Clinical Obligations

The clinical education coursework helps to integrate the classroom or theory aspect with the performance aspect of the Radiography Program. Clinical education involves three phases: observation, assistance, and performance.

The student begins clinical education by observing activities within the Department of Radiology. These activities include those of the staff radiographer and those of support personnel in the department. After observation, the student will then begin to assist staff members. The rate at which the student progresses is dependent upon the ability of the student to comprehend and perform the various assigned tasks.

During the student’s clinical education, their performance is evaluated by the clinical preceptors on an ongoing basis. The student is evaluated on specific radiographic examinations as well as their overall performance.

Midterm conferences will be scheduled with the clinical coordinator during each semester to review the student’s progress and standing. A final conference at the end of each semester will be scheduled with the clinical coordinator.

Clinical education begins with the second bi-term of the student’s first semester. An integral part of the clinical education system is accurate record keeping and performance of assigned activities. It is the complete responsibility of the student to turn in their assignments on time. Failure to do this can result in a low grade or possible failure.

Radiography students will be scheduled in clinical education centers by the Clinical Coordinator. Rotation schedules are based on the clinical education plan. Schedules are distributed to students in a timely manner. Should a scheduled rotation not be available, the Clinical Coordinator will assign the student to an educationally valid rotation.

Some travel will be required to out-of-town clinical sites in order to provide the student with a well-rounded clinical experience. Students may not choose their clinical sites; rather the Clinical Coordinator makes all clinical assignments. Currently, clinical affiliates are:

It is possible this list can change in the future.

Clinical rotations consist of day, evening, and two-night shift assignments. Day shift is between the hours of 5:00am-7:00pm, any other shifts are considered evenings or nights. Each student in the program is required to complete at least two rotations of evening assignments. A rotation consists of two calendar weeks.

Needed Immunizations for Clinical Rotations

CastleBranch will house the immunization/vaccination records for the program. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the necessary requirements and upload appropriate documentation in a time-sensitive manner prior to clinical observation. The requirements are listed on the CastleBranch site. You will be given the link and information by the program director.

The required immunizations are listed below and must be kept current throughout the program:

• Polio
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• MMR
• 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test
• TDAP within the last 5 years
• Varicella
• Flu Vaccination
• Covid vaccination

Proof of immunization can be proven by appropriate titers. A physical exam is also required prior to the observation of the department.

Background Check and Drug Screen

All students are required to have a background check and drug screen completed with CastleBranch before the student can do the clinical observation. The cost of the background check and drug screen is the student’s responsibility. If the student fails a criminal background check or drug screen or if the student fails to submit to a criminal background check or drug screen, the student may be dismissed from the Radiography program. Students are required to have a second Background check and Drug screen done before starting clinicals in their 4th semester.