RADIATION THERAPY PROGRAM

Student Handbook

Effective academic year 2013-2014 Revised 1/2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Accreditation 4 Americans with Disabilities 14 Applications ARRT 18

Applications Florida License 18 Attendance

didactic 21 clinical 24

Audio/Visual Recording 18 Background Checks 16 Cheating 21-22 Clinical Behavior Guidelines 23 Clinical Education Centers 4 Clinical & Lab Practicum Workbook 23-24 Clinical Policies 22 Clinical Probation 22 Clinical Rotation 23 Clinical Supervision of students 24-25 CPR 24 Didactic Program 11 Didactic/Lab Schedules 20 Dismissal/Readmission 21 Dress Code 25 Drug Testing 16 Emergency Alerts 14 Emergency Care in Clinical/Practicum Setting 17 Energized Lab 19 Equity 13 Faculty Information 4 Faculty Office Hours 18 Fees 12 Film Badge, Dosimetry Report/Service 19-20 Financial Aid 17 Grading Scale 21 Grievance Policy 13 Graduation Requirements 18

Health/Medical Insurance 15 HIV/AIDS 16 Incident Reports 17 Infectious Disease Statement 15-16 Liability Insurance 15 Licensure/Certification 18-19 Emergency/Medical Leave 17 Mission Statement 5 Non Discrimination Policy 12 Physicals and Updates 14-15 Physical Requisites 20 Pregnancy Policy 16-17 Probation Guidelines 22 Program Philosophy 5 Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes 6-7 Program of Studies 8-10 Public Safety 13 Radiation Therapy Work Policy 20 Schedules

didactic 20 clinical 20

Smoking 18 Veterans Benefits 18 Vision Statement 5 Attachments:

Copy of Program Handbook Signature Sheet 27 Copy of Clinical Agreement 28-29

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FACULTY:

Karen M. Nelson, M.S.,R.T.(R)(T) Program Manager/Director Gwen Suarez, B.S., R.T.(T) Instructor/Clinical Coordinator Kendall Michael Gantour, A.S.,R.T.(T) Part Time Clinical Associate Daniel O’Neill, CMD, R.T.(T) Adjunct Faculty Lisa Stout, MBA, CMD, R.T.(T) Adjunct Faculty Susan Mc Intyre, M.S. Adjunct Faculty

ACCREDITATION:

Florida State Department of Education

Southern Association of College and Schools The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

20 N. Wacker Drive Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182, 321.704.5300 mail@jrcert.org

The JRCERT Standards are available on the program website at:

http://www.hccfl.edu/departments/health-science/radiation-therapy.aspx

Clinical Education Centers

The Radiation Therapy Program and Hillsborough Community College currently

maintain active affiliation agreements with twenty-five (25) clinical education centers. A list of sites is published on the program website and will be distributed to each student

at orientation as well as published in the Clinical and Lab Practicum Workbook. Information regarding the clinical sites is available from the Program Manager and

Clinical Coordinator.

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Vision Statement: The Radiation Therapy Program strives to offer a high quality learning environment that prepares the students to become leaders in the field of radiation therapy.

Mission Statement:

The Radiation Therapy Program will educate and develop qualified, entry level

radiation therapists.

The program’s strong commitment to the didactic and clinical components provides

experiences that aid the student in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective radiation therapist and respond to the needs of today’s changing medical

environment. Community affiliations and partnerships provide clinical opportunities for challenging, stimulating learning experiences that direct student success in radiation therapy.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY: The field of Radiation Therapy is a health science specialty that educates students in the application of ionizing and gamma radiation administered to patients with neoplastic diseases. In order for the student to fully understand the treatment delivery process, (s)he must have a thorough knowledge of every aspect of the disease including treatment, simulation, histology, physics, and tissue reactions with radiation. Treatments are administered utilizing high energy linear accelerators, with multiple energies, photons, electrons that incorporate the newest technology which include Multi Leaf Collimation, Intensity Modulating Radiation Therapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery and the Gamma Knife. Simulation and treatment planning are integral to the overall success of the students. In depth study of these vital components is presented through didactic classes and labs utilizing hands on experiences in the VERTUAL Lab, CT Simulation and Treatment Planning.

The program faculty believes that educational excellence is central to the delivery of instruction and encourage students to adapt to challenging situations and employ good communication and problem solving skills.

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PROGRAM GOALS AND Student Learning Outcomes:

Goal # 1: Students will demonstrate competent clinical skills.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate correct patient treatment setup skills Students will demonstrate the ability to accurately image the patient Students verifies treatment parameters and activate the patient treatment Students adhere to radiation protection guidelines

Goal #2: Students/Graduates will develop effective critical thinking and problem

solving skills.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will successfully use critical thinking and problem solving skills during practical simulation lab exams Graduates will use critical thinking and problem solving skills when compared others with similar education and skills Students will demonstrate effective problem solving skills in the clinical setting

Goal #3: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills in the clinical

Setting.

Student Learning Outcome: Students effectively communicate with clinical staff Students effectively communicate with patients Students practice effective written communication skills

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Goal #4: Students/graduates will conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Student Learning Outcome: Students/Graduates will be members of the ASRT Students exhibit professional work skills Students will present a professional appearance at clinic Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner at clinic

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Program of Studies: The program of studies is as follows.........

RADIATION THERAPY PROGRAM

(AS.RAT.GEN) 77 credit hours

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE

Prerequisite Courses for Admission ENC 1101 Freshman English I 3cr. BSC 1085 Anatomy and Physiology I 3cr. BSC 1085L Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 1cr. MAC 1105 College Algebra 3cr. PSY 2012 General Psychology 3cr.

total credits 13

YEAR I

FALL SEMESTER RAT 2001C Introduction to Radiation Therapy 2 cr. RAT 1614 Radiation Therapy Physics I 2cr. BSC 1086 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 3cr. BSC 1086L Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab 1cr. ENC 1102 English II 3cr.

total credits 11

SPRING SEMESTER RAT 1618 Radiation Therapy Physics II 2cr. RAT 1800 Introduction to Radiation Therapy Clinic I 1cr. RTE 1157 Medical Imaging of Human Structures 3cr. RTE 1782 Pathology of Medical/Surgical Diseases 3cr. XXX XXXX Any Humanities Course 3cr.

total credits 12

SUMMER SEMESTER RAT 2023 Principles and Practices of Radiation

Therapy I 3cr. RAT 2303 Psychosocial Aspects of Oncology 2cr. RAT 1810 Introduction to Radiation Therapy Clinic II 2cr .

total credits 7

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YEAR II

FALL SEMESTER .RAT 2242 Principles and Practices of Radiation Therapy II 4cr. RAT 2804 Radiation Therapy Clinic I 3cr. RAT 2620 Radiation Therapy Physics III 3cr. RAT 2901 L Simulation Lab I 1cr. RAT 2901 Simulation Lecture 1cr.

total credits 12

SPRING SEMESTER RAT 2021 Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning 3cr. RAT 2621 C Radiation Therapy Physics IV 3cr. RAT 2814 Radiation Therapy Clinic II 3cr. RAT 2902 L Simulation Lab II 1cr. RAT 2902 Simulation Lecture 1cr. RTE 2385 Radiation Biology 3cr.

total credits 14

SUMMER SEMESTER

RAT 2824 Radiation Therapy Clinic III 3cr. RAT 2619 L Computer Applications in Treatment

Planning 2cr. RTE 2473 L Quality Assurance in Radiation Therapy 1cr. RAT 2061 Radiation Therapy Seminar 2cr.

total credits 8

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RADIATION THERAPY PROGRAM

COLLEGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE Radiation Therapy Specialist

(#438) 43 credit hours

YEAR I SUMMER I & II SEMESTER RAT 2023 Principles and Practices of Radiation

Therapy I 3cr. RAT 2303 Psychological Aspects of Oncology 2cr. RAT 1810 Introduction to Radiation Therapy Clinic II 2cr. LIS 1004 Introduction to Internet Research 1cr.

total credits 8

YEAR II FALL SEMESTER RAT 2242 Principles and Practices of Radiation

Therapy II 4cr. RAT 2804 Radiation Therapy Clinic I 3cr. RAT 2620 Radiation Therapy Physics III 3cr. RAT 2901 L Simulation Lab I 1cr. RAT 2901 Simulation Lab Lecture 1cr. CGS 1107 Introduction to Computers 1cr.

total credits 13

SPRING SEMESTER RAT 2021 Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning 3cr. RAT 2621 Radiation Therapy Physics IV 3cr.. RAT 2814 Radiation Therapy Clinic II 3cr. RAT 2902L Simulation Lab II 1cr. RAT 2901 Simulation Lab Lecture 1cr. RTE 2385 Radiation Biology 3cr. .

total credits 14

SUMMER SEMESTER RAT 2824 Radiation Therapy Clinic III 3cr. RAT 2619 L Computer Applications in Treatment

Planning 2cr. RAT 2473 Quality Assurance in Radiation Therapy 1cr. RAT 2061 Radiation Therapy Seminar 2cr.

total credits 8

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DIDACTIC PROGRAM The Radiation Therapy Program has two distinct didactic phases, they are:

Associate of Science Degree.. This program is designed for high school graduates who have successfully fulfilled the program prerequisites. The course is presented over a two year period with the courses sequenced and structured accordingly. The total number of credit hours for this degree are 77 credits.

Specialist (Certificate)... This program is designed for Radiographers who wish to specialize in the field of Radiation Therapy. Admission requirements include ARRT Registry eligible or Registered Radiographers licensed by the State of Florida in Radiography. The course is presented over a fifteen (15) month period, beginning in the Summer semester. The total number of credit hours for this certificate are 43.

The academic program encompasses both an extensive didactic and clinical portion. Didactic classes are held in the classroom and laboratory in the Technology building on the Dale Mabry Campus. General education classes may be taken at any one of the HCC campuses for completion of program requirements. The clinical experience provides the student with twenty-five facilities for developing quality practical skills. The student will rotate through four (4) clinical sites, one (1) per semester. In accordance with JRCERT standards, rotation schedules are developed by the Clinical Coordinator. To help ensure equitable clinical experiences, in a variety of clinical settings, equipment and patient treatments. Students as much as possible, will experience the latest technology in patient treatment and simulation. To help ensure equitable clinical experiences, the clinical coordinator will consider the type of treatment unit, simulator and computer software when placing a student at a clinical education center. In addition, the type of clinical setting ie, hospital or private center, and the variety of treatment procedures performed will also be considered when assigning students to a site The program is affiliated with 25 hospitals and cancer centers in Hillsborough, Polk, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, Pasco Counties as well as centers located in Gainesville, Ocala and Orlando Florida. A list of clinical education centers with addresses/telephone numbers, equipment, software and clinical supervisor information will be distributed to each student.

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PROGRAM FEES

The program fees are in accordance with the fee schedule set by HCC and can be found in the HCC catalog. Tuition for the 2012/2013 academic year is $104.39 per credit hour for instate students and $379.61per credit hour for out of state students.

Associate of Science Degree 77 Credit Hours

Florida Resident $ 8038.03 Non-Florida Resident $29229.97

Certificate/Specialist 43 Credit Hours

Florida Resident $ 4488.77 Non-Florida Resident $16323.23

Additional Fees for: Books, Lab fees, film badge service, seminars, graduation, uniforms, tolls, and parking are the responsibility of the student and can cost approximately $3500.00. Tuition fees are subject to change. All other fees are approximated. Students are responsible for transportation to/from clinical sites.

Non Discrimination Statement: Hillsborough Community College is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that makes employment and education –related decisions without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other bias that is or may be prohibited by law. In addition, the college does not discriminate in employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. HCC is committed to equitable treatment of all students and employees and to a learning and working environment free of discrimination and harassment for current as well as future students and employees. The college provides equal educational opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities and complies with as well as, supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. HCC’s equity officer ensures compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment. Employees and students who believe that they have been a victim of discrimination or sexual harassment should contact: Special Assistant to the President for Equity and Special Programs GWS District Administration Center 39 Columbus Drive Tampa, Florida 33606 Telephone: 813-253-7037 email: jhomes16@hccfl.edu

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STUDENT ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY: This procedure establishes guidelines by which a student can dispute the process in which a grade was determined. If the student believes that the grade has been awarded in error or if the student believes that the grade was prejudicially or capriciously awarded. The college acknowledges that grade policies are the purview of the faculty and that faculty member who have graded objectively and subjectively based on their professional expertise and who have followed the grade policies published in their syllabi have not warded grades in a capricious or discriminatory manner. For the policy and procedure please visit the college catalog. http://www.hccfl.edu/media/566947/student.academic.grievance2-5-12,pdf

PUBLIC SAFETY: The HCC public safety office is available to assist all students and employees. The public safety office patrols college property to detect and deter criminal activity, provide protection to those on campus, provide security for college property, and detect and document hazardous, unusual and suspicious behavior and conditions. The public safety department provides information and assistance on a 24-hour basis. The department utilizes uniformed patrol officers with marked vehicles and officers on fort patrol to observe and detect criminal behavior and suspicious activities, enforce traffic and parking regulations and assist students and employees. Students, employees, and members of the community are required to obey all local, state and federal laws, statutes and ordinances. In addition, members of the college community must observe all HCC administrative rules and procedures. The public safety department is responsible for monitoring compliance with these laws and many of the college’s rules and procedures. Please visit the website for more information. http://www.hccfl.edu/gwsc/admin-and-finance/departments/public-safety.aspx

EQUITY: Hillsborough Community College is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that makes employment and education-related decisions without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other bias that is or may be prohibited by law. In addition, the college does not discriminate in employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students.

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HCC is committed to equitable treatment for all students and employees and to a learning and working environment free of discrimination and harassment for current as well as future students and employees. The college provides equal educational opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities and complies with, as well as supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. http://www.hccfl.edu/gwsc/equity--diversity-office.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act: HCC complies with, and fully supports, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the services, programs and activities provided and operated by the college. HCC also complies with, and fully supports, other federal, state and local laws that protect the rights of disabled persons, such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Florida Educational Equity Act. Unless the result will cause an undue hardship to the college or fundamentally alter a program or service provided by the college, HCC will provide reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids to disabled applicants, employees, students and members of the college community.

Emergency Alerts:

Emergency alerts will be posted on the HCC website by flashing a warning on the home page. Students may register for text messaging or email alerts concerning the college, emergencies, closings and deadlines by going to: http://www.hccfl.edu/alert

RADIATION THERAPY PROGRAM POLICIES:

1. STUDENT PHYSICALS: All students MUST have a physical examination and provide appropriate documentation on the HCC Health Science Physical Examination Form.

Completed forms including immunizations are due in the program office by

the first week in October. The form must be completed by a licensed physician, copies of all lab work, and

immunizations or proof of immunizations must be attached to the form. Forms will be provided to all students at the health sciences orientation.

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HEALTH UPDATES: Health updates will be required by those students who have completed one year

of the program. Update forms will be distributed to all rising seniors at the end of the Summer semester. Health update forms are due prior to the first day of the clinical rotation for the Fall semester.

2. CPR, HIV: Students are required to have a valid CPR certification prior to assignment at a clinical education center. CPR, 4 hour HIV class, blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases class will be scheduled during the Fall semester.

3. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE: Students are assessed a lab fee for each clinical course which includes professional liability insurance.

4. MEDICAL INSURANCE: All students are strongly encouraged to check their personal health insurance

policy to ensure that she/he is covered by the policy for illness or injury resulting

from the clinical experience. Certain of the College’s affiliate hospitals

require all students attending the facility to provide proof of medical

insurance. Students attending theses affiliate sites must comply with this

condition of affiliation. Emergency care for a student injured in the clinical

setting is addressed in this document under the section titled Emergency

Treatment in the Clinical/Practicum Setting.

5. INFECTIOUS DISEASES STATEMENT: During the student’s rotation in the clinical facilities, the student may be exposed

to environmental hazards and infectious diseases including, but not limited to Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and HIV (AIDS).

Hillsborough Community College requires that all Health Science program students obtain vaccinations prior to entering the clinical experience portion of

the program.

Proof of vaccination from Hepatitis B is required. If, for some reason a student

does not get the Hepatitis B immunizations, the student will be required to

sign a release form. All hospital policies and procedures supersede College policy regarding prevention of infectious diseases, and in accordance with the Affiliation Agreement between the College and the hospital/agency, the student must abide by those policies and procedures.

The student understands and assumes the risks involved in the clinical portion of the Health Sciences Programs at HCC, especially the risk of contracting

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Hepatitis B through human blood spills, Tuberculosis, HIV (AIDS) and other related infectious diseases while participating in the required clinical

experiences. The student agrees to abide by all hospital/agency policies regarding exposure to infectious diseases.

6. DRUG TESTING: Students are required to abide by the policies and procedures of the clinical education center as well as the college policy related to drug testing for the purpose of clinical education. Please refer to the college policy on drug testing in the informed consent packet.

7. BACKGROUND CHECKS: Students are required to have a background check prior to admission to the

Program. Additional background checks may be required in order to meet the requirements for attending a clinical site.

8. HIV/AIDS POLICY: The HCC policy established for HIV/AIDS can be found in the college catalog or

by contacting the Dean of Health Wellness and Sports Technology office.

9. PREGNANCY POLICY: The Radiation Program at HCC allows a female student the option of informing the Program officials of her pregnancy. If the woman chooses to voluntarily inform Program officials of her pregnancy, it must be in writing and indicate the expected date of confinement (delivery). In the absence of this voluntary written disclosure, a student cannot be considered pregnant. If the student chooses to disclose her pregnancy, she will have the following options:

1. Continuing the educational program without modification or interruption.

2. Modification in clinical assignments

3. Leave of absence from clinical assignments

4. Leave of absence from the Program.

5. At any time, the student has the option of written withdrawal of her

pregnancy declaration

The Program allows the pregnant student to make an informed decision based upon her individual needs and preferences. Once a student voluntarily informs Program officials of her pregnancy, she will be requested to purchase a second radiation monitoring device to be worn at the level of the abdomen under the lead apron to monitor fetal exposure.

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The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement maintains that the monthly fetal dose shall not exceed .05 Rem; this ensures that the fetal dose during the term of the pregnancy remains below .5 Rem.

10. STUDENT EMERGENCY/MEDICAL CONDITIONS LEAVE:

The Radiation Therapy Program at HCC requests that a student voluntarily inform the Program Manager of a medical condition that may currently or in the future require accommodation. In every instance, the student must provide notice in writing from his/her physician stating that the student is physically able to continue as a student including clinical duties. In the absence of voluntary written disclosure, the program cannot accommodate any medical condition. In instances of possible radiation exposure or a similar situation, a pregnant student must wear a fetal radiation monitor badge in addition to her personal radiation badge.

11. EMERGENCY CARE IN CLINICAL SETTING: In the event a student requires emergency treatment, the clinical site will provide such treatment according to the conditions set forth in the affiliation agreement between the College and the hospital/affiliate. The student is solely liable for any medical expenses incurred from any emergency medical treatment administered while a student in the clinical education center. Please refer to the college policy in the informed consent packet.

12. INCIDENT REPORTS: Incident reports will be completed by the clinical supervisor and signed by the

student for any of the following situations:

1. Injuries at the clinical site should be reported to the clinical coordinator

who will document the injury

2. If the student comes in contact with infectious disease/s during the

clinical rotation

3. When any action is performed that would require the submission of an

incident report and in conjunction with the clinical site, program and

college policies on reporting incidents

4. The student must inform the clinical coordinator within twenty four (24)

hours of the incident. The clinical coordinator, program manager, clinical

supervisor and student will complete the appropriate forms.

13. FINANCIAL AID: Financial aid is available for all students. There is a financial aid office on every HCC campus in the student services building.

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14. VETERANS BENEFITS:

The Radiation Therapy Program is approved for VA benefits. The student should consult with a VA representative at the onset of the program to review the benefits associated with the program.

15. AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING: Students must have the permission of the class instructor in order to record or video any class or use class content.

16. SMOKING: HCC is a tobacco-free college. The College prohibits the use of tobacco products of any kind by everyone, everywhere, on any of the campus properties.

17. OFFICE HOURS: Faculty office hours can be found on the course syllabus and are also posted next to the office door of each faculty member for each of the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Visits outside of the posted hours are scheduled by appointment only.

18. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: The student must successfully complete all required courses as stated in the Program of Studies and receive a grade of:

1. C or better in all RTE and RAT courses

2. Successful completion of all ARRT mandated and program clinical

competencies is required

19. LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION: Application for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology Examination in Radiation Therapy and the Florida Department of Health application for state licensure will be distributed to seniors during the beginning of the summer semester. Prior to students submitting an application, the Program Manager will review the application process with all potential graduates.

All applications for the ARRT exam must be signed by the Program Manager. Students must submit an academic evaluation showing progress toward the degree with only the summer classes in progress remaining.

Students should also complete the application with an attached passport photo and submit all required documents to the program manager for signature. Program Manager’s signature will not be given if students do not follow the above guideline.

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Submission of the application form and fees is the sole responsibility of the student. Fees are as follows.

ARRT: Initial Exam $200.00 Repeat Exam $175.00

Florida Department of Health, Office of Radiation Control:

Initial fee $50.00

Student graduates must be certified by ARRT and licensed by the State of

Florida, Office of Radiation Control in order to practice radiation therapy.

20. ENERGIZED LAB: The Simulation laboratory is located in the technology building (T-102) and houses a CT simulator which produces radiation. Students are required to wear a film badge when attending lab. Film badges must be worn at all times when working in the lab and producing radiation. Students must wear film badges at all times during the clinical rotation courses. Policies and procedures for the energized lab are posted in the lab and distributed to students in RAT 2023 Principles and Practices of Radiation Therapy I where students are introduced to the CT simulator warm-up and scanning.

21. FILM BADGE AND RADIATION SAFETY: Film badges must be worn at all times when the student is working in the

energized lab and on all clinical rotation days. A fee will be assessed and paid directly to the HCC bookstore for the number of months that the student will matriculate in the program. Radiation exposure reports will be place in the classroom and lab for student verification of radiation exposure. Students are required to sign off on the report to ensure that the student has read the reporting period exposure. The program policy for student review and signature of the radiation exposure or dosimetry report is as follows:

1. The dosimetry report will be posted in the energized lab (Technology 102)

and students will have five (5) class days in which to sign the report. If the

student does not sign off on the dosimetry report a 5 point deduction will

be taken from lab or clinical grade.

2. The program manager discusses the importance of the dosimetry report at

the program orientation and each semester at orientation to the clinical

course.

3. The program manager will send an email to the class when the dosimetry

report has been posted in the energized lab to let the class know that the

dosimetry report is available for review and signature.

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Film badge reports are monitored by the Radiation Safety Officer and the Program Manager to ensure the safe use of radiation. Students are counseled on the safe use of radiation during external beam treatments as well as those students observing brachytherapy procedures. The Radiation Safety Officer will monitor the readings each month and notify the Program Manager/student if the results are above normal limits for that particular month. Although our dosimetry service (Landauer) provides notification to the Radiation Safety Officer when and individual’s dose exceeds 20% of regulatory (NRC/Nuclear Regulatory Commission) limits for any given wear period, the Radiation Safety Officer will notify the Program Manager/student if the does exceeds 10% of NRC and ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable). The student is then asked to provide (in writing) an explanation (if possible) to keep on record in the RSO’s office and annually reported to the Dean of Health Sciences.

Radiation Safety and occupational exposure is taught throughout the curriculum in the following courses: RAT 1614, RAT 2001C, RAT1618, RAT 1800, and RAT 2473L

22. PHYSICAL REQUISITES: Students in the Radiation Therapy Program should have sufficient visual acuity and auditory perception to observe the patient during treatment in order to take any action necessary should the patient move or require immediate assistance. Auditory perception, gross and fine motor coordination is also important in order to receive verbal communication from the patient and manipulate the equipment. Students should be able to think critically, plan, implement care and interact with individual patients and staff.

23. DIDACTIC/CLINICAL LAB SCHEDULES: Schedules will be generated by the program faculty for all labs and clinical schedules. Changes can be made ONLY by the program faculty. Students must adhere to the clinical and lab schedules.

24. WORK POLICY:

A student in the Radiation Therapy Program is not permitted to work for pay as a Radiation Therapist as long as (s)he is enrolled in the Radiation Therapy Program. This is a program policy as well as a JRCERT policy and Florida State law. The student may work at jobs other than that of a Radiation Therapist while continuing in the program. Previous experience demonstrates that students working in excess of 20 hours per week may have difficulties maintaining a grade of C or better.

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25. ATTENDANCE: Didactic classroom attendance policies are determined by the individual instructor and addressed in the course syllabus. The student is responsible for all work missed during an absence. Clinical attendance and absentee policies are documented in the Clinical and Lab Practicum Workbook.

26. GRADING: The radiation therapy program grading scale (unless otherwise noted) is as follows: CLINICAL DIDATIC A 100-95 A 100-93 B 94-90 B 92-84 C 89-85 C 83-75 D 84 and below D 74 and below

Students must maintain a C or better in all program courses in order to continue in the program each semester.

27. DISMISSAL/READMISSION: Please refer to the HCC Health Science Manual and the HCC catalog for detailed information regarding dismissal from and readmission to this and any other health science program.

28. CHEATING: Cheating in any form will not be tolerated and shall result in the student

receiving a failing grade for that particular test, assignment, lab or project. In addition, evidence of cheating will be taken to the Dean of Health Science for further action. This action may result in dismissal from the Radiation

Therapy Program. The student will not be readmitted to the program if dismissed for cheating.

If at any time it is determined by the clinical supervisors, clinical staff, program faculty that a student has falsified any section of the Clinical Lab Practicum

Workbook, competency forms, or any other program documents, the student will receive a failing grade for that clinical course.

Cheating includes but is not limited to: 1. Sharing answers on an exam, test or quiz 2. Looking at another student’s exam, test, or quiz

3. Having written information on the desktop, cell phone, calculator or anywhere that is accessible to student for the sole purpose of cheating 4. Talking to another student during an exam, test, or quiz

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5. Sharing answers on an in class assignment or take home test 6. Plagiarism 7. Using a previously written report from another class, course or discipline 8. Stealing exams, tests, or quizzes 9. Giving old exams, tests, quizzes, workbooks to students enrolled in the program 10. Assisting another student in any of the above 11. Talking to another student during a laboratory competency test 12. Sharing information regarding the competency 13. Having written material, simulation forms, diagrams, films in the laboratory during the competency test 14. Use of a programmed calculator with information regarding the test, exam programmed into the calculator. 15. Students must work independently unless otherwise specified.

29. PROBATION GUIDELINES: For HCC policies regarding student misconduct, please refer to the HCC

catalog. A student may be placed on probation in the Radiation Therapy Program in a clinical course for the following reasons:

1. Unsatisfactory clinical evaluation by an instructor, clinical supervisor, clinical

staff, program faculty with a calculated grade of C or less. 2. Unexcused absence results in 5 point deduction and possible clinical probation.

3. Absence of three (3) days or more of clinical attendance 4. Noncompliance with program and clinical policies and procedures 5. Withdraw from a clinical education center and/or leaving the clinical site without permission 6. Lack of proper documentation of competencies 7. Incomplete competencies, failure to perform competencies by the required published clinical dates 8. Removal of a student from a clinical site at the request of the clinical supervisor and site

Students placed on probation must meet with the Clinical Coordinator and Program Manager to formulate an educational plan in order to track student performance during the probation period. If the level of performance necessary is not achieved during the probation period, the student may receive a failing grade for the clinical course and be dismissed from the program.

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CLINICAL POLICIES: The program has very specific attendance policies for the clinical courses. These policies can adversely affect a student’s grade and continuation in the program.

Clinical attendance policies can be found in the Clinical and Lab Practicum Workbook. Students must attend all required clinical days and any absence must be made up with the permission of the Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Coordinator. Unexcused absences will negatively impact the student’s clinical grade and matriculation in the program. Documentation of illness and/or family emergencies must be presented to the Program Manager and will be discussed on an individual basis.

1. CLINICAL ROTATIONS: Please refer to the Clinical and Lab Practicum Workbook for the address and telephone numbers of all clinical education centers. Machine rotation schedules are created by the Clinical Coordinator prior to the clinical rotation, students must adhere to this schedule. Equipment rotation schedules will be distributed to each student prior to the clinical assignment. Any deviation from this schedule must be discussed with Clinical Coordinator, Program Manager and Clinical Supervisor.

2. CLINICAL BEHAVIOR: Specific behavioral guidelines are outlined in the Clinical and Lab Practicum Workbook. Students are expected to abide by these established guidelines. Students are expected to adhere to all clinical education center policies and procedures, follow institutional guidelines, and work as an integral part of the radiation therapy team.

3. CLINICAL AND LAB PRACTICUM WORKBOOK: This workbook is required for all clinical courses. The workbook is available for purchase in the HCC bookstore and must be purchased by the student prior to the first day of class. The workbook includes all necessary information for the second year clinical courses RAT 2804, 2814 and 2824. This workbook can be purchases in the bookstore by second year students only. A clinical and lab practicum workbook is available for first year students in the Spring semester and includes all information for the first year clinical courses RAT 1800 and RAT 1810. The workbook can be purchased in the bookstore by first year students only. The workbook is the official document utilized by HCC faculty to document a student’s clinical experiences and performance. Students are strongly

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encouraged to keep this document current at all times. The clinical workbook will be reviewed regularly by faculty visiting the clinical sites for the purpose of clinical education and competency testing. Students are required to have this document available at all times during in the clinical rotations. The workbook is an integral part of the student clinical grade.

4. Clinical Attendance: There are five (5) clinical courses in the Radiation Therapy program, they are: RAT 1800, RAT 1810, RAT 2804, RAT 2814, RAT 2824. Students are required to complete eight and one half (8.5) hours per day. The normal clinical day is 8:00-4:30 with one half hour for lunch and two (2) fifteen minute breaks or one (1) hour for lunch. Some clinical sites may adhere to a different time schedule, students should follow this schedule and communicate the change to the Clinical Coordinator. Students must adhere to the program’s absentee policy which is documented in the Clinical and Lab Practicum Workbook. Please refer to the workbook for policy information.

5. CPR: CPR certification must be maintained through the duration of the program

6. STUDENT SUPERVISION:

Radiation Therapy Students MUST be supervised at all times by a certified

and licensed Radiation Therapist during the clinical day.

The Program, accrediting agency (JRCERT), and the State of Florida laws governing ionizing radiation require that the student be supervised in the performance of radiation therapy procedures under the following guidelines:

1. The student must not take the place of a qualified staff radiation therapist

2. DIRECT SUPERVISION: all clinical assignments should be carried out under

the Direct Supervision of a qualified radiation therapist and include:

• reviews the procedure in relation to the student’s achievement,

• evaluates the condition of the patient in relation to the student’s

achievement,

• is physically present during the conduct of the procedure, and

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• reviews/approves the procedure or grades the procedure/competency

3. INDIRECT SUPERVISION: supervision by a qualified radiation therapist immediately available to assist the student regardless of their level of achievement. “Immediately Available” is interpreted as the physical presence of a qualified radiation therapist adjacent to the room or location where a radiation therapy procedure is being performed

4. All competencies must be completed with a qualified radiation therapist

7. Dress Code: Students must be dressed in a professional manner at all times in the clinical setting. The complete uniform is listed as follows:

Female and Male:

*Radiation Therapy approved scrubs

*Black long sleeved undershirt under the scrub top and an approved

scrub jacket

*Dark nursing shoes or tennis shoes with socks

*HCC photo ID

*FILM BADGE

*writing pen black

*pocket notebook

*ruler

*sharpie pen

Film Badge and Photo ID must be worn at all times; students must

be in uniform at all times while in the clinical setting; Long hair

must be pulled back

Please refer to the Clinical and Lab Practicum Workbook for specific policies relating to the following:

Required Clinical Time

Tardy Policy

Absentee Policy

Makeup Time

Leaving Assigned Areas

Leaving Early

Clinical Assignments

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Department Rules and Regulations

Clinical Supervisors

Clinical Experience Log Sheet

Clinical Grade

Clinical Probation

Inadequate Clinical Performance

Clinical Objectives and Guidelines

Sample Competency Forms

Time Log

Weekly Evaluations and Comments

All other clinical policies

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HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DIVISION OF HEALTH, WELLNESS AND SPORTS TECHNOGIES

RADIATION THERAPY PROGRAM

PROGRAM HANDBOOK SIGNATURE

I, ______________________________________________________acknowledge that I have read a copy of the Hillsborough Community College (RADIATION THERAPY PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK) which is posted on the program website and that the information has been discussed with me. I understand that I am responsible for knowledge of the guidelines and policies of the Program, the Division of Health, Wellness and sports Technologies, Student Handbook and Academic Planner. I further understand that those policies are subject to change and that such changes will be made available to me and posted on the program website and will be binding at that time. _________________________________________________________ ___________ Student signature Date __________________________________________________________ Student Identification number __________________________________________________________ ____________ Witness Date __________________________________________________________ _____________ Signature of Faculty Date Revised January 2014

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RADIATION THERAPY PROGRAM CLINICAL AGREEMENT: This agreement is between Hillsborough Community College, the JRC approved

clinical site and the radiation therapy student. The student whose name appears

below understands and agrees to follow and adhere to the following policies.

1.I understand that as a part of my clinical education in the Radiation Therapy Program at Hillsborough Community College, I will be required to travel to the assigned clinical education center 2.I understand that I shall be required to provide my own transportation to and from the campus classes, labs and the assigned clinical education center

3.I will conduct myself in an ethical, professional manner at all times while in the clinical site according to the ASRT and Radiation Therapy Code of Ethics, follow the professional practice standards and adhere to program and clinical site policies and procedures 4.I understand that any unfavorable conduct on my part may jeopardize my placement at the assigned clinical site 5. I understand that each clinical site may exercise its right under the affiliation agreement, to request my withdraw from its facilities if my conduct and/or clinical performance is NOT within acceptable standards of safe, effective performance or within the scope of practice. This performance includes interactions with patients and clinical staff 6. I understand that if asked to leave a clinical site, there is no guarantee of placement at another clinical site. Also, if asked to leave two clinical sites, the student will be dismissed from the program as stated in the Health Wellness and Sports Technology Department Operations Manual, which is posted on the HCC website and students are required to read during the application process

7.I acknowledge and understand that while I am performing in the clinical setting I am subject to the possibility of contracting a disease or incurring bodily injury as a result of activities in the facility. I further

understand that the College does not insure the students against these possibilities. Therefore, I acknowledge that I, the student, assume full responsibility

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8.The College provides a film badge monitoring service through R.S. Landaur for students Involved in the production of ionizing radiation. I understand that I am required to purchase this film badge service for the duration of the program, either Associate in Science (24 months) or College Credit Certificate (15 months). I understand that all fees for the film badge service will be paid to the bookstore and a receipt provided to the Program Manager. Fees vary by year and are announced at the program orientation. Film badge monitoring is mandatory when working in the energized lab Technology 102 and when assigned to a clinical site. Monitoring reports will be provided bi- monthly for student review and sign off 9.I agree to follow the rotation time sequence and machine rotation schedule for clinical experiences as set forward by the clinical coordinator for the duration of the program. Any change in these schedules must be made by and approved by the clinical coordinator

10.I agree to wear a HCC photo ID at all times when rotating in the clinical site. This photo ID can be obtained in the HCC bookstore

11.I acknowledge that I have been directed to the program website to read the radiation therapy program handbook and the JRCERT Standards for educational programs

12.I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the following documents in hard copy format or via email:

Clinical and Lab Practicum Workbook

Clinical Syllabus

Clinical Rotation Schedule

Clinical Equipment Rotation Schedule

Clinical Competency Packet

By my signature_____________________________________, I agree to all clinical policies and procedures established by the college, the program and the clinical site. Print Name:_____________________________________Date:____________

Faculty:________________________________________Date_________

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