Student Performance Evaluations
(Competency/Clinical Attitude and Ability)
Student Performance Evaluations are based upon specified levels of technical and professional competency and provide an opportunity for guidance and assistance when student improvement is necessary. All Clinical Attitude and Ability Evaluations and competency evaluations will be signed by the student and discussed with them by the Clinical Instructor and/or Program Faculty.
During the radiography program, the student will be expected to show progression and development in the required technical and affective skills. The student performance evaluations will be used to help identify potential problem areas for the student, as evidenced by scores marked in columns 1 or 2. Counseling received by the student will be progressive when low evaluation scores (marks in columns 1 and 2) are received. The 1st and 2nd times a low mark is received in a specific section will result in completion of a behavior form. The third time a low mark is received in the same section will result in a grade of 0 recorded for the evaluation portion of the clinical course. Low marks are cumulative throughout the program. For example, a student scores in column 1 on an eval during their 1st and 2nd semesters and again in their 3rd semester. The student will receive a “0” on the evaluation portion of the clinical course in that 3rd semester.
- If the student earns a “No” on any portion of Section I or Section IV, it will be considered a failed attempt, and an automatic grade of “0” will be assigned.
- If the student earns a score below 90 on Section II, it will be considered a failed attempt, and an automatic grade of “0” will be assigned.
- Each “0” will result in a point deduction on the participation section of the clinical grade.
- The student is responsible for making sure each failed competency form is submitted to the clinical instructor. Failure to submit a failed competency will result in a 15-point deduction from the daily worksheet section of the course grade.
- The student will be required to repeat the exam on another patient, at another time.
- Competencies turned in without a student's signature will be considered unsuccessful and must be repeated. A zero score will be received for this comp (-1 point).
There is no set limit to the number of times the student may attempt the exam for competency; however, remediation will be given for each failed attempt. Students are urged to be confident in their ability to perform a competency examination before they request to be evaluated so that they can complete the task at an acceptable level the first time. The student is reminded that any student-caused errors or repeated radiographs demonstrate a lack of competency and will result in a failed attempt.
The student is responsible for completing the total required number of competencies (mandatory and elective) before the end of the last clinical rotation. A grade of "I" will be given if the required number of competencies in each category is not achieved. The student must then return the next semester on a schedule created by the program faculty until the required number of clinical competencies is finished. A maximum of 6 weeks will be given for the completion of the comps. The incomplete grade automatically changes to an "F" after that date. A grade of "I" will mean that graduation will be delayed, as well as the eligibility date for the ARRT exam.
The purpose of performing a final or terminal competency evaluation is to ensure at least a minimum level of competency on a variety of commonly performed routine radiographic examinations. This helps to verify that the final semester curriculum student has maintained continued proficiency in exams that have been previously "comped" or “checked off”. Each student will be required to perform seven terminal competency exams with image evaluation during the last semester of clinical experience.
After a student has successfully completed a competency evaluation, they will be expected to perform the same examination later and on other patients to ensure continued proficiency. These continued proficiency exams will be a requirement to pass all clinical courses after the first semester. The number and types of proficiency exams required will be listed in each clinical course syllabus. If a student produces 2 sub-optimal exams previously completed, the clinical instructor has the authority to pull the original competency.
Continued proficiency exams must be completed with the original level of competency to be considered complete. Proficiency exams are all pass/fail grades. The student must "declare" when they are about to perform an exam for proficiency. Otherwise, a proficiency cannot be given later after an exam has been performed unless the declaration has been made. The student is responsible for keeping a log of their proficiency exams for the semester. The clinical instructor or program faculty should be the evaluator of proficiency exams whenever possible. Repeated exams are documented on repeat worksheets. Clinical Instructors will discuss all repeats with students and perform remediation as needed.
A proficiency exam must be completed using the routine for the clinical site at which it is attempted. For example, if the routine calls for a 4-view knee, the student can only use the exam for one proficiency.
A proficiency exam cannot be counted if any of the images had to be repeated for student-caused errors, including inaccurate technique, positioning errors, etc.
Responsibilities
The expectations for performing labs, comps, and proficiencies are the same.
Student Responsibilities:
- Must “Call” if they are performing an exam for a lab/comp/proficiency before they even get the patient!
- Must receive permission from the supervising technologist to attempt the exam for a lab/comp/proficiency
- The student must bring the patient into the room
- Verify patient information, using two site-approved patient identifiers.
- Perform the entire exam unassisted, including technique.
- Let the patient go.
- Clean room.
- The student presents the supervising technologist with the respective form.
- Student takes form to A-B Tech Clinical Instructor, or designee, to go over the anatomy of the exam.
Technologist Responsibilities:
- Observe procedure.
- A technologist can intervene at any time they deem necessary for whatever reason, but this will result in the student not being able to take the exam.
- Approve all images obtained.
- Perform all paperwork/computer work associated with the exam.
- The student will present the tech with a form to document the exam. If the student fails to provide the form, please let the Clinical Instructor know. This is considered an ethics violation. The student has been informed of the severity of this action and will be disciplined accordingly.