Cardiac and Vascular Sonography Program-Clinical Site Expectations

Clinical Site Expectations

Pdf Summary

The document discusses the clinical site expectations for cardiovascular and vascular sonography programs. A clinical affiliate is a medical facility that allows sonography students to gain hands-on experience under direct supervision. The clinical site and educational institution sign an affiliation agreement. The clinical site should be able to provide clinical oversight to the student for 24 hours per week, and the student is not paid during clinical hours.<br /><br />For cardiac sonography, the affiliate should perform approximately 800 patient examinations per year per student equivalent, with at least one sonographer with RCS or RDCS credentials on staff full-time. The overall volume of procedures in which students participate should be representative of the range of cardiac procedures.<br /><br />For vascular sonography, the affiliate should perform approximately 1000 patient examinations per year per student equivalent, with at least one sonographer with RVS or RVT credentials on staff full-time. The overall volume of procedures in which students participate should be representative of the range of non-invasive vascular procedures.<br /><br />During clinicals, students will start with simulation experience and then perform ultrasound scans on patients under direct supervision. The type and number of scans allowed are determined by the sonography leader. The student will spend time observing a registered sonographer before being allowed to scan.<br /><br />Effective clinical instructors should be approachable, demonstrate clinical skill and judgement, provide constructive feedback, explain clearly, avoid criticizing students in front of others, and emphasize what is important.<br /><br />It is important for students and instructors to build a trusting relationship as quickly as possible. Students should feel comfortable approaching instructors with questions and admissions of errors, knowing that the instructors will be there to help them.<br /><br />Departments should establish an infrastructure, prepare for students by assigning them schedules and setting expectations, and schedule regular times to review progress with the student. Clinical instructors can earn up to 6 CME per year.<br /><br />Frequently asked questions addressed in the document include previous scanning experience, clinical schedule decisions, monitoring of clinical hours, dress code, and eligibility for registry exams.

Keywords

clinical site expectations

cardiovascular sonography programs

vascular sonography programs

clinical affiliate

hands-on experience

patient examinations

sonographer credentials

ultrasound scans

clinical instructors

trusting relationship