WCA School of Radiologic Technology

School of Radiologic Technology
General Policies

Each student will receive a copy of the Student Handbook on the first day of classes. This resource includes an in depth description of student policies, grading criteria, dismissal policies, and other procedures and information pertinent to the program.

For legal and safety issues, WCA Hospital requires all of its employees and students to wear photo identification badges. WCA provides the badge which identifies you by photo, name and position to patients, visitors, and employees. You are the only one authorized to wear the badge and it must be worn and visible at all times. The badge must be returned when you leave.

Attendance is mandatory and the student is expected to maintain a professional attitude concerning work ethic in attendance and be flexible to the schedules of the Radiology departments, instructors and personnel. The didactic program has been planned on a definite scheduled format to provide the proper ratio of practical, clinical and classroom experience. Therefore, full-time attendance is compulsory. Failure to follow rules of attendance may result in delayed graduation or dismissal from the program.

The program operates Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. till 4 p.m. This range of operation is variable dependent on what clinical rotation a student is scheduled. No student shall exceed 40 hours per week of didactic and clinical education combined.

Students will be given 30-minute lunch and 20 minute break each day. Employees, students, medical staff and volunteers may use the hospital cafeteria or snack shop.

The student is permitted five (5) sick / personal days per year for legitimate illness or emergency situations. Excessive absences may result in delayed graduation, delayed eligibility for the A.R.R.T. exam, or dismissal from the program.

HOLIDAYS: Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day

VACATION: Students will receive five (5) days of vacation each year that may be used at his/ her discretion. These five (5) days per year may ONLY be used during trimester 3, 5 & 6. In addition two (2) other vacations will be scheduled; Winter break and Spring break which will be scheduled by the Educational Director at the start of each year.

The hospital and school have no dormitory facilities and cannot assume responsibility for student housing. All students enrolled are encouraged to reside locally. Housing arrangements must be made directly by the student.

The dress and personal appearance of our students create an impression on our patients, their families and the employees of the hospital. In conforming to the high standards of professionalism, students must give attention to how they appear to others and take personal pride in their dress, appearance, and grooming. Therefore, clothing must be neat, clean and appropriate.

CLASSROOM ATTIRE
Females – Dress pants and blouse or sweater - or - Navy scrub uniform with white lab coat, clean white shoes.
Males - Dress pants (khakis are fine) shirt and tie.

CLINIC ATTIRE
Females – Navy scrub uniform with a white lab coat and clean white shoes.
Males - Dress pants (khakis allowed) shirt and tie with a white lab coat.

Jeans are unacceptable!! Clothing is to be clean and fit appropriately anyone not observing this policy will be sent home and personal time will be forfeited while you are gone.

PURPOSE:
The probability of an unfavorable effect following any radiation exposure received in medicine is nil. A biological response is very rarely expected and has not been observed in radiologic personnel in many years. Unfortunately, because of lack of knowledge among radiologic students, it is essential for the Educational Director to follow and document two steps in student management: new student indoctrination and counseling during pregnancy.

POLICY:
The Advisory Committee of the School of Radiologic Technology has instituted a policy concerning female students and pregnancy and the right for the female student to choose whether she discloses her pregnancy to the school or if she would like to be removed from any assignments that utilize fluoroscopic or portable radiography in the first trimester of pregnancy.

PROCEDURE:

The initial step for dealing with a pregnant student involves orientation and indoctrination. During their orientation into the radiology program, all students are instructed about pregnancy and the possible effects of radiation.
1. The students are made aware of the level of exposures they can expect to experience and the potential associated hazards.
2. The new female students are then required to read and sign a form indicating that they have been instructed in this area of radiation protection.
Female students may or may not wish to inform program officials of pregnancy. If a student decides to notify the Educational Director that she is pregnant, she must submit this information in writing. The Director will then counsel the student about radiation effects to the fetus. A belly badge will be worn under the lead apron to monitor fetal dose and wrap around aprons and distance will also be used to reduce fetal dose. Under no circumstances will the student be terminated or forced to take a leave of absence from the program.
1. The student will be counseled regarding her work habits (i.e. wearing of aprons, distance, etc.) and film badges.
2. The student may choose to be removed from any assignments that utilize fluoroscopy or portable radiography during her first trimester of pregnancy. If the student chooses to be removed from any assignment utilizing fluoroscopy or portable radiography and needs more exposure to these clinical areas to complete her training, they will be reassigned later after the baby is born.
In the absence of a voluntary, written disclosure, the student cannot be considered pregnant and will continue their clinical rotation without modification.

POLICY:
The profession of Medical Radiography is one of honor and dignity. The student accepted into the School of Radiology is entrusted with the well being of the patient while in the Department of Radiology. It is expected that trust will be earned; and that the pursuit of knowledge, as in the case of patients, will be performed to the best of the student's ability.

Attitudes and behaviors reflect the dedication of the students’ energies to the humane understanding and care of others. The attitude of a student toward others and toward his/her work will most likely have a greater effect on patients, peers, and employees than any other single factor. A cheerful manner, a sincere interest in others, a willingness to learn, a spirit of cooperation, and a feeling of pride all combine to promote an atmosphere and relationship that will benefit all of us.

There are occasions, unfortunately, when a student’s conduct does not meet the school standards and expectations. The following procedure will be utilized in an attempt to correct the problem.

PROCEDURE:

Counseling – Verbal discussion and counseling will be the first step followed by the Educational Director when it is felt that some area of a student’s conduct is not satisfactory. Regular communication between every student and the Educational Director is encouraged and expected.
Progressive Discipline – When unsatisfactory conduct continues, a progressive system of warnings will be followed to alert the student to performance deficiencies. The purpose of this system is to help the student improve behavior by specifying what action is improper; the problems it causes; the standard that is expected; and the future consequences of the student’s unsatisfactory performance. This system will be followed for such reasons as, but not limited to: excessive absence or tardiness; lack of cooperation; poor attitude; or unsatisfactory work performance.
1. First a verbal warning is given with a written notation in the student's file.
2. If the problem does not improve, a written warning will be issued.
3. Finally, the student will be dismissed from the program. Dismissal from the school is the last step in this procedure and will take place if the student’s conduct does not improve following the progressive disciplinary procedure.
Dismissal – A student may be dismissed from the school without prior warning, for actions including, but not limited to the following incidents: theft, vandalism, cheating, falsification of time cards or other school records, disseminating confidential information, gross insubordination or other gross misconduct, mistreatment of patients, willful or inexcusable negligence, convictions in the courts for a felony offense. Students suspected of working under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be referred to the Occupational Health Department.

PURPOSE:
To establish a procedural guidelines for student complaints and/or grievances concerning the School of Radiologic Technology, WCA Healthcare System.

POLICY:
The Advisory Committee of the School of Radiologic Technology, WCA Healthcare System has established a policy for student appeals.

PROCEDURE:

Students are requested to follow the "chain of command" that is established for the radiology program.
All formal complaints are to be submitted in writing within five (5) days of the action(s) brought against you.
A grievance or appeal submitted in response to actions of the program officials or faculty must be initiated within five (5) days of the action.
If a student has a complaint or grievance that concerns the clinical aspect of their training they should first try to resolve it through the Clinical Instructor.
If the attempt to resolve the complaint or grievance through the Clinical Instructor is, in their opinion unsuccessful, the student should then advance to the Educational Director with a written statement of the grievance within five (5) days of the action and their interpretation of the Clinical Instructor's response.
When the student has a complaint or grievance that concerns the academic or administrative aspect of their training they should first try to resolve it through the Educational Director.
The Educational Director will then try to explain or alleviate the complaint or grievance that the student presents within 48 hours of receipt.
After following these steps if the student is still unsatisfied with the solution they can submit within 48 hours, in writing, to any faculty member a request to present their complaint before the Appeals Process Committee of the School of Radiography. If the complaint or grievance concerns a committee member that member will be excused from the meeting.
Appeals Process Committee
Vice President of Administration
Employment Coordinator
Cardiology Coordinator
Staff Development Coordinator
Medical Technology School Director
Within one week (five (5) working days) after receipt of the written request to present their grievance before the committee the student will be informed as to the date that they will present their grievance.
The student will then present him/herself before the committee with all supporting evidence and information.
The Appeals Process Committee will review the information that has been presented before them and render a decision.
The Educational Director will inform the student, by written notification, the decision of the Committee. This will be done within 48 hours of the Appeals Process Committee meeting.
Decisions of the Appeals Process Committee are final.