radiation therapy program student handbook

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE

College of Science & Health

Radiation Therapy Program

Student Handbook

2018-2020

RadiationTherapyProgramStudentHandbook

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Table of Contents

SectionA-InformationRegardingRadiationTherapy…………………………………………………….3-5 A-1 DescriptionoftheProfession A-2 CodeofEthicsforRadiationTherapists A-3 EssentialFunctionsofaRadiationTherapist A-4 Education,Accreditation,CertificationandJobMarketSectionB-ProgramInformation………………………………………………………………………………….6-24 B-1 MissionandGoalsofUWSystemandUWLRadiationTherapyProgram B-2 AcademicRequirementsforAdmission B-3 RadiationTherapyCurriculum B-4 ClinicalInternshipCoursework B-5 RadiationTherapyProgramCourseDescriptions B-6 DevelopingProfessionalBehaviors B-7 WritingintheMajor B-8 ProgramOfficialsandTheirRoles B-9 AdvisoryCommittee B-10 ProgramAdvisement B-11 ExpensesandFinancialAid B-12 CriminalBackgroundCheckPolicyandProcedureSectionC-ProgramPolicies……………………………………………………………………………………….25-44 C-1 Attendance C-2 Grading C-3 AcademicHonesty C-4 Assignments C-5 CellPhoneUse C-6 LaptopsandMobileDevices C-7 Academic&Graduation C-8 RadiationTherapyProgramStudentRetention,Probation,andDismissal C-9 StudentAppealProcesses C-10 Fairness C-11 RecordsandReleaseofInformation C-12 PersonalStudentUseofSocialNetworkingSites C-13 Health&Safety C-14 StudentSickness C-15 RadiationSafety C-16 StudentPregnancySectionD-ClinicalInternship……………………………………………………………………………………45-66 D-1 TheClinicalInternshipExperience&ClinicalInternshipSites D-2 InternshipSitePlacement D-3 AffiliatedExternshipSites D-4 ClinicalInternshipAttendance D-5 InclementWeather D-6 ResponsibilitiesofStudentRadiationTherapists D-7 ClinicalRotations


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D-8 TheClinicalEducationComponent D-9 ChecklistofRequiredClinicalCompetencies D-10 DressandAppearanceStandardsDuringInternship D-11 RadiationProtectionPolicyandProceduresduringInternship D-12 MRISafetyPolicy D-13 StudentEmploymentPolicySectionE-InformationaboutEvaluationandAssessment………………………………………..67SectionF-Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………………..68 F-1 AppendixA:USNRCRegulatoryGuideregardingPrenatalExposure F-2 AppendixB:ReportingAllegationstoJRCERT F-3 AppendixC:IncidentReportingForm


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SectionA:InformationRegardingRadiationTherapy

A-1RadiationTherapy:ADescriptionoftheProfessionRadiationtherapistsarehealthcareprofessionalsskilledintheartandscienceofmedicalradiationtreatmentdelivery.Themajorityofpatientsreceivingradiationtherapyhavecancer.Alongwithsurgeryandchemotherapy,radiationtherapyoffersthesepatientsthebestchancetosucceedinthefightagainsttheirdisease.Themajorfocusareasoftheprofessionarethecareandassessmentofpatients,simulation,treatmentplanninganddeliveryoftreatmentsutilizinglinearacceleratorproducedradiationandradio-isotopes.Aimsoftreatmentincludecure,reliefofsymptoms,andimprovementofpatients’qualityoflife.Hightechnologyequipmentandinnovativetreatmentmethodsareutilizedtomaximizetreatmenteffectiveness.Radiationtherapistsmusthaveexcellenttechnicalskills,butmustalsobeempatheticandeffectivecommunicators.Muchsatisfactionisgainedfromclosepatientinteractionandthespecialty’steamapproachwithradiationoncologists,physicists,nursesandothermedicalspecialists.Radiationtherapyis“technologywithahumantouch”.

A-2CodeofEthicsforRadiationTherapists

• Theradiationtherapistadvancestheprincipleobjectiveoftheprofessiontoprovideservicestohumanitywithfullrespectforthedignityofmankind.

• Theradiationtherapistdeliverspatientcareandservicesunrestrictedbyconcernsofpersonalattributesorthenatureofthediseaseorillness,andnon-discriminatorywithrespecttorace,color,creed,sex,age,disabilityornationalorigin.

• Theradiationtherapistassessessituations;exercisescare,discretionandjudgment;assumesresponsibilityforprofessionaldecisions;andactsinthebestinterestofthepatient.

• TheradiationtherapistadherestothetenetsanddomainsoftheScopeofPracticeforRadiationTherapists.

• Theradiationtherapistactivelyengagesinlifelonglearningtomaintain,improveandenhanceprofessionalcompetenceandknowledge.

A-3EssentialFunctionsofaRadiationTherapist

AccordingtotheAmericanSocietyofRadiologicTechnologists,thenationalprofessionalsociety,theScopeofPracticeofaRadiationTherapistincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

• Providingoptimalpatientcare.• Receiving,relayinganddocumentingverbal,writtenandelectronicordersinthepatient’smedical

record.• Corroboratingapatient'sclinicalhistorywithprocedureandensuringinformationisdocumented

andavailableforusebyalicensedindependentpractitioner.• Verifyinginformedconsentforapplicableprocedures.• Assumingresponsibilityforpatientneedsduringprocedures.• Preparingpatientsforprocedures.• ApplyingprinciplesofALARAtominimizeexposuretopatient,selfandothers.• Performingvenipunctureasprescribedbyalicensedindependentpractitioner.• Starting,maintainingand/orremovingintravenousaccessasprescribedbyalicensedindependent

practitioner.


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• Identifying,preparingand/oradministeringmedicationsasprescribedbyalicensedindependentpractitioner.

• Evaluatingimagesfortechnicalqualityandensuringproperidentificationisrecorded.• Identifyingandrespondingtoemergencysituations.• Providingeducation.• Educatingandmonitoringstudentsandotherhealthcareproviders.• Performingongoingqualityassuranceactivities.• Applyingtheprinciplesofpatientsafetyduringallaspectsofpatientcare.

Thescopeofpracticeoftheradiationtherapistalsoincludes:

1. Deliveringradiationtherapytreatmentsasprescribedbyaradiationoncologist.2. Performingsimulation,treatmentplanningproceduresanddosimetriccalculationsasprescribedby

aradiationoncologist.3. Usingimagingtechnologiesfortheexplicitpurposeofsimulation,treatmentplanningandtreatment

deliveryasprescribedbyaradiationoncologist.4. Detectingandreportingsignificantchangesinpatients’conditionsanddeterminingwhento

withholdtreatmentuntiltheradiationoncologistisconsulted.5. Monitoringdosestonormaltissueswithintheirradiatedvolumetoensuretolerancelevelsarenot

exceeded.6. Constructing/preparingimmobilization,beamdirectionalandbeammodificationdevices.7. Participatinginbrachytherapyprocedures.

Domainsofpracticeinclude:organizationalandworkrolecompetencies,administeringandmonitoringradiationtherapytreatments,care-giving,effectivemanagementofrapidlychangingsituations,andprofessionalism.FullStandardsofPracticeofstandardsdocumentcanbeviewedat:https://www.asrt.org/docs/default-source/practice-standards-published/ps_rt.pdf?sfvrsn=2

A-4Education,Accreditation,CertificationandJobMarketEducationThemajorinradiationtherapyprovidesstudentswithaneducationalfoundationinthesciencesandhumanitiesaswellasclinicalexperienceinaradiationtherapydepartment.Thecurriculumrequiresaminimumofsixsemestersoncampusinpre-professionalandprofessionalcorecoursespriortotheseniorclinicalinternship.TheclinicalinternshipbeginsinJulyofthesenioryear,extendsfor13monthsandisspentatanaffiliatedhospitalinternshipsite.Admissiontothemajorisonacompetitivebasis.Uponacceptance,studentsmayregisterfortheprofessionalcorecourses.Studentswhosuccessfullymeetprogramrequirementswillinterviewwiththeclinicalsitesduringtheirjunioryearanduponselectionbyoneofthesiteswillbeplacedfortheseniorclinicalinternship.Allrequirementsforgeneraleducationandthemajormustbemetpriortograduation.Educationcontinuespost-graduationbyindividualresearchandreadingandrecognizedcontinuingeducationopportunitiesofferedbyemployersandprofessionalsocietiesandisrequiredformaintainingprofessionalcredentials.AccreditationTheUniversityisaccreditedbyNorthCentralAssociation.TheprogramisaccreditedbytheJointReviewCommitteeonEducationinRadiologicTechnology,20N.WackerDrive,Suite2850,Chicago,IL60606-3182.Thetelephonenumberis(312)704-5300.Seealsowww.jrcert.org

https://www.asrt.org/docs/default-source/practice-standards-published/ps_rt.pdf?sfvrsn=2

http://www.jrcert.org


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CertificationAnationalcertificationexamisofferedbyAmericanRegistryofRadiologicTechnologists.Studentsmayapplytotaketheregistryexamaftermeetingallrequirementsforgraduation.Thegraduatewillindividuallyschedulethetimeandlocationofthecomputerizedexam.AccordingtotheARRT,agraduatehasthreeopportunitiestopasstheexamination,afterwhich,theymustreturntoschoolforadditionaltraining.Applicantsandstudentsareadvisedthat“RulesofEthics”areestablishedbytheARRT.ThesearestandardsofminimallyacceptableprofessionalconductforallRegisteredTechnologistsandapplicants.Theyareintendedtopromotetheprotection,safetyandcomfortofpatients.ViolationoftheRulesofEthicscarriessanctions,including,amongothers,notbeingallowedtositfortheexamorforfeitingcertification.OneissueaddressedbytheRulesofEthicsistheconvictionofacrime,includingafelonyoramisdemeanorwiththeexceptionofspeedingandparkingviolations.Allalcoholand/ordrugrelatedviolationsmustbereported.Convictionsmustbereported.AllpotentialviolationsmustbeinvestigatedbytheARRTinordertodetermineeligibilityonacasebycasebasis.Individualsmayfileapre-applicationwiththeARRTtoobtainarulingoneligibilityatanytimepriortoorafterentryintoanaccreditededucationalprogram.Thepre-applicationmustberequesteddirectlyfromtheARRT(telephoneno.612-687-0048).Seealsowww.arrt.orgJobMarketRadiationtherapistsmayworkinhospitaldepartmentsorfreestandingfacilities.Optionsfordiversificationpresentinperformingspecialprocedures,dosimetry,management,andeducation.Therapistsmayalsoworkinsalesandtechnicalsupport.Thenumberofjobopeningsvarieswithtimeandlocation.Thegraduatecanenhancehis/hersuccessinsecuringapositionbybeingopentorelocation.

http://www.arrt.org


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SectionB:ProgramInformation

B-1UniversityofWisconsinSystemandUW-LaCrosseRadiationTherapyProgramMission,Vision,andGoalsUniversityofWisconsinSystemMission:Themissionofthesystemistodevelophumanresources,todiscoveranddisseminateknowledge,toextendknowledgeanditsapplicationbeyondtheboundariesofitscampuses,andtoserveandstimulatesocietybydevelopinginstudentsheightenedintellectual,cultural,andhumansensitivities;scientific,professional,andtechnologicalexpertise;andasenseofvalueandpurpose.Inherentinthismissionaremethodsofinstruction,research,extendededucationandpublicservicedesignedtoeducatepeopleandimprovethehumancondition.Basictoeverypurposeofthesystemisthesearchfortruth.

TheCoreMissionoftheUniversityofWisconsinSystemClusterInstitution:Withintheapproveddifferentiation

statedintheirselectmissions,eachuniversityintheclustershall:a. Offerassociateandbaccalaureatedegreelevelandselectedgraduateprogramswithinthecontextofits

approvedmissionstatement.b. Offeranenvironmentthatemphasizesteachingexcellenceandmeetstheeducationalandpersonalneeds

ofstudentsthrougheffectiveteaching,academicadvising,counseling,andthroughuniversity-sponsoredcultural,recreational,andextracurricularprograms.

c. Offeracoreofliberalstudiesthatsupportsuniversitydegreesinthearts,letters,andsciences,aswellasspecializedprofessional/technicaldegreesattheassociateandbaccalaureatelevel.

d. Offeraprogramofpre-professionalcurricularofferingsconsistentwiththeuniversity’smission.e. Expectscholarlyactivity,includingresearch,scholarshipandcreativeendeavor,thatsupportsitsprograms

attheassociateandbaccalaureatedegreelevel,itsselectedgraduateprograms,anditsapprovedmissionstatement.

f. Promotetheintegrationoftheextensionfunction,assisttheUniversityofWisconsin-Extensioninmeetingitsresponsibilityforstatewidecoordination,andencouragefacultyandstaffparticipationinoutreachactivity.

g. Participateininter-institutionalrelationshipsinordertomaximizeeducationalopportunityforthepeopleofthestateeffectivelyandefficientlythroughthesharingofresources.

h. Servetheneedsofwomen,minority,disadvantaged,disabled,andnon-traditionalstudentsandseekracialandethnicdiversificationofthestudentbodyandtheprofessionalfacultyandstaff.

i. Supportactivitiesdesignedtopromotetheeconomicdevelopmentofthestate.

UW-LaCrosseMission,Vision,andValuesMission:TheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseprovidesachallenging,dynamic,anddiverselearningenvironmentinwhichtheentireuniversitycommunityisfullyengagedinsupportingstudentsuccess.Groundedintheliberalarts,UWLfosterscuriosityandlife-longlearningthroughcollaboration,innovation,andthediscoveryanddisseminationofnewknowledge.Acknowledgingandrespectingthecontributionsofall,UWLisaregionalacademicandculturalcenterthatpreparesstudentstotaketheirplaceinaconstantlychangingworldcommunity.Theuniversityoffersundergraduateprogramsanddegreesintheartsandhumanities,healthandsciences,education,andbusinessadministration.Theuniversityoffersgraduateprogramsrelatedtoareasofemphasisandstrengthwithintheinstitution,includingbusinessadministration,education,health,thesciences,andthesocialsciences.


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Vision:TheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseaimstofosterwithineachstudentthecuriosity,creativity,andtenacitynecessarytosolvetheregional,national,andinternationalchallengesofthe21stcentury.Theuniversity'sofficialmottomenscorpusque("mindandbody")willcontinuetoguideourdirectionasastudent-centereduniversitycommittedtoaqualityeducationforthewholeperson.Assuch,itwillcontinuetoprovideopportunitiesbothinsideandoutsidetheclassroomforthedevelopmentofsoundmental,emotional,andethicalskills,aswellasgeneralwell-being.Ourstudents,faculty,andstaffwillexperiencetheworldthroughconstantlyevolvingtechnologiesandcultures.Thus,theskillsofeffectivecommunication,criticalthought,leadership,andanappreciationfordiversitymustbethehallmarksofaUWLeducation.Values:FassettCotton,ourinstitution'sfirstleader,servingfrom1909-1924,conceivedtheoriginalUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseeducationalphilosophyofthetotaldevelopmentoftheindividual.Later,historyprofessorandDeanoftheCollegeofArts,Letters,andSciences,WilliamM.Laux(1922-1967),suggestedthesymbolsofourofficialuniversitysealalongwiththeaccompanyingLatinphrase,menscorpusque,("mindandbody"),toexemplifyourcollectivecommitmenttoahighqualityeducationforthewholeperson.TheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrossevalues:

• Themenscorpusqueeducationalphilosophythatrecognizeseachstudentasawholepersonandaspirestoenhancebothmindandbodythroughthenoblesearchforknowledge,truth,andmeaningcentraltoawiderangeofhighqualitylearningexperiencesandscholarlypursuits.

• Diversity,equity,andtheinclusionandengagementofallpeopleinasafecampusclimatethatembracesandrespectstheinnumerabledifferentperspectivesfoundwithinanincreasinglyintegratedandculturallydiverseglobalcommunity.

• Ahighqualityoflifeandworkbalance,incorporatingbestpracticesforsharedgovernanceandtheacquisitionandefficientmanagementofresources,equitablecompensation,generalwellness,andsocial,environmental,andeconomicsustainability.

• CivicengagementandarenewedcommitmenttotheWisconsinIdea,inwhichoursociallyresponsiblecampusservesasaresourceforourincreasinglyintertwinedlocal,state,andglobalcommunities,collaboratingandsharingresourcesandexpertisetoimprovethehumancondition.

RadiationTherapyProgramMissionandGoalsMission:ThemissionoftheRadiationTherapyProgramattheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseistoeducateandtrainradiationtherapistswhoareknowledgeable,technicallycompetentanddedicatedtotheirprofessionandtheirpatients,meetingtheeducationalandpersonalneedsofitsstudentsbyemphasizingexcellenceineducationandofferingabroadbasedcurriculuminliberalstudies,professionalcoursesandclinicalinternship.Thisprogramadditionallyseekstopromoteresearchandprovideabaseforfurtherprofessionaldevelopmentofgraduates.Goals:

1. Studentswilldemonstratecriticalthinkingskills.2. Studentswillgrowanddevelopprofessionally.3. Studentswillbeclinicallycompetent.4. Studentswilldemonstrateeffectivecommunicationskills5. Theprogramwillsuccessfullymeettheneedsofitsstudentsandcommunitiesofinterest.


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B-2AcademicRequirementsforAdmissionPre-admission:

1. StudentsmayapplytotheRadiationTherapyPrograminDecemberpriortotheyearofintendedadmission,aftercompletingand/orregisteringforpre-requisiteandgeneraleducationcourses.

2. Applicantsarerequiredtohaveaminimumcumulativegradepointaverageof2.75ona4.0scaleandagradeof“C”orhigherinallgeneraleducationandpre-professionalcourses.Applicantsarerequiredtohaveaminimumpre-professionalgradepointaverageof2.75ona4.0scale.

3. Applicantsarerequiredtosatisfactorilycomplete40hoursofobservationinaradiationtherapydepartment.

4. Qualifiedapplicantswillbeinterviewed.Aselectioncommitteewillmakeacceptancedecisions.5. Selectedstudentswillbegintheprogramasacohortinthefallsemesteroftheyearofadmission.

Re-ApplicationtotheProgram:Ifastudentisnotacceptedintotheradiationtherapyprogram,thestudentmayopttoreapplytotheprogramthefollowingyear.Thefollowingproceduremustbefollowedforre-application:

1. Thestudentmustsubmitanentirelynewapplication.2. Thestudentmustrepeatclinicalhoursofobservation.However,thestudentisallowedtochoosewhere

thehoursarespent.Ifthestudentwishestorepeatthehoursatthesamelocationasthepreviousyearthatisaccepted,asisgoingtoadifferentsite.

3. Studentsalsoneedtoresubmitlettersofreference.4. Thestudentmustmeetwithadvisoreitherviaemailorinpersontodiscussre-application.5. Studentsareencouragedtopursueadifferentmajoraftertwoapplicationstotheprogram,andtherefore

shouldnotapplymorethantwicetotheprogram.


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B-3RadiationTherapyCurriculum

Pre-RequisiteProfessionalCourseRequirements:Thefollowingcoursesarerequiredforadmissiontotheprogram,inadditiontocompletionofthegeneraleducationcoursesrequiredbytheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosse.(Applicantsneedtohavecompletedorhaveregisteredforinordertobeaneligiblecandidate.)

CourseNumber CourseName Credits*BIO105 GeneralBiology 4BIO312-313 HumanAnatomy&PhysiologyI&II 8*CHM103-104 GeneralChemistryI&II 10*MTH151 Pre-calculus 4*MTH145 Statistics 4*PHY125or*PHY103&104 PhysicsfortheLifeSciencesorFundamental

PhysicsIorII4-8

*PSY100or*SOC110or*SOC120

GeneralPsychology,IntroductiontoSociology,orSocialProblems

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Note:StudentswhosemathplacementexamscoreallowsthementranceintoMTH207(Calculus)arenotrequiredtotakeMTH151butshouldregisterforMTH145(Statistics).*indicatescourseswhichalsomeetgeneraleducationrequirementsProfessionalCoreCourses:Thefollowingcoursesarecompletedduringthefirstyearoftheprogramoncampusbyadmittedstudents.Studentsmustmaintainagradeof“C”orbettertostayingoodstandinginthemajor.Retentionofgoodstandingintheprogramrequiresthatstudentsmaintainagradeof“C”orhigherinallrequiredcourses,aswellasasemesterandcumulativegradepointaverageof2.75ona4.0scale.TermTaken

CourseNumber

CourseName Credits

Fall BIO306 Genetics 4HP250 MedicalTerminology(onlinecourse) 1PHY386 RadiationPhysics 3RT310 Pathophysiology 3RT325 RadiationTherapyReadings,Writings,andResearch 3RT330 ProfessionalIssuesinRadiationTherapy 2

Spring BIO333 RadiationBiology 3BIO432 BiologyofCancer 2RT350 PatientCareIssues 3RT370 HealthCareSystemsandHumanResourcesinRT 2RT390 MedicalImaging 3RT400 ClinicalInternshipSeminar 1Totalcredits 30


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RecommendedElectives:Studentsshouldselectfromthefollowing

HP106 IntroductiontoHealthCareers 2PSY212 Life-SpanDevelopment 3PSY334 HealthPsychology 3PSY343 GroupDynamics 3PSY347 EmpathicListeningSkills 3SOC420 HealthCareandIllness 3SOC422 Death,GriefandBereavement 3RT499 IndependentStudyinRadiationTherapy 1-3

B-4ClinicalInternshipCoursework:Thesecondyearwillbespentinclinicalinternshipatoneofthefollowingsites:

• UniversityofWisconsinHospitalinMadison,Wisconsin• FroedtertHospitalorAscension-Columbia-St.Mary’sHospitalinMilwaukee,Wisconsin• GundersenHealthSysteminLaCrosseWI,• AdvocateLutheraninParkRidge,IL.• MarshfieldHealthSystem-MarshfieldClinicinMarshfield,WI

TheinternshipwillstartinearlyJulyfollowingthefirstyearandwillcontinueuntiltheendofJulyofthenextyear(approximately13months).Retentionofgoodstandingintheprogramrequiresthatstudentsmaintainagradeof“C”orhigherinallrequiredcourses,aswellasasemesterandcumulativegradepointaverageof2.75ona4.0scale.StudentswillcompletecoursestaughteitheronlineorbytheEducationDirectorattherespectivesite.WhenstudentshavecompletedtherequirementsfortheUniversityandthemajortheyareeligibletograduate.An“intentto”graduateformmustbesubmittedandstudentswhocompleteinthesummerwillparticipateintheMaycommencementceremony.ClinicalInternshipCourses:Term Course

NumberCourseName Credits

SummerI RT401 IntroductiontoRadiationTherapy 3RT471 ClinicalPracticumI 3

Fall RT411 Principles&PracticeofRadiationTherapyI 4RT421 CrossSectional,Topographic&RadiographicAnatomy 3RT431 RadiationTherapyPhysics 3RT472 ClinicalPracticumII 6

Spring RT412 Principles&PracticeofRadiationTherapyII 4RT435 Dosimetry&TreatmentPlanning 3RT437 QualityManagementinRadiationTherapy 2RT473 ClinicalPracticumIII 6

SummerII RT481 SeminarinRadiationTherapy 3RT474 ClinicalPracticumIV 6TotalCredits

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B-5RadiationTherapyCourseDescriptionsFirstYear:On-campusProfessionalCourses

HP/RT310Cr.3PathophysiologyThiscoursefocusesonthepathophysiologicdisordersthataffecthealthysystemsacrossthelifespan.Theoriesofdiseasecausationareintroduced.Areasofemphasisincludecellularandsystemicresponses,clinicalmanifestationsandtheresponseoftissuetoradiationdamage.Acquired,immune,infectious,carcinogenicandgeneticalterationsinbodysystemsareincluded.RT325Cr.3RadiationTherapyReadings,Writing,andResearchThiscourseintroducesradiationtherapystudentstothelanguageofradiationtherapyandprofessionalissuesinthefieldbytheuseofselectedreadings.TheRadiationTherapyWritingintheMajorprogramwillbeintroducedalongwiththetypesofwritingpracticedinthefield.Studentswilllearnbasicresearchtechniquesandbegintoapplythemtotheirprofessionaleducation.RT330Cr.2ProfessionalIssuesinRadiationTherapyThiscoursewillprovidestudentswithknowledgerelatedtotheprofessionalissuespertinenttothefieldofradiationtherapy.Coursetopicswillinclude:professionaldevelopment,careeradvancement/options,radiationtherapistscopeofpracticeandpracticestandards,certificationandlicensure,radiationtherapyprofessionalorganizations,legislativeissuesinradiationtherapy,aswellasethicsandintroductorylawinradiationtherapy.RT350Cr.3PatientCareIssuesThiscoursewillpreparestudentstoworkdirectlywithpatientsinahealthcaresetting.Itwillcoversuchtopicsas:communicationandpatienteducation,assessment,examinationandmonitoringofpatients,bodymechanicsandpatienthandlingskills,infectioncontrol,managementofmedicalemergenciesandCPR,nutritionalcounseling.RT370Cr.2HealthCareSystemsandHumanResourcesinRadiationTherapyThiscoursewillprovideentry-levelradiationtherapistswiththebasichealthsystemandhumanresourceknowledge.CoursetopicswillincludecharacteristicsofU.S.HealthCareSystem,insurance,healthcareaccess,reimbursementinradiationtherapy,andapplicablehumanresourcetopics.RT390Cr.3MedicalImagingThiscoursewillprovideradiationtherapystudentswiththeoryandinformationregardingmedicalimagingprocedures.Radiationtherapistsplayacrucialroleinimagingfortreatmentplanningandtreatmentfieldverification.Thecoursewillprovideinstructiononanaloganddigitalimaging,aswellasvariousimagingmodalities.RT400Cr.1ClinicalInternshipSeminarThiscoursewillpreparestudentsfortheclinicalinternshipportionoftheprogram.Coursetopicswillinclude:professionaldevelopment,teambuildingskills,radiationtherapyterminology,basicclinicalconcepts,immobilizationdeviceconstruction,CPR,andradiationtherapyequipmentbasics.


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SecondYear-ClinicalInternshipCoursesRT411Cr.4PrinciplesandPracticeofRadiationTherapyIThiscourse,taughtduringtheclinicalinternshipyear,addressestheconceptsofcancertreatment,focusingprimarilyonradiationtherapy.Methodsofimprovingtherapeuticadvantageareinvestigated.Studentslearnsafeandeffectiveuseofequipmentandaccessoriesalongwiththerationalefortheirclinicalapplication.Technicalaspectsoftreatmentsimulationanddeliveryaredeveloped.Treatmentrelatedsideeffectsandtheirmanagementandspecialpatientsituationsareaddressed.RT412Cr.4PrinciplesandPracticeofRadiationTherapyIIThiscourse,taughtduringtheclinicalinternship,advancesthestudent’sknowledgeofneoplasticdiseasemanagement.Cancersandsomebenignconditionsofvariousbodysitesarediscussedinrelationtonaturalhistory,treatmentandprognosis.Technicalaspectsrelatedtoradiationplanninganddeliveryarecloselyinvestigatedaswellaspertinentanatomicalconsiderations,combinationtherapy,treatmentresultsandthetherapist’sroleindiseasemanagement.RT421Cr.3CrossSectional,Topographic&RadiographicAnatomyThiscourse,taughtduringtheclinicalinternship,revisitsanatomyspecificallyfromanimagingperspective.Studentswilllearntoidentifystructuresandpathologyonx-rays,CTandMRIscansandlocatetopographiclandmarksondiagnosticandsimulationfilms.RT431Cr.3RadiationTherapyPhysicsThiscourse,taughtduringtheclinicalinternship,expandsthestudent’sunderstandingofphysicsrelatedtoradiationtherapy.Topicsincludethecomponentsandoperationoflinearacceleratorsandothertreatmentmachines,brachytherapy,specificationandmodificationofbeamqualityandcharacteristics,measurementofabsorbeddose,treatmentmachinecalibration,beamgeometryandtreatmentwithparticles.RT435Cr.3DosimetryandTreatmentPlanningThiscourse,taughtduringtheclinicalinternship,focusesonthecharacteristics,measurementandmanipulationofradiationdosedeliveryintreatment.Thisinvolvesadvancedconceptsofmethodsofalteringdosetooptimizetheeffectivenessoftheradiationtreatment.Treatmentplanningforavarietyoftumorsitesandsituationsisdiscussed.RT437Cr.2QualityManagementinRadiationTherapyThiscourse,taughtduringtheclinicalinternship,focusesonthepurposeandtechniquesofqualitymanagementinaradiationoncologyprogram.Theimportanceofdocumentation,consistentapplicationofspecifiedprotocolsandassessmentofoutcomesareaddressed.Theresponsibilitiesoftheradiationtherapistwithintheradiationoncologyteamforqualityfunctionsarehighlighted.


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RT471Cr.3ClinicalPracticumIThiscourse,offeredthefirstsummersessionoftheclinicalinternship,willorientstudentstotheclinicaloperationoftheinternshipsite.Studentswillobservestaffoperationsintheradiationtherapyclinic,simulation,treatmentplanning,andtreatmentdeliveryareas.RT472Cr.6ClinicalPracticumIIThiscourse,offeredfallsemesteroftheclinicalinternship,willprogressstudents’clinicalskillsfromobservationinsimulation,treatmentplanningandtreatmentdeliverytothepointofparticipationanddevelopmentofbasiccompetencies.RT473Cr.6ClinicalPracticumIIIThiscourse,offeredspringsemesteroftheclinicalinternship,willofferstudentstheopportunitytocontinuetheprocessofdevelopingcompetenceandconfidenceintheareasofsimulation,treatmentplanningandtreatmentdelivery.Theywilldemonstratecompetenceinintermediateandsomeadvancedprocedures.Studentswillalsobegivenopportunitytoworkindosimetry.RT474Cr.4ClinicalPracticumIVThiscourse,offeredduringthefinalsummersessionoftheclinicalinternship,willcompletethestudents’clinicaleducationexperience.Bytheendofthiscourse,studentswillhavedevelopedproficiencyandconfidenceinareasofsimulation,treatmentplanningandtreatmentdelivery.Theywillcompleteallrequiredcompetencies.Opportunitiestobroadentheexperienceandworkwithdifferentequipment,techniquesandadvancedprocedureswillbeoffered.RT481Cr.3SeminarinRadiationTherapyThecourse,offeredduringtheclinicalinternship,isacapstonecourseinwhichstudentspresentpatientcaseinformation,discussapplicationofradiationsciencetheory,reviewandcritiquejournalarticlesandprepareforthenationalcertificationexam.RT499Cr.1-3IndependentStudyinRadiationTherapyIndependentstudyinradiationtherapymayincludeindividualreadingsandwriting,projects,orresearchunderthedirectionofaradiationtherapyinstructor.Repeatableforcredit–maximumsix.


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B-6DevelopingProfessionalBehaviors

ThemissionoftheRadiationTherapyProgramatUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseistoeducateandtrainradiationtherapistswhoareknowledgeable,technicallycompetentanddedicatedtotheirprofessionandtheirpatients,meetingtheeducationalandpersonalneedsofitsstudentsbyemphasizingexcellenceineducationandofferingabroadbasedcurriculuminliberalstudies,professionalcoursesandclinicalinternship.Toeffectivelymeetthemissionandgoalsoftheprogram,studentsmustbetaughtinallthreelearningdomains;cognitive,psychomotor,andaffective.Professionaldevelopmentofstudentsfitswithintheaffectivedomainandisrequiredinorderforstudentstobesuccessfulintheireducationalprogramandforgraduatestobeeffectivepractitioners.Thisdevelopmentmustbeprogressivethroughouttheradiationtherapycurriculum.Inordertofacilitatesuchdevelopment,itisnecessarytodefinewhattheword“professional”meansinregardtoRadiationTherapistsandwhatprofessionalbehaviorconsistsof.Thefollowinglisting,CharacteristicsandAbilitiesEssentialtotheDevelopmentoftheProfessionalRadiationTherapist,hasbeencompiledbytheprogramtoguideitsapproachtoprofessionaldevelopmentofitsstudents.ResourcesforthislistingincludedTheASRTRadiationTherapyStandardsofPractice(ProfessionalPerformanceStandards).Progresstowarddevelopmentofprofessionalbehaviorisexpectedinallradiationtherapycoursesandisincludedincoursesyllabi.

CharacteristicsandAbilitiesEssentialtotheDevelopmentoftheProfessionalRadiationTherapist

CommitmenttoLearning:(Evidencedby)Showingrespecttoallinstructorsandbeingattentiveatalltimesinclassandinprofessionalmeetings.EagernesstoacquireunderstandingofconceptsanddevelopmentofskillsUseofongoingself-assessmenttoevaluatepersonalperformance,knowledgeandskillsSeekingoutconstructivefeedbackandeffectivelyusingitforpersonalandprofessionalimprovementExplorationandInvestigationtoadvancetheprofessionalknowledgebaseMaintainingcompetenceinprofessionalpracticeanddevelopmentofcompetencewithnewtechnologyContinuingeducationaftergraduationtomaintainandupdateknowledgeInterpersonalandCommunicationSkills:(Evidencedby)Developmentofeffectiveoral,writtenandnon-verbalcommunicationskillsImplementationofeffectivecommunicationskillsinpracticewithpatients,theirfamiliesandradiationtherapyteammembersAppropriateinteractionswithpatients,families,colleaguesandotherhealthpractitionersEmpathyandcompassionforpatientsandtheirfamiliesPromotionofapositive,collaborativepracticeatmosphereProblemsolvingandCriticalthinking:(Evidencedby)Abilitytorecognizeanddefineproblems,analyzedata,developsandimplementsolutionsandevaluateoutcomesAbilitytoassessandevaluatesituations,logicallyquestion,distinguishrelevantfromirrelevantissuesandmakeappropriatejudgmentsApplicationofproblemsolvingandcriticalthinkingskillstopersonal,patientrelatedorworkrelatedissues.


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Effectiveuseoftimeandresources:(Evidencedby)Abilitytotakeinitiativeandmakethemostofpersonal,classroom,andclinicaltimetomaximizetheireducationalvalueAdaptabilityandcreativityinmakingadjustmentstoschedulechangesandresourceavailabilityProfessionalconduct:(Evidencedby)UseofappropriatedressandappearancetoenhancepatientandpeerconfidenceAdherencetotheprofessionsacceptedethicalstandardsCommitmenttoprovidingoptimalcaretoallpatientsDependabilityinattendanceResponsibilityinfulfillingcommitmentsandinreportingerrorsBeingaccountablefordecisionsandactionsSupportof,andparticipationinprofessionalorganizationsProvidingapositiverolemodelandprofessionalimageofRadiationTherapiststoothersinpublicandprivatesettingsStressManagementAbilitytoidentifysourcesofstressandcopeeffectivelywiththem


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UniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosse,RadiationTherapyProgram

ProfessionalDevelopmentProgress-InternshipCoursesStudentName: Date:Course:SummerTerm,FallTerm,SpringTerm

Midterm CourseCompletion

S U N/A S U N/A Thestudentdemonstrates: 1.Eagernesstoacquireunderstandingofconceptsanddevelopmentofskills

2.Beingpreparedfor,andalertatalltimesduringclass,clinicalrotations,andatprofessionalmeetings.

3.Effectiveuseofongoingself-assessmenttoevaluatepersonalperformance,knowledgeandskills

4.SeekingoutconstructivefeedbackandeffectivelyusingitforpersonalandProfessionalimprovement

5.ExplorationandInvestigationtoadvancetheprofessionalknowledgebase(readingandseekinginformationabouttheprofessionandinregardtoclinicalassignmentsandresearchquestions)

6.Developmentofeffectiveoral,writtenandnon-verbalcommunicationskills

7.Appropriateandrespectfulinteractionswithinstructors,fellowstudents,andotherhealthpractitioners.

8.Promotionofapositive,collaborativelearningatmosphere

9.Abilitytorecognizeanddefineproblems,analyzedata,developandimplementsolutionsandevaluateoutcomes

10.Abilitytoassessandevaluatesituations,logicallyquestion,distinguishrelevantfromirrelevantissuesandmakeappropriatejudgments

11.Takinginitiativeandmakingthemostofpersonal,classroom,andclinicaltimetomaximizetheireducationalvalue

12.Adaptabilityandcreativityinmakingadjustmentstoschedulechangesandresourceavailability

13.Useofappropriatedressandappearancetoenhancepatientandpeerconfidence.

14.Honestyandintegrityinacademicworkandexamsandinclinicalactivities

15.Useselectronicdevices(cellphones,iPads,iPods)onlyatappropriateand/ordesignatedtimes.

16.Adherencetotheprofession’sacceptedethicalstandards,includingconfidentiality

17.Dependabilityinattendance 18.Responsibilityinfulfillingcommitments 19.Beingaccountablefordecisionsandactions 20.Supportof,andparticipationinprofessionalorganizations

21.ProvidingapositiverolemodelandprofessionalimageofRadiationTherapiststoothersinpublicandprivatesettings.

22.Abilitytoidentifysourcesofstressandcopeeffectivelywiththem

23.Meetssemesterclinicalexpectations.

24.Followshospitalcustomerservicepolicies.


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Explainanyunsatisfactorymarks:

UniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosse,RadiationTherapyProgramProfessionalDevelopmentProgress

Course:Campuscourses-InstructorEvaluationStudentName: Date: Midterm Course

Completion

S U N/A S U N/A Thestudentdemonstrates:

Eagernesstoacquireunderstandingofconceptsanddevelopmentofskills

Beingpreparedfor,andalertatalltimesduringclassandatprofessionalmeetings.

Exhibitsprofessionalbehaviors

Developmentofeffectiveoral,writtenandnon-verbalcommunicationskills

Appropriateandrespectfulinteractionswithinstructorsandfellowstudents.

Promotionofapositive,collaborativelearningatmosphereingroupworkandclassroomsetting

Takinginitiativeandmakingthemostofpersonal,classroom,andclinicaltimetomaximizetheireducationalvalue

Adaptabilityandcreativityinmakingadjustmentstoschedulechangesandresourceavailability

Honestyandintegrityinacademicworkandexamsandinclinicalactivities

Useselectronicdevices(cellphones,iPads,iPods)onlyatappropriateand/ordesignatedtimes.

Dependabilityinattendance

Responsibilityinfulfillingcommitments

Beingaccountablefordecisionsandactions

Supportof,andparticipationinprofessionalorganizations(RTOW,RTClub,CAC,RelayforLife)

ProvidingapositiverolemodelandprofessionalimageofRadiationTherapiststoothersinpublicandprivatesettings.

Abilitytoidentifysourcesofstressandcopeeffectivelywiththem.

Pleaseusethebacksidetoexplainanyunsatisfactorymarks.Signature/DateofReview:______________________________________________Area(s)ofnoticedimprovementorgrowth:Area(s)forimprovement:


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B-7“WritingintheMajor”GoalsforStudentWriting

TheRadiationTherapyProgramacknowledgesthevalueofwritingskillsinthedevelopmentandprofessionallifeofaradiationtherapist.Formalwritingisdefined,bythemajor,aswritingthatisintendedtocommunicateinformation,ideasorfeelingswithanotherpersonorpersons.Skillinformalwritingisrequiredforeffectivecommunicationwithpatients,themembersoftheradiotherapyteamandprofessionalcolleaguesnearandfar.Sharinginformationandexpressingideasisessentialinprovidingradiationtherapyservices.Informalwriting,definedaswritingintendedfortheselfasaudience,isalsoimportant.Thoughitspresentationmaybelesscompleteandpolishedthanformalwriting,itisusedtohelpthewriterrememberitemsofimportanceortoorganizeandclarifyhis/herownthinking.Informalwritingisparticularlyimportantinthelearningprocessofstudentsandprofessionals.Acomprehensiveandintegratedapproachtowritinginvolvesallofthecoursesinthemajor.TheplanforwritingsupportsthemissionandgoalsoftheRadiationTherapyprogram.StudentscompletingtherequirementsforadegreeinRadiationTherapywillhavemetthewritingrequirementfortheUniversity.

Specificexamplesofwritinginthefieldofradiationtherapyarelistedinthefollowingtable.

FormalWriting InformalWriting

Charting(daily,progressnotesandsetup) ListingstepsinaprocedureforselfPatientEducationMaterial PersonalNotesEvaluations(i.e.employee,employer,students,CEmeetings)

Lists(ie.todo,supplies)

Journalarticlesandabstracts SchedulingNewsletters,CEannouncements LoggingmachineparametersBookorliteraturereviews Questions,areastobeclarifiedResearch&grantproposals Observationsandresponsestoethicalandmoral

situationsLettertoeditor/responsetoarticlesandinternetpostings

Notetakinginclassesormeetings

Writingcertificationexamtypequestions NotesforteachingCasestudies DatabasemanagementofworksheetsPostingsonlistserves Emailtocolleagues Businessletters ResumeandCoverletters Agendasandminutesofteammeetings Reportgeneration Jobdescriptionsandperformancestandards Protocolsandproceduremanuals Surveys(satisfaction,QA) Policiesandprocedures


19

B-8ProgramOfficialsandTheirRoles

ProgramDirector: MelissaWeege,MS,RT(T),CMD Office: 4094HealthScienceCenter,1725StateSt. LaCrosse,WI54601 Telephone: (608)785-6979fax:(608)785-8460 Email: mweege@uwlax.eduMs.Weegeworksfull-timeatUW-LaCrosseinthehealthprofessionsdepartmentasaclinicalassistantprofessor.Responsibilitiesareasfollows:

1. Organization,administration,reviewanddevelopmentofprogram.2. Assuranceofprogrameffectivenessthroughoutcomeassessmentandpostgraduatesurveys.3. Participationinbudgetplanning.4. Evaluationandassuranceofeffectivenessofstudents’clinicaleducation.5. Coursedevelopmentandscheduling.6. Coordinationofstudentapplicationandselectionprocess.7. Studentcounselingandadvisementincoordinationwiththeon-campusadvisor.8. Representationofstudentandprogramneedstodepartment,college,universityandcommunity.9. Instructionandevaluationofstudentsinprofessionalcoreclassesoncampus.10. ChairofAdvisoryCommitteeforthemajor,dutiesincludescheduling,notificationofmeeting,preparationofagenda

andmanagementofmeeting.11. ServicetoUniversitythroughvariouscampuscommittees.12. MaintenanceofknowledgeoftheprofessionofRadiationTherapyandeducationalmethodologiesthroughcontinuing

professionaldevelopmentandpursuitofscholarlyactivities.

ClinicalCoordinator: AmandaCarpenter,MS,RTT Office: 4052HealthScienceCenter,1725StateSt. LaCrosse,WI54601 Telephone: (608)785-5164 fax:(608)785-8460 Email: acarpenter@uwlax.eduMs.Carpenterworksfull-timeatUW-LaCrosseinthehealthprofessionsdepartmentasaclinicalassistantprofessor.Responsibilitiesareasfollows:

1. Correlationofclinicaleducationwithdidacticeducationatclinicalsitesandoncampus.2. Collaboratewithprogramdirectorinongoingdesign,instruction,assessment,revision,andimplementationofthe

curriculum.3. Coordinatesclinicaleducationandevaluatesitseffectivenessincooperationwithprogramdirectorandclinical

supervisors.4. Overseeallclinicalsupervisorsandinstructorsatinternshipsites.5. Evaluationofstudentprogressinclinicalcompetencyprocess.6. TeachescoursesasassignedbyprogramdirectorandchairofHealthProfessionsDepartment.7. Responsibleforcoursedevelopment,instruction,assessmentofstudentlearning,andassessmentofassigned

courses.8. Advisesradiationtherapyprogramstudents9. Participatesinassuranceofeffectivenessofoutcomesassessmentplan.10. Maintenanceofknowledgeofprogrampoliciesandprocedures,andstudentprogress.11. Participationinselectionofstudentsforadmissionandassignmenttoclinicalinternshipsites.12. Maintainscurrentknowledgeofprogrampolicies,procedures,andstudentprogress.

mailto:[email protected]



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MedicalAdvisor: PatrickConway,MD GundersenHealthSystem LaCrosse,Wisconsin54601 Email: pdconway@gundersenhealth.orgDr.ConwayisaradiationOncologistatGundersenLutheranMedicalCenterinLaCrosse,Wisconsin.Hetravelstocampusoccasionally,asneeded.

Responsibilitiesareasfollows:1. AdvisementtotheProgramDirectorandClinicalCoordinatorsasrequestedregardingtheoperationoftheprogram

andinparticulartheclinicaleducationofstudents.2. Maintenanceofanunderstandingofprogramgoals,objectivesandpolicies.3. Participationinstudentselectionandassignmenttoclinicalinternshipsites.4. Advocatingfortheprogramanditsstudentsinthemedicalcommunityandattheclinicalaffiliates.5. MemberoftheAdvisoryCommitteeforthemajor.6. MaintenanceofknowledgeoftheprofessionofRadiationOncologyanditsrelationshiptoRadiationTherapythrough

continuingprofessionaldevelopmentandpursuitofscholarlyactivities.EducationalDirector/ClinicalSupervisor:

Internshipsite EducationalDirector Telephoneno. EmailColumbia-St.Mary’s TracyKatzer,BS,RTT 414-585-1595 [email protected]&Clinics AmyHeath,MS,RTT 608-263-8517 [email protected] KarenMannisto,BS,RTT 414-805-4495 [email protected]

GundersenLutheran DainaDrath,BS,RTT 608-775-2158 [email protected] JimBauml,MHA,RTT 847-723-8447 [email protected] MindyKrenBS,RTT 715-389-3339 [email protected]

ResponsibilitiesofClinicalSupervisors:

1. Managetheeducationalprogramattheassignedclinicalinternshipsite.2. Providedidacticand/orclinicalinstructioninradiationtherapycourses.3. Evaluatestudentcompetenceandprogressonanongoingbasis,providingfeedbackonaperiodicbasis.4. Counselandcoachstudentsasrequired.5. Coordinateclinicalanddidacticinstruction.6. Maintainstudentrecords.7. Reporttotheclinicalcoordinatorandprogramdirectorregularlyandasneeded.8. Maintainknowledgeofprogrampoliciesandprocedures.9. EducationalDirectorsandClinicalSupervisorsmayserveontheAdvisoryCommittee.10. Maintainknowledgeoftheprofessionofradiationtherapyandeducationalandevaluativemethodologies

throughcontinuingprofessionaldevelopmentandpursuitofscholarlyactivities.UW-LaCrosseProgramAssistants:ShaunaSalow,PeterAmann,EmileeMielke,AngelaWiste

4031HealthScienceCenter,UW-LTelephone:(608)785-8470









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B-9AdvisoryCommitteefortheMajorinRadiationTherapyMembers: MelissaWeege ProgramDirector,Chair AmandaCarpenter ClinicalCoordinator PatrickConway,MD MedicalAdvisor,RadiationOncologist,Gundersen Lutheran JimBauml EducationalDirectoratAdvocateLutheran KarenMannisto EducationalDirectoratFroedtertHospital AmyHeath EducationalDirectoratUniversityofWisconsinHospital MindyKren EducationalDirectoratMarshfieldClinic AileenStaffaroni NuclearMedicineProgramDirector,UW-LaCrosse MarkSandheinrich Dean,CollegeofScienceandHealth,UWL TomKernozek ChairofHealthProfessionsDepartment CarlaBurkhardt AcademicServicesDirector,CollegeofScienceandHealth StudentMembers (RepresentativeofRTCluband1studentfromclinical internship)

TheRoleoftheAdvisoryCommitteeisto:

1. Develop,reviseandapproveMissionandGoalsofmajor2. Review,reviseandapproveprogramprintedmaterials.3. Discuss,adjustandapproveprogramcurriculum,policyandprocedures.4. Provideguidancetoprogramofficialsasrequested.5. Assistsintheprocessofstudentdisciplineandgrievancewhenconcernsarebroughttoit.6. Planforandassistinpreparationofdocumentsforaccreditationpurposes.7. Reviewselectionandadmissionpractices.8. Participateinprogramoutcomeassessment.9. Promotethemajorinradiationtherapywithinthecollege,universityandcommunity.10. Advocateforprogramofficialsandstudentsasnecessary.

B-10ProgramAdvisement

1. StudentsadmittedtothemajorareassignedtoMelissaWeege(theProgramDirector)orAmanda

Carpenter(ClinicalCoordinator)foradvisementoncampus,helpwithregistration,andcourseconcerns.Studentsaretomeeteitherinpersonoroveremailwiththeiradvisorpriortoregistrationeachsemesterwhileoncampus.

2. Duringtheclinicalinternshipyear,theRadiationTherapyProgramOfficialsareavailableforadvisement.

• Studentswillmeetatmid-semester,andattheendofeachsemesterorsummersessionwiththe• EducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisorattheclinicalsite,toevaluateprogressinclinicalanddidactic

courses.• Followingeachclinicalrotation,studentswillconferencewithclinicalinstructorsand/orthe

EducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisororClinicalCoordinatorregardingclinicalprogress.• StudentsarerequiredtomeetwiththeEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisorduringtheir

internshipshouldtheirfinalgradeinacoursebelessthana“C”oriftheinstructorhasnotedinaprogressreportthatthisislikely.Followingthismeeting,theprogramdirectorwillbenotifiedandtheRadiationTherapyStudentProgressCommitteewillmeetwiththestudent.


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B-11ExpensesandFinancialAid

1. TuitionandfeesareestablishedbytheuniversityforeachacademicyearandarepublishedinUW-LUndergraduateCourseCatalogforeachsemesterandsummersession.QuestionsabouttuitionandfeesmaybedirectedtotheCashier’sOfficeat121MainHall.

2. TheBoardofRegentsreservestherighttochangetuitionandfeeswithoutpublishednotice.3.

4. TheClinicalInternshipwillstartinearlyJulyforstudentsingoodstandinginthemajorwhohavemetallofthepre-clinicalrequiredcourses.TheinternshipcontinuesthroughtheendofJulyofthenextyear(approximately13months).Tuitionandfeeswillbeassessedfortwosemestersandtwosummersessions.

5.

6. TuitiondepositsandpaymentplansaredescribedintheUW-LUndergraduateCourseCatalog.7.

8. Studentservicesarefundedthroughsegregatedfeesdeterminedbystudentgovernment.9.

10. Studentsintheirinternshipwillbeassesseda“ClinicalExperienceFee”foreachtermexceptthefinalsummerterm.Thisamountwillbecommunicatedtothestudentsduringthespringsemesteroftheirfirstyearintheprogram.Theamountsapproximately$7000;spreadoutoverthefirstthreetermsofinternship.TheCollegeofScienceandHealthdeterminesthefeeseachyearbasedonstudentenrollmentinallundergraduatehealthprofessionsprograms.Additionally,atthestartofinternship,studentswillbeassessedaone-timefeeof$150foraccesstotheprogram’sclinicalmanagementsystem,Trajecsys.ThisfeewillbeassessedasaspecialcoursefeeforRT471.

11.

12. UndergraduatecoursetextbooksareavailableonarentalbasisthroughtheTextbookRentalService.Arentalfeeisincludedinsegregatedfees.Studentsmaypurchasetheirtextbooks,atreducedprices,ifdesired.Studentswillpurchaseadditionalreadingmaterialthroughouttheprogramaswellasdirectedbyinstructors.

13.

14. Studenthealthserviceisavailableforstudentsoncampusorlocalinternship(distantifadayoffistakentocometocampustoutilizeservices).Somemedicalservicesarenotprovidedandstudentsareadvisedtomaintainhealthinsurancetomakesurethatallhealthcareneedscanbemet.StudentswhoareintheirclinicalinternshipyearwillbedistantfromtheHealthCenterandmustcarryhealthinsurancetocovermedicalexpenses.Proofofhealthinsurancemustbeprovidedtothesite’sEducationDirector.

15.

16. Livingexpensesaretheresponsibilityofthestudent.UniversityhousingandfoodserviceisavailablewhilestudentsareattendingtheUW-LaCrossecampus.StudentsmustmaketheirownarrangementsforroomandboardduringtheclinicalinternshipperiodinMilwaukee,Madison,LaCrosseorParkRidge,IL.

17.

18. FinancialaidinformationandprogramsareavailablethroughtheStudentFinancialAidoffice.SeetheUndergraduateCourseCatalogforapplicationinstructionsandprogramsavailable.

19.

20. Refundoftuitionuponwithdrawaldependsonthetimingofwithdrawal,droppingfrom100%inthefirstfewdaysofthesemesterto50%foranadditionaltimeperiodandtozeroafterthat.SpecificscanbefoundinthecurrentUW-LUndergraduateCourseCatalog.

21.

22. Studentswillberequiredtocarryliabilityinsurancefortheirclinicalinternship.Agrouppolicyratehasbeenobtained.ThepremiumispaidasacoursefeeforRT471.

23.

24. Studentswillbesubjecttoacriminalbackgroundcheckpriortoadmissiontothefirstyearoftheprogram,aswellastheclinicalinternship.ThefeesforthesechecksareaddedasspecialcoursefeesinRT471.


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B-12UniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseHealthProfessionsDepartment

CriminalBackgroundCheckPolicyandProcedure

BackgroundTheJointCommission(TJC)incompliancewithstandardsHR1.20andEP5,andthecurrentWisconsinCaregiverLawwiththeDepartmentofHealthandFamilyServices(chapters48and50oftheWisconsinStatutes)backgroundchecksarenowrequiredforallstudentsinthealliedhealthareasworkinginclinicalsettings.Toensurecompliancewiththeserules,theresultsofcriminalbackgroundchecksmustbeobtainedforallcurrentstudentsbeforetheprogrambegins(earlysummer).AsarepresentativeoftheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosse,youareexpectedtopracticesoundprofessionalethicsandtoconductyourselfinaprofessional,responsible,andreliablemanneratalltimes.Youareexpectedtomaintainhighprofessionalstandardsandapartofthisprofessionalstandardisacriminalbackgroundcheck.

ImportantNoticeIndividualswhohavebeenconvictedofafelonyormisdemeanormaybedeniedcertificationorlicensureasahealthprofessional.Informationregardingindividualeligibilitymaybeobtainedfromtheappropriatecredentialingbodies.ClinicalinternshipsitesrequireacriminalbackgroundcheckandCaregivercheckinordertopermitparticipationintheclinicalinternship.Participationinclinicalinternshipisarequiredpartofthecurriculumandarequirementforgraduation.Clinicalinternshipsitesmaydenyastudent'sparticipationintheclinicalinternshipbecauseofafelonyormisdemeanorconviction.Failuretoproduceacriminalbackgroundcheckwouldresultindelayedgraduationorintheinabilitytograduatefromtheprogram.Ifyouhaveaquestion,pleasecontacttheclinicaleducationcoordinatororprogramdirector.Derogatoryinformationcanincludebutisnotlimitedtothefollowing:

• Convictionofafelonyoffense.• Misdemeanorconvictionsprobatedsentencesorfelonydeferredadjudicationsinvolvingcrimes

againstperson(includingphysicalorsexualabuse);• Misdemeanorconvictionsrelatedtomoralturpitude(includingprostitution,publiclewdness,

exposureetc)• Felonyconviction/deferredadjudicationsforthesale,possession,distribution,ortransferof

narcoticsorcontrolledsubstances;• InclusiononthelistofIneligiblePersons;• ProvidingafalsestatementontheapplicationInitialBackgroundCheck(StudentCompletes)

Studentsareresponsibletoarrangeforacriminalbackgroundcheckusingacompanythatiscapableofprovidingtheserviceinanorderlyandtimelymanner.TheHealthProfessionsDepartmenthasestablishedarelationshipwithCertifiedBackground(www.certifiedbackground.com).Thecompanychargesbetween$20.00and$45.00dependingonhowmanyplacesyouhavelivedpriortoattendingUW-L.

Backgroundchecksarerequiredforclinicalinternshipplacementsinmanyfacilities.ThusallstudentsintheHealthProfessionsDepartmentwillhaveacriminalbackgroundcheckdonepriortothefirstdayofclasstofacilitatefieldworkassignments.Allcostsincurredbythestudentsforthisbackgroundcheckaretheresponsibilityofthestudent.CertifiedBackground.commakestheresultsavailabletotheHealthProfessionsDepartmentelectronically.

http://www.certifiedbackground.com


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Re-CheckPriortoClinicalInternship(ProgramCompletes)Mostfacilitiesrequireacurrentcriminalbackgroundcheck(donewithinthepast6months)andacaregiverbackgroundcheck.TheHealthProfessionsDepartmentwillconductafollow-upCriminalHistoryBackgroundCheckforWisconsinandMinnesotaandaCaregiverbackgroundcheckbeforethestudent’sfirstfulltimerotation/clinical/fieldworkassignment.Allstudentsarerequiredtohavethisre-checkanditwillbechargedtothestudentasaspecialcoursefee.CriminalBackgroundChecks(CBCs)completedatotherfacilitiesmaynotbeacceptedasasubstituteforthisprocess.RecordkeepingStudentsareadvisedtokeepacopyoftheresultsfortheirpersonalfilestotakewithontheirclinical/fieldworkrotations.ConfidentialityResultsofallbackgroundsearcheswillbekeptconfidentialandwillbedisclosedonlytotheextentnecessarytoadministerandenforcethispolicyorpursuanttoappropriatelegalprocess.Studentsarerequiredtocompleteandsigntheauthorization,acknowledgement,andreleaseformthatpermitssharingnecessarycriminalbackgroundinformationtotheplacementfacility(s)(Attachment1).Criminalbackgroundrecordsarestoredinasecureplaceandkeptseparatefromthestudent’sacademicfile.CriminalbackgroundcheckinformationisdestroyedoncethestudentisnolongerastudentintheHealthProfessionsDepartment.DisclosureThestudentwillbenotifiedifthebackgroundcheckinformationraisesapotentialconcernforplacementorconsequencesforcredentialingorlicensure.TheProgramDirectorwillalsobenotifiedofanyrecordthatraisesapotentialconcernforthestudent.TheDirectorwillthendiscussthepotentialimpactoftherecordandoptionswiththestudent.ObligationtoReportAllstudentsadmittedtotheHealthProfessionsDepartmenthaveanongoingobligationtoreportanycriminalconvictionthatmayimpactuponthestudent’scontinuedabilitytoparticipateintheclinicalprogramtotheprogramdirector/chairoftheprogramnolaterthanthenextdayofitsoccurrence.Failuretocomplywithanyaspectofthispolicywillresultinimmediatedismissalfromthestudents’program.

SectionC-ProgramPolicies

C-1AttendancePolicy Promptandregularattendanceatallclassesisexpected.Thisisthestartofyourprofessionaldevelopmentand

shouldbetreatedasreportingtoajob.Ifyouneedtomissaclass,youshouldcontacttheinstructorpriortotheclasseitherbyphoneoremail.Classshouldonlybemissedforillnessorunforeseencircumstances.Youarenotallowedtohavemorethan2separateoccurrencesofabsenteeism.Additionally,ifyouareabsentfor3ormoreconsecutivedays,youwillneedtoprovideacceptablemedicaldocumentation.Seeadditionalpoliciesregardingclinicalinternshipattendancelaterinthisdocument.


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C-2GradingPolicyDidactic:

1.ThefollowinggradescalewillbeusedforRadiationTherapydidacticcourseworkwheneverpossible: 94-100 A 4.0 92-93 A/B 3.5 86-91 B 3.0 84-85 B/C 2.5 77-83 C 2.0 70-76 D 1.0 ----69 F 0.0

2. Aninstructormayuseadifferentgradingscaleorgradeanexamonacurveifhe/sheconsultswiththeProgramDirectorandcanjustifytherationale.

C-3AcademicHonestyPolicyAnyformofcheatingorclaimingcreditforworkotherthanyourownwillautomaticallyresultinagradeofaZEROfortheapplicableassignmentorexam.

C-4AssignmentPolicy

Allassignmentswillbeduebydateandtimeasindicatedbyinstructor.Therewillbe10%pointsdeductedforeachdaythattheassignmentislate.

C-5Cellphonepolicy

Professionaldevelopmentincludesbeingfocusedonthetasksathandandthepatient.Cellphoneusecausesdistractionduringclinicandclassroomtime,keepingyoufrombeingfocused.Therefore,cellphonesarenotallowedtobeseenorheardintheclassroomorclinicalsetting.Theyshouldbestoredforuseduringnon-workorclassroomtimeasdeterminebyclinicalinstructororsupervisor,orclassroominstructor.Otherelectronicportabledevicesmayalsobeprohibitedpertheinstructor,suchasiPods,iPads,etc.Failuretocomplywiththispolicywillresultinunsatisfactorilymetexpectationsontheprofessionaldevelopmentevaluation.

C-6LaptopComputersvs.tabletsStudentsintheradiationtherapyprogramareencouragedtoownalaptopcomputer.Thisispreferredover

mobiledevices(Eg.tablets)forcompatibilitywithD2Lforassignmentsubmissionandtakingexams.MobiledevicesarebeginningtobemorecompatiblewiththeD2Lplatform.

C-7AcademicandGraduationPolicies

1. PermanentstudentrecordsarekeptbytheRecordsandRegistrationOffice.TheseareconfidentialbetweenthestudentandtheUniversity.Studentsmayrequesttranscriptsoftheirpermanentacademicrecordsatanytime,buttranscriptswillnotbereleasedwithoutthestudent’sauthorizingsignature.RightsofaccessareinaccordancewiththeU.S.FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActof1974asamended.

2. TransferofcreditsearnedatcollegesanduniversitiesaccreditedbyanacceptableregionalaccreditationagencywillbegovernedbyUniversityrulesaspresentedintheUndergraduateCourseCatalogand/orbyestablishedarticulationagreementsforthemajor.


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3. Gradesareassignedaccordingtotheprogram’sgradingsystemonafour-pointscale(detailedintheUndergraduateCourseCatalogalongwithdefinitionsandpoliciesforpass/fail,incomplete,withdrawalandcreditbyexamination).

4. GraduationRequirements:Candidatesforthebachelorinsciencedegreeinradiationtherapymustaccomplishthefollowingpriortograduation.SeealsoUWLUndergraduateCourseCatalog,http://catalog.uwlax.edu/undergraduate/degreerequirements/#baccalaureate-degree

a. Fulfillthegeneraleducationrequirements.b. Completeatleastoneethicstudies(diversitycourse).c. Beastudentingoodstanding(“notingoodstanding”or“probation”statusmustbecleared)d. CompletethecoursesprescribedbytheUndergraduateCurriculumCommitteeforthedegreeinradiation

therapywithatleasta2.75gradepointaverage.Gradesbelow“C”inindividualrequiredcoursesrequireclearanceofdeficiencyasjudgedbytheProgramOfficials.

e. Meettherequirementsforclinicalcompetencyasdescribedintheclinicalpracticumcoursesyllabi.f. Earnatleast120semestercreditswith40creditsin300and400levelcourses.g. Aminimumof30semestercreditsinresidenceatUWLisrequiredforgraduation.h. Submitanapplicationforgraduationviathe“ApplyforGraduation”linkintheWINGSStudentCenteras

soonasthestudenthasregisteredforhisorherfinalsemesterorsummerterminresidence.Studentsarescheduledtocompletetheirrequirementswiththefinalsummersession,but,ifclearedbyProgramOfficials,areallowedtoparticipateingraduationexercisesinMay.

5.StudentWithdrawalandReentrya. Withdrawalfromacourseisusuallynotpossiblewithoutaffectingstatusinthemajor.Thecurriculumis

rigorousandstrictlysequenced.Ifastudentwouldwithdrawfromacourse,he/shewouldbeunabletoproceedintothenextsemesterorsummersessionandwouldhavetoappealtotheStudentProgressCommitteetobeallowedtoretakethecourseatalatertimeasmembersoffutureclasseswouldbeaffected.

b. Withdrawalfromthemajorshouldbeconsideredcarefullypriortoanyactionbeingtaken.Thestudentis

stronglyurgedtotalkwiththeoncampusadvisoraswellastheProgramDirector.Programpersonnelwillmakeeveryattempttodealwiththestudent’sconcernsandfacilitatecontinuance.Ifthestudentdeterminesthatwithdrawalisthebestcourseofactionafterthesediscussionshe/sheisaskedtosubmitastatementinwritingthatdecisiontotheProgramDirector.

c. ReentryandReadmission:Studentswhofeeltheymustwithdrawfromtheradiationtherapymajoronce

accepted,areencouragedtospeaktoradiationprogramofficialspriortowithdrawal.Studentsarenotguaranteedplacementshouldtheywishtoreenter.Theymustre-applytothemajorandbeconsideredforplacementbytheSelectionCommittee.

d. Aleaveofabsenceapprovalisrequiredofanystudentwhowillmissmorethantwoconsecutiveweeksoftrainingwhileintheprofessionalphaseofthemajor.AstudentmustsubmitarequestinwritingforsuchaleaveandspeakwiththeProgramDirector.Together,thestudentandtheProgramDirectorwilldevelopaplanforareturnafterleaveofabsence.Iftheleaveisduringtheclinicalinternship,theClinicalCoordinatorwillalsobeinvolvedindevelopingtheplan.ApprovaloftheplanmustbegrantedbytheProgramOfficials.

http://catalog.uwlax.edu/undergraduate/degreerequirements/#baccalaureate-degree


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C-8RadiationTherapyProgramStudentRetention,Probation,andDismissal

InordertoremainasastudentingoodstandingintheRadiationTherapyprogramstudentsmustmeetprogramrequirementsasperthefollowing:

1. Studentsmustmaintainagradeof“C”orhigherinallrequiredcourses,aswellasasemesterandcumulativegradepointaverageof2.75ona4.0scale.

2. StudentsmustcomplywithprogramandUniversitypolicies.3. Studentsmustmakesatisfactoryprogressindevelopmentofclinicalskillsandprofessionalbehavior.

AcademicDeficiencies1. Astudentwhodoesnotmeetdidactic(classroom),clinical,orprofessionaldevelopmentprogram

requirementsforgradeswillbenotifiedbytheProgramDirectoroftheconcernattheearliestpossibletimeaftergradesareposted.

2. Followingsuchnotification,theStudentProgressCommittee,asub-committeeoftheRadiationTherapyAdvisoryCommittee,willmeetwithin10workingdaystodiscussthedeficiencyandmakeadeterminationoftheactiontobetaken.Itispreferredthatthemeetingbeheldinpersonwiththestudentbeinggiventheopportunitytorepresenthim/herselfortosubmitawrittenstatementfortheCommittee’sreview.Undercertaincircumstancesatelephoneorvideoconferencecallmaybeheldinsteadofaface-to-facemeeting.

3. Adecisionastothestudent’sstatusintheprogramwillbecommunicatedinwritingtothestudentwithin5workingdaysoftheStudentProgressCommitteemeeting.Thedecisionmayinvolveremedialwork,probationorsuspensionfromtheprogram.

4. Ifthedecisioninvolvesremediationorprobation,anexplanationofthe“plantoregaingoodstanding”intheprogram(includingtimeframes)willbeincludedinthelettertothestudent.Thisisreferredtoasalearningplanaswell.

5. Ifthestudentsuccessfullyfollowstheplanandmeetsprogramrequirementswithinthetimeframespecified,he/shewillregaingoodstandingintheprogram.

6. Ifthestudentisnotsuccessfulinfollowingtheplanandmeetingprogramrequirementswithinthespecifiedtimeframe,theStudentProgressCommitteewillmeettodeterminetheappropriateaction.Thismeetingwillbeheldwithin10workingdaysofthedeadlinespecifiedinthe“planforregaininggoodstanding”.Themeetingwillbeheldasdescribedinnumber2above.TheCommitteemayrecommenddismissalfromtheprogram.

7. Astudentmaybeclassifiedasonprobationordismissedinregardtotheprogram,evenifnotonprobation,suspended,orexpelledfromtheUniversity.

FailuretocomplywithprogramandUniversitypolicies

AcademicMisconduct1. Academicmisconduct,andprocedurestodealwithit,havebeendefinedbytheBoardofRegentsofthe

UniversityofWisconsinSysteminUWS14.Theentiredocumentcanbefoundat:https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/14.Portionsofthatpolicyareincludedbelow.

2. Academicmisconductisanactinwhichastudent:a. Seekstoclaimcreditfortheworkoreffortsofanotherwithoutauthorizationorcitation;b. Usesunauthorizedmaterialsorfabricateddatainanyacademicexercise;c. Forgesorfalsifiesacademicdocumentsorrecords;d. Intentionallyimpedesordamagestheacademicworkofothers;e. Engagesinconductaimedatmakingfalserepresentationofastudent'sacademicperformance;orf. Assistsotherstudentsinanyoftheseacts.

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/14


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3. Thefollowingarethedisciplinarysanctionsthatmaybeimposedforacademicmisconductinaccordance

withtheproceduresofUWS14.05,14.06or14.07:(Oneormoreofthedisciplinarysanctionsmaybeimposedforanincidentofacademicmisconduct.)

a. Anoralreprimand;b. Awrittenreprimandpresentedonlytothestudent;c. Anassignmenttorepeatthework,tobegradedonitsmerits;d. Alowerorfailinggradeontheparticularassignmentortest;e. Alowergradeinthecourse;f. Afailinggradeinthecourse;g. Removalofthestudentfromthecourseinprogress;h. Awrittenreprimandtobeincludedinthestudent'sdisciplinaryfile;i. Disciplinaryprobation;j. Suspensionorexpulsionfromtheuniversity.

Proceduresaredetailedinthedocumentreferencedabove.

Non-AcademicMisconduct

1. Non-Academicmisconduct,andprocedurestodealwithit,havebeendefinedbytheBoardofRegentsoftheUniversityofWisconsinSysteminUWS17.Theentiredocumentcanbefoundat: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/17.Portionsofthatpolicyareincludedbelow.

2. Theuniversitymaydisciplineastudentinnonacademicmattersinthefollowingsituations:a. Forconductwhichconstitutesaseriousdangertothepersonalsafetyofamemberofthe

university(orclinicalinternshipsite),community,orguest.b. Forstalkingorharassment.c. Forconductthatseriouslydamagesordestroysuniversity(orclinicalinternshipsite)propertyor

attemptstodamageordestroyuniversity(orclinicalinternshipsite)property,orthepropertyofamemberofsuch.

d. Forunauthorizedpossessionofuniversity(orclinicalinternshipsite)propertyorpropertyofanothermemberofsuch.

e. ForactswhichviolatetheprovisionsofCh.UWS18,ConductonUniversityLands,https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/uws/18.

f. Forknowinglymakingafalsestatementtoanyuniversity(orclinicalinternshipsite)employeeoragentonauniversity-relatedmatter,orforrefusingtoidentifyoneselftosuchemployeeoragent.

g. Forviolatingastandardofconduct,orotherrequirementorrestrictionimposedinconnectionwithdisciplinaryaction.

3. Thefollowingarethedisciplinarysanctionsthatmaybeimposedfornonacademicmisconduct,inaccordancewiththeproceduresofUWS17.05through17.07:

a. Areprimand;Denialofspecifieduniversityprivileges;b. Impositionofreasonabletermsandconditionsoncontinuedstudentstatus;c. Restitution;d. Removalofthestudentfromthecourseinprogress;e. Disciplinaryprobation;f. Suspension;org. Expulsion.

Processtobefollowediscoveredinthedocumentreferencedabove.ViolationsarereportedtotheDeanofStudentsandhandledthroughtheOfficeofStudentLife.

http://www.uwlax.edu/StudentLife/uws14.html

http://www.uwlax.edu/StudentLife/uws14.html




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Failuretocomplywithprogrampoliciesortomakesatisfactoryprogressinclinicalskillandprofessionaldevelopment.

1. AstudentwhodoesnotcomplywithprogrampoliciesorisdeficientindevelopmentofclinicalskillsorprofessionalbehaviorwillbenotifiedoftheconcernbytheProgramDirectorattheearliestpossibletimeafterthenon-complianceordeficiencyisrecognizedandreported.

2. Followingsuchnotification,theStudentProgressCommittee,asub-committeeoftheRadiationTherapyAdvisoryCommittee,willmeetwithin10workingdaystodiscusstheissueandmakeadeterminationoftheactiontobetaken.Itispreferredthatthemeetingbeheldinpersonwiththestudentbeinggiventheopportunitytorepresenthim/herselfortosubmitawrittenstatementfortheCommittee’sreview.Undercertaincircumstancesatelephoneorvideoconferencecallmaybeheldinsteadofaface-to-facemeeting.

3. Adecisionastothestudent’sstatusintheprogramwillbecommunicatedinwritingtothestudentwithin5workingdaysoftheStudentProgressCommitteemeeting.Thedecisionmayinvolveremedialwork,probationorsuspensionfromtheprogram.

4. Ifthedecisioninvolvesremediationorprobation,anexplanationofthe“plantoregaingoodstanding”intheprogram(includingtimeframes)willbeincludedinthelettertothestudent.

5. Ifthestudentsuccessfullyfollowstheplanandmeetsprogramrequirementswithinthetimeframespecified,he/shewillregaingoodstandingintheprogram.

6. Ifthestudentisnotsuccessfulinfollowingtheplanandmeetingprogramrequirementswithinthespecifiedtimeframe,theStudentProgressCommitteewillmeettodeterminetheappropriateaction.Thismeetingwillbeheldwithin10workingdaysoftheendofthedeadlinespecifiedinthe“planforregaininggoodstanding”.Themeetingwillbeheldasdescribedinnumber2above.TheCommitteemaydismissthestudentfromtheprogram.

7. Astudentmaybeclassifiedasonprobationordismissedinregardtotheprogram,evenifnotonprobation,suspended,orexpelledfromtheUniversity.


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C-9StudentAppealProcesses

GradeappealprocessTheprocessforappealingagradeintheradiationtherapyprogramisconsistentwiththeby-lawsandprocessmaintainedbytheHealthProfessionsDepartment.Whenthestudentquestionsordisputesafinalgrade,itisexpectedthatthestudentandcourseinstructorwillinformallymeettodiscussthesituation.Thestudentshouldcometothemeetingpreparedtoexplainwhyhe/shebelievesthegradedoesnotreflecthis/herworkandtheinstructorwillexplainthereasonsforthegradegiven.Theoutcomeofthisinformalmeetingcouldbe:

• Instructorrecognizesanerrororacceptsstudent’sandchangesthegrade• Studentacknowledgesinstructor’srationaleforgradeandacceptsthegrade• Instructordoesnotchangethegrade;studentdoesnotacceptthedecisionandbeginsaformalgrade

appeal.

InstructorTherequesttoappealthegradewillbeputinwritingandaddressedtotheindividualcourseinstructor.Theappealwillcontainthereasonforthegradeappealandsupportingmaterials.Acceptablereasonsforappealarelimitedtothefollowing:

• Instructoruseddifferentgradingstandardsforstudentworkthanforotherstudentsintheclass• Gradingforstudentwasbiased,arbitrary,orcapricious.

Theinstructorwillacknowledgetheappealwasreceivedviae-mailwithin1workingdayofreceiptoftheappeal.Theinstructorwillcontactthestudentwithin5workingdaysofreceiptoftheappealandscheduleaformalmeetingwiththestudent.Thismeetingwillbeattendedbythecourseinstructor,anotherfacultymemberorprogramdirector,thestudent,andanyoneelsethestudentwishestobring(ifdesired).Ifthecourseinstructoristheprogramdirector,anotherfacultymemberordepartmentchairwillbeaskedtoattendthemeeting.Themeetingwillberecordedbynotesandaudiotape.Thepossibleoutcomesofthisappealhearingare:

• Instructoracceptsstudent’sandchangesthegrade• Studentacknowledgesinstructor’srationaleforgradeandacceptsthegrade• Instructordoesnotchangethegrade;studentdoesnotacceptthedecisionanddecidestoappealtothe

nextlevel.Theoutcomesoftheappealwillbedocumentedbythecourseinstructorwithacopysendtothestudentandplacedinhis/herfile.ProgramDirector(optionalstep:maybeskippediftheprogramdirectorhasbeeninvolvedintheinitialappealhearingwiththeindividualfacultymember).Therequesttoappealthegradewillbeputinwritingandaddressedtotheprogramdirector.Theappealwillcontainthereasonforthegradeappealandsupportingmaterials.Acceptablereasonsforappealarelimitedtothefollowing:

• Instructoruseddifferentgradingstandardsforstudentworkthanforotherstudentsintheclass• Gradingforstudentwasbiased,arbitrary,orcapricious.


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Theprogramdirectorwillacknowledgetheappealwasreceivedviae-mailwithin1workingdayofreceiptoftheappeal.Theprogramdirectorwillcontactthestudentwithin5workingdaysofreceiptoftheappealandscheduleaformalmeetingwiththestudent.Thismeetingwillbeattendedbytheprogramdirector,thestudent,andanyoneelsethestudentwishestobring(ifdesired).Themeetingwillberecordedbynotesandaudiotape.Theprogramdirectormayseekadditionalinformationfromthecourseinstructorand/orstudentbeforerenderingajudgment.Thepossibleoutcomesofthisappealhearingare:

• Supportfortheinstructorandarecommendationthatthegradeshouldstandasgiven.• Recommendationtoinstructortochangethegrade• Studentacceptsthegradeandendstheappealprocess.• Studentdoesnotacceptthegradingdecisionanddecidestoappealtothenextlevel.

Theoutcomesoftheappealwillbedocumentedbytheprogramdirectorwithacopysenttothestudentandplacedinhis/herfile.DepartmentChairTherequesttoappealthegradewillbeputinwritingandaddressedtothedepartmentchair.Theappealwillcontainthereasonforthegradeappealandsupportingmaterials.Acceptablereasonsforappealarelimitedtothefollowing:

• Instructoruseddifferentgradingstandardsforstudentworkthanforotherstudentsintheclass• Gradingforstudentwasbiased,arbitrary,orcapricious.• Programdirectorrecommendedagradechangetotheinstructor;instructordidnotchangethegrade.

Thedepartmentchairwillacknowledgetheappealwasreceivedviae-mailwithin1workingdayofreceiptoftheappeal.Theprogramdirectorwillcontactthestudentwithin5workingdaysofreceiptoftheappealandscheduleaformalmeetingwiththestudent.Thismeetingwillbeattendedbythedepartmentchair,thestudent,andanyoneelsethestudentwishestobring(ifdesired).Themeetingwillberecordedbynotesandaudiotape.Thedepartmentchairwillspeaktothecourseinstructoraftermeetingwiththestudenttogatherinformationaboutthegrading.Thedepartmentchairmayalsoformallyseekadditionalinformationfromthecourseinstructorand/orstudentbeforerenderingajudgment.Thepossibleoutcomesofthisappealhearingare:

• Supportfortheinstructorandarecommendationthatthegradeshouldstandasgiven.• Recommendationtoinstructortochangethegrade• Studentacceptsthegradeandendsappealprocess.• Studentdoesnotacceptthegradingdecisionanddecidestoappealtothenextlevel.

Theoutcomesoftheappealwillbedocumentedbythedepartmentchairwithacopysendtothestudentandplacedinhis/herfile.


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HealthProfessionsDepartmentLevelIfthestudentwishedtopursueanappeal,therequestforaformalappealattheHealthProfessionsDepartmentLevelmustbefiledinwritingwiththedepartmentchair.Theappealwillcontainthereasonforthegradeappealandsupportingmaterials.Acceptablereasonsforappealarelimitedtothefollowing:

• Instructoruseddifferentgradingstandardsforstudentworkthanforotherstudentsintheclass• Gradingforstudentwasbiased,arbitrary,orcapricious.• Departmentchairrecommendedagradechangetotheinstructor;instructordidnotchangethegrade.

Thedepartmentchairwillacknowledgereceiptofthewrittenappealwithin1workingday.Thedepartmentchairwillappointthefive-memberadhoccommitteetoheartheappealasindicatedinthebylaws:

• Threefaculty/staffoftheprogram(wheneverpossible)• Theinstructor• Onefaculty/stafffromoutsideoftheprogram

Thedepartmentchairwillappointoneofthecommitteemembers(otherthanthecourseinstructor)tochairthecommitteeThedepartmentchairshallnotbeamemberofthiscommitteebutwillattendthecommitteemeetingasobserverandwitness.Thisappealscommitteewillmeetwithin1weekofreceiptofthewrittengradeappeal.Thecommitteememberswillbegivencopiesofthedocumentationoftheprevious3levelsofappealpriortotheappealhearing.Theappealshearingwillbeconductedasfollows:

• Studentwillbegiven15minutestodescribethebasisfortheappealandprovidesupportingdocumentationtothecommittee.

• Involvedteacherwillbegiven15minutestodescribetherationaleforthegradeandreasonfornotchangingthegrade.

• Departmentchairwillbeaskedtodescribeinvolvementinthesituationandoutcomeofactions.• Studentwillbeexcusedandcommitteewilldeliberateactions.• Thecommitteemayaskforadditionalinformationfromanyofthepartiesinvolved.Thecommittee

willspecifythetimeframeforsupplyingthematerials.Therequestforadditionalmaterialswillbeputinwriting.

• Ifadditionalmaterialsarerequested,thecommitteemeetingwillbeadjourned.Thecommitteewillreconvenewithinoneweekafterdeadlineforreceiptoftherequestedmaterials.

• Thepossibledecisionsthecommitteecanmakeare:1. Supporttheappealandmakearecommendationtothecourseinstructortochangethegrade.2. Denytheappealandsupportthegradeasgiven.

Theappealscommitteechairwillcommunicatetheoutcomeoftheappealhearinginwritingtothestudent,courseinstructor,anddepartmentchairwithin5daysofthefinalcommitteehearing.Acopyofthestudentwrittenappealandtheresponseofthecommitteewillbegiventothestudentandplacedinthestudent’spermanentrecord.


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Non-GradeAppealProcessTheStudentAcademicNon-GradeAppealsprocessisdesignedtoenablestudentstoinitiateandresolvecomplaintsregardingfacultyandinstructionalacademicstaffbehavior.Complaintsmaybeinitiatedwithin90daysofthemostrecentincidentofunprofessionalbehaviorbyuniversityfacultyandinstructionalacademicstaffthatimpairsstudents'abilitytolearn.TheRadiationTherapyprogramwillstrictlyadheretotheUWLStudentLifeinformalandformalprocedures.ProceduresInformalProceduresAnystudentorgroupofstudentswhohasacomplaintaboutfacultyorinstructionalacademicstaffbehaviorisencouragedtoresolvethecomplaintinformally.Informalattemptsmayincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• meetingdirectlywiththefacultymemberand/orinstructionalacademicstaff,• meetingwiththestudent'sadvisor,• meetingwithotherfacultymembersand/orinstructionalacademicstaff,• meetingwithadepartmentalcomplaintscommittee,• meetingwiththedepartmentchair,• meetingwithanycombinationofsuchpeople.

Theintentionofsuchmeetingsistoclarifymisunderstandingsormiscommunicationsthatmaybethesourceofthecomplaint.Ifforanyreasonthesemeetingsdonotresolvethecomplaintorifthestudentchoosesnottoresolvethecomplaintusingtheinformalprocedures,thestudent(s)maypursuetheformalproceduresdescribedbelow.FormalProcedures1. InitiatingaComplaint

Ifinformalproceduresareunsuccessful(orwithin90daysofthelastincident),astudentorgroupofstudentswhowishestopursueacomplaintshouldinformtheStudentLifeOffice,eitherorallyorinwriting.

TheStudentLifeOfficeshall:

a. provideastatementregardingacademicfreedomandpertinentsectionsofthe"StatementtoImproveUndergraduateEducation";

b. advisethestudent(s)abouttheFormalProceduresforStudentAcademicNon-gradeAppeals;c. maintaincurrentinformationonproceduresandbodieshandlingcomplaintsinallacademic

departments;d. instructthestudenttoinitiatethecomplaintbymeetingwiththechairofthedepartmenttowhichthe

facultyorinstructionalacademicstaffmemberisassignedor,ifappropriate,withadepartmentalcomplaintcommittee.Inthecasethatthecomplaintislodgedagainstthedepartmentchairandthereisnoappropriatecommitteeorgroupwithinthedepartmenttobringthecomplaintto,theinstructionsshallbetomeetwiththedeanofthecollegeinwhichthedepartmentchairisassigned;

e. assistthestudent(s)inschedulingthemeetingwiththedepartmentchairorthedepartmentalcomplaintcommittee,ifoneisavailable,ordeanifthecomplaintislodgedagainstthedepartmentchairandthereisnogroupwithinthedepartmenttoreceivethecomplaint;and

f. serveasanadvisortothestudent(s),asnecessary,throughoutthecomplaintprocess,keepingaconfidential,writtenrecordofinteractionswiththestudent(s).


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2. DiscoveryStageoftheComplaintInthemeeting,thechairordepartmentalcomplaintcommittee(ordean,inthecasewhenthecomplaintisagainstadepartmentchairandthereisnodepartmentalcommittee)shallcollectinformationfromthestudent(s)makingthecomplaintandexplainalltheappropriateproceduresandoptionstocomplainant.Ifacomplaintistobepursued,thechairorcommittee(ordean)whohasreceivedacomplaintwillinformtheaccusedpartyofthenatureofthecomplaintlodged,concealingtheidentityofthecomplainant(ifthatisdesired)andseekapproachestomediationandresolution.Anyattempttopenalizeorinanywayretaliateagainstapersonbringingacomplaintisprohibitedandwillbetreatedasaseparateincidenttobereviewedinitsownright.Thegoalofthediscoverystateistoclarifymisunderstandingsandmiscommunicationsandestablishwhatactions(ifany)maybelegitimatesourcesofcomplaint.Thewishesofthestudent(s)makingthecomplaintshallberespectedregardingfurtherinvestigation.Aspecificcomplaintshallnotbecarriedforwardwithoutthecomplainant(s)'sexplicitwrittenpermissionandinstruction.IfacomplaintisresolvedattheDiscoverystage,noformalrecordwillberetainedinthefacultyorinstructionalacademicstaffpersonnelfile.

3. MediationStageoftheComplaint

Thisstagewillinvolve:a. separateconfidentialmeetings(s)ofthedepartmentchairorcommittee(ordean),withthe

complainantandthepersonagainstwhomthecomplaintisfiled,orb. jointconfidentialmeeting(s)withthecomplainantandthepersonagainstwhomthecomplaintisfiled

andthedepartmentchairorcommittee(ordean).

ThegoaloftheMediationStageisconciliation.Whenthesemeetingsarecompleted,thecomplainantwillbeaskedtodecidewhethers/heissatisfiedwiththeresultsorwishestomovetotheHearingstageofthecomplaint.

IfacomplaintisresolvedattheMediationstage,noformalrecordwillberetainedinthefacultyorinstructionalacademicstaffpersonnelfile.

4. HearingStageoftheComplaint

IftheMediationStagedoesnotresultinasatisfactoryresolutionoftheproblem,thenthecomplainantwillbereferredtotheExecutiveDirectorofHumanResourceswhowillassistthecomplainantinfilingacomplaintwiththeComplaints,Grievances,AppealsandAcademicFreedomCommittee(CGAAFCommittee).Ifthepersonlodgingtheallegationwishestopostponesuchaconfrontation,theCGAAFCommitteewillsetatime-limitwhichappearsreasonable,dependinguponthecircumstancesandreasonsgiven.Theformalhearingproceedingmaybeterminatedbymutualagreementofthecomplainantandthepersonagainstwhomthecomplaintisfiledatanystep.Eitherpartymayseekthehelpoflegalcounselatanystageofthehearing.

a. ComplaintThecomplainantmustfileawrittencomplaintusingthepetitionformavailableineachdean'sofficeandintheStudentLifeOffice.

1. ThePetitionThepetition,oncecompletedbythecomplainant,shallprovide:

a. thecomplainant'sname;b. therespondent'sname;


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c. abriefstatementoftheproblemandadetailedlistofallegedactionsorbehaviorsthatarethebasisofthecomplaint;

d. additionalinformationsuchasstatementsbywitnessesandotherdocumentationthatsupportsthecomplainant'sallegations;

e. asummaryoftheoutcomesoftheinformalprocedures(ifpursued)andtheformalprocedurespriortothispoint;and

f. (optionally)astatementofthedesiredoutcome(s)ofthehearing.2. ReceiptofPetitionandDutiesoftheExecutiveDirectorforHumanResources

ThecompletedpetitionshallbesubmittedtotheExecutiveDirectorforHumanResources.TheExecutiveDirectorshallreviewthecontentsofthepetitionwiththecomplainant(s).ThisinformationshallbeforwardedtothechairpersonoftheCGAAFCommittee,whoisresponsibleforschedulingthehearing.b. TimeLinesTheCGAAFCommitteeshallproceedwiththepetitionusingitsoperatingrulesforprocessingandhearingcomplaints.TherulesareavailablefromtheFacultySenateOffice,323GraffMainHallandat/FacultySenate/committees/CGAAF/Complaints.htm

ReferenceistheUWLStudentlifepoliciesonStudentNon-GradeAppeals(https://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/student-handbook/#tm-policies)

https://www.uwlax.edu/FacultySenate/committees/CGAAF/Complaints.htm

https://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/student-handbook/#tm-policies

https://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/student-handbook/#tm-policies


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C-10FairnessPolicies

1. TheUniversityandtheClinicalInternshipsitesbelievestronglyintheirnon-discriminatorypolicy,thatadmissionandtreatmentofstudentsinclasses,campuslifeandclinicalinternshipwillnotbeaffectedbystudentcharacteristicsofgender,race,color,creed,religion,nationalorigin,disability,ancestry,age,sexualorientation,pregnancy,maritalorparentalstatusorrelationshiptoemployees.

2. TheUniversityanditsClinicalAffiliatesbelieveinhiringandpromotingfacultyandemployees accordingtotheabovenon-discriminatorystatement.3. Dueprocesswillbefollowedinanycomplaintsagainststudentsinacademicornon-academicconcernsas

detailedintheEagleEyeontheUW-Lwebpage.

4. Ifastudenthasconcernsabouttheprogramwhicharenotresolvedthroughthegrievancepolicyandproceduresandifhe/shefeelsthattheprogramisnotincompliancewithJRCERTaccreditationstandardsorfeelsthatqualityofinstructionorgeneralwelfareofstudentswithintheprogramisjeopardized,he/shemaysubmitallegationsofnon-compliancedirectlytotheJRCERT.PleaseseetheJRCERTpolicyandallegationsreportingforminappendix1ofthishandbook.Theprogramwillkeeprecordsofanycomplaintsofthisnatureforreviewinregardtoaccreditationandqualityaudit.

5. Astudent’sbehaviorintheclinicalsettingmustconformtopoliciesandrulesestablishedbytheaffiliated

institution.Failuretoconformmayresultinprobation,ordismissalfromthatsite.TheAdvisoryCommitteeandProgramOfficialswillbeconsultedtoprotectthestudentandtheinstitution’sinterestsasmuchaspossible.

6. Numberofstudentsselectedintothemajorwillbelimitedbythenumberofclinicalinternshippositions

availablefortheupcomingsenioryear.Itwillbedonefollowingasuccessfulinterviewprocesswiththeclinicalinternshipsites.Anofferofplacementfromoneoftheclinicalinternshipsiteswillbegiventoeachstudent.

7. ProgramOfficialswillmakeeveryefforttoassurethatactivitiesassignedtostudentsinacademicandclinical

courseswillbeforvalideducationalpurposes.


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C-11PolicyinRegardtoRecordsandReleaseofInformation1. ThereleaseofinformationtoandaboutstudentsisinconformancewiththeFamilyEducationRightsand

PrivacyAct,asamendedin1975.2. Aformalrecordofeachstudent'sgradesismaintained.Astudentwillbeshownhis/herinternshiprecordat

thequarterlyevaluationsessionswhichtheClinicalSupervisorschedules.Astudentmayalsoinspecthis/herrecordsuponmakinganappointmentwiththeClinicalSupervisoratothertimes.

3. StudentrecordsaresecurelykeptintheofficeoftheClinicalSupervisor.RecordswillalsobemaintainedunderstrictsecuritybyUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseinperpetuity.

4. Anyinformationregardingthestudent'sacademicorclinicalperformanceisconfidential.AuthorizationforreleaseofanyinformationmustbymadeinwritingbythestudentorgraduatetotheRecordsandRegistrationoffice.Clinicalinternshiprecordsmustberequestedfromtheinternshipsite.

5. Governmentofficialsorofficialsoftheschool'saccreditingbodiesmayhaveaccesstothestudentrecordsforthepurposeofofficialbusinessuponpresentationofidentificationandstatementofthepurposeofviewingtherecords.

6. Uponcompletionoftheprogramastudentmayrequestacopyofhis/hergradetranscript.Thiscopywillbemarked"personalcopy".

ExamReturnPolicy

1. Allexamsgiveninconjunctionwiththeradiationtherapyprogrammaynotbekeptbystudentsaftergrading.2. Studentsmayviewthedocumenttonoteconceptsthatweremissedornotunderstood.3. Thisviewingshouldbecompletedduringclassorunderthesupervisionofaprogramofficial.4. Gradedexamsmustthenbereturnedtoprogramofficials.5. Studentsarenotallowedtokeepexamsintheirpossession.6. IftheexamisgivenonD2L,studentsarenotallowedtoprintoffcompletedexamsandkeepintheir

possession.Examsmaybereviewedatthediscretionoftheinstructorofthecourse.7. RespondusLockdownbrowserisrequiredforallexamsgivenonD2L.


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UW-LaCrosseRadiationTherapyProgramPermissiontoReleaseReferenceInformation

I,(printname)_____________________________________,herebygrantpermissionto

_______________________________________toserveasareferenceandtoreleaseinformationtoemployers,

educationalinstitutions,andfoundationsforthepurposeofassistingmeinobtainingemployment,admissionto

graduateorprofessionalschool,fellowships,and/orscholarships.Ifurtherconsenttothedisclosureof

informationregardingmyacademicandextracurricularperformance,specificallyincludinggrades,attendance,

demonstratedskills,andobjectives.

Signature:____________________________________________________________

Date:_______________________________

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Studenthassentapplicationstothefollowinginstitutions:

RecordofReferencesGiven-TobeCompletedbyPersonGivingReference

Date Place/Contact

Name

Typeofinformationgiven


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C-12PersonalStudentUseofSocialNetworkingSites

TheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseRadiationTherapyProgramrecognizesthatsocialnetworkingwebsitesandapplications,includingbutnotlimitedtoFacebook,Instagram,Snapchat,Twitterandblogs,areanimportantandtimelymeansofcommunication.Students,facultyandstaffareremindedthattheyshouldhavenoexpectationofprivacyonsocialnetworkingsites.Students,facultyandstaffmustalsobeawarethatpostingcertaininformationisillegal.Violationmayexposetheoffendertocriminalandcivilliability.Offensesmaybeconsiderednon-academicmisconductandbesubjecttotheappropriatepoliciesandprocedures.Thefollowingactionsarestrictlyforbidden:

• Inyourprofessionalroleasacaregiver,youmaynotpresentthepersonalhealthinformationofotherindividuals.Removalofanindividual’snamedoesnotconstituteproperde-identificationofprotectedhealthinformation.Inclusionofdatasuchasage,gender,race,diagnosis,dateofevaluation,ortypeoftreatmentortheuseofahighlyspecificmedicalphotograph(suchasaphotographofapatientundergoingRadiationTherapyoraphotographofapatienttreatmentplan)maystillallowthereadertorecognizetheidentityofaspecificindividual.

• Youmaynotreportprivate(protected)academicinformationofanotherstudentortrainee.Suchinformationmightinclude,butisnotlimitedto:coursegrades,narrativeevaluations,examinationscores,oradverseacademicactions.

• Inpostinginformationonsocialnetworkingsites,youmaynotpresentyourselfasanofficialrepresentativeorspokespersonfortheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseRadiationTherapyProgramoraffiliateorganizations.

• Youmaynotrepresentyourselfasanotherperson,realorfictitious,orotherwiseattempttoobscureyouridentityasameanstocircumventtheprohibitionslistedaboveandbelow.

Inadditiontotheabsoluteprohibitionslistedabove,theactionslistedbelowarestronglydiscouraged.Violationsofthesesuggestedguidelinesmaybeconsideredunprofessionalbehaviorandmaybethebasisfordisciplinaryaction.

• Displayofvulgarlanguageorslanderousbehaviortowardsothers.• Displayoflanguageorphotographsthatimplydisrespectforanyindividualorgroupbecauseof

age,race,gender,ethnicityorsexualorientation.• Presentationofpersonalphotographsorphotographsofothersthatmayreasonablybe

interpretedascondoningirresponsibleuseofalcohol,substanceabuseorsexualpromiscuity.• Presentationofpersonalengagementinillegalactivitiesincludinguseofrecreationaldrugs.• Postingofpotentiallyinflammatoryorunflatteringmaterialonanotherindividual’swebsite,e.g.

onthe“wall”ofthatindividual’sFacebooksite.Whenusingthesesocialnetworkingwebsites/applications,studentsarestronglyencouragedtouseapersonale-mailaddress,ratherthantheirUWLemailaddress,astheirprimarymeansofidentification.Individualsalsoshouldmakeeveryefforttopresentthemselvesinamature,responsible,andprofessionalmanner.Discourseshouldalwaysbecivilandrespectful.


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StudentOrganizationUseofSocialNetworkingSites

Registeredstudentorganizationsthatusesocialnetworkingsitesarerequiredtoincludetheiradvisorand/ortheDirectorofStudentAffairsforcontinuitypurposes.StudentorganizationsarenottorepresentthemselvesasofficialrepresentativesorspokespersonsfortheUniversityofWisconsinLaCrosseoraffiliateorganizationsandaresubjecttotheuniversity’sidentitystandards.Violationofthispolicymaybeconsiderednonacademicmisconductinadditiontothestudentorganizationlosingtheirofficialregistrationstatuswiththeuniversity.*ThispolicywasadaptedwithpermissionfromtheUniversityofKansasMedicalCenterforuseinUWLaCrosseHealthProfessionsPrograms.

C-13HealthandSafetyPolicies

TheUniversityofWisconsinLaCrosseprograminRadiationTherapyisinterestedinpromotinggoodhealthforstudents,instructorsandpatients.Thefollowingpolicieshavebeendevelopedtoattainthatgoal.Forsickness,studentsareaskedtorefertothebelow“Toosickforclinicals”policywhendeterminingiftheyshouldreporttotheirinternshipsite.

1. Studenthealthserviceisavailableforstudentsoncampuswhomeetrequirementsandpaythesegregatedfeeat

registrationandstudentsattheGunderseninternshipsite.StudentswhoareintheirclinicalinternshipwillbedistantfromtheHealthCenterandareencouragedtocarryhealthinsurancetocovermedicalexpenseswhileinMilwaukee,Chicago,MadisonorParkRidge.

2. Allapplicantsareapprisedofthe"EssentialFunctionsofaRadiationTherapist".Theyaretoconsiderwhetherthefunctionsofthepositionofradiationtherapistandradiationtherapystudentarewithintheirabilities,withorwithoutaccommodation.

3. Ifitisdeterminedthatthestudentrequiresreasonableaccommodationtoperformthe"EssentialFunctions",theclinicalinternshipsiteandtheUniversitywillmakeeveryefforttoprovidesuchaccommodation.

4. Studentsbeginningtheirclinicalinternshipmayreceiveahealthscreeningexamwithinthefirstmonthattheirinternshipsiteorthesitemayrequestthatscreeningbedonepriortoattendance.Typicallyincludedare:achickenpoxtiterifnotpreviouslydoneattheUniversity,requiredimmunizationsandTBtesting.

5. Shouldastudentbecomeinjuredduringtheclinicalportionoftraining,he/shemaybepermittedtobetreatedonanemergencybasisattheclinicalsite,withexpensesbilledtohis/herinsurancecarrier.AUniversityofWisconsinsystemincidentreportmustbesubmitted.

6. Inorientationtotheclinicalinternshipstudentswillbemadeawareofprecautionstobetakenincaringforpatients.Universalprecautions/standardprecautionmeasuresaretobestrictlyadheredtoforsafetyofstudents,stffandpatients.

7. Ifastudentappearstoneedprofessionalmedicalattentionduetoanissuewiththeirabilityandsafety,theclinicalsupervisor/educatorshallstronglyrecommendorrequirethestudenttoseekmedicalattention.

8. Ifastudentshouldbeexposedtopatientbodyfluidbyaneedlestick,OSHArecommendationswillbefollowedandthestudentwillbeseenbyhospitalpersonnel.AUniversityofWisconsinsystemincidentreportmustbesubmitted.


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9. Policyonreportingofcommunicablediseases Intheinterestofprotectingradiotherapypatientsfromexposuretocommunicabledisease,theUniversityof

WisconsinLaCrosseanditsclinicalaffiliatehospitalsrequestthatstudentscontractingsuchdiseasesinformtheclinicalsupervisor.Uponsuchnotification,theprogramofficialswilladvisethestudentontheappropriatestepstotaketoavoidpatientexposure.Suchstepsmayincludecounselingonproperhandwashingtechnique,thewearingofamaskorphysicalabsencefromthetreatmentroomwhenimmune-compromisedpatientsaretreated.Allsuchinformationgivenbystudentstoprogramofficialswillbeheldinstrictconfidenceandwillnotbeusedagainstthestudent.

10. Ifthestudent isexposedtoacommunicablediseaseattheclinicaleducationsite,forexamplebyaneedlestick,he/shemust report the exposure to the Clinical Supervisor whowill inform the Program Director andMedicalAdvisor.ThestudentwillbesenttoEmployeeHealthforevaluationand/ortreatment.AUniversityofWisconsinsystemincidentreportmustbesubmitted.

11. In orientation to the clinical internship, studentswill be educated in regard to hazardousmaterials used at theaffiliatesite.MSDSsheetsforcommonlyusedmaterialswillbeshared.Studentsareexpectedtousesafehandlingproceduresastheyaretaught.

C-14UniversityofWisconsin–LaCrosseRadiationTherapyProgramSicknessPolicy

Internsarerequiredtofollowthebelowrequirementsregardingsickness.Ifaninternpresentswiththefollowingconditions,itistheeducationaldirectorsdiscretiontosendtheinternhomeoraccepttheinternintotheclinicalsettingbasedonthebelowexamples.Theinternwillhavetotakevacationtimeforhis/herabsence.

GeneralIllnesses TooSickforClinicals

Fever ·Noclinicalsorpatientcareuntilfeverisgone.

SkinConditions TooSickforClinicals

Handdermatitis ·Skiniscrackedandbleedingatanytimepriorto,duringorafterworkshift.

Openwounds ·Woundislocatedonthehandsorfaceandisdrainingornothealedover,anddutiesinvolvepatientcontact.·Woundislocatedunderclothingbutdressingsaresaturatedbytheendoftheshiftanddutiesinvolvepatientcontact.

Rash ·Generalizedrashwithanunknowncause.·Smallblisterslocatedonhandsandfaceoralargeareaonbodytrunk.·Rashappearsliketinybrokenbloodvesselsorbruiseswithmildfever.·Rashhasspotsorpimplesandisaccompaniedbyafever.

Herpessimplex(coldsores)

·Lesionislocatedonhands.·Lesionsareopenanddraining.·Lesionsarelocatedonfaceanddutiesincludepatientcontactinhighriskareas.

Burns ·Burnislocatedonthefaceorhandsandareaisweepingorblistered.

Pediculosis(lice)

·Noworkuntilconfirmedthattransmissionisnotpossiblefollowingappropriatetreatment.


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Impetigo ·Noworkuntilmedicaltreatmentstarted.·Noskintoskincontactuntilresolved.

Conjunctivitis ·Excessivetearingwithdischarge,sensitivitytolight,itching,redness,orswelling.Noworkuntildischarge/drainageceases.

UpperRespiratorySymptoms

TooSickforClinicals

Cough ·Accompaniedbyafever.·Hasa>2weekdurationandaccompaniedbynightsweats,fever,weightloss,hemoptysisorapositivePPD(tuberculosistest).·Severeorpersistentcoughingspells.

Sorethroat ·Accompaniedbyfever,whitespotsontonsils,swollenglandsorskinrash.

Strepthroat ·Followingapositivethroatculture,need24hoursofmedicationandfeelingbetterclinically.

Nasalcongestion ·Nasalsecretionsaresopersistentthathandscannotbewashedaftereachtissueuse.·Accompaniedbyafever,sinuspainandcoloreddischarge.

Diphtheria ·Noworkuntilantimicrobialtherapycompletedandtwoculturesatleast24hoursapartarenegative.

Influenza

·Combinationofmuscleaches,sorethroat,cough,mildcough,runnynose,headache,lightsensitivityorintestinalsymptoms.

UpperRespiratoryInfection

·Requiresstayinghomeuntilsymptomsareresolvedtopreventspreadofdiseasetoimmunocompromisedpatients.

Pertussis(WhoopingCough)

·Requiresstayinghomeandbeingonmedicationfor24-48hours.·Mayreturntoclinicalassignmentwithmedicalpermission.

GastrointestinalSymptoms

TooSickforClinicals

Nausea ·Presentwithyellowingoftheskinoreyes.·Accompaniedwithothergeneralcomplaints(e.g.headache,fever,fatigueoryellowingofskin)

Vomiting ·Difficultymaintaininghygienepracticesorsanitaryconditions.·Accompaniedbyotherintestinalsymptoms(e.g.increaseflatus,nausea,vomitingorotherunusualstoolcharacteristics).


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Diarrhea

·Difficultyinmaintaininghygienepracticesorsanitaryconditions.·Anincreasednumberofbowelmovementswithanacuteonsetduetoanunknowncause(3loosestoolsin24hourtimeperiod).·Accompaniedbyafever,headache,orfatigue.·Accompaniedbyotherintestinalsymptoms.

ConvalescentSalmonella

·Noworkwithhighrisk,immunocompromisedpatientsuntildocumentationof2consecutivenegativestoolcultures,24hoursapart.

• Ifaninternisonnarcoticprescriptiondrugs,theinternwillnotbeallowedtoparticipateinclinicalactivities

duetothepotentialsideeffectsandalteredmentalstatus.• Thereturntoworkprotocolandotherillnessrelatedclinicalsituationstofollowhospitalpolicyofthe

internshipsite.

C-15RadiationSafety

• Orientationtotheclinicalinternshipwillincludereviewofradiationsafetymeasures.• StudentswillbeprovidedaradiationdosimeterbytheinstructorsofUW-Lcourseswithradiationlabsand

bytheclinicalaffiliates,whichtheywillwearatalltimeswhileinthecontrolledarea.• Students,staffandvisitorsarenotallowedintreatmentroomsduringthetreatment.• IfthestudentisinthesimulatororHigh-DoseRateAfterloaderroomduringfluoroscopy,he/shewillwear

aleadapron.• Reportsmaybeavailableperstudentrequestfromtheradiationsafetyofficer.• Studentswillbegivencounselingregardingradiationsafetypracticesasnecessary.• Theprogramthresholddoselimitforincidentsofexposureis125-250mrem.Ifsuchdoseisreached

and/orexceeded,investigationwillbeconductedbyprogramofficialsandtheappropriateradiationsafetyofficer.Onsiteradiationsafetyofficerisrequiredtonotifyprogramofficialsofsuchexposure.

C-16Policyonstudentpregnancy

StudentsshouldunderstandthatapregnancyduringthetwoyearsoftheprofessionalportionoftheRadiation

Therapymajormayhaveanimpactontheireducationandpossiblyuponthetimingofgraduation.Twoimportantfactorsareinvolved.

• Coursesareonlyofferedonceeachyearandtimemissedforpregnancyand/ordeliverywilllikelynecessitate

makeupworkorperhapsdelayofuptoayeartomaintainthepropersequenceofcourses,dependingonthetimingandamountoftimemissed.

• Therearepotentialriskstoanembryoorfetussecondarytoradiationexposurethatmayrequirecounselingandalterationoftheclinicaleducationexperience.

Thefollowingpolicyhasbeendevelopedtoguidetheprogramanditsstudentsintheeventofastudentpregnancy. 1. TheU.S.NuclearRegulatoryCommissionRegulatoryGuide8.13regarding“PossibleHealthRiskstoChildrenof

WomenWhoareExposedtoRadiationDuringPregnancy”canbefoundinAppendixA.

2. AllstudentswillbemadeawareofrisksandhazardsofprenatalradiationexposureduringcourseworkatUW-Landuponorientationtotheclinicalinternship.


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3. Astudentwhoispregnant,orsuspectsthatshemaybe,hastheoptiontovoluntarilydeclarethatconditionto

programofficials.a. IfthestudentdecidestodeclarethepregnancyitshallbedoneinwritingtotheProgramDirector

whileoncampusand/ortheEducationDirectorofherinternshipsiteifintheinternshipportionoftheprogram.Thenotificationshallalsoincludetheexpecteddateofdelivery.

b. Astudentmay“undeclare”herpregnancyatanytime.Thestudentshouldsubmitawrittenwithdrawalofdeclarationofherpregnancystatus.ThisshouldalsobesubmittedtotheProgramDirectorwhileoncampusand/orEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisorifattendinginternship.

c. TheprogramwillcomplywithstudentconfidentialityrequestsasperFERPAregulations

4. Ifastudentdeclaresapregnancy,acounselingsessionwillbesetupwiththeradiationsafetyofficerattheUniversityand/orthestudent’sclinicalinternshipsitetoreviewradiationexposurerisksandanyadditionalmonitoringpracticeswhichmaybeinitiated.

5. Adeclaredpregnantstudentmaychooseoneoftheoptionsbelow(ormaychoosetochangetoadifferentoptionatalatertimeifdesired,withwrittennotice):

a. Shemaytakealeaveofabsencefromtheprogram.(Seepolicyforleaveofabsence.)Shouldthe

declaredpregnantstudentdecidetoleavetheprogramduringpregnancyanddelivery,tuitionwillberefundedaccordingtotheTuitionRefundPolicy.Inthiscircumstancethestudentwouldbereadmittedtotheprogramatthefirstavailableopeningafterdelivery.

b. Shemaystayintheprogram,butmakemodificationsinherclinicalrotationschedulestoreducethechanceofexposuretothefetus.ShewillnotparticipateinsitespecificrotationsduringthetimeofthepregnancyasrecommendedbytheRadiationSafetyOfficerofthesite.Competencyandexperienceinallrequiredareaswillbemadeupfollowingdelivery.Thiscoulddelaygraduationbeyondtheoriginallyexpecteddate.

c. Shemaydecidetostayintheprogramand/orinternshipduringpregnancyandcontinuetheprogram

withoutmodificationoflearningactivitiesorclinicalrotations.Ifshedecidestodothis,shedoessoinfullknowledgeofthepotentialhazardofembryo/fetalradiationexposure.Ifastudentselectsthisoption,itisrecommendedthatsheconsultherpersonalphysicianinthisregard.Shemustindicateinwritingherintentiontocontinuewiththeprogramwithoutmodification.Acopyofdocumentationofthisdecisionwillbekeptinthestudent’sfile.

6. Pregnancyand/ordeliveryrelatedtimeawayfromschoolduringthejunioryearoncampuswillrequiremakeupofanycourseworkmissedpriortobeginningtheinternship,consistentwiththeleaveofabsencepolicyofthemajor.

7. Ifdeliveryoccursduringclinicalinternship,allcourseworkandclinicaltimemustbecompletedbeforethestudentiseligibleforgraduationandtoapplytotaketheARRTcertificationexamination.


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SectionD-ClinicalInternship

D-1TheClinicalInternshipExperience

AlloftheclinicalinternshipsitesaffiliatedwiththeRadiationTherapyprogramarestateoftheartregionalcancercenters.EachaffiliatedclinicalinternshipsiteemploysanEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisorwhoisanAdjunctFacultymembertoUW-LaCrosse.Coursesaretaughteitheronlineorinafacetofacesetting.ThesamecurriculumistaughtateachsiteasmandatedbytheASRTandtheAdvisoryCommitteeoftheRadiationTherapyProgram.CourseinformationiscentralizedonD2L,includingcontent,quizzes,discussions,andexams.Whileeachinternshipsitediffersintermsoftechnologiesusedfordeliveryofradiationtherapy,aswellasdepartmentsize,therelativepaceofpatientflowisconsistentbetweenallsites.Eachsiteprovidescareforawidevarietyofpatientpopulationsincludinggeriatricandpediatric,andtherearefluctuationsinpatientvolumefromtimetotime.

ClinicalInternshipSitesAdvocateLutheranGeneralHospital

AbouttheFacility:

• VarianIXmachineswithOBI,RapidArccapabilitiesandDeepInspirationBreathHold• Tomotherapy,Cyberknife,GE16SliceCTSimulator• Threedimensionaltreatmentplanning• Intensitymodulatedradiationtherapy• HighDoseratebrachytherapy• Hypofractionationforbreastcancertreatment• GridTherapy,TotalBodyIrradiation• PediatricandAdultpopulations• 2-3Physicians/Day• 7Fulltimeand1Parttimetherapist• treat35-50patientsperday• Wedonothaveopportunitiesforstudentstoworkduringtheirinternship• Wetreatinasomewhatrelaxedatmosphere;wegivethestudentstheopportunitytohaveasmuch

“handson”astheyarecomfortablewith.• TrueBeamin2018

EducationDirector:JimBaumlMHA,RT(R)(T)

• GraduatedfromtheMichaelReese/UniversityofChicagoRadiationTherapySchool• BachelorsinHealthArtsfromtheUniversityofSt.Francis• Master’sDegreeinHealthServicesAdministrationfromNationalLouisUniversity• ContactInformation

o Email:[email protected] Phone:(847)723-8254

• Funfact:Pitchedanohitterinlittleleague•

Educationinformation:

• ClassesareheldTuesday–Thursday;butwillreschedulebasedonclinic• Machinerotationsaredividedequally



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• Studentsreceivecopiesofallmymaterial.Thecontentisdiscussedandappliedclinically.Ihavea“laidback”teachingstyle.

• Thereareconferenceroomsavailabletostudentsaswellasmultipleworkstations.

GundersenHealthSystem-LaCrosse,WI

AbouttheFacility:

• ThreeVarianLinearAccelerators (6Mv-18Mv)withmulti-leafcollimation,portal imaging, roboticcouchandARIArecordandverifysystems

• 2100EX,2TrueBeamV.2.7• VarianTruBeamwithAdvancedImagingandFFF(flatteningfilterfree)features• ImageguidedradiationtherapyusingBrainLab'sExactracimagingsystem• ImageguidedradiationtherapyusingVarian’sConeBeamCTandkVimaging• Varian’sRapidArcTechnology• Linac-basedstereotacticradiosurgeryandradiotherapy• Respiratorygating• GELightspeedRT16SliceScannerandGEPET/CTscanner• ThreedimensionaltreatmentplanningwithEclipseplanningsystems• Intensitymodulatedradiationtherapy• Highdoseratebrachytherapy• Pediatricandadultpopulations• 11RadiationTherapists,3RadiationOncologists,3MedicalPhysicists,2MedicalDosimetrists• Treatabout65patientsperday• NojobavailableforstudentsatGundersenforinternship.• Typeoflearningenvironment:Fastpacedenvironmentontreatmentmachines,therapistsexpectalotout

ofstudentsandpushthemhardattimes.Greatteamtoworkwithandgotoforanyquestions.Otherhealthprofessionalsinthedepartmentverywillingtoteachaswell.

ClinicalSupervisor,DainaDrathBS,RT(T):• Education:BSfromUniversityofWisconsinLaCrosse(2012Grad)• ContactInformation:

o Email:[email protected] Phone:608-775-2158


• Inthefallandspringsemesters,themajorityofthecourseworkwillbetaughtonlineandthestudentswillbegivenapproximately8hoursperweektocomplete.Onecoursewillbetaughtatthehospitalbythephysicsanddosimetrystaffeachsemesteraswell.Inthesummersessions,3-4hourswillbegrantedascourseworktime.

• Typicalrotationontreatmentmachines:5weeksateacharea,4differentareas• CanstudyatGHSlibrary,inRad/Oncconferenceroom,eachstudenthasowncubical,andhavecomputer

accessatcubicleandRTTroom



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MarshfieldClinicHealthSystem

Marshfield,WI

AbouttheFacility- MarshfieldClinicHealthSystemisaruralacademicandresearchhealthsystemwithover80medical

specialties.Thereareapproximately800physiciansthatprovidecareover50locationsthroughoutWisconsin.MarshfieldClinicisthelargestprivategroupmedicalpracticeinWisconsin.

- AttheMarshfieldCenter:- 2RadOncdepartmentsattheMarshfieldCenter(onehospitalbasedandoneclinicbased)

o PediatricandAdultpopulations- VarianTrueBeamwithAdvancedImagingandFFFFeatures,RapidArctechnology- VarianPerfectPitch6degreesoffreedomcouch- VisionRT

o DeepInspirationBreathHoldo RespiratoryGating

- StereotacticBodyRadiotherapy- EyeplaqueBrachytherapy- AriaRecordandVerify- Pinnacleplanningsystem- 2PhilipsBigboreCTs- VarianSilhouette(onlyforinpatientsandoncalltreatments)- Tomotherapy(notinclinicaluse)- HighDoseRatebrachytherapy,Savii- PerfexionGammaKnife- 5RadiationTherapists,2RadiationOncologist,2MedicalPhysicists,1Dosimetrist,2nurses,1MA- Treatabout25-30patientsaday- Therapiststakecall

Educationinformation- EducationaldepartmentlocatedwithintheClinic

o Libraryandstudyspotsopentostudents,badgeaccessto24/7o Desktopcomputersandcopier/printerforstudentuseo Laptoprental

- Classtimeswillbesomewhatflexibledependingonstaffingandtreatmentschedules.- Somecourseworkwillbetaughtonline- PossibilityofrotatingtoStevensPointCampus- Studentswillneedtobeflexibleandtakeanactiveroleintheirclinicaleducation.

EducationalDirector:MindyKrenBS,RT(T)- Education:BSfromUniversityofWisconsinLaCrosse(2011Grad)- Contactinfo

o Email:[email protected] Phone:Rad.OncFrontdesk(715)389-3339



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AscensionColumbiaSt.Mary’sHospital,Milwaukee,Wisconsin

ColumbiaSt.Mary’shospitalispartofAscensionHealthwhichisthelargestnon-profithealthsystemintheUnitedStatesandtheworld'slargestCatholichealthsystem.Ourmissionistocommitourselvestoservingallpersonswithspecialattentiontothosewhoarepoorandvulnerable.OurCatholichealthministryisdedicatedtospiritually-centered,holisticcarewhichsustainsandimprovesthehealthofindividualsandcommunities.AscensionColumbiaSt.Mary’s–MilwaukeeisidentifiedasatertiarycenterofexcellencefortheSouthRegionofAscensionWisconsin.InMarch2017,AscensionCSM–Milwaukeebeganthetransitiontocreatethemosteffectiveandefficientsystemofcare.Asatertiarycarecenter,AscensionCSM–Milwaukeewilltreatagreaternumberofacutecasesandfocusonhigherlevelsofcare.AscensionCSM–Milwaukeewillbecometheregionalreferralcenter,receivingpatientsfromotherAscensionWisconsinhospitalsbecauseofourexpertiseandthelevelofcareweoffer.OurCancerCenteroverlooksLakeMichiganandislocatedonMilwaukee’seastside.InadditiontoourMilwaukeecampus,thereisaCancerCenteratourOzaukeeCampus.TheRadiationOncologyDepartmenttakesprideinitscuttingedgetechnologycombinedwithahighlyintegratedsupportcomponentforpatients.Majorequipmentandtreatmentprogramsinclude:MilwaukeeCampus:

• VarianTruebeamLinearAcceleratorwithRapidArcandAlignRTOpticalSurfaceMonitoringSystem• VarianTrilogyLinearAcceleratorwithportalimagingandAlignRTOpticalSurfaceMonitoringSystem• KVimagingandConeBeamCT• GECTScannerandGEAdvantageSimulatorwithRespiratoryGated4DCT• AriaRecord&VerifySystem• CT/PETScanner• Elekta/NucletronMicroSelectronv3HighDoseRateAfterloader:BrachytherapyforGYNandBreast• VarianEclipse3-DTreatmentPlanningSystem• StereotacticRadiosurgery,HeadandBody• Brachymesh• StrongParticipationinResearchStudies

OzaukeeCampus:

• VarianTruebeamLinearAcceleratorwithRapidArcandAlignRTOpticalSurfaceMonitoringSystem• KVImagingandConeBeamCT• GECTScannerandGEAdvantageSimulatorwithRespiratoryGated4DCT• AriaRecord&VerifySystem• VarianEclipse3-DTreatmentPlanningSystem• StereotacticBodyRadiationTherapy• ParticipationinResearchStudies


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Overall:

• Diverse,fast-pacedenvironment• 9RadiationTherapists,2RadiationOncologists,2PhysiciansAssistants,2MedicalPhysicists,2Medical

Dosimetrists• Treatbetween30-50patientsaday• NojobavailableforstudentsatCSMforinternship.• Typeoflearningenvironment:Mediumsizedclinicwithafastpacedenvironmentonthetreatment

machines.OurRTT’shavehighexpectationsandareveryvestedintheeducationofourinterns.RTT’stakeextratimewithinternstoreviewclinicalconceptsasneeded.Theinternsareexpectedtobeindependentandbeanactiveparticipantintheirowneducation.

ClinicalSupervisor:TracyKatzerBS,RT(T)

• Education:BSUniversityofWisconsinLaCrosse(2008Grad)• ContactInformation:


Educationinformation

• AllcourseworkwillbetaughtatFroedtertHospitalwhichisapproximately20minutesaway.• Classesare/orusuallyMondays,Tuesday,orFriday(dependsonsemester)• TheinternswillgotoBreastCancerConferenceeveryWednesdaymorning.• Typicalrotationontreatmentmachines:3-4weeksateacharea,2differentareas.Thisallowsforour

internstogetagreatdealofexperienceintheCTsim.• Clinichoursforstudentsare8-4:30pm.• Studyareaswillbeprovided.



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FroedtertHospital,Milwaukee,Wisconsin

Froedtert&theMedicalCollegeofWisconsinClinicalCancerCenterisoneofthemostinnovativecancertreatmentfacilitiesintheregionandhasbeenlongregardedasatopqualityradiationtherapyprovider.Itisfastgainingnationalattentionfortheworkitsphysicianscontinuetoperformeachyearinsignificantcancerresearchandotheradvancements.TheDepartmentofRadiationOncologyisaLevel1RegionalRadiationTherapyCenterinaCategory1CancerProgramasdesignatedbytheAmericanCollegeofSurgeons.Thismeansthatthedepartmenthasthestaff,expertiseandequipmenttotreateverytypeofcancerwithinourfacility.ThecoremissionoftheDepartmentofRadiationOncologyisitsdeepcommitmenttotheeducationoffuturegenerationsofallradiationoncologyprofessionals;whilefocusingonpatientcare.Additionally,thecancercenterisaccreditedbytheAmericanCollegeofRadiology(ACR).AbouttheFacility:WeareanAcademicCancerCenter 730–1600,withrotatingcall,variedstarttimes,8-hourshifts 20+Therapists 20RadiationOncologists 14Physicistsplus,4physicsresidentsplus7physicspostdocs 4Nurses,1PA,3NP’salongwithSupportiveStaffEquipment&Procedures:

• 2DualEnergySiemens,2ElektaInfinityLinearAccelerators;allwith3Dimaging,conebeam,CTonrails,IMRT,IGRT,Gatingtechniquesand/orportalimaging

• AccurayRadixact(Tomotherapy)• ElektaVersaHD(MRI/Linac)• HDRbrachytherapy,Eyeplaquebrachytherapy&Prostateseedimplants• StereotacticRadiation,Ra223andSamariumtreatments• GECTSimulatorandMRISimulator• SensusSupervoltagex-rayunit• TotalBodyIrradiation.TotalSkin,HeterotopicBone,ProneBreast• ElektaPerfexionGammaKnife/IconStereotacticRadiosurgeryunit• Adult/PediatricRadiation• TotalBodyIrradiation,Totalskin,Heterotopicbone,Pronebrest• BrachytherapyProgram• Protocols

*TreatmentAverage:25-30/day/machineEducationinformation:

• Classesare/orusuallyMondaysandTuesday(dependsonsemester)• ClinicalrotationsareatFroedtert,CommunityMemorialHospital&theVAHospital• StudyareasaretheRadiationOncologyconferenceroom(whenavailable),severalsmallconferencerooms

withintheClinicalCancerCenterandtheJetsonchairs.


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*WillbehiredonasanFMLHemployeeasaRadiationTherapyAssistant.Workwillbebeforeyourclinicalhours.Hoursvary~3-10hoursperpayperiod.EducationDirector:KarenJMannistoBS,RT(R)(T)

• Education:CertificationinRadiologyandRadiationTherapy• ReceivedbyBSinAlliedHealthfromtheCollegeofSt.Francis• TeachingPhilosophy:Intheclassroom,powerpointsareusedformostclasses.Idotrytogetoutside

speakers,dependingonthetopic.Itisexpectedthatyoucometoclasspreparedasmostclasseshavesuggestedreadingsorassignmentspriortoattendingclass.

• PersonalFact:IloveCavalierKingCharlesSpaniels,ChristianRock/Popmusic,andSushi!☺• ContactInformation:


UniversityofWisconsinHospitalsandClinics,Madison,WI

AbouttheFacility:

• #ofanddescriptionoftreatmentmachineso Atthemaincampus,wehave2LinearAccelerators(VarianTrueBeammachines),2Tomotherapy

machinesandaViewRaytreatmentmachine.OurEastClinicdepartmenthasonelinearaccelerator(VarianTrueBeam),whichisidenticaltothoseatthemaincampus.AllofourlinearacceleratorshavecomprehensiveIGRTcapabilities,respiratorygating,andsurfacetracking.Weofferseveralspecialprocedures,includingStereotacticRadiosurgery,StereotacticBodyRadiosurgery,FractionatedStereotacticRadiationTherapy,Pulsed-ReducedDoseRateRadiationTherapy,IMRT,IGRT(ontomotherapyandusingcone-beamCT),TBIandmanydifferenttypesofbrachytherapyprocedures.

o WehaveaSiemenswide-boreCTscannerforsimulation.ThereisaportableCTscannerinthebrachytherapysuiteforthoseprocedures.

o Weuseelectronicchartingforallaspectsofclinicandtreatment.• #ofphysicians,therapists,average#ofpatientstreatedperday

o Wehave11physiciansand8residents.Eachofourphysicianshavetheirownspecialtiesandmanyareconsideredexpertsintheirfields.Alotofourpatientsareonclinicaltrialsbecauseofthis.Ourresidentsteachallofourcancerlecturesandalsohelpteachthestudentswhiletheyareintheirdosimetryrotation.Everythingwedohasateachingcomponenttoit.

o Wehave24therapists.Thetherapistsrotateeverysixmonths-year,sothereisconsistencyamongstthestaffmembersonthetreatmentmachinesfromdaytoday.

o Wetreataround100patientseachdayonthefivemachines.Wetreatpatientsfrom7:30–6eachday,sowehaveanearlyandlateshiftoftherapists.

• Jobforstudents’availabilityo Wecurrentlyofferverylimitedhoursforworkinourdepartment.Wewillputyouinthesystem

soityoucanreceiveemployeeperks(buspasses,libraryuse,etc),butdonotoffersteadyhours.o AsaUWSystemstudent,youareeligibleformanystudentpositionswithinUWMadisonand

elsewhereinthehospital.Thereisawebsiteforthesejobs,aswellasothersoutsidethesystemthatstudentshaveusedtofindjobsinthepast.It’sagreatservicebecausemostofthepositionsareflexiblesincetheyarelookingforstudenthelp.



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• Typeoflearningenvironmento Thisisalarge,teachinghospital.Inadditiontoresidentsandradiationtherapystudents,wealso

havemedicalstudents,physicsstudentsandresidents,andmanymanymore.Ourphilosophyistojumprightinandgo!Weleteveryonegoattheirownpace,butencouragestudentstodothingsastheyarecomfortable.Butdon’tworry-thetherapistsarealwaysrightatyoursideandwon’tletyoudoanythingwrong.Inthebeginning,wetrytohavelabsonthemachines.Onceyouareintheswingofthings,weleaveituptoyoubutencourageyoutotakeanactiveroleintheclinicalprocess.

EducationDirector:AmyHeathMS,RT(T)

• Educationo MSinClinicalLeadershipfromGeorgeWashingtonUniversityo BSinRadiationTherapyfromUWL.

• ContactInformationo Email:[email protected] Phone:608-263-8517

• TeachingPhilosophy(Style)o IworkMonday–Thursdayandtrytokeeporganized,butamflexible.Iamalwayswillingtotry

newthings.IliketotakeadvantageofworkinginateachinghospitalandtrytogetasmanyoutsidelecturersandtoursasIcan.Iliketolinkwhatwearedoinginclasstothepatientswearetreatinginclinic.

• PersonalFacto Ilovetogardenandspendtimeoutside.


• Daysandtimesofclasso Wetypicallyhaveonefulldayofclassandonehalfdayofclassmidweek.Wealsogotochart

roundseveryThursdayandCancerGrandRoundsasapplicable.ThiscutsdownonthedrivingbackandforthfromthehospitaltoEastClinicifyouareonthatrotation.Studentsoftenridethebustoandfromthehospital,butdrivetoEastClinic.Havingclassscheduledlikethisreallycutsdownontransportationheadaches.

• Typicalrotationsandlengthofrotationso Ourrotationsare3-4weeksinlength.Inthefallsemester,yourotateoneachLinac(2hereand1

atEastClinic)andoneTomotherapy,andCT.TheCTandSimulationrotationaretogether.Inthespring,yourotateoneachLinac,tomotherapy,CTanddosimetry.Duringthefinalsummer,yourrotationsareshorterandyoualsogotootherhospitalsforexternships.

o It’sgreatthatwehaveaclinicforstudentstorotateto.Thepaceismuchdifferentthanthehospital.Studentsgetgreatone-on-oneattention,gettocommunicatewithallmembersofthetreatmentteammore,havemorecontactwithpatientsandgetanideaofwhatitisliketoworkinasmallercenter.

o Clinicalhoursare8–4:30,butwemoveasclinicvolumedictates.• Studyareas,library,etc.

o Thestudentshaveacomputerinthedepartmentthattheycanuseatbreaksandlunches,aswellasaprintertouseforcoursematerials.Inaddition,oneoftheadjoiningbuildingstothehospitalhasaverylargemedicallibrary.Weusetheircomputersforexams,andalsotheirjournalsandbooksforclassassignments.Thelibraryisopenuntil11pmmostnights,sostudentsfinditusefultousethisareawhentheyareworkingonprojectsorstudyingforexams.



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D-2InternshipSitePlacement

InternshipSiteInterviewsInorderthemeetthebestinterestofthestudentsandtheinternshipsites,thefollowingsystemisusedforinternshipsiteplacement:

• Byacceptingapositionintheprogram,thestudentagreestobeplacedatanyoneofthefiveinternshipsites.Eachstudentwillbeplacedaccordingtowhatwouldbebestforhisorherlearningstyle.

• StudentswillscheduleaninterviewateachsitewiththeEducationDirectorofthatsiteduringthetimeperiodofMay2-August31,withtheexceptionofJuly.Pleaseuseyourclassof2019sitetoclickondirectionsforschedulingyourvisitsthissummer.

• ThestudentcanschedulethevisitbychoosingadateateachsitewhichfitsyourscheduleusingthepollscreatedonDoodleandplacedonD2L,withtheexceptionofGundersen;thereareseparatedirectionsgivenonD2L.Aminimumoftwoweeks’noticeshouldbegivenforschedulingthevisit.

• Thestudentshouldplantobeattheclinicalsiteforatleasttwohours.Duringtheinterview,thestudentwillcompleteatourofthedepartment,spendtimeonthetreatmentmachineswithradiationtherapists,andmeetwiththeEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisor(s).

• Thisisyourchancetodetermineifthesitewillbeaplacethatfitsyourlearningneeds.TheEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisor(s)andradiationtherapistsatthesitewillalsobedeterminingifyouwillfitwellinthatenvironment.BesuretotakethefollowingtwoformswithyoutoeachinterviewfortheEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisor(s)andtherapisttoevaluateyoubyafterwards.Theseformscontainthecriteriabywhichyouwillbeevaluated.

• Studentsshouldwearbusinesscasualclothingandclosedtoedshoes,withhosiery.Nosandals,shorts,leggings,orCapripants.Ifnecessary,studentswillbegivenalabcoatwithanamebadgeattheinternshipsite.

• Studentsmayvisitthesitesingroupsoftwo.• Studentsareexpectedtoaskquestions,interactwithstaffandpatients,andshowenthusiasmandinterest

ateachsite.Additionally,studentsareencouragedtoparticipateandhelpinthetreatmentroomsanddisplayknowledgeofthefieldofradiationtherapy.

• Afterthestudentinterviewsateachsite,theEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisor(s)willcompletetheevaluationform,aswellastheradiationtherapistthatthestudentprimarilyworkedwith.Thescoresoftheseformswillbeusedintheplacementprocess

• Finally,afterthestudenthascompletedallsiteinterviews,eachstudentwillranktheinternshipsiteonascaleofonetoten,withtenindicatingveryhighinterestforthesite.Thestudentmaygiveonlyone“10”ratingtoasiteandone“1”ratingtoasite.Theothersitesshouldbeevaluatedwithdifferentnumbersbetween1and10toreflectdesiretobeplacedthere.FinalrankingsshouldbesubmittedtothedropboxbySeptember15th,2017.

• Wewillnottakeintoaccountpersonalreasonsforplacementandwereservetherighttoassigneachtostudenttoasitewherewethinkyouwilllearnbest.

• StudentswillbenotifiedontheirplacementpriortoSpringBreak,priortothebeginningoftheirinternshipyear.


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UW-LaCrosseRadiationTherapyProgram

StudentEvaluationofInternshipSiteEducationDirectorEvaluation

StudentName:ObservationSite:Date:Pleaseevaluatethestudent’sperformanceduringhis/herinternshipsiteinterviewinyourdepartment. Met NotMetStudentaskedquestionsofEducationDirector

Studentwaspreparedforandontimeforvisit.

Studentdemonstratedprofessionalism.

Studentwasenthusiasticduringvisit.

Demonstratesknowledgeofthefield.

Howwelldoyouthinkthisstudent’slearningexpectationsandneedswouldbemetatthisinternshipsite? 0 1 2 3 4 5 NotMet SomewhatMet MetExplainyourresponse.Doyoufeelthatthestudentdemonstratedaninterestinthisclinicalinternshipsite?OfficeUseOnly:AverageScore_______________Met=1pt.,NotMet=0pts


55


StudentEvaluationofInternshipSiteRadiationTherapistEvaluation

StudentName:ObservationSite:Date:Pleaseevaluatethestudent’sperformanceduringhis/herinternshipsiteinterviewinyourdepartment. Met NotMetStudentaskedquestionsofstaff.

Studentwasenthusiasticduringvisit.

Studentdemonstratedaninterestintreatmentprocedures.

Studentdemonstratedprofessionalism.

Demonstratesknowledgeofthefield.

Howwelldoyouthinkthisstudent’slearningexpectationsandneedswouldbemetatthisinternshipsite? 0 1 2 3 4 5 NotMet SomewhatMet MetExplainyourresponse.Doyoufeelthatthestudentdemonstratedaninterestinthisclinicalinternshipsite?Thankyouforyourhelp!Pleasesignyournameonthelinebelow: OfficeUseOnly:AverageScore_______________Met=1pt.,NotMet=0pts



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D-3AffiliatedExternshipSites

Duringthefinalsummeroftheclinicalinternship,studentsareabletogainclinicalexperienceatasiteotherthantheirassignedhospital.Studentsmaychoosetospendtimeatanotherclinicalsiteoratoneoftheprogram’saffiliatedexternshipsitesaslistedbelow.

AffiliatedExternshipSites ClinicalSupervisor EmailAddress PhoneNumberAdvocateGoodShepherd-Barrington,IL

HollyKurpius [email protected] 847-842-0300

AgnesianCancerCenter-FondduLac,WI

HeatherBowen,ZackParker,studentliaison

[email protected] 920-926-5513

AspirusWausauHospital-Wausau,WI

RhondaNousen [email protected] 715-847-2866

AuroraKenosha-Kenosha,WI

NicoleOttaviani [email protected] 262-857-5701

ColumbiaSt.Mary’sHospitalOzaukee-Mequon,WI

TracyKatzer [email protected] 414-585-1595

CommunityMemorialHospital-MenomoneeFalls,WI

KarenFerkans-Rupert

[email protected]

262-257-5133

LeonardFergusonCancerCenter

BarbaraHorton [email protected] 815-599-7421

St.PaulCancerCenter-St.Paul,MN

KennethWalker [email protected] 651-251-5565

St.VincentHospital-GreenBay,WI

KathyAubry,ElizabethSimonar

[email protected]@hshs.org

920-433-0111(main)920-433-8184

TurvilleBayMRI&RadiationOncologyCenter-Madison,WI

KimBangert [email protected] 608-251-6868

UWHealth-EastClinic-Madison,WI

AmyHeath [email protected] 608-263-8517

Veteran’sAdministrationHospital-Milwaukee,WI

AmandaHalderson [email protected] 414-384-2000x46942
















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D-4ClinicalInternshipAttendancePolicies

I.Generalinformation

• Theclinicalinternshipisscheduledforapproximately13monthsbeginninginearlyJuly,2019andendingthelastFridayinJuly,2020.

• BreaksduringtheinternshipwillbearrangedbetweentheClinicalsupervisorandthestudentsandmaynotcorrespondtotheUniversity’sacademiccalendar.Butstudentsateachsitewilltaketheirbreaksduringthesameperiods.

• Duringtheclinicalinternship,studentswillbepresentattheclinicalaffiliatefora40-hourweek.Whennotindidacticclasses,studentswillbeassignedtoclinicalrotations.Studentsarenotexpectedtobeinattendancemorethan40hoursinaweek’stime.

• Thepurposeoftimeuseregulationistomaximizetheclinicaleducationofstudents,ensurefairnessandequitybetweenstudents,andfostergoodworkhabitsforfuturejobsuccess.

II.DailyHours

• Studentswillbeexpectedtoreportforan8-hourdaywithbeginningandendingtimesdesignatedbytheClinicalSupervisor.VariationsofthesehoursmustbemadeinadvanceandapprovedbytheClinicalSupervisor.

• Studentsaretologtheirhoursonthedesignatedtimekeepingrecord,keptintheirclinicalrotationsitesandsigneddailybytheirclinicalinstructor.CardsaretobesubmittedtoandasspecifiedbytheClinicalSupervisor.

• One,fifteen-minutebreak,giveninthemorningandoneintheafternoonmaybetakenasapprovedbytheappropriateclinicalinstructor.

• Lunchbreakwillbe30-45minuteslongandisarrangedbetweentheclinicalinstructorandtheindividualstudent.

• Earlyorlatehours:Shouldapatienttreatmentsituationofparticularinterestarise,thatwouldnecessitateattendancebeyondnormalhours,oneormorestudentsmayvolunteertostaytoobserveandassist.

o Thestudent(s)mustsubmitdocumentationofthetimethattheyspentandthereason,signedbyatherapist,totheprogramdirector.

o Timespentover40hrs./weekinthismannerwillbecompensatedtothestudentwithequaltimeoffatatimearrangedbetweenthestudentandtheClinicalSupervisor.

o Studentswillnotbeallowedto“bank”excesscomptimebeyond8hours.• Breaksmaynotbeusedtomakeuptime.• Ifaclinicalinstructortellsastudentthatshe/hemayleaveearly,thestudentmayusetimeanddosoand

notethetimeonhis/herrecordoftimeusingpersonaltimetocompensate.III. PersonalDaysoff(SickLeave&Vacation)

A. Eachstudentwillbegranted10daysforpersonalusewhensickorforvacation.B. VacationorpersonaldaysaretobescheduledinadvanceandapprovedbytheEducationalDirectorof

theinternshipsite.C. Whenstudentsaresickandunabletocometoclassesand/orclinical,theyarerequiredtocalltheir

EducationalDirectororClinicalSupervisorortoleaveamessageatthefrontdeskbythestartoftheclassday.Sickdaysaretobeusedforillnessordoctor'sappointmentsandnotforotherpurposes.Studentsfoundinviolationwillbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction.

D. Astudentwhomissesthreeconsecutiveschooldaysbecauseofillnessmustbringadoctor'sclearanceuponreturningtoschool.


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IV. ScheduledBreaks

A. A“fallbreak”longweekendmaybescheduled.B. Studentsaregrantedasemesterbreakafterfallsemester,untiljustafterthenewyearof2019.Thisis

subjecttochangeatthediscretionofprogramofficials,butwillberoughlytwoweeks.C. ASpringBreakwillbescheduledasperUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseunlessthestudentsand

EducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisorataninternshipagreetochangethebreaktoanotherweek.D. AbreakaroundthetimeofcommencementinMaywillbescheduled.

IV. Holidays. Holidaysobservedare:LaborDay,Thanksgiving(&Fridayfollowing),MartinLutherKingDay,MemorialDay

andtheFourthofJuly

V.Funeralattendance/Bereavementtime1. Studentsarealloweduptothreedaysoftimeuponthedeathofaclosefamilymemberforbereavementand

funeralattendance.2. Studentsmayhavetimetoattendthefuneralofafriendorothersignificantpersonuponthediscretionofthe

EducationalDirector/ClinicalSupervisor.3. ForanyuseoftimeforthispurposetheClinicalCoordinatoristobeconsulted.

VI. Incomplete(InsufficientTime)Ifastudentusesmoretimethanallowedforpersonalholiday,sickleave,etc.andbecomesdeficientinthestandardamountoftimerequiredbytheclinicalaffiliateforgraduation,thestudentwillberequiredtospendtheappropriateamountoftimetobemadeupinthedepartmentduringanormalworkdayunderthesupervisionofatherapist.Uponcompletionofthedeficienttimethestudentwillreceivehis/herdiplomaandwillbedeclaredagraduate.Studentsmayvoluntarily"makeup"timeusedinexcessforsickleaveorotherreasonsby:

1. Startingearlyorstayinglateintheclinic,involvedinvaluableclinicalexperiences;beyondtheeighthourdayoronweekends(supervisedbyastaffradiationtherapist).

2. Abovetimemustbenotedonthetimecardandinitialedbythesupervisingclinicalinstructor.3. ExcessiveabsenteeismmaybebroughtbytheEducationalDirector/ClinicalSupervisorofthestudent’s

internshipsitetotheStudentProgressCommitteewhichwillrecommendactiontobetaken.Actionscanincludeprobationanddismissalfromtheprogram.

VII.MandatoryAttendanceRequirements A.General

1. Allstudentsarerequiredtoattendclasses,unlessilloronapprovedleave.2. Classesarepre-scheduledbytheEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisorandtheindividualinstructors.

TheinstructororEducationDirector/ClinicalSupervisorwillinformstudentsofclasseswhicharetobecancelledandwillreschedulethem.

3. Studentsabsentonthedayofanexamaretomakeuptheexamonthenextdayofattendance.(Anexceptionwouldbeastudentwhoalsomissed,byvacationorextendedillness,lecturematerialcoveredontheexam.Thatstudentwouldhaveanadditionaldaytoobtainnotescoveringthatmaterial.)Failuretotaketheexamasrequiredwillnecessitatealoweringoftheachievedgradebyonefullstep.


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B.Conferences1. AllstudentswillattendconferenceswithintheclinicalaffiliateasscheduledbytheClinicalSupervisor.2. Studentsareencouragedtojointhestateprofessionalsociety:RadiationTherapistsofWisconsin

(RTOW)andattendthefallandspringmeetings.3. StudentsarealsoencouragedandwillbeexcusedfromclinicalinternshiptoattendtheannualASRT

RadiationTherapyconferenceinthefall.Studentswillberesponsibleforallcostsassociatedwithattendingtheconference.

D-5InclementWeatherPolicyLivingandgoingtoschoolinWisconsinandIllinoiscansometimesbechallengingduetotheweather.Therearetimesthatattendancemaybeaffectedbysnow,iceorextremecold.Thepolicyregardingattendanceduringthosetimesisasfollows.1. IftheUniversityofWisconsin(LaCrosse,MadisonorMilwaukeeaspertinent)orNortheasternIllinoisUniversity

announcesbyradioandortelevisionthatitsclassesarecancelledforthedayduetotheweather:a. Classeswillalsobecancelledforourprogram.Itwillbeconsideredasnowdayandnotimewillbe

deducted.b. Shouldoneormorestudentsfeelthattheycansafelyattend,theymaydoso,spendthedayin

clinicalassignmentsandtheywillbegiven"comp"timeequivalenttothenumberofhoursspentinattendance.

2.Ondaysofinclementweather,inwhichtheUniversityremainsinsession:

a. Thestudent(s)mustmakeadecisionwhethertheyareabletosafelyattempttocometoschool,basedontheirbestjudgment.

b. Classeswillbeheldasscheduledasmuchaspossible.c. Studentswhoelectnottocomein,mustcallintocommunicatethatdecision.Theywillbeabletouse

vacationorpersonalholidaytimeandwillbeallowedtomakeupthetimeatalaterdate.

D-6ResponsibilitiesofStudentRadiationTherapistsThestudentradiationtherapistisamemberofanalliedhealthteamdedicatedtothediagnosisandtreatmentofdisease.Underthesupervisionofqualifiedradiationoncologists,registeredradiationtherapists,andotherrelatedprofessionalssuchasRN's,physicistsandradiobiologists,thestudentreceivesdidacticandclinicaleducationintheartandscienceofradiationtherapy.


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Students'ResponsibilitiesAre:1. Contributingtothedepartmentandhospitalinsuchawayastopromotethehighestqualitypatientcareby:

• Treatingallpatientswiththeutmostcareandrespect.• Protectingconfidentialinformationofanyandallpatients.• Beingsensitivetothespecialneedsandconcernsofpatientsandtheirfamilies.• Insuringthesafetyofpatient,staff,personnelandstudents.Carelessnesscannotandwillnotbetolerated.• Accuratelysettinguppatientsaccordingtothespecificationsandordersofthephysiciansandradiation

therapists.• Maintainingahighqualityofworkinbothclinicalanddidacticareas.

2. Obtainingproficiencyinallareasofdidacticandclinicaleducationby:

• Attendingallclassesandclinicalassignmentsasscheduled.• Completingdidacticandclinicalassignmentsontime.• Participatinginclinicalactivitiesunderthedirectionofclinicalinstructors.Studentsarenotallowedto

treatpatientsontheirown.Theymustbesupervisedbyaregisteredradiationtherapist.Studentscanbeassuredthattheywillnotbeusedinplaceofpaidtechnologicalstaff.Studentsmaywritedailytreatmentsinpatients'charts,butmustbedouble-checkedandco-initialedbyaregisteredradiationtherapist.

• Usingclinicaltimewiselyandpracticingskillswhenpatientsarenotscheduled.• Acceptinginstructionandcorrectioninaprofessionalandpositivemanner.• Utilizingallopportunitiestoimproveskillsandknowledgeinthefieldofradiationtherapy.

3. Demonstratingpersonalconductindicativeofamaturehealthcareprofessionalby:

• Beingpromptforclasses,conferencesandclinicalrotations.• Beingdependable,acceptingtasksandresponsibilitiesastheyaredelegated.• StudentsmaynotdrinkalcoholicbeveragesorusedrugsthataffectsensoryormotorskillsduringSchool

hours.NorwillstudentsbeallowedtoletsuchuseonpersonaltimeaffecttheirperformanceduringSchoolhours.

• Treatingtheequipmentwithrespect.Informingproperpersonnelofproblemsthatmayarisewithequipment.

• Reportinganyclinicalmistakestotheproperauthorities.• Maintaininghighethicalandmoralstandardsinclinicalanddidacticexperiences.• Followingpoliciesandproceduresoftheclinicalaffiliate.


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D-7ClinicalRotations

Studentswillrotatethroughthefollowingclinicalareastoreceivetrainingandexperience:a.CTSimulator:Patientsareinitiatedintothetreatmentprocessinthese areaswhereplanningofthebestapproachtotreatmentiscombinedwithdetermination ofpatientposition,definitionoftreatmentfields,designoftreatmentaccessoriesand devicesanddocumentationofthesame.b.TreatmentMachines:LinearAcceleratorsofvariousenergiesandwithseveral ancillarypiecesofequipmentsuchascomputerverificationsystemswillgivestudents theopportunitytolearnhowradiationtreatmentsareaccuratelyandprecisely deliveredonadailybasisforavarietyofpathologies.c.Dosimetry:Rotationswillgivestudentstraininginthemeasurement,calculationand optimizationofdosedeliveryfortreatments.Duringtheserotations,studentswillalso learntofabricateshieldingandbeammodificationdevices. d.RadiotherapyandOncologyClinics:Givestudentstheopportunitytoworkwithand observetheRadiationOncologistandOncologynurseinexamination,educationand follow-upofradiotherapypatients.Basicnursingskillsarepracticedandenhanced.e.Brachytherapy:involvesthedeliveryofahighdoseofradiationtoaverylocalarea, usingaradio-isotopeasasource.CertaintypesofGYN,prostate,lungandothercancers areparticularlywellsuitedtothistreatment.Studentswilllearntoassistandfilmfor verificationineitheralowdoserateorhighdoserateremotesystem.f.Stereotacticradiosurgery,GammaKnife,Cyberknife,MRILinacsand/orOrthovoltagetreatmentswill beintroducedasspecialtyareasandmaybescheduledasaone-timeexperience.g.Radiology:Studentswillhavetheopportunitytospendtimeobservinginaradiology department.Thiswillstrengthentheirunderstandingofthediagnosticproceduresutilized forcancerpatientsandallowthemtoapplywhattheyhavelearnedintheirimagingcourse.

StudentsAreResponsibleTo:1. EducationalDirector/ClinicalSupervisoroftheclinicalaffiliate.2. ClinicalCoordinator3. ProgramDirector4. TechnicalDirectoroftheclinicalaffiliate.5. ClinicalInstructors6. Didactic(Classroom)Instructors


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D-8TheClinicalEducationComponent

TheofficialsoftheUniversityofWisconsinLaCrosseRadiationTherapymajorsupportaphilosophythatastrongclinicalemphasisisessentialintrainingradiationtherapists.Theacademicordidacticareaisveryimportantbutunlesstheindividualtherapistcantakewhathe/shehaslearnedinclassandputittopracticeintheclinicalarenahe/shewillnotbeabletofunctionadequatelyinthefield.Trainedandregisteredradiationtherapistsconstantlysupervisestudentsintheirclinicalrotations.Theynotonlyprovidethestudentwithinformationontechniquesandprocedures,butalsowithbackgroundmaterialandrationaleforwhatisdone.Staffandresidentradiationoncologistsaswellasnursingstaffandphysicistsareavailableforfurtherexplanationsandassistance.

Theplanforclinicaleducationincludesthefollowingpoints:

1. Allactivitiesaredesignedtobeeducational.2. Studentswillalwaysbesupervisedbyqualifiedpersonnel.(Radiationtherapists,nurses,

physicians,medicaldosimetrists,medicalphysicists,orradiographersasappropriate.)3. Studentswillrotatethroughallclinicalareasatleasttwiceduringtheinternship.4. Studentswillcompletea“safetychecklist"duringthefirstrotationsthroughthe

treatmentunitsandsimulator.5. Clinicalassignmentswillbegiventocheckcognitivelearninginregardtotheclinical

objectives.6. Studentswilldemonstratepsychomotorlearningbycompetencytestingonsetupslistedinsyllabiforthe

clinicalpracticumcourses.a. Ifastudentfailsinanattempttodocumentcompetency,thesetupmustberepeated.Failed

competenciesmustbeturnedin,andmaybecountedagainstthestudent’sgrade.b. Thestudentisobservedduringthecompetencytestingbyaclinicalinstructorwho

completesthecompetencyform.c. Thisinstructorwillgivestudentsampletimetocompletethesetupandmayhelpin

liftingorthreepointingasdirectedbythestudent.d. He/shewillgivethestudentanopportunitytoself-correctanyerrorsinsetupbutwillnotallowthe

patienttobetreatedincorrectly.Alimitednumberofcompetenciesmaybeobtainedwiththeuseofaphantomorpatientmodel,ratherthanarealpatient.

e. Thelistofrequiredclinicalcompetenciesfollowsinthishandbook,aspertheARRTexamhandbook.

7. ClinicalAffectiveEvaluationforms,addressingaffectivelearningobjectives,willbefilledoutbytworadiationtherapists(wheneverpossible)whohaveworkedcloselywiththestudentduringtheirrotation.

8. TheclinicalinstructorortheClinicalSupervisorwillreviewtheevaluationswiththestudentwithintwoweeksoftheendofeachrotation,wheneverpossible.

9. Objectivesforeachclinicalpracticumcourse,competencytestingforms,evaluation forms,clinicalassignmentsandexamswillbegiventhestudentatthebeginningofthe term.


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D-9ChecklistofRquiredClinicalCompetencies


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D-10DressandAppearanceStandardsforRadiationTherapyStudentsDuringClinicalInternshipDressandappearancestandardsdependuponpoliciesattheclinicalinternshipsitesandwillbesharedwithstudentsduringOrientation(RT401).Examplesofdresscodesareincludedbelowtogivestudentsguidanceinpreparingfortheinternship.Ourclothingcommunicatestofellowstaffandpatientswhoweareinpartandconnotesprofessionalismoritslack.Thisshouldbeconsideredinselectionofapparelforschool.SCRUBS:Areusuallyacceptableandwouldconsistofthefollowing:• Typesofscrubsandcolorsdifferbetweenclinicalsites.Yourclinicalsupervisorwilleducateyouonappropriate

scrubclothingforyourassignedclinicalinternshipsite.LABCOATS:• Labcoatsaretobewornatalltimeswhenauniformisnotworn.• Labcoatsaretobeneatandclean,whiteincolor,andwithoutholes.

STREETCLOTHING• Clothingwornbeneathalabcoatshouldbeneatandclean.Clothingusuallyassociatedwithleisureactivitiesis

notappropriate.(Nobluejeans,shorts,leggings,capris,yogapants,collarlessTshirtsorshirtswithwriting,haltersorsweatpantsmaybeworn.)

• Clothingthatrestrictsmovement,inhibitingabilitytodoclinicalduties,isrevealingorisoffensivetopatientsinanyotherwayisprohibited.

FOOTWEAR:• Shoes,anycolor,cleanandpolishedmaybeworn.Tennisorathleticshoesareacceptableiftheyarekeptclean

andingoodcondition.• Sandalsmaynotbewornforsafetyreasons.• Hosieryisrequiredatalltimes.GROOMING:

Becausetheconditionandtreatmentofourpatientsmakethemsensitivetoodorsinmanycases,goodgroomingisessential.Useofaneffectivedeodorantwhichdoesn'thaveastrongaromaofitsownisrequired.Perfumesandaftershavesmustalsobeselectedwithcareasthesetoomaybedifficultforourpatientstotolerate.Hair,beardsandmustachesmustbeneatlygroomedandclean.Bodypiercing,otherthanearsmaynotbeallowed,dependingonthesite.

IDENTIFICATION:Nametagswillbewornregardlessoftypeofuniformworn.Astudentwhodoesnotcomplywiththesestandardsmaybesenthometochange.Duringtheabsencehe/shewillhavetousepersonaltime.Iffurtherincidentsoccur,additionaldisciplinaryactionwilltakeplace.


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D-11RadiationProtectionPolicyandProceduresintheClinicalInternship

Patientsafety:1. Duringsimulationimages,theCTscanvolumepertainstotheareaofinterestandaccordingtosimulationorders,

andexposurefactorsutilizedmustproducetheminimumamountofpatientexposureneededtoobtaindiagnosticimages.

2. Calculationsdonebystudentsinthedosimetryrotationmustbedouble-checkedbythedosimetrists.3. Studentsrotatingonthetreatmentunitsandsimulatoraretobesupervisedatalltimesbystaffradiation

therapiststoassurethatpropertreatmentsaregiven.4. Anyerrorsinset-uporchartingmustbereportedtothetherapistonthetreatmentunit,dosimetry,andthe

radiationoncologistinchargeofthatparticularpatient'scare.5. Duringtreatmentsthepatientsmustbemonitoredatalltimesviatheclosedcircuittelevisionmonitors.StudentRadiationSafety:1. Studentswhoarenewtoclinicalinternshipmustreceiveorientationtoradiationsafetypracticesand

requirementsbytheRadiationSafetyOfficer.2. Aradiationmonitoringbadgemustbewornbythestudentatalltimeswhileinthedepartment.3. Whenrotatingthroughbrachytherapy,ifthestudentisloadingorunloadingsources,aringbadgemustalsobe

worn.4. Studentsandtherapistsworkinginthesimulatorandtreatmentunitsmustneverbeintheroomduring

exposuresortreatments.5. Thestudentsuponbeginningeachclinicalrotationmustbemadeawareofemergency"off"locationsandother

safetyfactors.6. Shouldthetreatmentmachinesmalfunctionorthebeamturnonwhileastudentortherapistisintherooman

emergency"off"mustbeactivatedimmediately.7. Studentsworkinginbrachytherapymustrememberandputtousetechniquesoftime,distanceandshielding.8. Thestudentmustbeawareoftheproceduretofollowshouldthelinearacceleratororsimulatorfailtoturnoff

thebeam.9. Radiationexposurelevelswillbemonitoredbythedosimetryandphysicsdepartments.RadiationMonitoring&ExcessiveDoses:1. RadiationDosimeterreportsarereviewedbytheRadiationSafetyOfficerattheclinicalinternshipsites.The

reportsarepostedintheclinicalinternshipsitewithpersonalidentityinformationprotected.2. Monthly/quarterlyradiationexposuresforstudentsmustnotexceed50mRemtooccupationallyexposed

personsasestablishedbythestateandfederalagenciesforradiologichealth.3. Ifabnormal(high)readingsarepresent(125-250mrem),theradiationsafetyofficer,clinical

supervisor/educationdirectorandprogramofficialswillinvestigatethecause.Thismayincludeinterviewswithstudents,clinicalinstructorsandotherrelevantindividuals.Theobjectiveofthisinvestigationwillbetolearnwhythestudentreceivedtheexcessivedoseandtodeterminewhattypeofcorrectiveactionmaybeneeded.

4. Areportoftheinformationobtainedandsubsequentcorrectiveactionwillbeprovidedtothestudent.Thisactionwillbeenforcedandtheresultsoftheinvestigationandcorrectiveactionwillbeplacedinthestudent’sfileandprogramfilesforfuturereference.

5. TheRadiationSafetyOfficerandProgramOfficialswillcounselthestudenttoincludetheriskfromradiationexposure,thereasonfortheexposure(ifpossibletodetermine),andchangesinworkhabits,procedures,andequipmentasappropriate.Thestudentwillbemonitoredcloselytoensuretheyarefollowingthecorrectiveactionplan.


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D-12MRISafetyPolicy

InMRI,themagneticfieldisalwayson.StudentsworkingwithorobservinginanMRIareawillcomplywitheachsite’spoliciesandproceduresregardingmetallicobjectsbeingintroducedintotheMRIscanningarea.CarryingferromagneticarticlesorintroducingthemtotheMRIscanningareaisstrictlyprohibited.Theseobjectscanbecomeprojectileswithinthescanningroomcausingseriousinjuryordeathand/orequipmentfailure.Thiswouldincludebutnotbelimitedto:oxygentanks,wheelchairs,carts,monitors,IVpoles,laundryhampers,tools,furniture,personalferromagneticitems(eg.Cellphones,iPods,underwirebras).Studentswillbescreenedaccordingtopatientscreeningprotocolsattherespectivehospital,toassureMRIcompatibility.Studentsshouldnotifytheclinicalsupervisorimmediatelyiftheirsafetystatusshouldchangeafterscreeningduetoasurgicalimplant,personalinjuryorothereventduringthecourseoftheirtimeintheprogram.

D-13PolicyRegardingEmploymentofStudentsinRadiationTherapy1. Studentsmaybeemployedinaclinicalradiationoncologyfacilityoutsideeducationalhours

providedtheworkdoesnotinterferewiththeeducationalprogram.2. Thestudentshouldnotbeinvolvedinunsupervisedtreatmentofpatients.3. Theworkmustbenon-compulsory,paidandsubjecttoemployeeregulations.4. Thestudentemployedduringtrainingisnotcoveredduringhoursworkedinthatemployment

forliabilitybytheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseortheclinicalaffiliatehospital.


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SectionE-InformationaboutAssessmentandEvaluation

EvaluationandAssessmentPlan

1. Studentswillevaluatedidacticcoursesandinstructorsattheendofthecourseandinstructorsmayaskforanevaluationinthemiddleofthecourseaswell.TheevaluationswillbepreparedbyprogramassistantsoftheHealthProfessionsDepartmentandsenttotheinstructorsofthecoursesattheinternshipsites,aswellason-campusinstructors.TheywillbeadministeredattheinternshipsitesbyelectronicsurveymethodsandtheresultswillbesenttotheHealthProfessionsDepartment.TheresultswillbetabulatedandgiventotheClinicalCoordinator,whowillsharetheevaluationswiththeInstructor.

2. Studentswillevaluateclinicalinstructorsattheendofeachclinicalrotation.TheClinicalSupervisor/EducationDirectoroftheinternshipsitewillsharetheevaluationswiththeclinicalinstructors.

3. Studentevaluationsmaybedoneanonymously.

4. Evaluationsaretobeturnedaspernumberoneabove,withtheexceptionoftheclinicalinstructorevaluationswhichareturnedintotheClinicalSupervisor,whowillinturnsharethemwiththeClinicalInstructorsandprovideasummarytotheClinicalCoordinatorandProgramDirectorasrequested.

5. Anevaluationformwillbesenttograduatesandtheiremployerssixmonthsfollowinggraduationviaemailorsocialmedia.Asurveywillbesenttoeachgraduateandanadditionalsurveywillbesenttobefilledoutbytheemployer,ChiefRadiationTherapistorRadiationOncologist,attheformerstudent'srequest.

6. Studentsarestronglyurgedtoparticipateinevaluationexercisestoassisttheprogram

officialsinoutcomeassessmentandimprovementoftheprogram.

7. OutcomeAssessmentwillbeconductedonacontinuousbasis.TheProgramOfficialswillgatherinformationanddoinitialanalysis.TheinformationwillbesharedwiththeRadiationTherapyAdvisoryCommittee.

8. Outcomemeasuresthatdonotmeetbenchmarkswillsignalaneedforrevisionwhichwill

beaddressedbytheProgramOfficialsandAdvisoryCommittee.

9. TheUniversityofWisconsin-LaCrosseseeksaccreditationfromtheJointReviewCommitteeonEducationinRadiologicTechnology.EvaluationfromtheaccreditingbodywillbereviewedbytheAdvisoryCommitteeandProgramOfficialsanddiscussionanddecisionsbasedonfindingsmaybringaboutchangeintheprogram.


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SectionF:Appendices

November 1975Revision 1.U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

REGULATORY GUIDEOFFICE OF STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT

REGULATORY GUIDE 8.13

INSTRUCTION CONCERNING PRENATAL RADIATION EXPOSURE

A. INTRODUCTION

Section 19.12 of 10 CFR Part 19 states that allindividuals working in or frequenting any portion of a

.restricted area must be instructed in the health protec-tion problems associated with exposure to radioactivematerials or radiation. This guide describes the instruc-tion that should be provided concerning biological risksto embryos or fetuses resulting from prenatal exposure.*

B. DISCUSSION

Since the Law of Bergonie and Tribondeau waspublished in 1906** it has been known that thesensitivity of cells to radiation damage is related to theirreproductive activity and inversely related to theirdegree of differentiation. It follows that children couldbe expected to be more radiosensitive than adults,fetuses more radiosensitive than children, and embryoseven more radiosensitive.

This principle has long been a factor in thedevelopment of radiation exposure standards. Section20.104 of 10 CFR Part 20 places different limits onminors than on adult workers. Specifically, it limitsanyone under the age of 18 to exposures not exceeding10% of the limits for adult workers. However, §20.104does not relate to embryos or fetuses.

A special situation arises when an occupationallyexposed woman is pregnant. Exposure of the abdomenof such a worker to penetrating radiation from eitherexternal or internal sources would also involve exposureof the embryo or fetus. Because a number of studieshave indicated that the embryo or fetus is more sensitive

*This revision of the guide includes minor changes of a

clarifying nature incorporated as a result of public comments.No substantive changes have been made.

**Comptes Rendus des Seances de 1'Academie des Sciences, Vol.143, pp. 983-985, 1906.

than an adult, particularly during the first three monthsafter conception, when a woman may not be aware thatshe is pregnant, the National Council on RadiationProtection and Measurements (NCRP) recommended inits Report No. 39 that special precautions be taken tolimit exposure when an occupationally exposed womancould be pregnant.

C. REGULATORY POSITIONInstruction to workers performed under § 19.12

should be given prior to assignment to work in arestricted area. In providing instruction about healthprotection problems associated with radiation exposure,female workers and those who may supervise or workwith them should be given specific instruction aboutprenatal exposure risks to the developing embryo andfetus.

The instruction should ensure that the employeesunderstand:

1. That the NCRP has recommended that, duringthe entire gestation period, the maximum permissibledose equivalent to the fetus from occupational exposureof the expectant mother should not exceed 0.5 rem and

2. The reasons for this recommendation.

The instruction should include the informationprovided in the Appendix to this guide. It should bepresented to the employee, her supervisors, and herco-workers both orally and in written form. Eachindividual should be given an opportunity to askquestions, and each individual should be asked toacknowledge in writing that the instruction has beenreceived.

D. IMPLEMENTATION

The purpose of this section is to provide informa-tion to licensees regarding the use of this guide.

USNRC REGULATORY GUIDES Comments should be sent to the Secretary of the Commission. U.S. NuclearRegulatory Commission. Washington. D.C. 20555, Attention: Docketing and

Regulatory Guides are issued to describe arid make available to the public Service Section.methods acceptable to the NRC staff of implementing specific parts of the

Commission s regulations, to delineate techniques used by the staff in evalu The guides are issued in the following ten broad divisions

ating specific problems or postulated accidents, or to provide guidance to appli.

cants. Regulatory Guides are not substitutes for regulations, and compliance 1. Power Reactors 6. Productswith them is not required Methods and solutions different from those set out in 2. Research and Test Reactors 7. Transportationthe guides will be acceptable if tney provide a basis for the findings requisite to 3 Fuels and Materials Facilities 8 Occupational Healththe issuance or continuance of a permit or license by the Commission 4. Environmental and Siting 9 Antitrust Review

Comments and suggestions tfr improvements in these guides are eciouraged 5. Materials and Plant Protection 10 Generala! al, trmes, and guides will be revised as appropriate, to accommodate cvmmeants and to reflect new information or experience This guide was revised as a Copies of published guides may be obtained by written request indicating theresult of substantive comments received from the public and additional staff divisions desired to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Washington. D C.

review. 20555. Attention: Director. Office of Standards Development

Except in those cases in which the licensee choosesto propose an alternative method for complying with theportion of the Commission's regulations previouslyspecified, the methods described herein should be usedimmediately to instruct female employees working in or

frequenting any portion of-a restricted area, and thosewho may supervise or work with such employees,concerning the health protection problems associatedwith prenatal radiation exposure.

8.13-22

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

APPENDIX TO REGULATORY GUIDE 8.13

POSSIBLE HEALTH RISKS TO CHILDREN OF WOMENWHO ARE EXPOSED TO RADIATION DURING PREGNANCY

Some recent studies have shown that the risk ofleukemia and other cancers in children increases if themother is exposed to a significant amount of radiationduring pregnancy. According to a report by the NationalAcademy of Sciences, the incidence of leukemia amongchildren from birth to 10 years of age in the UnitedStates could rise from 3.7 cases in 10,000 children to 5.6cases in 10,000 children if the children were exposed to1 rem of radiation before birth (a "rem" is a measure ofradiation). The Academy has also estimated that anequal number of other types of cancers could resultfrom this level of radiation. Although other scientificstudies have shown a much smaller effect from radiation,the Nuclear Regulatory Commission wants women em-ployees of its licensees to be aware of any possible riskso that the women can take steps they think appropriateto protect their offspring.

As an employee of a Nuclear Regulatory Commis-sion licensee, you may be exposed to more radiationthan the general public. However, the Nuclear Regula-tory Commission has established a basic exposure limitfor all occupationally exposed adults of 1.25 rems percalendar quarter, or 5 reins per year. No clinical evidenceof harm would be expected in an adult working withinthese levels for a lifetime. Because the risks of undesir-able effects may be greater for young people, individualsunder 18 years of age are permitted to be exposed toonly 10 percent of the adult occupational limits. (Thislower limit is also applied to members of the generalpublic.)

The scientific organization called the NationalCouncil on Radiation Protection and Measurements hasrecommended that because unborn babies may be moresensitive to radiation than adults, their radiation dose asa result of occupational exposure of the mother shouldnot, exceed 0.5 rem. Other scientific groups, includingthe International Commission on Radiation Protection,have also stressed the need to keep radiation doses tounborn children as low as is reasonably achievable.

All Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensees arenow required* to inform all individuals who work in arestricted area of the health protection problems asso-ciated with radiation exposure. This instruction would inmany cases include information on the possible risks tounborn babies. The regulations also state** thatlicensees should keep radiation exposures as low as isreasonably achievable. According to the NationalCouncil on Radiation Protection and Measurements,vigorous efforts should be made to keep the radiationexposure of an embryo or fetus at the very lowestpracticable level during the entire period of pregnancy.

Thus it is the responsibility of your employer totake all practicable steps to reduce your radiationexposure. Then it is your responsibility to decidewhether the exposure you are receiving is sufficientlylow to protect your unborn child. The advice of youremployer's health physicist or radiation protectionofficer should be obtained to determine whether radia-tion levels in your working areas are high enough that ababy could receive 0.5 rem or more before birth. If so,the alternatives that you might want to consider are:

(a) If you are now pregnant or expect to be soon,you could decide not to accept or continue assignmentsin these areas.

(b) You could reduce your exposure, where possi-ble, by decreasing the amount of time you spend in theradiation area, increasing your distance from the radia-tion source, and using shielding.

(c) If you do become pregnant, you could ask youremployer to reassign you to areas involving less exposureto radiation. If this is not possible, you might consider

* By Title 10, Part 19 of the Code of Federal Reguilations.

**In Title 10, Part 20. .

8.13-3

Discussion of Radiationleaving your job. If you decide to take such steps, do sowithout delay. The unborn child is most sensitive toradiation during the first three months of your preg-nancy.

(d) You could delay having children until you areno longer working in an area where the radiation dose toyour unborn baby could exceed 0.5 rem.

You may also, of course, choose to:

(e) Continue working in the higher radiation areas,but with full awareness that you are doing so at somesmall increased risk for your unborn child.

The following facts should be noted to help you make adecision:

1. The first three months of pregnancy are themost important, so you should make your decisionquickly.

2. In most cases of occupational exposure, theactual dose received by the unborn baby is less than thedose received by the mother because some of the dose isabsorbed by the mother's body.

3. At the present occupational exposure limit, theactual risk to the unborn baby is small, but expertsdisagree on the exact amount of risk.

4. There is no need to be concerned about sterilityor loss of your ability to bear children. The radiationdose required to produce such effects is more than 100times larger than the Nuclear Regulatory Commission'sdose limits for adults.

5. Even if you work in an area where you receiveonly 0.5 rem per three-month period, in nine monthsyou could receive 1.5 reins, and the unborn.baby couldreceive more than 0.5 rem, the full-term limit suggestedby the NCRP. Therefore, if you decide to restrict yourunborn baby's exposure as recommended by the NCRP,be aware that the 0.5 rem limit to the unborn babyapplies to the full nine-month pregnancy.

The remainder of this document contains a briefexplanation of radiation and its effects on humans. Asyou will see, some radiation is present everywhere andthe levels of radiation most employees of NuclearRegulatory Commission licensees receive are not muchlarger than these natural levels. Because the radiationlevels in the facility where you will be working arerequired by law to be kept quite low, there is notconsidered to be a significant health risk to individualadult employees.

The amount of radiation an individual receives iscalled the "dose" and is measured in "rems." Theaverage individual in the United States accumulates adose of one rem from natural sources every 12 years.The dose from natural radiation is higher in some states,such as Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota, pri-marily because of cosmic radiation. There the averageindividual gets one rem every 8 years.

Natural background radiation levels are also muchhigher in certain local areas. A dose of one rem may bereceived in some areas on the beach at Guarapari, Brazil,in only about 9 days, and some people in Kerala, India,get a dose of one rem every 5 months.

Many people receive additional radiation for medi-cal reasons. In 1970, an estimated 212 million X-rayexaminations were performed in the United States. Theestimated average surface skin dose from one radio-graphic chest X-ray is 0.027 rem. The estimated averagesurface skin dose per abdominal X-ray is 0.62 rem.*

Radiation can also be received from natural sourcessuch as rock or brick structures, from consumer prod-ucts such as television and glow-in-the-dark watches,and from air travel. The possible annual dose fromworking 8 hours a day near a granite wall at the RedcapStand in Grand Central Station, New York City, is 0.2rem, and the average annual dose in the United Statesfrom TV, consumer products, and air travel is 0.0026rem.

Radiation, like many things, can be harmful. A largedose to the whole body (such as 600 rems in one day)would probably cause death in about 30 -days, but suchlarge doses result only from rare accidents. Control ofexposure to radiation is based on the assumption thatany exposure, no matter how small, involves some risk.The occupational exposure limits are set so low, how-ever, that medical evidence gathered over the past 50years indicates no clinically observable injuries to indi-viduals due to radiation exposures when the establishedradiation limits are not exceeded. This was true even forexposures received under the early occupational ex-posure limits, which were many times higher than thepresent limits. Thus the risk to individuals at theoccupational exposure levels is considered to be verylow. However, it is impossible to say that the risk is zero.To decrease the risk still further, licensees are expectedto keep actual exposures as far below the limits as isreasonably achievable.

*"Pre-Release Report: X-Ray Exposure Study (XES) Revised

Estimates of 1964 and 1970 Genetically Significant Dose,"February 4, 1975. U.S. Department of Health, Education.and Welfare, Public Health Service. Federal Drug Administra-tion, Bureau of Radiological Health.

8.13-4

The current exposure limits for people working withradiation have been developed and carefully reviewed bynationally and internationally recognized groups ofscientists. It must be remembered, however, that theselimits are for adults. Special consideration is appropriatewhen the individual being exposed. is, or may be, anexpectant mother, because the exposure of an unbornchild may also be involved.

Prenatal Irradiation

The prediction that an unborn child would be moresensitive to radiation than an adult is supported byobservations for relatively large doses. Large dosesdelivered before birth alter both physical developmentand behavior in experimentally exposed animals. Areport of the National Academy of Sciences states thatshort-term doses in the range of 10 to 20 rems causesubtle changes in the nerve cells of unborn and infantrats. The report also states, however, that no radiationinduced changes in development have been demon-strated to result in experimental animals from doses upto about 1 rem per day extended over a large part of theperiod before birth.

The National Academy of Sciences also noted thatdoses of 25 to 50 rents to a pregnant human may causegrowth disturbances in her offspring. Such doses sub-stantially exceed, of course, the maximum permissibleoccupational exposure limits.

Concern about prenatal exposure (i.e., exposure of achild while in its mother's uterus) at the permissibleoccupational levels is primarily based on the possibilitythat cancer (especially leukemia) may develop during thefirst 10 years of the child's life. Several studies have beenperformed to evaluate this risk. One study involved thefollowup of 77,000 children exposed to radiation beforebirth (because of diagnostic abdominal X-rays made formedical purposes during their mother's pregnancy).Another study involved the followup of 20,000 suchchildren. In addition, 1292 children who receivedprenatal exposure during the bombing of Hiroshima andNagasaki were studied. Although contradictory resultshave been obtained, most of the evidence suggests arelationship between prenatal exposure and an increasedrisk of childhood cancer.

Summary

Occupational exposures to radiation are being keptlow. However,, qualified scientists have recommendedthat the radiation dose to an embryo or fetus as a resultof occupational exposure of the expectant mothershould not exceed 0.5 rem because of possible increasedrisk of childhood leukemia and cancer. Since this 0.5rem is lower than the dose generally permitted to adultworkers, women may want to take special actions toavoid receiving higher exposures, just as they might stopsmoking during pregnancy or might climb stairs morecarefully to reduce possible risks to their unbornchildren.

Bibliography

1. Donald G. Pizzarello and Richard L. Witcofski,Basic Radiation Biology, Philadelphia: Lea andFebizer., 1967.

2. National Academy of Sciences - National ResearchCouncil, The Effects on Populations of Exposure toLow Levels of Ionizing Radiation, Washington,D.C., November 1972.

3. National Council on Radiation Protection and Mea-surements, Basic Radiation Protection Criteria,NRCP Report No. 39, Washington, D.C., January15, 1971.

4. United Nations, Ionizing Radiation.: Levels andEffects, 2 vol., Reports of the United NationsScientific Committee on the Effects of AtomicRadiation, Report No. A/8725, United Nations,New York, 1972.

5. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Division of Tech-nical Information, Understanding the Atom Series:

Atoms, Nature and Man

The Genetic Effects of Radiation

The Natural Radiation Environment

Your Body and Radiation

8.13-5

UNITED STATESNUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, 0. C. 20555

OFFICIAL BUSINESSPENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE. $300

POSTAGE AND FEES PAID

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY

COMMISSION

10/11

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850

Chicago, IL 60606-3182

312.704.5300 ● (Fax) 312.704.5304

www.jrcert.org

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Process for Reporting Allegations

Important Notes

1. The JRCERT cannot advocate on behalf of any student(s). An investigation into allegations of

non-compliance addresses only the program’s compliance with accreditation standards and will not affect

the status of any individual student.

2. The investigation process may take several months.

3. The JRCERT will not divulge the identity of any complainant(s) unless required to do so through legal

process.

Process

1. Before submitting allegations, the individual must first attempt to resolve the complaint directly with

program/institution officials by following the due process or grievance procedures provided by the

program/institution. Each program/institution is required to publish its internal complaint procedure in an

informational document such as a catalog or student handbook. (Standard One, Objective 1.6)

2. If the individual is unable to resolve the complaint with program/institution officials or believes that

the concerns have not been properly addressed, he or she may submit allegations of non-compliance to

the JRCERT:

Chief Executive Officer

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850

Chicago, IL 60606-3182

Ph: (312) 704-5300

Fax: (312) 704-5304

e-mail: [email protected]

3. The Allegations Reporting Form must be completed and sent to the above address with required

supporting materials. All submitted documentation must be legible.

4. Forms submitted without a signature or the required supporting material will not be considered.

5. If a complainant fails to submit appropriate materials as requested, the complaint will be closed.

The Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, as amended, provides that a student, graduate, faculty or any other

individual who believes he or she has been aggrieved by an educational program or institution has the right to submit

documented allegation(s) to the agency accrediting the institution or program.

The JRCERT, recognized by the United States Department of Education for the accreditation of radiography, radiation

therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry educational programs investigates allegation(s) submitted, in writing,

signed by any individual with reason to believe that an accredited program has acted contrary to the relevant accreditation

standards or that conditions at the program appear to jeopardize the quality of instruction or the general welfare of its

students.

10/11

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Allegations Reporting Form

Please print or type all information.

Name of Complainant:

Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Signature:____________________________________ Date: ___________________________________

Institution sponsoring the program:

Name:

City: State:

Type of Program (Check one):

Radiography Radiation Therapy Magnetic Resonance Medical Dosimetry

The following materials must be submitted:

1. Attach a copy of the program’s publication that includes the due process or grievance procedure.

2. Provide a narrative that identifies what you did at each step of the due process or grievance procedure and copies

of materials you submitted as part of your appeal and copies of correspondence you received in response to your

appeal.

3. List the specific objective(s) from the accreditation standards (available at www.jrcert.org/acc_standards.html)

and indicate what the program is alleged to have done that is not in compliance with the cited objective(s).

Example

Objective Allegation

4.4 direct supervision pre-competency Students often do patient exams without supervision

before they have completed a competency check-off.

May 2004, (608) 785-8504. Personally identifiable information will not be used for secondary purposes.

University of Wisconsin – La CrosseGeneral Incident Report

(Complete the following as applicable)

Name Work Phone Home Phone

Home Address Date of Incident

City State Zip + 4 Hour AM PM

Full Description of the incident including specific location and activity involved in at the time of the incident.(Use the back of this sheet if additional space is needed.)

Injuries

Describe full extent of injuries, no matter how minor.

Name Full Mailing Address Phone No. Including Area Code

Witnesses

PropertyDamage

Type of Property Type of Damage

If different than home address, address where damaged property may be seen Estimated Repair Cost

I certify that the information in this report is a completeand accurate description of the incident.

Signature Date

Return Completed Report To: University of Wisconsin – La CrosseAttn: Risk Manager125 Graff Main HallLa Crosse, WI 54601

radiation therapy program student handbook

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