Practicum III Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

RADT-2266-001 Practicum III

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RADT 1267

Course Description

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student. Students perform related duties in the clinical setting under direct supervision.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(2 sem hr; 19 practicum)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

None. Students need the Student Handbook and Student Clinical Handbook and clinical documents/forms  (purchased as a single large handout from West Campus Bookstore)

Supplies

Black pens, dark Sharpie markers, a centimeter ruler, pocket calculator, scrubs (solid Navy Blue), white tennis shoes, Amarillo College cloth patch, Amarillo College Student nametag, and Dosimeter badge--consult faculty for instructions regarding procurement of dosimeter badge

Specifics of dress code etc. are described in the Student Clinical Handbook

Student Performance

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Specified hours of clinical practice

 

COURSE GOALS:

1. Practicum Objectives:

• The Initiative/Attitude/Dependability

1.         INITIATIVE AND ATTITUDE/ DEPENDABILITY: objectives

• Demonstrates self-motivation and eagerness toward clinical experiences.
• Initiates assignments.
• Receives suggestions or corrections in a positive manner
• Responds to difficult verbal situations with self-control and patience.
• Assists with or observes other treatments when appropriate.
• Completes assignments on a timely basis.
• Student stays in or near assigned clinical area, doesn't wander off to other areas
• While on duty. ethical use of sick leave, vacation, breaks, etc.                     
• Communication Skills
• Demonstrates effective and professional communication skills/rapport with staff and patients.
• Effectively performs patient education procedures--explains skin marks, treatment procedure, etc

Team Participation/Professional and Ethical Judgment

• Is able to provide for appropriate patient care and comfort to include Universal Precautions.
• Recognizes when to obtain help or clarification of instructions.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Follows all department and hospital policies (including dress code, safe radiation protection practices, displays professional conduct) and safely applies principles of body mechanics.
• Psychomotor/Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Applications
• Is able to position the patient to accurately deliver therapeutic dose relative to experience.
• Demonstrates the ability to use the equipment and accessory devices during conditions of operation. Is able to evaluate the performance of therapy equipment (QA) and report malfunctions in accordance with department protocols (with respect to experience).
• Demonstrates familiarity with all equipment and its proper usage, including computer technology
• Establishes routines and develops consistent techniques  in the treatment room.
• Demonstrates fluid and efficient movements with the pendent, console, patient positioning, etc.    
• Understands the theory behind technical set-ups, as well as how to perform them.
• Demonstrate knowledge of human structure, function, and pathology.
• Demonstrates appropriate understanding and skill, with respect to experience, in using therapeutic computer technology.
• Demonstrates the ability to evaluate the performance of therapy equipment (morning QA etc.) and report malfunctions in accordance with department protocols.

For Practicum V:

1.         INITIATIVE AND ATTITUDE/ DEPENDABILITY: objectives

• Exemplifies self-motivation and eagerness toward clinical experiences
• Demonstrates self-motivation and eagerness toward clinical experiences.
• Initiates assignments.
• Receives suggestions or corrections in a positive manner
• Recognizes and acknowledges limitations of knowledge and experience
• Responds to difficult verbal situations with self-control and patience.
• Assists with or observes other treatments when appropriate.
• While on duty. ethical use of sick leave, vacation, breaks, etc.
• Projects a sense of confidence (without arrogance) in the clinical area                     

2.         COMMUNICATION SKILLS: objectives

• Expresses effective and professional communication skills/rapport with staff and patients.

• Effectively performs patient education procedures--explains skin marks, treatment procedure, etc.           

3.         TEAM PARTICIPATION/ PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL JUDGEMENT: objectives

• Characterizes a sense of teamwork while working in the department.
• Is able to provide for appropriate patient care and comfort to include Universal Precautions.
• Recognizes when to obtain help or clarification of instructions.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Follows all department and hospital policies (including dress code, safe radiation protection practices, displays professional conduct) and safely applies principles of body mechanics.

PART II: PSYCHOMOTOR/CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM-SOLVING APPLICATIONS:

• Is able to position the patient to accurately deliver therapeutic dose.
• Demonstrates the ability to use the equipment and accessory devices during conditions of operation. Is able to evaluate the performance of therapy equipment (QA) and report malfunctions in accordance with department protocols (with respect to experience).
• Demonstrates a coordinated understanding of all equipment and its proper usage, including computer technology.
• Establishes sound routines and develops consistent techniques in the treatment room.
• Demonstrates fluid and efficient movements with the pendent, console, patient positioning, etc.    
• Integrates an understanding of the theory behind technical set-ups, as well as how to perform them.
• Demonstrate an understanding of human structure, function, and pathology/ can asses and predict typical side effects and can judge when tx should probably be withheld until a physician is consulted.
• Demonstrates appropriate understanding and skill, with respect to experience, in using therapeutic computer technology.
• Demonstrates adequate critical thinking/problem-solving skills for an “entry-level” therapist. The student typically sees and recognizes patterns, and is typically able to adapt to different situations.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES FOR CLINIC (not including lab competencies):

as listed in "CLINICAL COMPETENCIES GUIDELINE" document.

Important note: ALL CLINICAL COMPETENCIES MUST BE COMPLETED IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE CLINICAL CURRICULUM. If the student has not completed all required competencies, a grade of incomplete will be given in the final Practicum course until such time that all competencies have been completed (contingent upon college policies).Other potential grade penalties are described in the Clinical Handbook

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Detailed student clinical behavior policies are described in the Student Clinical handbook document  (found in the Orientations folder of the online course)

Grading Criteria

 

GRADES:         

 

Grading will be on a total point system.  Each therapists' evaluation will be worth 1.0-3.0 points pts (any extra outside work will be given an assigned point value on an individual assignment basis).  The student will usually be graded by two therapists per rotation. 

For observational rotations, all evaluations from staff will be added together to equal 2 points per rotation.  All evaluations regardless of rotation area will be averaged to form a single rotation grade. There will be 3-4 rotations per semester.

Grading Scale is detailed in Student Clinical Handbook and is different for the final semester

*there is no "B" or "D" in this course unless there is a grade reduction of one letter grade.

For a complete detailing of every aspect of policy revolving around grading procedures, see the Student Clinical Handbook.

Attendance

Practicum attendance rules are stated in detail in the Student Clinical Handbook (found in the Orientations folder of the online course)

Calendar

Additional Information

All rules and regulations/policies and procedures for the clinical environment can be found in the Student Clinical Handbook document and reviewed with students at the beginning of the program (with overview each semester)

 

    Note:

*Students should know that each affiliate reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to refuse its facilities and services to any student who does not meet professional or other requirements of the facility or any appropriate authority controlling and directing said facility. The clinical facilities can refuse student admission to their institutions for any number of reasons—including behavioral, attitudinal, technical competency, attendance, suspected substance abuse, etc. and at any time.

Amarillo College has no authority whatsoever over the actions of the staff and administration who work in these affiliates with respect to their decisions about student access to their clinics.  

    If a student is refused admission to ANY clinical affiliate for any reasons related to or attributable to real or perceived student conduct or clinical performance, the student will NOT be able to continue in the program! In such case, the student will receive a Practicum grade of “F” and will be dropped from the program with NO option to re-enroll.

Since there are very limited clinical resources, students cannot repeat an entire clinical semester (or even a rotation) if they receive a failing grade. Therefore, a student receiving a failing grade for any Practicum course (semester) will automatically (and immediately) be dismissed from the program.

Additionally, a student will receive a failing grade for their Practicum course AND be dismissed from the program if they:

• Receive a failing grade from any 3 RTT treatment area rotations (any linac, sim, dosimetry) over the total 5 semesters of Practicum (even if the 3^rd failing grade occurs in the very last rotation of the very last semester)
• Receive a failing grade in 2 (or more) RTT treatment area rotations in any given semester

 

Exceptions:

1. If the failing grades (2 in a semester, or 3 over the course of the whole program) all occur in the same rotation area OR with the same RTT staff giving the failing grade(s), (at least one of the same RTT’s). While this will not result in automatic expulsion,  the situation will be discussed with appropriate college/hospital/student personnel)

 

1. The student can continue in the program if they have received rotation grades of an “A” from end-of-rotation evals from all other clinical site rotations during the concurrent and previous two semesters (or from the start of the program, if they have not yet had two previous semesters—minimum 4 other rotations).

 

If a student falls under either exception category, they will be allowed to continue in their clinical experience under “Probationary Status.” The student will be on probationary status for the remainder of the curriculum.  Any other failing rotations will result in a clinical grade of “F”, and automatic dismissal from the program.

 

Note: any time a student receives a failing grade for a rotation, the Clinical Supervisor and the Program Director will discuss the situation. The Program Director will also meet with the student to discuss the situation. A meeting with all affected parties (student, clinic, faculty) may be necessary.

 

Unless extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances arise, students may not make requests regarding clinical rotation schedule preferences.  Students must recognize that personality conflicts can occasionally occur at various sites, and that such conflicts occur when students graduate and enter into the workplace as well.  Clinical rotation schedules are usually such that changes (especially once a semester has started) are not workable. 

 

Note: a clinical affiliate can dismiss a student from further admission to their clinic based on technical competency (evaluation grades) or behavioral issues.  The previously stated rules regarding dismissal from clinical sites will apply in these circumstances as well.

Consult the Student Handbook and Student Clinical Handbook for a complete description of all policies and procedures for Practicum