Computed Tomography (CT)

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CT-Specific Handbook

Program Description

See the CT Homepage, About the Profession and Our Program for complete descriptions of the Computed Tomography Practicum.

Accreditation

The Computed Tomography Practicum is offered as an advanced option under the Radiography Program and is not a separately accredited program. The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

For more information on JRCERT, please use the contact information below: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Phone: 312.704.5300 Chicago, IL 60606-3182 Website: www.jrcert.org

Program-Specific Policies & Procedures

All CT students will be required to sign the Student Responsibility Statement.

Supervision of Students

Clinical Supervision of Students: All MITS students must have adequate and proper supervision during all clinical assignments as specified by individual institutional, program, and accreditation policies. The following policies and procedures apply to UNMC clinical assignments for students, technologists, and evaluators.

CT Procedure: A registered technologist will provide direct supervision for procedures performed. The student will transition from observation to active participation during the curriculum. Initially, the staff technologist will provide direct one-on-one supervision regardless of the exam or its degree of difficulty. Ultimately the student will transition to a more active role in the completion of an exam. After adequate didactic and clinical instruction and exam competency has been established, the supervising technologist may take on more of an indirect role. The supervising technologist will always remain available to the student.

Procedure for Clinical Evaluations

1. Clinical evaluations include the three domains of learning: cognitive (knowledge), affective (professional behaviors), and psychomotor (technical skills).
2. The student will receive a minimum of two evaluations for affective, psychomotor, and cognitive areas in the practicum.
3. Clinical instructor and staff feedback will be used in the evaluation process.

Academic Probation

Students who perform at a non-acceptable level as defined by the program, in any of the three domains, may be placed on immediate academic probation. Students who do not show immediate rectification of the problems will be put on academic probation.

1. Students will be notified of the nature of the problem and discuss ways to improve.
2. The length of the probationary period will be clearly defined on an individual basis.
3. At a defined time the student will receive another evaluation. If improvement is not demonstrated, the student will be removed from clinic and a failing grade can be issued for the clinical course. A committee of program directors in the MITS department will assess and determine if dismissal from the program will be recommended.
4. If improvement is shown, the student may either be removed from probation or probation may be continued for a defined time.
5. If the behavior is noted again at any time during the remainder of the practicum, the student will immediately receive a failing grade for the course and be recommended for dismissal.

Clinical Compliance

Accidents/Incidents: As general policy, MITS students will comply with the policies and procedures with the clinical site at which they are assigned. It is the policy that there be written reports of all unusual incidents/accidents. An incident is an unusual occurrence which is not consistent with the routine operation of the institution or clinical rotation which may or did cause harm, involves possible negligence, requires some immediate consideration or action by a supervisor.

A student enrolled in a program in the Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences is expected to provide prompt, complete and accurate written documentation of the details related to any accidents/incidents, thus enabling corrective actions and/or programs for prevention. The program adheres to the Infection Control Policy for University Hospitals and Clinics. Students with signs and symptoms of an infectious process should report immediately to the program director for appropriate referral.

All accidents/incidents must immediately be reported to the technical supervisor or immediate person in charge. Proper report forms must be completed.

Equipment Use and Operation: The professions in Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences employ the use of highly specialized equipment. Any equipment failure or equipment that is not in proper working order must be reported immediately to the technical supervisor. Do not place any calls to equipment representatives. Do not attempt to repair.

Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Plan for Students

Campus Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure (on and off campus): Students must call the Medical Communication Center at 402-559-6824 or the OUCH pager at 402-888-6824 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) ASAP and report to the nearest emergency room for appropriate blood borne pathogen procedures. On the next work day, please call the Student Health office at 402-559-5158 with information regarding your ER visit.

Radiation Protection

It is each student’s responsibility to adhere to the following guidance for radiation protection:

1. Students must practice safe radiation and protection criteria and practice the principles of ALARA at all times. These are found in the UNMC Radiation Safety Manual available online at www.unmc.edu/CRSO .
2. The principles of decreased time and increased distance and shielding shall be employed when working with radiation.
3. The spread of any accidental contamination from radioactive materials will be decreased by frequent personnel monitoring and hand washing.
4. Radiation exposure is measured by personnel monitoring device; therefore, they must be worn at all times within the department. Personnel monitoring devices are to be worn at the collar. It is the student’s responsibility to exchange badges on a quarterly basis with person designated by the RSO for each program.
5. If your personnel monitoring device is lost or left where it can be exposed unknowingly, contact the respective program director immediately.
6. In accordance with the philosophy of keeping exposures ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), the Radiation Safety Office has established levels at which the dosimetry company will provide immediate notification of a higher than normal reading. These notification levels are presently as follows: