Page 69 - JRCERT Update Articles
P. 69
JRCERT Update
Transitioning to Clinical Coordinator:
Considerations for Taking the Role
Loraine D Zelna, MS, R.T.(R)(MR)
Lisa F Schmidt, PhD, R.T.(R)(M), CRT(R)
lthough internal transitioning from 1 faculty take place on a continuum, as the clinical coordinator
position to another is commonplace among is the liaison between the program and the clinical site
educators in radiography, radiation therapy, instructors, preceptors, management, and clinical staff.
Amedical dosimetry, and magnetic resonance Clinical instructors and clinical staff are respon-
imaging programs, transitioning into the role of clinical sible for providing oversight and training to students;
coordinator requires additional responsibilities. For however, the clinical coordinator should be familiar
programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on with the policies and procedures of each clinical educa-
Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the tion setting and collaborate directly with the clinical
clinical coordinator is accountable for many duties instructors on student schedules and clinical rotations
regarding the clinical education component and the to maximize student learning while following the
associated Standards and objectives. Standards. The clinical coordinator also must confirm
This article outlines the Standards and objectives that student documents are safeguarded according to
an individual must know as he or she transitions from federal, institutional, and programmatic requirements.
clinical instructor or faculty member to clinical coor-
dinator and addresses the responsibilities required in Standard 2, Objectives 2.5, 2.7
the new position. The objectives are not detailed in this Clinical coordinators are responsible for understand-
article; for more information, review the Standards on ing their position and what it entails at their respective
the JRCERT website. 1 institution (eg, how many teaching hours are required,
how often clinical sites are visited, and review of stu-
Standard 1, Objectives 1.1-1.4 dent documentation). In addition, they are responsible
Programs must ensure that the rights of students for ensuring that a minimum of 1 clinical instructor
are protected and that the policies and procedures are per clinical setting is designated, that the 10:1 student-
fair, equitably applied, and promote professionalism, instructor ratio is followed, and that the program has
whereas clinical coordinators must: the proper documentation required for JRCERT clini-
oversee the clinical education to ensure that all stu- cal setting recognition. Clinical coordinators also might
dents are provided equitable learning opportunities be responsible for ensuring the JRCERT database
correlate the clinical education with the didactic contains current information related to each clinical
education affiliate.
ensure that students’ clinical rotations are educa-
tionally valid Standard 3, Objectives 3.2, 3.3, 3.7-3.9
provide opportunities for students to obtain Clinical coordinators might be responsible for
required clinical and patient care competencies making sure the program mission statement is being
prevent the use of students as replacements for followed and for directing the clinical settings to follow
employees the competency-based curriculum requirements that
Communication and correspondence between the will enable students to meet the requirements for gradu-
clinical coordinator and the clinical settings should ation as entry-level technologists. As liaisons between
636 asrt.org/publications
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2019. All rights reserved.
