeking employment as: 1) graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment

status after multiple attempts, 2) graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation, 3) graduate is

unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours, 4) graduate is on active military duty, and/or 5) graduate is

continuing education.

Program completion rate is defined as the number of students who complete the program within 150% of the

stated program length. The program must establish a benchmark for its program completion rate. The program

specifies the entry point (e.g., required orientation date, final drop/add date, final date to drop with 100% tuition

refund, official class roster date, etc.) used in calculating program’s completion rate.

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.

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Required Program Response: Provide actual outcome data in relation to program effectiveness.

Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods: • Review of program effectiveness data • 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. In efforts to increase accountability and transparency, the program must publish, at a minimum, its five -year average credentialing examination pass rate, five-year average job placement rate, and program completion rate data on its Web site to allow the public access to this data. The program effectiveness data should clearly identify the sample size associated with each associated measure (i.e., number of first time test takers, number of graduates actively seeking employment, number of graduates). Additionally, the JRCERT will post five-year average credentialing examination pass rate, five-year average job placement rate, and program completion rate data at 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 copies of publications that contain the program’s program effectiveness data (credentialing examination pass rate, job placement rate, and program completion rate).

• Provide samples of publications that document the availability of program effectiveness data via the JRCERT URL address from the institution’s/program’s Web site.


• Review of program publications • Review of institutional and/or program Web site • Interviews with faculty • Interviews with students



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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.


• 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.


• 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.




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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 Settings 6.4 Establishes and maintains affiliation agreements with clinical settings. 6.5 Documents that clinical settings are in compliance with applicable state and/or federal radiation safety

laws. Program Sponsorship, Substantive Changes, and Notification of Program Officials 6.6 Complies with requirements to achieve and maintain JRCERT accreditation.

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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 setting is located). • Clinical Staff: Holds American Registry of Radiologic Technologists current registration in radiography or

equivalent (i.e., unrestricted state license for the state in which the clinical setting is located).

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 settings.

Explanation: Formalizing relations between the program and the clinical setting helps assure the quality of clinical education by delineating appropriate responsibilities of the program and the clinical setting. An appropriate termination clause assures that students will have an opportunity to complete the clinical education component. The JRCERT defines an affiliation agreement as a formal written understanding between an institution sponsoring the program and an independent clinical setting. An affiliation agreement must identify the responsibilities of all parties and, specifically, must address student supervision, student liability, and provide adequate notice of termination of the agreement. An affiliation agreement is not needed for clinical settings owned by the sponsoring institution; however, a memorandum of understanding between the clinical setting and the sponsoring institution is recommended. At a minimum, the memorandum should address responsibilities of both parties and student supervision. Required Program Response: Provide copies of current, signed affiliation agreements with each clinical setting.

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6.5 Documents that clinical 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 setting. Clinical settings may be recognized by The Joint Commission (TJC), DNV Healthcare, Inc., Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), or an equivalent agency, or may hold a state-issued license. Required Program Response: Provide letters, certificates, or printouts of Web pages demonstrating the current recognition status of each clinical 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.


• 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.




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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.

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


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report of findings. The JRCERT is responsible for recognition of clinical settings.

2. Accreditation Actions

JRCERT accreditation actions for Probation may be reconsidered following the established procedure. JRCERT accreditation actions for Accreditation Withheld or Accreditation Withdrawn may be appealed following the established procedure. Procedures for appeal are available at 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 © 2014 by the JRCERT

Subject to the condition that proper attribution is given and this copyright notice is included on such copies, JRCERT authorizes individuals to make up to one hundred (100) copies of this work for non-commercial, educational purposes. For permission to reproduce additional copies of this work, please write to:



http://www.asrt.org/


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JRCERT

20 North Wacker Drive Suite 2850

Chicago, IL 60606-3182 (312) 704-5300

(312) 704-5304 (fax) [email protected] (e-mail)

www.jrcert.org



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Stanly Community College Program Mission Statement and Accreditation 7 . ... and concerned citizens...

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