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The Role of a Site Visitor in

Programmatic Accreditation Improving Program Completion Rates

Lisa F Schmidt, PhD, R.T.(R)(M), CRT(R) Beverly Felder, RN, BSN, MPA
Chad Hensley, MEd, R.T.(R)(MR)

he Joint Review Committee on Education in and application of the Standards. Reasons for partici- ne frequently must start at the beginning to professional aspects of the student’s chosen career, the
Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the only pating in programmatic accreditation include: assess the end, and program completion rates program faculty might need to develop and implement
organization the U.S. Department of ƒ Participation in the peer-review process. Selection are 1 of those endings. The Joint Review interventions. This need is evident in radiologic science
TEducation (USDE) and the Council for Higher as a site visitor is viewed as an esteemed position, OCommittee on Education in Radiologic programs as well as in other selective admissions programs.
Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize to accred- and the site visitor becomes a representative of the Technology (JRCERT) has established standards for Despite previous excellent college performance and
it traditional and distance delivery educational pro- JRCERT as well as the profession. an accredited educational program to assure quality in testing capabilities, the highest rates of attrition for
grams in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic reso- ƒ Increased knowledge of programmatic accredi- educational programs. Standard Five, Objective 5.2, for programs occur in the first year. Although radiologic
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nance, and medical dosimetry. According to the coun- tation benefits the site visitor and his or her example, requires accredited programs to measure and science programs do not require an undergraduate
cil, “accreditation is the primary means of assuring and employer. The site visitor gains knowledge about assess program completion rates. “Program completion degree, prerequisite courses that demonstrate a success-
improving the quality of higher education institutions the Standards and accreditation process, can rate is defined as the number of students who complete ful acclamation to college-level workloads are required.
and programs in the United States.” The USDE identi- serve as an expert, and can educate the profes- the program within 150% of the stated program length.” In addition, some institutions use a general exam such
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fies the on-site evaluation that a team of peers performs sionals with which he or she interacts while To enhance autonomy, the program is responsible for as Accuplacer or Compass for further admission screen-
as part of the primary accrediting activities vital to the conducting a site visit. establishing the benchmark for its completion rate. ing or course placement. Similar first year attrition
accreditation process. Peer review in accreditation is ƒ Networking opportunities and collaboration Although programs that are seeking or maintaining still occurs even if these tools are used as predictors of
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based on the fundamental assumption that quality in with other programs and professionals. The net- accreditation typically do well with collecting data, they student success. However, when looking at aggregate
higher education is best served through a process that working opportunities to interact with program might struggle with analyzing the results. A program program completion rates for 2018 JRCERT accredited
enables peers of the institution to make the judgments officials and administrators from across the coun- completion rate is more than just the number of stu- programs, they demonstrate high completion rates
essential to ensuring and advancing the quality of try cannot be replicated. dents completing the program; it also serves as the start (see Table).
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higher learning. 3 ƒ Mentoring opportunities with programs and pro- of the evaluation process that begs to have 2 questions Radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance,
fessionals. Site visitors mentor individuals such as answered: Why did a loss of students occur, and when and medical dosimetry programs have the commonality of
The Process and Procedure educators, administrators, and students. in the program did it happen? a curriculum that scaffolds the previous semesters’ courses,
During the accreditation process, each educational ƒ A sense of pride for contributing to the quality a hands-on demonstration of knowledge in an actual
program prepares a self-study report to highlight its of the profession. A sense of professional pride Causes for Attrition professional environment (patient care environment),
achievements and to help the JRCERT determine the comes from being part of a team dedicated to There are many reasons for students not completing and customary didactic learning and testing. Traditional
program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. maintaining the quality of a radiologic science their selected programs, including: coursework might not have included a comprehensive
Once program materials are submitted to the JRCERT education. ƒ financial curriculum; therefore, these students might never have
office, the site visit, which is an integral component in ƒ health experienced this comprehensive interwoven structure.
affirming the quality of the educational program, is How to Become a Site Visitor ƒ family issues
established. Dedicated and qualified site visitors are an Site visitors are selected based on the review of sub- ƒ lack of time
essential element of the accreditation process. mitted applications from individuals who have applied ƒ academic performance Table
through the JRCERT website. Once site visitors are ƒ course expectations 2018 JRCERT Program Completion Rates
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Value of Becoming a Site Visitor chosen, subsequent professional development activities ƒ clinical placement issues Radiography 83%
The ability to examine a program and compare it to include detailed introspection of the JRCERT Standards, ƒ the profession not being what they expected Radiation Therapy 89%
the JRCERT Standards requires that site visitors pos- the accreditation process, and outcomes assessment. Most programs have internal resources to assist
sess traits such as professionalism, competence, and Continual professional development also is required students (eg, financial aid, tutoring, advisors, social Magnetic Resonance 95%
objectivity as well as develop a thorough understanding for site visitors to help ensure they remain apprised of workers), but when issues arise that affect the Medical Dosimetry 98%

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Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2019. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2019. All rights reserved.