Practicum V Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Office Hours

Tony: M-F 9:30-12:00 and other times as needed. Contact me when you need assistance via facebook group and email

Candy Contact: Wednesday half days (Changes every 4 weeks) either 8am-noon or 1pm to 5pm

Thursday 8am-5pm

Friday 8am-noon

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR TEXT CANDY ANYTIME 1-806-335-0630

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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-2366-001 Practicum V

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RADT 2367

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 Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 22 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

Student Performance

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\ COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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\ Specified hours of clinical practice

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\ COURSE GOALS:

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\ These courses will emphasize patient care, treatment procedures and equipment, enhancement of clinical skills and total assessment and P.O. Box 447 is his animal college and generals of May have gone to the register of office unless the thanks for research, observations of diagnostic and nursing procedures.

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\  COURSE OBJECTIVES

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\ Each rotation, generally 3 weeks long, the student will be evaluated on and will be able to do the following with a minimum 80% accuracy as evaluated by the supervising clinical faculty:

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\ 1st Semester

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\ Evaluated objectives include:

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    \ Team Participation

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      \ Displays Self-Motivation

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      \ Displayed Eagerness

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      \ Accepts Supervision

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      \ Appropriate and positive interactions with Patients/staff

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      \ observe dress code/hygiene standards

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      \ ethical use of sick leave, break time, arriving at clinic on time, etc.

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    \ Technical Applications

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      \ identify machine components

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      \ familiarize with treatment and immobilization devices

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      \ locate emergency off switches

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      \ familiarity with pendant switches

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      \ pendant control-- relative to experience

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      \ locate patient information in treatment chart

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      \ performance or identification of setup sheet parameters

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\ 2nd semester

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    \ Team Participation

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      \ displays self-motivation and initiative

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      \ assist patients to and from room and couch

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      \ displayed eagerness to learn and perfect skills

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      \ accepts supervision in a positive manner

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      \ demonstrates effective and professional communication with staff and patients

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      \ observe clinical dress standards and personal hygiene

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      \ ethical use of sick leave, break time, arrives at clinic on time, etc.

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    \ Technical Applications

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      \ familiarity with machine parameters

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      \ location of emergency off switches

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      \ setting treatment parameters on console

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      \ pendant control

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      \ interpretation of treatment parameters in chart

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      \ familiarity with other information available throughout chart

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      \ familiar with treatment and immobilization devices

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      \ demonstrates a basic understanding of patient positioning

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\ 3rd Semester

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    \ Initiative/Attitude/Dependability

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      \ demonstrate self-motivation and eagerness

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      \ initiate assignments

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      \ receive suggestions/corrections in a positive manner

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      \ respond to difficult verbal situations with self-control and patience

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      \ assist with or observe other treatments when appropriate

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      \ complete assignments on a timely basis

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      \ stay in or near assigned clinical area

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      \ ethical use of sick leave, vacation, brakes, etc.

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    \ Communication Skills

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      \ demonstrate effective and professional communication skills/rapport with staff and patients

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      \ perform patient education procedures

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    \ Team Participation/Professional and Ethical Judgment

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      \ provide appropriate patient care, to include universal precautions

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      \ recognize when to obtain help for clarification

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      \ maintains patient confidentiality

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      \ follow all department and hospital policies (including dress code, safe radiation protection practices, professional conduct) and safely apply principles of body mechanics

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    \ Psychomotor/Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Applications

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      \ position patient to accurately deliver therapeutic dose, relative to experience

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      \ demonstrate ability to use equipment and accessory devices during conditions of operation

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      \ demonstrate familiarity with all equipment and its proper usage, including computer technology

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      \ establish routines and develop consistent techniques

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      \ demonstrate fluid and efficient movements with pendant, console, patient positioning

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      \ understand the theory behind technical setups

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      \ demonstrate knowledge of human structure, function, and pathology

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      \ demonstrate appropriate understanding and skill, with respect to experience, using therapeutic computer technology

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      \ demonstrate ability to evaluate the performance of therapy equipment (morning QA, etc.) and report malfunctions

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      \ demonstrate adequate critical thinking/problem solving skills

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    \ Written Assignments and other outside assignments as deemed necessary for each clinical course (Practicum II)

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    \ Observation (Practicum I & II)

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      \ Probable observational rotations:  CT Scan, Radiology, Special Procedures, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, MRI, Oncology Nursing, chemotherapy, Pharmacy, Reception, Medical Records, Dietitian, Support Services.

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    \ Initiative Attitude Dependability

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      \ demonstrate self-motivation and eagerness toward clinical experiences

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      \ receive suggestions/corrections in a positive manner

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      \ assist or observe as appropriate,

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      \ remaining near assigned clinical area

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      \ ethical use of sick leave, brakes, etc.

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      \ demonstrate a cooperative, courteous attitude towards staff and other healthcare personnel

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      \ recognize when to obtain help for clarification of instructions

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      \ maintains patient confidentiality

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\ REQUIRED COMPETENCIES FOR CLINIC:

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\ as listed in "CLINICAL COMPETENCIES GUIDELINE" document.

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 ARE DETERMINED ON A POINT BASIS. 

Regular evaluations will be conducted by staff and clinical supervisor in accordance with the specific rotational assignments.

Technical skill competencies, based on ARRT criteria, will be held regularly to assess the student’s competency in individual treatment and QA skills. No grade will be assigned to these competencies other than Pass or Fail.  Grades marked as Fail will be repeated by the student until such time that the competency is passed (which, under normal circumstances, should be able to be done during the semester).  Repeated competencies may have an effect on the student’s grade as detailed in the Student Clinical Handbook.  

The student is allowed to repeat each competency twice, after which a 2% per repeat overall semester grade reduction will occur. If a student fails a competency three times or more, he/she will be required to set up remediation with the clinical supervisor. When remediation Is deemed complete, the student may then, and only then, attempt the same type of set-up once again for a competency.  

The student must pass all of these laboratory/clinical competencies in order to successfully complete the clinical course.  An incomplete "I" will be given until all competencies are passed for a given semester.  (evaluations from rotations other than therapy will vary in points)

 

During all semesters, the students will be performing competencies on live patients in the clinic for which they will be graded using a form commonly referred to as the “Blue sheet.”  A guideline for performing blue sheet evaluations will be given to the student at the beginning of each appropriate semester.  Failure to complete the appropriate number of blue sheet competencies in a given semester will result in a letter grade reduction for that student for each occurrence.

 

End of the month evals result in typical overall rotation grade

Blue sheets: as described in the previous two paragraphs above

Lab skills and other sources-as determined by Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Coordinator

 

Total points will be added up at the end of the semester and divided by the number of points available to determine semester grade.

 

A= average of 1.7-2.0

C=average of 1.3-1.6 (Fall), 1.5-1.6 (during final Practicum only)

F=average below 1.3 (1.5 during final Practicum only)

*there is no "B" or "D" in this course (unless a mandatory letter grade penalty reduction occurs   e.g. and "A" would be reduced to a "B").

 

GRADING POLICY ADDENDUM FOR 2nd YEAR END OF ROTATION EVALUATION FORM:

 

The grading part of the end of the rotation form consists of two parts, an affective part which deals with subjective matter such as initiative, attitude, rapport with patients, etc. and a technical part, which deals with the student’s technical expertise in the clinic. The affective part (part I) is worth approximately 25% of the evaluation form grade. The technical part is worth 75% of the evaluation grade. This is all stated on the form itself.

 

In addition to the weighting of grades according to each section, the following policies apply to second year students regarding grading of the technical portion of the evaluation form (part II):

           

Grades for a rotation will be averaged between the therapists for an overall rotation score rotation.

If the overall score for the rotation is failing from at least 2 of the therapists on the rotation then the student will have failed the rotation. In order for a student to fail a rotation, the student must receive a failing grade average from at least two RTT’​s.        

Failing 2 or more regular rotations during any semester will result in an “F” for the course (only exception: if both failing grades were on the same machine with at least one of the same RTT’s). Failing 2 rotations during a semester and/or 3 rotations over the course of the program will result in expulsion from the program. Details are found in the program Student Clinical Handbook

REMEDIATION: Any clinical rotation that does not receive a passing grade will result in the student reporting the grade first to the affilate’s Clinical Supervisor and also the the Clinical Coordinator of the program. The Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Coordinator will discuss, with the student, a remediation strategy appropriate to the circumsntaces.

If a failing grade occurs for an overall rotation, The Clinical Coordinator will also have the option of restructuring the clinic rotation schedule so that the student might immediately return to (or avoid) the rotation of concern, if that is logistically feasible. Re-scheduling would likely not be feasible for sim and Dosimetry rotations or for students located at a single distance site.

*Note: any extra assigned clinical time, should that be deemed appropriate and necessary and feasible, should be scheduled on the same equipment as the rotation in question if at all possible. This includes rotations in Lubbock. If a student must make up ANY time from their rotations in Lubbock, the student will be responsible for scheduling and providing their own transportation to make up such time (this goes for absences as well as extra assigned time).

Reminder, if a student is dismissed from clinic (a clinic does not allow that student access to their facilities), it may be impossible for the student to complete rotations on a timely basis and the student will likely have to make up any missed rotations between semesters in the same manner as a make-up rotation. If such is the case, the rules regarding make-up rotations would apply (a student cannot make-up more than one rotation for a semester, so such a student could not fail any rotations during the semester or the resultant grade will be an “F”).

 

Additionally, If a student is not granted access to more than one clinic, for whatever reasons, that student will not be allowed to continue in the program. And, due to the integral nature of the Harrington Cancer Center environment (and its multiple treatment machines), if a student is not granted access to HCC for ANY reason, they will not be allowed to continue in the program.

 

All scheduling of extra assigned time and make-up time must be scheduled through the affiliate’s Clinical Supervisor.

More details regarding grading and overall clinical expectations can be found in the Syllabus addendum document as well as in the Student Clinical Handbook posted in the online course

 

Attendance

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

Calendar

Weeks 1-5: Rotation 1;  Week 3 hand out interim evals, week 4 collect interim evals. End of rotation Evaluations due beginning of week 8

Weeks 6-10: Rotation 2   Week 6 hand out interim evals, week 9 collect interim evals. End of rotation Evaluations due beginning of week 12

Weeks 10-15: Rotation 3   Week 12 hand out interim evals, week 13 collect interim evals. End of rotation Evaluations due beginning of week 8

Week 16 Make-ups and Final Exam week

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)

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Note: Reminders from Clinical Handbook regarding dismissal from a clinical site:

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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 college will support the rights of the student, as is appropriate, when conflicts occur. However, it is worth emphasizing that the clinical facilities can refuse student admission to their institutions for any number of reasons—including behavioral, attitudinal, technical competency, attendance, etc.  

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Amarillo College has no authority whatsoever over the actions of the radiation therapists and physicians who work in these affiliates.

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Should any primary affiliate refuse its facilities and services to any student, documentation supporting that decision will be provided to the program Clinical Supervisor and Program Director.  If the clinical Supervisor and Program Director, student, and/or the clinical facility are unable to reverse the action, the student will be refused admission back into that clinical affiliate.  Due to the lack of clinical affiliate availability, each clinic is vital with respect to maintaining the clinical rotation schedule. If a student is refused admission to ANY clinical affiliate, it should be expected that the student will not be able to continue in the program (as well as receive a failing grade for the current clinical course)! Insofar as it might be possible to remain in the program, and that is not to be expected, it shall then be the sole responsibility of that student to seek additional admittance to the remaining affiliates for the purpose of fulfilling all clinical outcomes.   

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If the student is unable to secure an alternate affiliate sites, the student will receive a Practicum grade of “F”, and will be dropped from the program with no option to re-enroll.  If the student is able to secure clinical facilities after having been dropped by one clinical affiliate, but if the student is dropped by a second clinical affiliate, the student will be dropped from the program with no option to re-enroll regardless of affiliate availability.

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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.

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

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  • 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 3rd failing grade occurs in the very last rotation of the very last semester)
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  • Receive a failing grade in 2 (or more) RTT treatment area rotations in any given semester
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Exceptions:

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  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)
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  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).
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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.

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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.

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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. 

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

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

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM