chelsea.thurman@actx.edu
806-354-6059
West Campus, Allied Health, Office 125
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 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.
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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
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.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
MLAB-2267-001 Practicum II
Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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.
(2 sem hrs; 16 practicum)
Clinical
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. Specific learning objectives for each section and each laboratory exercise are distributed as part of the handouts.
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".
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES PUBLICATION
Amarillo College students should be familiar with the contents of the Amarillo College Student Right and Responsibilities pamphlet. Copies of the pamphlet are free, and may be obtained from the Business Office or from the office of the Dean of Students or may be viewed and/or downloaded at: http://www.actx.edu/president/index.php?module=article&view=131&page_num=1
Phones
Cell phones are disruptive and unprofessional. You must not have your cell phone on you while working in the laboratory. If you anticipate an emergency during practicum time, you should leave a message with the faculty so that you can be taken out of the clinical rotation by the MLT faculty.
DRESS CODE
1. Students will be required to wear black slacks or black scrub pants (no sweat pants or black jeans) and a black blouse, black shirt or black scrub top. Black MLT T-shirts are allowed on Fridays only. If the student is in doubt about the suitability of his/her attire, he/she should contact either the MLT faculty or the MLT Program Director. Students should make sure that clothing is clean and is neat.
2. Shoes will be close toed, low-heeled and soft soled nursing shoes or athletic shoes.
3. Student's hair must be clean, secured back off of the face and of a style that is professional in appearance. Hair color must be a naturally occurring color. Hats will not be worn at any time while at the practicum sites.
4. Students may not wear any cologne, perfume or after-shave while in the practicum setting.
5. Student’s fingernails must be short and not painted in any way such as clear polish. Any types of artificial nails are not allowed.
6. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Earrings and bracelets must not be loose or dangling.
7. An Amarillo College picture nametag MUST be worn at all times while in the practicum facility.
8. Students will maintain good hygiene at all times. Common sense should dictate that all students must shower at least daily, brush their teeth, use deodorant and wear a clean uniform to practicum each day.
9. Failure to comply with the dress code will result in dismissal from practicum for that day. The time missed must be made-up prior to the end of that rotation. There will be no excuses made for noncompliance with the dress code.
SERVICE WORK
A Medical Laboratory Technology student must not be used to substitute for regular laboratory staff during the hours of his or her assigned practicum rotation.
1. A student may hold a laboratory job outside of the practicum rotation hours, but this service will not be applied or take the place of the assigned rotation hours. In other words, a student may not be paid for work that takes place during the assigned hours for the practicum rotation.
2. Service work by students in practicum/clinical facilities, outside of the regular hours assigned for practicum/clinical rotations must not be compulsory.
3. After demonstrating proficiency, students, with qualified supervision, may be permitted to perform actual laboratory procedures.
STUDENT INJURIES
If a student is injured in the clinical/practicum setting, it is his/her responsibility to notify the MLT faculty or Program Director, (806-354-6060) IMMEDIATELY. If the student is unable to notify MLT program officials, due to the nature of their injury, then it is the responsibility of the Clinical Supervisor to notify program officials. Injuries include needlesticks, cuts, falls, splashes, etc.
STUDENT LIABILITY AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE
All students enrolled in a clinical/practicum course are required to purchase Student Liability/Accident Insurance as part of their fees each semester they are enrolled in practicum.
DRUG SCREENING
All students are required to submit to, and pass, a drug screen prior to beginning their clinical/practicum rotations. Students may be required to assume all costs associated with the drug screening process. The student needs to go to www.actxcompliance.com and register and pay for the drug screen prior to clinicals.
Dos AND DON’Ts WHILE AT THE CLINICAL SITES
DO:
1. Be on time. You will be required to clock in and out each day using the Trajecsys Report System. You will clock in and out using either your smart phone or any computer in the laboratory (check for the facilities preference). Location is logged when clocking in or out.
2. Dress appropriately, and in a professional manner. (See dress code in the syllabus)
3. Be courteous to all employees, even if they are somewhat brusque or unfriendly to you. Clinical instructors are not paid or compensated by the college for instruction, and unfortunately, some may resent having to teach. YOUR positive attitude can make all the difference in the clinical lab!
4. Be willing to do tasks assigned by the clinical instructor or the employee with whom you are working. If you are asked to draw blood, empty trash, check temperatures do so willingly. (See service work policy)
5. If you have to be late or absent from the clinical site, call your clinical department AND your Instructor at least 1 hour before anticipated arrival. THIS IS A MUST. Notification is part of the clinical evaluation. A student that is consistently tardy or does not report to their clinical rotation and does not call will have 10% deducted from their total Practicum grade. The student must make arrangements with the clinical department to make up any missed time.
6. Plan to make up any timed missed. Three excused absences will be allowed within each clinical semester, but the time missed must be made up within 10 days of when it occurs.
7. Expect your performance at the clinical site to be discussed between the Education Coordinator, the Program Director and the technologist/technician with whom you work. You will get feedback.
8. Maintain the same work schedule, including coffee breaks and lunch, as the employees with whom you are working. Do not stretch these out past the time the employees return to work.
9. Try to find answers to individual job procedures on your own, once these have been explained, but don't be afraid to ask questions if you can’t. They would rather have you do it right than not ask.
10. Remember that CONFIDENTIALITY is a key concept in health care
11. Patient results should NOT be taken out of the facility, even if you have generated them.
12. Refrain from gossiping about patients, doctors or other employees. You never know when it will come back to haunt you.
13. Discuss any problems you may be having with your clinical instructor. Do not hesitate to call.
DON'T:
1. DON'T criticize a facility's methods. You can ask "why" they choose to do things a certain way, but no one wants to hear "At XYZ Hospital we did (do) it another way", or “At AC they told us……….”
2. DON'T make ANY copies of personal material, other than those permitted to complete your assignments, and only that with written permission.
3. DON'T do personal work at the clinical site. If there is downtime use it to study the Success book or review the facilities procedure manuals.
4. DON'T allow yourself to become involved in employee-employer, or employee-employee disputes. You may listen, but keep any opinions/comments to yourself. You are likely to hear only one side of the dispute, which is inadequate for objective judgment.
5. DON'T gossip or repeat gossip about patients, doctors or employees.
6. DON'T leave the lab without telling someone (clinical instructor or employee with whom you are working) where you are going and when you will be back.
7. DON'T expect all employees with whom you work to know WHY they do something a certain way. Some resent such questions.
8. DON'T expect to be "useful" to the department. Your work has to be checked by the employees, and that slows them down. It is a "plus" for both of you if your accuracy shows you can be left to do some work on your own, but first it will have to be checked to determine your level of accuracy.
9. DON'T resent doing something that has already been done, e.g. doing glucose on the morning run. While it may look like "busy work" to you, it is the simplest way for you to have immediate check on the accuracy of your own work, and it disrupts the workflow the least. It is a learning experience and that is first and foremost what the practicum experience is designed for.
10. DON'T expect to receive the amount of attention from either clinical instructor or employees with whom you work as you do in school. Be prepared to look up things you have forgotten or don't know before you ask questions. Appropriate resource materials are available at the clinical sites.
11. DON'T make personal phone calls, except in emergencies. When it is ABSOLUTELY necessary, be brief. Don't bring personal problems to the work bench. Keep your problems to yourself or save them for after hours.
12. DON'T argue with any of the technologists. You are only in their department for a short time. The technologists are employed by the clinical site and their word will carry more weight with the hospital. If a problem arises, that requires immediate attention, call the MLT office at 354-6060 or 354-6059. If an instructor is not in the office, please leave a message and an instructor will return your call as soon as possible.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems through the instructor. If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Program Director/Associate Dean of Health Sciences (Kim Boyd), the Dean of Health Sciences (Kim Crowley), Associate Vice president of Academic Affairs (Becky Burton) Vice President of Academic Affairs (Dr Tamara Clunis), and the College President (Dr Russell Lowery-Hart), IN THAT ORDER.
The technologist in charge at the affiliated facility, with input from the other Practicum Instructors, will prepare an evaluation form and a performance appraisal at the end of each departmental rotation.
The department grade will be based on the following:
Total points:
DEPARTMENT TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS
Immunohematology………………………………300
Clinical Chemistry………………………………….300
Microbiology…………………………………………300
Hematology/Coagulation………………………200
Urinalysis………………………………………………100
Small Facility…………………………………………100
In House Clinicals………………………………….100
The total points earned for each rotation is derived from the following:
a. Student Clinical Task List Score (45% of the total grade for a rotation): All tasks performed are graded on a basis of 0-100 points. The total number of points is added and that number is divided by the number of tasks. The result is the average number of points earned for all tasks required in a given rotation. The points are only given for tasks performed, and there is no penalty for tasks that are not performed by the students during a given rotation.
b. Student Professional Evaluation Score (40% of the total grade for a rotation): All items are graded on a basis of 0-100 points. The total number of points is added and that number is divided by the number of items. The result is the average number of points for all items in the professional evaluation, during a given rotation. Points are only awarded for categories that are applicable to a given rotation and that have been graded by the Practicum Instructor. There is no penalty for categories that are not graded by the Practicum instructor for a given rotation.
c. Study Questions/Rotation Exam/Clinical Portfolio: 15% of the total grade for a rotation
d. Site Evaluation: Each student must complete a site evaluation no later than Sunday (the Sunday after the rotation is completed) by Midnight. Each student will receive an online site evaluation link through their Amarillo College email.
The following grade scale applies throughout the course:
A = 90.0 - 100.0% of the total number of points possible
B = 80.0 - 89.9% of the total number of points possible
C = 70.0 - 79.9% of the total number of points possible
F = < 69.9% of the total number of points possible
A grade of D is not possible in this course and will not be assigned
Grade Deductions/Additional points
Deduction or addition of points from the total number possible in a given rotation is based on the following:
A. Addition of 10% of total points – Receipt of "Favorable Incident Report" from clinical site.
B. Deduction of 10% of total points – Receipt of “Unfavorable Incident Report” from clinical site.
C. Deductions for attendance problems (see below)
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend their clinical rotations.
Time records from Trajecsys will be reviewed frequently. Incomplete time records will result in a loss of credit for practicum hours for that day and must be made up. The student should set his/her watch to the time clock/main clock at his/her practicum site to avoid an incidence of tardiness. Deductions from the attendance portion of the student evaluation will be based on the information on the time card, as well as observations made by the Practicum instructors. Deductions will be as follows:
First incidence of tardiness, absence, and/or abuse of breaks .......................................... 10-pt deduction
More than two incidences of tardiness/absence/abuse of breaks.................. 3-pt deduction per incidence
More than one incidence of tardiness per week, and per rotation.................. 3-pt deduction per incidence
The assigned hours during the practicum rotation must be fulfilled. If at any time a scheduled rotation day or hour must be missed, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the practicum department AND the MLT faculty an hour before they are expected to arrive at the facility. Notification is part of the practicum evaluation. Failure to do so will affect your evaluation and result in an unfavorable incident report (10% off the final grade for a given rotation). The student must make arrangements with the practicum department to make up any missed time.
Three excused absences will be allowed during each practicum semester, but the time missed must be made up within 10 school days of when it occurs. The exception is the end of the semester. If a student has time remaining to be made up at the end of the fall semester, he/she must make up the time before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday of final exam week. Absences of more than three days, regardless of the reason, will result in a full letter grade deduction, for each additional occurrence, for the entire course. Any time missed that is not fully made up within 10 school days of its occurrence, (or by the end of the semester or 8-week course), in the case of time owed at the end of the semester) will result in full letter grade deduction for that rotation.
Excused absences are as follows, with documentation being presented to the MLT Faculty and practicum site instructor, on the first day after returning from the absence:
A. Illness, with official medical documentation
B. Illness of immediate family member, with official medical documentation
C. Death of a family member, with appropriate documentation
D. Amarillo College designated holiday (ie; Thanksgiving Break) or cancelation of classes by Amarillo College due to in climate weather. Students will NOT be excused from rotations due to in climate weather if Amarillo College declines to cancel classes for the day. Students are responsible for listening to the local TV and radio stations to determine whether to not classes have been canceled. In addition, students should notify their practicum site instructors if classes have been canceled and if the student will not be attending practicum for the day. Any other absence will be treated as an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences automatically result in a full letter grade deduction, in a five-to-six-week rotation, or will necessitate repeating the entire rotation, of one- and two-week rotations. There will be no exceptions.
BREACH OF CONDUCT
If a student fails to observe any policy of the practicum facility, or of the MLT program, an Unfavorable Incident Report may be written by the technologist in charge or by the MLT faculty/Program Director/ Practicum instructor and submitted to the Director of the MLT program and the Allied Health Dean. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Breaches of conduct include, but are not limited to:
A. Violation of patient confidentiality
B. Violation of hospital and laboratory confidentiality
C. Refusal to perform assigned tasks, or arguing with Practicum instructors regarding assigned tasks.
D. Disrespect paid by the student toward Practicum instructors, technicians/technologists and/or patients
E. Violation of laboratory policies
F. Endangerment of patients
Violation of patient, hospital or laboratory confidentiality can occur by 1) discussing patient medical information with other students, 2) by “gossiping” with persons at other practicum facilities, or 3) by repeating or relating any information from conversations between laboratory personnel, to anyone, unless given clear permission to do so. The first incident of Breach of Conduct will result in an overall 10% reduction in the grade for that rotation, as well as a conference with the MLT program director. The second incident, if received in the same practicum department, will result in a conference with the MLT program director and the Allied Health Division chairman, department failure, and will necessitate repetition of the entire department. If a second incident of Breach of Conduct is committed, but in a different department or clinical site from the first incident, the student will receive an overall 10% deduction in his/her grade for the semester, as well as a conference with the MLT program director and the Allied Health Division chairman. A third incident of Breach of Conduct is classified as a grave misdemeanor, and will result in complete termination from the clinical facility and an “F” in the course.
Complete termination from the practicum facility may result at any time, if the student is guilty of a grave misdemeanor. Termination automatically results in an "F" for the course. All student disciplinary actions will be in compliance with the policies set forth by Amarillo College, as follows:
A. The practicum supervisor must file a written account of the breech of policy with the department chairperson of the Amarillo College MLT program within one week of the incident.
B. A copy will be provided to the student within one week of the date filed by the practicum affiliate.
C. The student will have one week to file a written reply with the chairperson of the MLT department.
D. There will be a hearing involving all parties concerned and any other designated Amarillo College and affiliate officials.
If a student is dismissed and asked to not return to two different facilities during their practicum rotations, this will automatically result in dismissal from the Medical Laboratory Technology Program.
Department/Course failure - grade less than 70% of the total number of points possible for a given rotation. If a student fails one practicum rotation, he/she will be allowed to repeat that department, at another facility, at the end of the established practicum rotation and receive an incomplete for the course. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO SECURE PERMISSION FROM ANOTHER FACILITY IN WHICH TO REPEAT HIS/HER DEPARTMENT ROTATION. THE FACILITY CHOSEN MUST BE ACCREDITED BY NAACLS AS A PRACTICUM SITE APPROVED FOR AMARILLO COLLEGE M.L.T. STUDENTS. Upon satisfactory completion of the department at the other facility, the incomplete will be removed and the points earned for both rotations will be averaged and the grade calculated on the basis of the average number of points. If he/she fails the same rotation a second time, a grade of "F" will be given for the course for that semester. If a student fails two or more practicum rotations in a single semester, the student will receive a grade of F for the course for that semester.
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend their clinical rotations.
This clinical course consists of approximately 240 clock hours, eight hours a day, four days a week, Tuesday through Friday. The number of days and the daily schedule varies according to the clinical assignment. Each student will receive an individualized clinical rotation schedule.
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