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JRCERT Update

to proctor students. In addition, providing regular and example, Standard 3, Objective 3.2 of the 2021 JRCERT
timely feedback is essential to help learners identify Standards require that clinical education be supervised
areas for improvement and work toward achieving their by qualified clinical preceptors who have the appropriate
learning goals. 1 education, experience, and credentials to teach clinical
courses. Medical dosimetry programs providing virtual
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Strategies for Clinical Education clinical education must comply with supervision stan-
There are specific measures program officials might dards such as Standard 5, Objectives 5.3 and 5.4 of the
include to ensure successful clinical experiences for stu- 2021 JRCERT Standards. For virtual clinical education
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dents. Conducting a clinical orientation on the first day that can be provided by medical dosimetry programs
of the rotation can be important. This orientation might only, clinical preceptors and staff can use platforms
include introducing students to the team, setting expec- such as Zoom and Teams to supervise students while
tations, and sharing clinical documents, schedules, and they are performing their competencies and to review
preferred communication methods. To facilitate daily and approve students’ work before it is implemented. In
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communication between students and mentors, vari- addition, Standard 4 of the 2021 JRCERT Standards
ous instant messaging platforms such as Zoom (Zoom addesses curriculum and academic practices, including
Video Communications, Inc), and Teams (Microsoft objectives addressing the quality of educational pro-
Coporation) could be used. grams, regardless of mode of delivery. 3
In addition, providing learners with virtual simula-
tions and software needed to simulate realistic clinical Conclusion
experiences in a safe environment is vital. Access to Educators and clinical mentors have a crucial role
real cases incorporating computed tomography and in students’ success in virtual learning environments.
magnetic resonance imaging also can assist students in Because of the education challenges created by the
gaining insights into radiologic decision-making and ongoing pandemic and the accessibility of technol-
understanding the clinical context. Regular and timely ogy, virtual education has become an integral part of
feedback on their clinical work and simulated case stud- radiologic sciences programs. To ensure a seamless
ies should be provided through interactive discussions learning experience, regular communication, prompt
rather than through email, using screen-sharing func- feedback, technical support, instructional resources,
tions to review the cases. Technical support also should varied assessment methods, and in-person clinical times
be available to address issues that might arise during the are necessary. Effectively implementing these strategies
learning process. Providing instructional resources such can lead to successful learning outcomes for students.
as recorded videos, educational games, and interactive Educators and clinical mentors must continue to adapt
quizzes can improve students’ understanding of radio- to the virtual learning environment to provide the best
logic science concepts and theories. In-person clinical possible education for future health care professionals.
time should be scheduled for activities that cannot be
conducted virtually. 1
Mahsa Dehghanpour, EdD, CMD, serves as first vice
Standards Regarding Distance Education chair for the Joint Review Committee on Education in
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology board of directors and is professor
Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) has established stan- and medical dosimetry program director for The University
dards for distance education in radiologic technology of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
programs. These standards are designed to ensure that
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students receive quality didactic and clinical education References
that meets or exceeds the needs of the profession and the 1. Dehghanpour M, Baker J. The impact of COVID-19 on medical
dosimetry education: students’ perception on the effectiveness
expectations of employers. These standards should be of program’s immediate response. Med Dosim. 2022;47(2):123-
followed by programs offering distance education. For 128. doi:10.1016/j.meddos.2021.11.001

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, July/August 2023, Volume 94, Number 6 477
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2023. All rights reserved.