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JRCERT Update

The Role of a Site Visitor in

Programmatic Accreditation

Lisa F Schmidt, PhD, R.T.(R)(M), CRT(R)
Chad Hensley, MEd, R.T.(R)(MR)

he Joint Review Committee on Education in and application of the Standards. Reasons for partici-
Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the only pating in programmatic accreditation include:
organization the U.S. Department of ƒ Participation in the peer-review process. Selection
TEducation (USDE) and the Council for Higher as a site visitor is viewed as an esteemed position,
Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize to accred- and the site visitor becomes a representative of the
it traditional and distance delivery educational pro- JRCERT as well as the profession.
grams in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic reso- ƒ Increased knowledge of programmatic accredi-
nance, and medical dosimetry. According to the coun- tation benefits the site visitor and his or her
cil, “accreditation is the primary means of assuring and employer. The site visitor gains knowledge about
improving the quality of higher education institutions the Standards and accreditation process, can
and programs in the United States.” The USDE identi- serve as an expert, and can educate the profes-
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fies the on-site evaluation that a team of peers performs sionals with which he or she interacts while
as part of the primary accrediting activities vital to the conducting a site visit.
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accreditation process. Peer review in accreditation is ƒ Networking opportunities and collaboration
based on the fundamental assumption that quality in with other programs and professionals. The net-
higher education is best served through a process that working opportunities to interact with program
enables peers of the institution to make the judgments officials and administrators from across the coun-
essential to ensuring and advancing the quality of try cannot be replicated.
higher learning. 3 ƒ Mentoring opportunities with programs and pro-
fessionals. Site visitors mentor individuals such as
The Process and Procedure educators, administrators, and students.
During the accreditation process, each educational ƒ A sense of pride for contributing to the quality
program prepares a self-study report to highlight its of the profession. A sense of professional pride
achievements and to help the JRCERT determine the comes from being part of a team dedicated to
program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. maintaining the quality of a radiologic science
Once program materials are submitted to the JRCERT education.
office, the site visit, which is an integral component in
affirming the quality of the educational program, is How to Become a Site Visitor
established. Dedicated and qualified site visitors are an Site visitors are selected based on the review of sub-
essential element of the accreditation process. mitted applications from individuals who have applied
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through the JRCERT website. Once site visitors are
Value of Becoming a Site Visitor chosen, subsequent professional development activities
The ability to examine a program and compare it to include detailed introspection of the JRCERT Standards,
the JRCERT Standards requires that site visitors pos- the accreditation process, and outcomes assessment.
sess traits such as professionalism, competence, and Continual professional development also is required
objectivity as well as develop a thorough understanding for site visitors to help ensure they remain apprised of

196 asrt.org/publications
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2019. All rights reserved.