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JRCERT Update JRCERT Update

Integrating Study Abroad Opportunities in

The Health Sciences Curriculum

Kae B Fleming, EdD, R.T.(R)

hat if students could work collaboratively In addition, study abroad programs strive to improve
with other students from the radiologic the quality of education for the targeted populations
sciences or interprofessional health pro- by cultivating personal and professional skills to better
Wgrams in other countries? Studying prepare students for a diverse workplace. In other health
abroad provides extracurricular applied-learning expe- sciences study abroad programs, students reported
riences that enhance understanding of course content, improvements in the following abilities:
personal development, and job readiness. Health ƒ increased self-confidence, self-reliance, profes-
Sciences faculty at Columbia State Community College sional knowledge, and knowledge of international
in rural Tennessee have an ongoing goal to expand stu- health care systems 3
dent learning to include different cultures, health care ƒ opportunities to compare cultural differences
delivery models, procedures and protocols, and path- and similarities, build communication skills, and
ways for credentialing. enhance respect for cultural differences 4
ƒ soft skills (eg, understanding cultural differences
Advantages of Studying Abroad and improved relationships with instructors) 5
The Joint Review Committee on Education in With the acceleration of the changing health care
Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Standards for an landscape, there is a demonstrated need for future
Accredited Educational Program include requirements health care professionals who have increased knowledge
for a curriculum that prepares students for professional and experience regarding differences in culture, health
practice. Standard 4 Objective 4.2 states, “The program care delivery, academic preparation, protocols, and
provides a well-structured curriculum that prepares career opportunities beyond the students’ locality. The
students to practice in the professional discipline.” collaborative nature of studying abroad explicitly chal-
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Included in this objective is the incorporation of innova- lenges students to broaden their cultural awareness and
tive educational approaches and study abroad programs. heightens awareness of the interdisciplinary expecta-
In addition, the JRCERT requires programs to follow tions of the workplace.
the American Society of Radiologic Technologists cur-
ricula for radiography, radiation therapy, and magnetic Challenges With Studying Abroad
resonance imaging. Medical dosimetry programs fol- According to a report on the international educa-
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low the program provided by the American Association tion exchange, life sciences student participation in
for Medical Dosimetrists. Both curricula incorporate study abroad programs is disproportionately low, and
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cultural competencies, diversity, and inclusive envi- White students compose the majority of student abroad
ronments. Via study abroad opportunities, programs participants (see Table). Health sciences students also
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are incorporating cultural awareness and competency are underrepresented in study abroad programs. The
throughout the curriculum. Cultural competency has typical academic structure of health science programs,
value in every context and helps students prepare for scarcity of free electives, and year-round enrollment
gainful employment providing exceptional patient care make participation in general education, summer, mul-
to an increasingly diverse society. tiweek, or semester-abroad options virtually impossible

70 asrt.org/publications
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2023. All rights reserved.