Vanderbilt Department of Radiation Oncology
Radiation Therapy Program Quality Assessment
Accreditation
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits the Program. This indicates that the program is in compliance with the Standards for an Accredited Education Program in Radiologic Technology. A copy of the Standards is available in the program director's office. If a student, or other interested party, wishes to contact the JRCERT regarding the program, the address and telephone numbers are listed below.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: (312) 704-5300 - FAX (312) 704-5304
Website: www.jrcert.org
Program performance measures may be found at:
https://portal.jrcertaccreditation.org/summary/programannualreportlist.aspx
E-mail: mail@jrcert.org
Program #07700000
Committee Input
The Advisory Committee of the Program has played an active role in the development of this Program. All proposed curriculum revisions and overall changes are reviewed and approved by this committee. It meets four times a year by invitation of the Program Director. Agendas are available for review in the Program Director's office.
The Admissions Committee reviews the admission criteria and process each year. This committee recommends, with the Program Director, suitable students for program admission.
The Admissions Committee meets after July 15 and selections are completed by August 3.
The Curriculum Review Committee reviews the curriculum content, course development, and reviews evaluation forms to further enhance the effectiveness of the program. Recommendations for changes and revisions are presented to the Advisory Committee for approval as necessary.
Outcomes Assessment Plan for August 2011 - 2012
The following outlines the Radiation Therapy Program's process for assessment of goal achievement.
| Goal | Outcome | Benchmark | Measurement Tool | Time Frame | Person Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Graduate competent entry Radiation Therapy Professionals | 1a. Graduate will be competent in patient alignment skills | 1a. On a scale of 1 to 5, students will score an average of 3 or greater under the section for the last 3 clinical rotations | Treatment Unit Performance Evaluation Section: (Performance Standard - Patient Alignment Skills) | Annually in August at the end of clinical rotations | Program Director |
| 1b. Graduate will have adequate skills to operate treatment unit console and follow proper charting procedures | 1b. On a scale of 1 to 5, students will score an average of 3 or greater under the section for the last 3 clinical rotations | Treatment Unit Performance Evaluation Section: (Performance Standard - Attention to Clinical Data) | Annually in August | Program Director | |
| 1c. Graduate will obtain knowledge of operation and care of treatment unit equipment | 1c. On a scale of 1 to 5, students will score an average of 3 or greater under section for last 3 clinical rotations | Treatment Unit Performance Evaluation Section: (Performance Standard - Operation and Care of Equipment) | Annually in August | Program Director | |
| 1d. Graduate students with communication and patient contact skills | 1d. On a scale of 1 to 5, students will score an average of 3 or greater under section for the last 3 rotations | Treatment Unit Performance Evaluation Section: (Performance Standard - Patient Contact and Communication) | Annually in August at the end of clinical rotations | Clinical Coordinator |
| Goal | Outcome | Benchmark | Measurement Tool | Time Frame | Person Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2. Develop graduates who are employable and meet the needs of the health care community | 2a. Graduates will pass the ARRT exam | 2a. 75% or higher of graduates taking the ARRT exam for the first time will pass | ARRT Exam | Every three years | Program Director |
| 2b. Employer will be satisfied with the performance of graduates from the Radiation Therapy Program | 2b. 75% of returned surveys will rate graduates with an overall score of 3 or greater on a scale of 1 to 4. | Graduate Follow-up Survey for the Employer | Annually when returned. Surveys will be sent out 6 months post graduation. | Program Director | |
| 2c. Graduating students will become employed within Radiation Therapy or attending a program for higher education | 2c. 75% of graduates will be employed in the field or attending higher education within 6 months of graduation | Graduate Follow-up Survey | Annually when returned. Surveys will be sent out 6 months post graduation. | Clinical Coordinator | |
| 2d. Graduates will be satisfied with how the program prepared them for their duties as a therapist | 2d. Returned surveys indicate an average of 3 or greater on a scale of 1 to 5 for question: (The clinical component prepared you for your duties at your present job | Graduate Follow-up Survey | Annually when returned. Surveys will be sent out 6 months post graduation. | Clinical Coordinator | |
| 2e. Graduation of matriculated students | 2e. 75 % of students entering the radiation therapy program will graduate | Graduation statistics | Annually in August at the end of the class year | Program Director |
| Goal | Outcome | Benchmark | Measurement Tool | Timeframe | Person Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3. Promote professional growth and life long learning of Radiation Therapy Professionals | 3a. Students will have a good understanding of the importance for involvement in continuing education | 3a. While enrolled, 75% of the students will have participated in a minimum of one local, state, or national seminar | Record of Attendance for professional meetings | Annually in August | Program Director |
| 3b. Students will be able to accept constructive criticism in a positive manner that will aid in their professional growth | 3b. On a scale of 1 to 5, students will receive an average score of 3 or greater under section for the last 3 clinical rotations | Treatment Unit Evaluation Section: Performance Standard- Professional Attributes, Response to Supervision (willing to take instruction, discipline, guidance, and direction) | Annually in August | Clinical Coordinator | |
| 3c. Graduate students who are enthusiastic and show initiative in performing assigned tasks | 3c. On a scale of 1 to 5, students will receive a score of 3 or greater under section for last 3 clinical rotations | Treatment Unit Performance Evaluation Section: (Personal Attributes: Is enthusiastic and shows initiative in performing assigned tasks.) | Annually in August at the end of the 10th clinical rotation | Clinical Coordinator | |
| Goal: | Outcome | Benchmark | Measurement Tool | Timeframe | Person Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4. Graduate students with the ability to apply theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to professional practice | 4a. Students will be able to recognize discrepancies in patient set-up and treatment | 4a. On a scale of 1 to 5, students will receive a score of 3 or greater on the question | Treatment Unit Performance Evaluation section: Performance Standard- Patient Alignment Skills question: (recognizes discrepancies in set-up starting in rotation 7 | Per rotation starting in rotation # 7 | Clinical Coordinator |
| 4b. Students will be able to perform simple treatment calculations | 4b. On a scale of 1 to 5, students will receive a score of 3 or greater on the question | Dosimetry / Mold Room Performance Evaluation question: (performs simple treatment calculations.) Under: Performance Standard- Attention to Clinical Data | Annually in August | Clinical Coordinator | |
| 4c. Students will be able to identify side effects from radiation treatments and will be able to inform the patient of appropriate action needed | 4c. Students will receive a score of 75% or greater on portion pertaining to side effects | Mastery Exam | Annually at the end of July after final Mastery Exam | Program Director |
Program Review
Periodic review of program effectiveness is accomplished in several ways. The Curriculum Review Committee, Advisory Committee, and Program. Administrative Staff review course/instructor evaluations, registry results, clinical evaluations, student evaluations, and student course evaluations, along with other data on a regular basis during committee (Curriculum and Advisory) meetings. Recommendations and changes are made as necessary.
Course evaluations are shared with all instructors to provide them with feedback. It is important that instructors constantly evaluate their teaching methods and content to ensure a high level of student instruction.
There is student representation on our Admissions, Advisory and Curriculum Committees.
A graduate follow up evaluation form is sent to each graduate and employers shortly after program completion. The appropriate release forms are signed prior to their mailing. It is important to evaluate the learned skills and behaviors of the graduates when they are functioning in a professional capacity as an entry-level therapist. It is also important to get a retrospective evaluation of the program based on the graduates' job assignment. The Curriculum Committee and the Program Director review the evaluations at regular meetings as they are received. Recommendations and changes are made as required.
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