Page 70 - JRCERT Update Articles

JRCERT Update

Zelna, Schmidt

the program and the clinical education settings, clinical this process; clinical instructors, preceptors, and clini-
coordinators provide oversight and direction in creat- cal staff also provide insight and perspectives into the
ing clinical assignments and schedules that provide student learning process and program effectiveness.
students with learning opportunities in current and
developing imaging or therapeutic technologies. These Standard 6, Objectives 6.2, 6.4-6.6
observations and clinical rotations in the imaging The clinical coordinator has an important respon-
environment help students to make informed career sibility as liaison between the program and the clinical
decisions and aid in professional growth for graduates. settings. Clinical coordinators often are required to col-
During clinical education rotations, students must lect documentation from the clinical instructors at the
be made aware of their progress; therefore, clinical clinical settings (eg, copies of current curriculum vitae
coordinators collaborate with clinical instructors to or résumés and copies of current American Registry of
keep students abreast of their competency comple- Radiologic Technologists registration or equivalent). In
tion, grades, and what is needed for course completion. addition, affiliation agreements between the program
Educating clinical instructors and staff on their respon- or sponsoring institution and the clinical settings must
sibilities, which are defined by the program curriculum be acquired and submitted to the JRCERT for recogni-
and policies, confirms that the curriculum is practiced tion approval before students are placed at the setting.
and that students are obtaining what is needed to com- Furthermore, documentation proving that the clinical
plete the program. Clinical instructors require feedback settings are in compliance with applicable state and fed-
from students, and the clinical coordinator acquires eral radiation safety laws is required for clinical setting
such feedback and shares it with clinical instructors. recognition. Programs meet requirements by following
the standards and objectives.
Standard 4, Objectives 4.1-4.8
Radiation safety policies exist for clinical staff and The Transition
students to follow, and students are supervised on a Because the role of the clinical coordinator is
continuum during clinical education. Clinical instruc- dynamic, fluid, and fast-paced, it can be overwhelming
tors and clinical staff are not always cognizant of the in the early stages of the transition. The role requires
nuances in program policies, such as the distinction a close working relationship and consistent commu-
between direct and indirect supervision; therefore, the nication with the program director and the clinical
clinical coordinator is vital in this aspect of the educa- education settings staff, an understanding of the del-
tion process. In addition, clinical coordinators ensure egation of program operation responsibilities, and
that students complete the required number of com- consideration of the integration of clinical education in
bined clinical and classroom hours, practice ALARA the program. Understanding the JRCERT Standards
(as low as reasonably achievable) radiation safety princi- and objectives, particularly those that address clinical
ples and practices, and adhere to state standards where education, is imperative for a successful role transi-
applicable (eg, California). The program should create tion. Organizational skills also are critical for success
a bridge with the clinical setting to ensure students in an educational program. A working checklist of
are appropriately oriented to it, including the clinical reoccurring and individual monthly duties that incor-
settings’ health and safety policies and procedures to porate items from the standards and program-specific
protect students’ safety. requirements will be helpful to both new and seasoned
coordinators. See the Box for a list of responsibilities to
Standard 5, Objectives 5.1-5.5 be considered.
Assessment is necessary for confirming that the
program is meeting its mission, goals, student learning Conclusion
outcomes, and program effectiveness. The clinical coor- New clinical coordinators are curious, ask many
dinator and program director perform extensive roles in questions, and seek guidance from the program director

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, July/August 2019, Volume 90, Number 6 637
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2019. All rights reserved.