A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.
This course is designed to help the student become more comfortable and proficient with the practical aspects of radiography and the healthcare field. The student will gain further practical knowledge and experience in the workings of a Radiology Department. Students will perform beginning and intermediate level examinations in the department with less supervision; including radiography of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities, C, T, and L- spines, bony thorax, skull, nasal bones and paranasal sinuses. Students will practice in area hospitals and clinics under the direct and indirect guidance and supervision of ARRT-registered Radiologic Technologists and Weatherford College clinical faculty.
Purpose:
During this course, the student will gain practical knowledge and understanding of the role the registered radiologic technologist plays as part of the healthcare team. Hands-on clinical application of learned patient care and positioning skills will help the student become more proficient in the skills necessary to their profession. Repetition of examinations during this semester will aid the student in becoming more efficient and proficient in their performance.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Assist and instruct patients in an appropriate and professional manner before, during, and after procedures. (SCANS: F- 1A,B,D,E; 2A,B,C,D,E,F; 3A,B,C,D,E. C – 1A,C; 2A,B,C,D,E,F; 3A,B,C.)
- Determine patient identity.
- Record pertinent patient information.
- Prepare patients for examinations – removing all radiopaque materials from the patient and/or table.
- Select appropriate image receptor.
- Explain simple and intermediate radiographic procedures, integrating the use of appropriate and effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
- Question female patients for the possibility of pregnancy prior to exam as per department protocol.
- Provide for safety, modesty and comfort of the patient – regardless of age, gender, disability, special needs, ethnicity, or culture.
- Give proper patient instructions before, during and after exposure.
- Practice standard (Universal) precautions and infection control measures when dealing with patients.
- Use sterile or aseptic technique whenever indicated.
- Evaluate the patient’s ability to understand and comply with requirements for the requested examination.
- Monitor medical equipment (O2, IV pumps, etc.) attached to the patient during the radiographic procedure.
- Recognize the need for prompt medical attention and administer emergency care when needed.
- Practice the theory of ALARA by protecting the patient, themselves and others in the area from unnecessary exposure.
- Act consistently to maintain patient confidentiality standards as set forth by HIPAA.
2. Perform beginning and intermediate radiographic examinations of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities, bony thorax, spine, and head under the appropriate level of supervision. (SCANS: F – 1C,D,E; 2A,B,C,D,E,F; 3A,D,E. C- 1A,C; 2A,C; 3A,B.C,D; 4A,B; 5A,B,C.)
- Position patient, x-ray tube, and image receptor to produce diagnostic images.
- Restrict the x-ray beam to the area of interest.
- Apply radiopaque markers within the field of view and out of pertinent anatomy.
- Determine appropriate exposure factors. (Consult technique chart or RT)
- Process exposed image receptors where applicable.
- Store and handle radiographic image receptors in a manner to reduce the possibility of artifact production.
- Inspect and clean radiographic image receptors.
- Perform proper warm-up procedures on x-ray tubes.
- Recognize and report malfunctions in the radiographic or fluoroscopic unit and accessories.
Merrill’s Atlas of Radiographic Positions & Procedures Vol. I-III, Long; Rollins; Smith
See Student Handbook for required Dress Code Specifics
Clinical rotations will be evaluated on the combination score of 3 separate levels.
There will be a possible 100 total points as follows:
Level I =possible 40 points (40%)
Level II =possible 40 points (40%)
Level III = possible 20 points (20%)
Level I Professionalism:
Dress code, attitude, attendance, safety, organization, critical thinking skills, cleanliness, compassion, etc.
The designated preceptor (assigned Technologist) for each student will be asked to fill out a Professional Development Student Evaluation Form (LEVEL I) every 2 weeks. The student is responsible for approaching the technologist they worked most closely with during that period and asking them to go on-line to www.trajecsys.com to fill out the evaluation form.
Level II Positioning/Technique/Competencies:
Positioning skills, collimation, marker placement, proper SID/CR placement, completion of required competencies, etc.
Level III Image Critique:
Identification of pertinent anatomy, discussion of image quality, identification of positioning specifics, etc.
Students are required to complete a minimum of fifteen (15) competencies* the summer semester (LEVEL II). These may include a number of interim exams (that is, exams that the student has previously gained clinical competence on). Minimum passing grade for each competency is 90%. Any competency with a grade below 90% will be recorded and averaged into the final grade as 75%. Students are responsible for informing their Technologist of their desire to perform a competency. The technologist must log onto www.trajecsys.com to fill out the competency form. The student should record the pertinent information including the exposure/log/S number on their Student Log Sheet for Patient Competencies. Competencies should be checked off on the department check off sheet.
The WC Clinical Instructor will be responsible for the image critique portion during routine site visits (LEVEL III). They will need the information from your Student Log Sheet for Patient Competencies in order to access your images.
*The ARRT requires demonstration of clinical competence in 36 mandatory radiologic procedures and at least 15 elective radiologic procedures prior to graduation. That is a total of AT LEAST 51 different radiologic procedures. Because of this requirement, you MUST complete a minimum of 37 DIFFERENT RADIOLOGIC EXAMINATIONS by the end of the summer semester. If a student fails to complete the required number of competencies, a grade of “0” for each missed competency will be averaged as part of the final grade.
** IF your start date was delayed due to clinical site closure, this date will be modified to reflect a later date for those students affected by the Covid-19 closures.
Grade Scale:
A = 91 – 100%
B = 84 – 90%
C = 78 – 83%
F = 0 – 77%
An average of at least 78 (C) must be maintained in order to continue on in the program.
Averages below this level may result in dismissal from the program.
Rescinding a Competency:
Students must be held accountable for being able to perform an exam for which they have achieved competency. Once a student has received didactic instruction and has performed a mock competency with a WC faculty member, he or she is eligible to perform the exam on a patient. After they have performed the exam on a patient and have been deemed ‘competent’ on that exam, he or she should be able to perform the exam at will after that time. A WC clinical instructor may test the student on an exam for cause, or at random. The exam must be performed independently and in a reasonably accurate manner or the competency may be rescinded and the student will review the material and repeat the competency on a patient when it is next available.
Discussing Grades with Classmates:
Discussing of clinical grades with classmates is strongly discouraged. A student found discussing his/her clinical grade will receive a written warning for the first offense. If the student discusses another student’s grade, all students involved will receive a written warning (those discussing the grade and the owner of the grade), and may receive a reduction in grade by 1 letter. A second incident of discussing grades may result in dismissal from the program. If there is a problem with your grade, please address your concerns directly to the WC Clinical Coordinator.
Clinical Demerits:
Demerits are a numerical documentation of unsatisfactory performance. One demerit is equivalent to 2% of the overall clinical grade, and may be assigned by clinical preceptors or WC clinical instructors. The number of demerits given will depend upon the seriousness and the frequency of the infraction. A partial list of demerit infractions is available in the Clinical Education section of the Student Handbook.
Throughout the course of the program, students will attend clinical affiliations assigned by the Clinical Coordinator. As per the Student Handbook, students are allowed three (3) clinical rotation absences for the duration of the semester. Absences are highly discouraged. Each absence over this amount will result in a 10% reduction in the final grade.
Students should arrive at their clinical site on time, ready to work and in full compliance with the program dress code. Students will clock in and out via the trajecsys website each day. Students arriving between 0731 and 0745 will receive a “T” tardy for that day. Accumulation of six (6) tardies will equal one (1) absence. An absence will be recorded for students who arrive after 0745 and the student must leave the clinical site. A loss of 15 minutes for any reason will be recorded as an absence. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis. This policy also pertains to students who are assigned to an outside imaging clinic (Weatherford Imaging Clinic or Granbury Imaging Clinic, Granbury). If the clinic closes early on a given day, the student must CLOCK OUT at the clinic and CLOCK IN at the hospital for the remainder of the day. Students may CLOCK OUT and leave for lunch; CLOCKING back IN at the hospital within 45 minutes or less.
Absences and tardies above the allowed number may also result in the documentation of demerits which will further lower the student’s final grade.
All absences must be preceded by a call to BOTH the clinical site and clinical instructor AT LEAST 15 minutes prior to the start of shift. If only one is contacted, the student will be counseled and may be placed on probation for the duration of the program and/or issued demerits for failure to follow policy. If neither is contacted, it is recorded as a no call/no show and the student may be dismissed from the program. Calls after the start of shift are unacceptable.
Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information.
ADA Statement:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.