Practicum Syllabus for 2019-2020
Return to Syllabus List

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

NMTT-1266-001 Practicum

Prerequisites

Corequisite: NMTT 1311

Course Description

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student.

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 hrs; 16 practicum)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Course Materials

Student/Clinical Handbook-provided by the NMTT program before starting the clinical aspect of the program. 

Clinical paperwork (patient ledger, ARRT patient competency form, time sheet, clinical supervisor evaluation form, clinical make-up time form, physician reading assignment form, student evaluation of medical affiliate form)-documents uploaded to student email accounts to print as needed.

 

 

Supplies

1. Burgundy wine-colored scrubs with Allied Health patch sewn onto left upper sleeve area
2. Professional, comfortable shoes (mostly white)
3. White, long-sleeved lab coat with Allied Health patch sewn onto the left upper sleeve area
4. Lead/Tungsten syringe shield
5. Radiation dosimetry badges (body and ring types)
6. Clinical Handbook as stated above.
7. Clinical Paperwork as stated above.

Student Performance

WECM Course Description:  Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student.

Students will attend the designated clinical sites on Monday & Tuesday (8 hours each day for 10 weeks).

WECM End-of-Course Outcomes: 

As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.

Course Goals/Competencies as Outline in the Master Educational Plan for the NMTT Program

Utilizes radiology and hospital information systems, managing patient information in these systems according to facility policies, state and federal statues and accreditation standards
Prepare imaging equipment, computer, auxiliary equipment and acquire images per protocol
Perform daily QC measures on instrumentation as prescribed:
Evaluates the performance of dose calibrators by performing and assessing the results of the following tests:
a. Test measurement of battery voltage
b. Zero adjustment
c. Background adjustment
d. Constancy
e. Linearity
f. Accuracy with NIST traceable standards
g. Geometry
Evaluates the performance of survey meters by performing and assessing the results of the following tests:
a. Battery check
b. Constancy
Evaluates the performance of NaI(Tl) counting and/or uptake systems by performing and assessing the results of the following tests:
a. Calibration checking using I-123 or a long-lived standard
b. Count of background
c. High voltage / gain checks
d. Energy resolution
e. Chi-square test
f. Sensitivity
g. Energy linearity
Documents performance and results of all quality control testing according to specified quality control program procedures
 Maintain/operate departmental equipment:
 Planar and SPECT imaging systems
a. energy peaking
b. intrinsic/extrinsic uniformity
c. resolution and linearity
d. high count uniformity correction
SPECT imaging systems
a. center of rotation and/or multi-head detector registration
b. pixel calibration
 Dedicated PET or PET component of PET/CT imaging systems
a. blank scan
b. normalization
c. absolute activity calibration
  CT component of PET/CT imaging systems
a. calibration
b. field uniformity
c. water phantom
d. tube warm-up
e. air calibration
f. water phantom checks of slice thickness, accuracy and positioning

Utilize hospital and radiology information systems, managing patient information in these systems according to facility policies, state and federal statutes and accreditation standards 
Recognize the value and responsibilities inherent in being a professional healthcare provider
Apply critical thinking and problem solving strategies to ensure best practices
Practice in accordance with ethical standards, legal statutes and published standards of practice for the profession.
Assesses the quality of published research studies and applies sound principles from them to the clinical setting to improve evidence-based practice.
Apply ethical principles and meeting legal standards in the performance of all activities
Maintain/operate auxiliary equipment: the monitoring of intravenous lines, oxygen supplies, drains and the status of patients who are under sedation
Provide proper and appropriate patient care as needed: providing for proper comfort and care of the patient before, during and after a procedure
Communicate effectively with medical staff, patients and their families: establishing and maintaining communication with each patient (e.g., making introductions,
explaining the procedures, answering questions), applying culturally sensitive and age-appropriate care and communication techniques
Provide safe/sanitary conditions for patients using OSHA and Standard Precautions: providing safe and sanitary conditions for the patient in compliance with standard precaution policies
Obtain pertinent patient history for each exam and check indications/contraindications: acquiring pertinent knowledge of the patient’s medical history and any contraindications to
understand and correlate the patient’s illness to the pending diagnostic or therapeutic procedure(s)
Recognize and respond to an emergency condition by:
a. initiating a call for assistance
b. monitoring and recording physiologic data (e.g., ECG, pulse rate, respiratory rate)
c. administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary, and maintaining intravenous
fluids, oxygen, and other life-support assistance until an emergency code team arrives
 Prepare patients properly for examination:
a. reviewing written orders for the procedure, evaluating procedure appropriateness, verifying
patient identification and determining pregnancy status as well as breast feeding status, if
applicable. Interpret the physician’s orders to ensure optimal patient exam outcomes.
b. analyzing patient information to determine contraindications, interfering medications and
potential adverse reactions prior to administration of radiopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals and contrast media
 c. evaluating pertinent blood work and lab test results prior to imaging
 d. ensuring that informed consent has been obtained when necessary
 e. explaining the procedure to the patient, family, parents and/or legal guardian including, but not limited to: the procedure, patient involvement, length of study, and basic radiation safety
 f. ensuring that any preprocedural preparation has been completed including, but not limited to,
fasting, hydration, taking of thyroid blocking compounds, voiding, bowel cleansing, and
suspension of interfering medications
  g. waiting an appropriate length of time after the administration of a radiopharmaceutical,
pharmaceutical or contrast agent to begin the procedure
h. recognizing patient factors and the presence of objects that may create artifacts or normal variants on nuclear medicine images or measurements, and thus require modifications in the data acquisition or data processing protocol
i. checks radiopharmaceutical dosage activity prior to administration in a dose calibrator and
comparing this measurement against the identification label of the dose's immediate container
j. records use and/or disposition of all radioactive materials
k. identifies radiopharmaceutical  by the label on the container with the radiopharmaceutical, hour, date, expiration time, and radiation symbol
l. recording radiopharmaceutical and medication information on a patient's administration form and preparation records
Performs administrative procedures by:
a. maintaining an appropriate inventory of medical/surgical supplies, radiopharmaceuticals, storage media, and other items to ensure that a patient procedure can be performed whenever necessary
b. scheduling patient procedures
c. determining the appropriate sequence for executing multiple procedures
d. maintaining appropriate records of administered radioactivity, quality control procedures, patient reports, and other required records
e. recording and reporting incidents as required by regulatory agencies
f. revising and developing policies and procedures in accordance with applicable regulations and
administrative requirements
g. participating in quality control and quality assurance activities in the department
Initiate purchase/ordering of radiopharmaceutical products and adjunct supplies by:
a. anticipating and procuring a sufficient supply of radioactive drugs for an appropriate time period (patient schedule) in accordance with anticipated need and license possession limits
b. storing drugs and supplies in a manner consistent with labeled product safeguards and with
radiation safety considerations
c. performing and documenting radiation wipe tests and surveys upon receipt of radioactive
materials
d. following Department of Transportation (DOT) and radiation safety guidelines in the transport, receipt and shipment of radioactivity
e. select/administer the appropriate radiopharmaceutical by the proper route
At Pharmacy; prepares and verify quality and quantity of radiopharmaceuticals under the direction of an authorized user by:
a. employs aseptic technique for manipulation of injectable products
 b. elutes radionuclide generators according to manufacturer's specification
c. verifies radionuclide purity of generator eluates
d. selects and prepares radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with manufacturer's specification
e. calculates and measures activity of the radionuclide with a dose calibrator
f. confirms the quality of a radiopharmaceutical in accordance with accepted techniques and
official guidelines
g. prepares labeled blood cells, if applicable, in accordance with established protocols
h. records use and/or disposition of all radioactive materials
i. identification and labeling of all radiopharmaceutical preparations by labeling the container with the radiopharmaceutical, hour, date, expiration time, and radiation symbol
j. recording radiopharmaceutical and medication information on a patient's administration form and preparation records
k. label and segregate radioactive waste and record this information
Prepare individual dosages under the direction of an authorized user by:
a. applying radioactive decay calculations to determine required volume or unit form necessary to deliver the prescribed radioactive dosage
b. applying weight and age-based calculations as appropriate to determine the prescribed dosage of pharmaceuticals and contrast media
c. selecting and preparing prescribed dosages and entering this information on a patient's administration form and other records
d. labeling the dosage for administration;
e. checking radiopharmaceutical dosage activity prior to administration in a dose calibrator and
comparing this measurement against the identification label of the dose's immediate container
 Evaluate/process computer-generated data:
a. Views, processes and archives acquired data on picture archival communicating systems (PACS)
b. complete fusion imaging system
c. registration
d. attenuation correction accuracy
e. recognizes artifacts on quality control and patient images and implements appropriate corrective actions to produce acceptable images
Performs imaging procedures by selecting imaging parameters:
a. selects and preparing the instrument for the procedure
b. selects appropriate parameters for image data acquisition
c. recognizes artifacts on static, dynamic, gated, SPECT and PET images that are due to instrumentation malfunction and initiating appropriate action
Administers radiopharmaceuticals and/or pharmaceuticals using standard precaution techniques as authorized by the institution
a. verifies radiopharmaceutical and dose activity prior to dose administration
b. verifies patient identity prior to the administration of medication or radiopharmaceuticals
c. determines route of administration according to established protocol (e.g., subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, inhalant, oral and intravesical)
d. establishes and/or verifies venipuncture access using aseptic techniques
e. uses and maintains established venous access routes
f. establishes patterned breathing when introducing radiopharmaceuticals by inhalation
g. administers oral radiopharmaceuticals
h. documents medication and/or radiopharmaceutical administrations on a patient's permanent record, as appropriate
i. prepares, determines dosage, and administers  non-radioactive pharmaceuticals under medical direction, where permitted; prepares/administers interventional pharmacologic agents
Positions the patient and obtains images:
a. records image data according to established protocols and acquiring additional views when needed to optimize information content
b. places the patient in correct position using supportive materials and immobilizers as necessary
c. exercises independent judgment in positioning a patient or detector unit to best demonstrate pathology
d. indicates appropriate anatomic landmarks for each view of the procedure
e. reviews images to assure that correct information is supplied
Assists the physician or practitioner in cardiac stress testing when performed in conjunction with nuclear medicine procedures; prepare patient to perform cardiac monitoring and stress testing
a. prepares patient's skin and places ECG leads appropriately
b. recognizes and is responsive to any changes that may occur on either a resting or stress ECG
c. recognizes the parameters that should terminate a cardiac stress study
Performs data collection, processes and analyzes following established protocols
Performs non-imaging in-vivo studies (e.g., thyroid uptake) by:
a. operating and performing necessary quality control checks on laboratory equipment
b. preparing and counting standards when applicable
c. performing calculations and recording results according to protocols
d. managing bio-hazardous, chemical, and radioactive waste in accordance with applicable regulations and specific facility policies
e. obtaining samples for non-imaging studies
f. calculate/evaluate results for non-imaging studies
Assists an authorized user in the preparation and application of therapeutic radionuclides by:
a. inspecting all paperwork including informed consent and written directive
b. reviewing pertinent lab reports such as pregnancy test results
c. assuring the correct radiopharmaceutical and dosage are prepared through technologist and authorized user verification of the dosage
d. assuring the patient is correctly identified by the technologist and authorized user according to the
quality management program in effect at the particular institution
e. preparing and/or coordinating environmental preparations (i.e., decontamination supplies)
f. observing prescribed radiation safety procedures during the preparation and the administration of such treatment
g. assisting the authorized user in supplying proper patient care instructions to hospital staff, patient,
and/or caregivers
h. conducting and documenting radiation surveys of designated patient areas, when indicated
i. supplying hospital staff, patient, and/or caregivers with proper instructions on handling and disposal of all contaminated supplies when necessary
 Utilize appropriate radiation safety standards through time/distance/shielding principles:
Under supervision of an authorized user or radiation safety officer, maintains compliance with local, state and federal regulations in radiation safety practices by:
a. using personnel monitoring devices (e.g., dosimeters, film badges, TLD's, etc.)
b. reviewing, on at least a quarterly basis, personnel exposure records
c. taking appropriate measures to follow the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle
d. recognizing regulatory limits for radiation exposure
e. notifying appropriate authorities when changes occur in the radiation safety program
f. demonstrating knowledge of the content of a radioactive materials license and the processes for submitting license amendments
g. maintaining required radiation safety records
h. posting appropriate signs in designated areas
i. following federal, state, local and institutional regulations regarding receipt, packaging and disposal of all radionuclides
j. following regulations regarding diagnostic and therapeutic dosages administrations and
therapeutic follow-up procedures
k. recommending purchase of protective equipment to meet regulations
Follows ALARA radiation protection principles thereby limiting the radiation exposure of the patient, public, fellow workers, and self by:
a. selecting and using proper shielding to reduce radiation exposure
b. using proper methods for storage and disposal of radioactive materials
c. identifying and using proper procedures for those radionuclides that pose special hazards (e.g., Sr-89, I-131, PET radiotracers)
d. performing a bioassay per state and/or federal regulations
Performs radiation surveys by:
a. ensuring that instruments are calibrated at regular intervals, after a repair, and as required by
regulations
b. following frequency and location schedules when conducting surveys
c. using appropriate survey instruments and techniques for each type and level of activity
d. following regulations regarding personnel surveys and reporting to the radiation safety officer
e. performing wipe tests where applicable
f. performing leak tests on sealed sources, when so authorized
g. maintaining required radiation survey records
Performs decontamination procedures
Dispose of radioactive waste and maintains appropriate records according to license conditions
Participates in a hospital's in-service education program to instruct other personnel regarding radiation and principles of radiation protection.
Being prepared to participate in the medical management of radiation emergencies.

Supervised, competency-based clinical education shall include the following:
a) patient care and patient recordkeeping in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);
b) radiation safety techniques that minimize radiation exposure;
c) participation in a quality control program;
d) preparation, calculation, identification, administration (where permitted), and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals and the performance of radionuclide quality control procedures;
e) preparation, calculation, identification, administration (where permitted), and disposal of adjunctive medications necessary to performance of the nuclear medicine procedure;
f) performance of an appropriate number and variety of diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures, including general imaging, nuclear cardiology and PET/CT, to achieve desired clinical competencies;
g) observation and assistance with an appropriate number and variety of therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures to achieve desired clinical competencies; and
h) interaction with interpreting physicians to develop an understanding of the clinical correlation of nuclear medicine procedures with other diagnostic procedures.

 Perform patient competency procedures per per card instructions and syllabus with passing grade of 74.5 (C) or better.
 Pass clinical supervisor’s performance of student evaluations per syllabus with C or better.
 Pass faculty evaluation of student performance per syllabus with C or better.

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

Refer to Students Rights and Responsibilities publication of Amarillo College and the Clinical  Handbook of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program. Additionally, students are required to adhere to all policies governing each medical affiliate of which they are assigned.

Grading Criteria

Required Competencies/Evaluations

1. ARRT patient care and instrumentation comps
2. Two (2) clinical supervisor evaluations per semester, one after each 5-week rotation per clinical schedule
3. One (1) faculty evaluation at end of semester

Final Grade Evaluation

        A=94.5-100

        B=84.5-94.4

        C=74.5-84.4

        F=less than 74.5

1. Clinical supervisor evaluations will constitute 70% of the final grade.
2. Faculty evaluations will count 30% of the final grade.
3. Final grade point deductions will occur as indicated for not following rules/regulations of the
4. A grade of ‘F’ will be assigned for failure to perform all clinical hours missed.
5. Weekly Clinical Progress Reports are not graded but are used to evaluate student performance on a weekly basis before the clinical supervisor evaluation is completed.  They provide support for the student in the event that remediation is needed in areas of concern noted. **Weekly forms MUST be assessed and turned in every week.

 

Students who enter the program are given a Clinical and Student Handbook. Makeup time must be scheduled via a contract with the clinical supervisor as indicated.

 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY "Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class." (see Attendance/Tardiness in your Clinical Handbook). 

Calendar

Additional Information

Students receive a clinical rotational schedule.  Students receive well-rounded clinical experiences that include all aspects of general nuclear medicine, cardiology, and PET/CT

Students will perform prescribed clinical hours as indicated on the Master Practicum Schedule, at the times and locations stated.
Students must wear dosimetry badges at all times.
Students must use syringe shields as stated within the Clinical Handbook.

The Clinical Handbook contains the governing guidelines that students must follow.
The course content is aligned with the Master Educational Plan of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program at Amarillo College.
In addition, the lecture content aligns with the task analysis of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology program at Amarillo College is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Additional Information:
AC-Connect Online (BlackBoard)) Communication-www.actx.edu

This is the major source for program communication.

Students will use the AC Online personal account to check grades, e-mails, etc.  Students are responsible for checking their accounts daily so that communication about program/course information is current.

Student Resources

            https://www.actx.edu/resources/

This website was created to assist Amarillo College employees and students. Many times, students come to us with individual concerns/situations that need to be addressed in order for the student to be successful in school.

This website can be used to find those needed resources for our students and their families. Feel free to copy any of this information for a student and to refer students as needed.

Our goal is to provide as much information as possible for employees and students to be able to access campus and community resources when needed. There are many more resources in this community that are not listed on these pages. Some of these agencies and programs will change; so if you call and cannot get assistance or cannot access a broken link, please contact me for more updated information.

This website will be updated as often as possible; therefore, most will be current. If the resources listed do not serve the needs you have or if you have any questions concerning this website, please call or email:  Jordan Fajardo, LMSW, Coordinator of Social Services, 806-371-5439, j0333462@actx.edu.

Student Injuries Information (class and clinical)

https://www.actx.edu/allied_health/index.php?module=article&id=33

HB 1508 Statement

 

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 your advisor, 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.