• All clinical experiences will be under the supervision of a qualified Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Vascular Technologists, or any other appropriately qualified registered ultrasound instructor.
• Department assignments may direct the student to rotate in a particular setting or with a particular qualified instructor. This is designed to assist the student with registered instructors for optimal training and experiences.
• According to our Standards, Operational Policies, and the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Policies and Procedures supervision is defined as follows:

Direct Supervision

• The qualified Registered Sonographer reviews the requisition of the examination and/or procedure in relation to the student’s achievement and the curriculum level completed.
• The qualified Registered Sonographer evaluates the condition of the patient in relationship to the achievement and performance level of the student.
• The qualified Registered Sonographer reviews and critiques ultrasound images with the student and approves all finished examinations.
• After demonstrating competency, students may perform procedures with indirect supervision.

Indirect Supervision

• Supervision provided by a qualified Registered Sonographer who is immediately available to assist the student regardless of the level of the student’s achievement. 
• Immediately available is the presence of a qualified Sonographer adjacent to the room or location where an ultrasound examination is being performed. 

Student Conduct

Assignment of Duties

Attendance of Clinical Experience

Excused Absences From Clinical

• One Sonography Conference (promoting continuing education), 8 clinical hours.
• Approval of Conference is needed from the Program Director.
• Proof of attendance must be returned to the Program Director
• Cultural Diversity (example: Baker College Black History Month Expo), 8 clinical hours
• All cultural diversity events must be approved by the Program Director.
• Baker College Graduation
• Summer Lab Assistance with New Students, 16 clinical hours.
• Holidays specified by the Baker College System in which the campus is closed.

Program Policy Absenteeism, Tardiness, Dismissal and Leave of Absence

Federal Law Concerning Chemical Hazards

Federal law requires that all individuals must be notified about hazardous chemicals present in the workplace. This law applies to all occupations, with the basic purpose of raising the level of consciousness on chemical safety. Obviously, there are safe levels, proper procedures and precautions that must be followed when working with any chemicals. 

Chemical supplies are required to prepare Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals in health care facilities, The MSDS sheets are available and accessible for review in ultrasound labs. Once in a clinical setting, the clinical instructor can provide you with chemicals listed in their department.

Infection Control Policy

• Diarrhea, vomiting, upper respiratory infection, fever, rash, open sores, boils, herpes, parasite infestation, strep or staph infection, infectious mononucleosis

Incident Reports

Communicable Disease Policy

• All healthcare workers should routinely use appropriate barrier precautions to prevent skin and mucous-membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids of any patient is anticipated. Gloves should be worn for touching blood and body fluids, mucous membranes or non-intact skin of all patients, for handling items or surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids and for performing venipuncture and other vascular access procedures. Gloves should be changed after contact with each patient. Masks and protective eye-wear or face shields should be worn during procedures that are likely to generate droplets of blood or other body fluids to prevent exposure of mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes. Gowns or aprons should be worn during procedures that are likely to generate splashes of blood or body fluids.
• Hands and other skin surfaces should be washed immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood or other body fluids. Hands should routinely be washed immediately after gloves are removed.
• All health-care workers should take precautions to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments or devices during procedures; when cleaning used instruments; during disposal of used needles and when handling sharp instruments after procedures. Refer to the procedure and policy manual of each clinical site for the specific methods for disposing of the objects mentioned above.
• To provide a barrier during emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags or other ventilation devices should be available for use in areas in which the need for resuscitation is predictable.
• Healthcare workers who have exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis should refrain from all direct patient care and from handling patient care equipment until the condition resolves.
• Body fluids and substances such as feces, urine, airway secretions and wound drainage always contain potentially infectious organisms. Universal Precaution not only protects healthcare workers from transmission of blood-borne pathogens, but also from other infectious agents found in most body substances. Patients are protected from organisms present on the hands of personnel and the staff’s hands are protected from acquiring new organisms through proper hand-washing and wearing gloves.

Pregnancy Policy

Assessment and Competencies

Clinical Hours

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Program Overview

Accreditation Information

State and National Organizations (Membership)

• American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) 
• Michigan Health Information Management Association (MHIMA) 

Goals

• The primary goal of the Health Information Management Program at Baker College is to establish and maintain an educational program of the highest quality. 
• It is our intent to graduate students who have developed the professional and personal attitude and skills necessary to begin their careers as health information technicians and successfully pass the national examination. 
• To achieve this goal, an appropriate curriculum has been developed for the Health Information Management Program, which enables the student to demonstrate the Domains for health information administrator.

Mission

Program Learning Objectives

• Compare diverse stakeholder perspectives through the delivery of health care services. 
• Analyze strategies for the management of information. 
• Evaluate policies and strategies to achieve data integrity. 
• Recommend compliance of health record content across the system. 
• Utilize classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures. 
• Evaluate data dictionaries and data sets for compliance with governance standards.  

• Recommend privacy strategies for health information. 
• Recommend security strategies for health information.
• Analyze compliance requirements throughout the health information life cycle.     

• Examine health informatics concepts for the management of health information. 
• Analyze technologies for health information management. 
• Interpret statistics for health care operations. 
• Examine health care findings with data visualizations. 
• Compare research methodologies pertaining to health care. 
• Manage data within a database management system. 
• Identify standards for the exchange of health information.  

• Evaluate assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings in accordance with official guidelines. 
• Manage components of the revenue cycle.
• Evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies.  

• Comply with legal processes impacting health information. 
• Evaluate compliance with external forces. 
• Analyze components of risk management related to health information management. 
• Analyze the impact of policy on health care.  

• Facilitate fundamental leadership skills. 
• Assess the impact of organizational change. 
• Analyze human resource strategies for organizational best practices. 
• Leverage data-driven performance improvement techniques for decision making. 
• Verify financial management processes. 
• Examine behaviors that embrace cultural diversity.        
• Assess ethical standards of practice. 
• Facilitate consumer engagement activities. 
• Facilitate training needs for a health care organization. 
• Compare project management methodologies to meet intended outcomes. 

Description of the Profession

Code of Ethics

Health Requirements

Curriculum

Professional Requirements and Technical Skills

• Access to information from books, reference manuals, computers and paper and electronic medical records to accurately perform HIM functions and duties.  
• Utilize electronic equipment and medical records.  
• Correctly interpret and/or clarify verbal, written and electronic health information.  
• Prioritize, organize, and disseminate accurate health information. 
• Safely access and operate equipment in a variety of settings.  
• Demonstrate professional and procedural judgment under stressful, emergent and/or a distracting environment (1.3., high noise levels, crowding and complex sensory stimuli). 
• Adhere to HIPAA, AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) professional standards Baker College and clinical site PPE guidelines. 

Supervision Requirements

Clinical Hours

Miscellaneous Information Regarding Profession Practice Experience (PPE) Externships

• Students are encouraged to contact facilities regarding potential PPE placement. The Program Director/Clinical Coordinator retains the responsibility for obtaining required legal agreements and assessing the site’s appropriateness for individual student needs. 
• Most sites specify that a student must interview in person prior to acceptance. 
• If sites have additional requirements (specific immunizations, additional background checks, drug screening or fingerprinting) students are responsible for any and all costs associated with these site requirements. 
• Any site has the option of not taking a student due to staffing issues, etc. 
• Students may receive assignments that are far away, and students are required to provide their own transportation and/or lodging to fulfill their PPE requirements. 
• All placement decisions are at the discretion of the PPE Clinical Coordinator. 
• The student may not be paid for any part of the PPE hours. 
• Two background checks will be conducted on every student. The first background check will occur Spring 1 semester. The second background check will occur during Fall 2 semester. The student will be responsible for the costs of background check(s). A criminal record may prevent clinical affiliation site placement and or employment opportunities. The student is required to complete and submit the background check results to the Program Director by the deadline specified. Baker College reserves the right to deny entry into or remove from a program any student whose background check reveals any felony conviction or recorded event of any nature. The student will immediately report, in writing, any conviction pending court action or other recorded event that has not yet been reported or that subsequently occurs to the Program Director. 
• Prior to the beginning of the Professional Practice Experience (PPE), the student will disclose the background check results to the clinical coordinator/or Program Director. When deemed necessary, the clinical coordinator and student will schedule a face-to face meeting with the clinical site supervisor to discuss the nature of the background check. 
• Once a PPE placement is made, should the student refuse or need to cancel the assigned placement, the student must wait until another site becomes available. Due to limited affiliation sites, this potentially may defer the postponement  
• The student has 6 months from the date of completion of the last HIM course to complete the PPE or will need to apply for reentry into the program. 
• PPE Self Placement Process - Please see HIM OL PPE Procedure  HIM PPE Procedure Form Coming Soon!

Professionalism

National Certification Exam

Curriculum Design - Sequencing of Courses

HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Program Overview

Accreditation Information

State and National Organizations (Membership)

• American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) 
• Michigan Health Information Management Association (MHIMA) 

Goals

• The primary goal of the Health Information Technology Program at Baker College is to establish and maintain an educational program of the highest quality. 
• It is our intent to graduate students who have developed the professional and personal attitude and skills necessary to begin their careers as health information technicians and successfully pass the national examination. 
• To achieve this goal, an appropriate curriculum has been developed for the Health Information Technology Program, which enables the student to demonstrate the Domains for health information technicians.

Mission

Program Learning Objectives

Domain I: Data Structure, Content, and Information Governance 

• Describe health care organizations from the perspective of key stakeholders. 
• Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information. 
• Identify policies and strategies to achieve data integrity. 
• Determine Compliance of health record content within the health organization. 
• Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and nomenclatures. 
• Describe components of data dictionaries and data sets. 

Domain II: Information Protection: Access, Uses, Disclosure, Privacy and Security 

• Apply privacy strategies to health information. 
• Apply security strategies to health information. 
• Identify compliance requirements throughout the health information life cycle.     

Domain III: Informatics, Analytics and Data Use 

• Apply health informatics concepts to the management of health information. 
• Utilize technologies for health information management. 
• Calculate statistics for health care operations. 
• Report health care data through graphical representations. 
• Describe research methodologies used in health care. 
• Describe the concepts of managing data. 
• Summarize standards for the exchange of health information.  

Domain IV: Revenue Cycle Management 

• Validate assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings in accordance with official guidelines. 
• Describe components of revenue cycle management and clinical documentation improvement. 
• Summarize regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies. 
• RM Determine diagnosis and procedure codes according to official guidelines. 
• RM Evaluate revenue cycle processes. 
• RM Evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies.  

Domain V: Health Law and Compliance 

• Apply legal processes impacting health information. 
• Demonstrate compliance with external forces. 
• Identify the components of risk management related to health information management. 
• Identify the impact of policy on health care.  

Domain VI: Organizational Management and Leadership 

• Demonstrate fundamental leadership skills. 
• Identify the impact of organizational change. 
• Identify human resource strategies for organizational best practices. 
• Utilize data-driven performance improvement techniques for decision making. 
• Utilize financial management processes. 
• Examine behaviors that embrace cultural diversity.        
• Assess ethical standards of practice. 
• Describe consumer engagement activities. 
• Identify processes of workforce training for health care organizations. 

Description of the Profession

Code of Ethics

Health Requirements

Curriculum

Professional Requirements and Technical Skills

• Access to information from books, reference manuals, computers and paper and electronic medical records to accurately perform HIM functions and duties.  
• Utilize electronic equipment and medical records.  
• Correctly interpret and/or clarify verbal, written and electronic health information.  
• Prioritize, organize, and disseminate accurate health information. 
• Safely access and operate equipment in a variety of settings.  
• Demonstrate professional and procedural judgment under stressful, emergent and/or a distracting environment (1.3., high noise levels, crowding and complex sensory stimuli). 
• Adhere to HIPAA, AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) professional standards Baker College and clinical site PPE guidelines. 

Supervision Requirements

Clinical Hours

Miscellaneous Information Regarding Profession Practice Experience (PPE) Externships

• Students are encouraged to contact facilities regarding potential PPE placement. The Program Director/Clinical Coordinator retains the responsibility for obtaining required legal agreements and assessing the site’s appropriateness for individual student needs. 
• Most sites specify that a student must interview in person prior to acceptance. 
• If sites have additional requirements (specific immunizations, additional background checks, drug screening or fingerprinting) students are responsible for any and all costs associated with these site requirements. 
• Any site has the option of not taking a student due to staffing issues, etc. 
• Students may receive assignments that are far away, and students are required to provide their own transportation and/or lodging to fulfill their PPE requirements. 
• All placement decisions are at the discretion of the PPE Clinical Coordinator. 
• The student may not be paid for any part of the PPE hours. 
• Two background checks will be conducted on every student. The first background check will occur Spring 1 semester. The second background check will occur during Fall 2 semester. The student will be responsible for the costs of background check(s). A criminal record may prevent clinical affiliation site placement and or employment opportunities. The student is required to complete and submit the background check results to the Program Director by the deadline specified. Baker College reserves the right to deny entry into or remove from a program any student whose background check reveals any felony conviction or recorded event of any nature. The student will immediately report, in writing, any conviction pending court action or other recorded event that has not yet been reported or that subsequently occurs to the Program Director. 
• Prior to the beginning of the Professional Practice Experience (PPE), the student will disclose the background check results to the clinical coordinator/or Program Director. When deemed necessary, the clinical coordinator and student will schedule a face-to face meeting with the clinical site supervisor to discuss the nature of the background check. 
• Once a PPE placement is made, should the student refuse or need to cancel the assigned placement, the student must wait until another site becomes available. Due to limited affiliation sites, this potentially may defer the postponement  
• The student has 6 months from the date of completion of the last HIT course to complete the PPE or will need to apply for reentry into the program. 
• PPE Self Placement Process  HIT PPE Procedure Form Coming Soon!

Professionalism

National Certification Examination

Medical Assistant

Program Overview

Accreditation Information

National Organizations (Membership)

Mission

Program Goals

• Perform administrative skills required of an entry-level medical assistant. This includes EHRs, basic finance concepts, effective communication, cultural diversity, appointment scheduling, third party reimbursement and billing and coding procedures.
• Demonstrate competency in the clinical skills of an entry-level medical assistant including, mathematics in patient care, infection control, protective practices, CLIA waived testing, venipuncture and first aid.
• Identify legal concepts and ethical considerations specific to the healthcare setting.
• Prepare to sit for the national credentialing exam.

Code of Ethics

• Render service with full respect for the dignity of humanity.
• Respect confidential information obtained through employment unless legally authorized or required by responsible performance of duty to divulge such information.
• Uphold the honor and high principles of the profession and accept its disciplines.
• Seek to continually improve the knowledge and skills of medical assistants for the benefit of patients and professional colleagues.
• Participate in additional service activities aimed toward improving the health and well-being of the community.

Safety Requirements

Occupational Risks

Medical Assisting is a profession with many rewards, as practitioners can perform both administrative and clinical services, filling several roles in a variety of healthcare environments.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics clearly outlines that it is a growth field, with an anticipated 18% growth from 2020 to 2030. 

Medical Assistants work directly with providers and patients, with the goal of providing healthcare and ensuring patient safety. It is a position with a great deal of responsibility. 

As with any healthcare position, there are certain occupational risks that come into play with being a medical assistant, and those hazards include the following:

• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Sharps injuries
• Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards
• Chemical and drug exposure
• Ergonomic hazards from lifting, sitting, and repetitive tasks
• Latex allergies
• Stress

At the same time, there are protections set up with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and those protections are particularly important within a healthcare environment. OSHA has a series of standards that protect the safety of healthcare workers and patients.  

Accredited medical assisting programs are required to teach students about the hazards that they face on the job and the protocols that can be put into place to ensure a workplace culture that prioritizes safety.  This content will be discussed in MA 1010 Basic Clinical and Administrative Skills.

Transfer Policy

Professional Requirements and Technical Skills

• Frequently work in a standing position and do frequent walking.
• Lift and transfer patients up to (6”) from a stooped position, then push or pull the weight up to three feet (3’).
• Lift and transfer patients from a stooped to an upright position to accomplish exam table- to-chair and chair-to-exam table.
• Physically apply up to ten pounds (10#) of pressure to bleeding sites or in performing CPR.
• Respond and react immediately to verbal instructions/requests and to auditory signals from monitoring equipment; perform auditory auscultation without impediment.
• Physically perform up to a twelve-hour shift clinical laboratory experience.
• Physically close and distance visual activities involving objects, persons, and paperwork, as well as discriminate depth and color perception.
• Discriminate between sharp/dull and hot/cold when u sing both hands.
• Perform mathematical calculations for medication preparation and administration.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, work usage and interpersonal skills.

Uniform Dress Code

• Full uniform includes a top, pants and athletic shoes. Uniforms should be properly maintained. Program directors will provide specific color for your campus.
• Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be pulled back during clinical labs.
• You are required to obtain/maintain Provider level CPR and First Aid certification and provide proof of it to the program director.

Supervision Requirements

Credential Requirements

• As a student of in an accredited program, you are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) upon successful completion of the Certificate Program in Medical Assisting. The professional credentialing agency Web site is as follows: www.aama-ntl.org.
• The AAMA Disciplinary Standards and Procedures for CMAs (AAMA) and Exam Candidates states: If you were found guilty or a felony, or pleaded guilty to a felony, it could be grounds for denial of eligibility for the CMA (AAMA) credential.
• Other credentialing opportunities are available for the MA graduate. See program director for details.

Curriculum Design - Sequencing of Courses

Degree Completion Requirements

Competencies

The program must demonstrate that the content and competencies included in the program’s curriculum meet or exceed those stated in the MAERB Core Curriculum. The full list of core competencies can be found here in appendix B.

Clinical Hours

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Program Overview

A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT examination or attain state licensure. 

Accreditation Information

State and National Organizations

• The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 
• The Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MiOTA) 

Mission

OTA Program Core Values

OTA Program Vision

Program Outcomes

• Apply ethical standards and safety guidelines during the Occupational Therapy (OT) Process. 
• Apply knowledge of global practices, scientific practice, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology in order to demonstrate the basic tenets of entry-level occupational therapy practice. 
• Assist in evaluation and screening processes by gathering data, administering assessments, assisting with interpretation, reporting results, and collaborating with Occupational Therapists to establish goals. 
• Perform interventions by planning, selecting, implementing, grading according to activity analysis, modifying intervention plans, and therapeutic use of self. 
• Communicate in all formats (written, oral, nonverbal, and electronic) with a diverse client population, interdisciplinary team members, and the public in a professional and effective manner. 
• Display professional behaviors through self-responsibility, response to feedback, work behaviors, time management, interpersonal skills, and cultural competence. 
• Prepare to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. 

Professional Requirements and Technical Skills

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Essential Functions

• These technical standards reflect performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the program at Baker College. The College complies with the requirements and spirit of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Therefore, the College will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities who are otherwise qualified. 
• Effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, utilizing accurate and appropriate terminology with classmates, faculty, clients, caregivers, families, members of the healthcare team, and with individuals of all ages, races, genders, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. 
• Access information from books, reference manuals, computers and paper and electronic medical records to accurately perform job functions and duties. 
• Observe clients’ response before, during, and after treatment in close and distant proximity to maintain client safety and assess their performance. 
• Perform or assist with and/or transfer, lift, move, position, and manipulate the client. 
• Transport heavy, wheeled equipment and clients in wheelchairs and/or stretchers. 
• Demonstrate motor skills for safe and effective client-centered intervention. 
• Provide assessment and treatment for clients with varied disabilities including clients who may be terminally ill, have transmittable diseases, psychiatric disorders, developmental disorders, and other conditions. 
• Utilize technology for coursework and client-centered interventions. Perform continuous physical work to fulfill clinical education course requirements. 
• Demonstrate appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions under stressful and/or emergency conditions, emergent demands, and a distracting environment. 
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to patients, self, and nearby individuals by referencing, utilizing, and adhering to OSHA requirements such as MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and universal precautions. 
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary to assess and reassess the client’s occupational performance including adaptations and analysis of tasks based on best practices. 
• Prioritize, organize, and utilize time-management skills to fulfill clinical and course requirements. 
• Adhere to HIPAA, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) professional standards and Code of Ethics established by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Baker College professional conduct guidelines, and clinical site policies and procedures.

Licensure Requirements

Fieldwork/Clinical Requirements

• Level I Fieldwork: The design for the Level I fieldwork experience allows for the integration of academic course work with direct application of occupational therapy principles and techniques pertaining to the clinical setting. The intended emphasis of a Level I fieldwork experience is to provide the basic acquisition of observation, professionalism and learning skills in the clinical settings. Level I Fieldwork A takes place in the fall semester and consists of 40 hours experience in a mental/psychosocial or emerging practice area. The Level I Fieldwork B experience occurs in the spring semester and consists of 40 hours in a physical dysfunction setting. Level I experiences are in addition to in class sessions. Level I hours are completed weekly over the course of the semester.
• Level II Fieldwork: You must complete two (Level II Fieldwork A and Level II Fieldwork B), full-time eight-week, Level II fieldwork experiences. For Level II credit, you will need to complete the required weekly full-time hours and the required number of weeks. Placement in level II fieldwork experience begins in the fall semester following the completion of academic course work. All Level II experiences must be completed within 16 months following completion of academic course work. 
• Travel: Due to the availability of quality placements, you may be required to travel up to 90 minutes each way for Level I and 70 minutes each way for Level II. 
• Out of State and International Placements: The program does not utilize out of state or international fieldwork placements (Level I or Level II).

Lab Participation

MASTER OF SCIENCE, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Program Overview

A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT examination or attain state licensure.

Accreditation Information

State and National Organizations

• The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 
• The Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MiOTA)

MSOT Mission

MSOT Vision

The MSOT program is dedicated to being a pioneering force in occupational therapy education, shaping compassionate and socially responsive professionals who drive innovation and advocacy in their own communities. We envision a future where our graduates lead with courage and deep commitment to serving others-creating inclusive, solution-focused opportunities for meaningful participation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and well-being across all aspects of society.

MSOT Core Values

Program Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of global practices, scientific practices, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology in order to demonstrate the basic tenets of entry-level occupational therapy practice. 
• Utilize critical thinking skills to administer assessments in a uniform manner; to ensure findings are valid and reliable. 
• Adjust assessment procedures based on the client’s needs, behaviors, and culture.
• Establish accurate and appropriate treatment plans based on the evaluation results, through integrating multiple factors such as client’s priorities, context(s), theories, and evidence-based practice. 
• Implement intervention plans that are client-centered. 
• Satisfactorily produce the volume of work (treatment, documentation, and administrative duties) required in the expected timeframe. 
• Clearly and effectively communicate verbally, nonverbally, and electronically with clients, families, significant others, colleagues, service providers, and the public
• Demonstrate consistent work behaviors including initiative, preparedness, dependability, and work site maintenance. 
• Demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills by adhering to ethics of the profession, safety regulations, and judgment in safety in regards to self and others throughout the occupational therapy process. 
• Prepare to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Examination. 
• Demonstrate an appreciation for the complexity of context and diversity (including but not limited to socio-economics, culture, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, disabling conditions, and sexual orientation) on engagement in occupation.

Licensure Requirements

Professional Requirements and Technical Skills

• Cognitive abilities necessary to master relevant content in courses at a level appropriate by the College. These skills may be described as the ability to comprehend, memorize, analyze, and synthesize material in a timely manner. 
• Ability to assess all information. As an occupational therapy student, you must be capable of responsive and empathetic listening to establish rapport in a way that promotes openness on issues of concern and sensitivity to potential cultural differences. 
• Emotional stability to function effectively under stress and to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways. 
• Ability to master information presented in coursework in the form of lectures, written material, and projected images, and the ability to seek and synthesize information from appropriate and varied sources. 
• Ability to recognize one’s own limits, both personally and professionally, as related to one’s skill and knowledge. 
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, using accurate and appropriate terminology with classmates, faculty, and individuals of all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. 
• Ability to use computers and related technology. 
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and utilize time management skills. 
• Ability to identify, recognize, maintain, and disseminate accurate information. 
• Ability to correctly interpret and/or clarify verbal and written communications. 
• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner, including use of appropriate verbal and nonverbal responses in social interactions. Interactions may include physical contact with all people regardless of age, race, gender, and socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds 
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to perform all essential functions related to the program of study in a safe and effective manner minimizing risk to self, patient, and others. 
• Ability to fulfill requirements of productivity and varying workloads. 
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions. 
• Ability to adhere to professional standards and Baker College professional conduct guidelines, policies, and procedures. These include but are not limited to: Disclosure of any new felony charges, after the initial enrollment process at Baker College, to program officials. 

Participation

Requirements for Graduation

Leave of Absence

Clinical Fieldwork

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

Program Overview

Accreditation Overview

• Submission of the required fees and documentation, including reports of graduation rates, performance on state licensing, or certification examinations and employment rates 
• Notification of expected or unexpected substantive change(s) within the program and of any change in institutional accreditation status or legal authority to provide postsecondary education 
• Coming into compliance with accreditation criteria within two years or the length of the program, whichever is shorter

State and National Organizations (Membership)

Goals

Mission

Philosophy

Program Outcomes

• Exhibit professional and ethical conduct that reflects expectations of society and other members of the profession, APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct, and APTA Values-Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant. 
• Using knowledge of scientific practice, anatomy and physiology, and disease processes, perform in a safe manner that minimizes the risk to patient, self, and others. 
• Use inter-professional teamwork to facilitate effective patient outcomes. 
• Demonstrate sensitivity to individual and cultural differences in all aspects of physical therapy services. 
• Communicate verbally and non-verbally with the patient, caregivers, and other healthcare team members in an appropriate and effective manner. 
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills related to life span and across the continuum of care, as part of assessing patient status in order to implement and/or modify interventions, performed under the supervision of the physical therapist. 
• Perform safe and competent treatment interventions across the lifespan, consistent with the plan of care established by the supervising physical therapist. 
• Complete thorough and accurate documentation and billing in a timely manner consistent with legal and ethical standards. 
• Perform self-assessment to identify individual learning needs and implement plans for lifelong learning and career development, including participating in public activities that promote health and wellness. 
• Prepare to sit for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam (NPTAE). 

Code of Ethics

As a PTA student, you are not allowed to practice physical therapy outside the supervised lab or clinical experiences. If you fail to comply with this policy, you will assume full risk and responsibility for your actions and the malpractice insurance provided by Baker will not apply. As a PTA student, you may not attempt to give or receive medical advice within or outside the Program.

Safety Requirements

• If you have any significant change in your health status, you will need to provide written notification to the Program Director. This includes any addition of medication or health conditions with the potential to cause impairment in movement, judgment, vision, thought processes and ability to perform safely in the lab or clinic. Further discussion with your program director will guide next steps related to your ability to complete required competencies within the program.
• It is the PTA Program’s responsibility to ensure that all lab equipment and classroom materials are well-maintained and in safe and proper working order. You are not allowed to use equipment that you have not been instructed on. Safe use of equipment procedures are posted in the lab. Mechanical equipment is inspected and calibrated yearly by Patterson Medical and current inspection stickers are present on all electrical and mechanical equipment in the lab. Non-mechanical equipment is inspected quarterly by the PTA faculty and replaced as needed. If equipment is deemed unsafe for use it will be removed from the lab immediately and the problem will be reported to the Program Director. Students, faculty, and staff in the lab are responsible for reporting any equipment concerns or safety issues immediately to the Program Director. 
• You are expected to practice universal precautions in the event of possible exposure to hazardous materials or bodily fluids in the lab or clinic. You will be instructed on proper precautions in the event of an emergency or exposure during the first lab-based course (PTA 2310) and are expected to use sound judgment and precautions as necessary throughout the program. This includes infection control protocols such as handwashing and wearing personal protective equipment as appropriate. 
• You have the right to be treated with safe and reasonable care by other students when practicing during lab sessions and open labs and during practical examinations. If at any time you feel that your safety is at risk you should report it to an instructor and appropriate action will be taken immediately. In the event of an incident of injury or harm occurring during classroom or lab sessions or open labs, you should report immediately to the instructor and seek the proper medical care.

As a PTA student, you will have access to the PTA lab during non-class hours provided the following conditions are observed to ensure safety: 

• A lab assistant or instructor is on campus. 
• Friends and family are not allowed in the lab. 
• You must be able to locate the emergency call box. This item will be identified on the first day of orientation. 
• You must be able to identify emergency evacuation procedures located by the door of the lab. 
• You are only allowed to practice techniques that have been previously discussed in class; no other procedures are allowed. 
• In case of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety. 
• Off-campus safety: The same safety policies and procedures apply if you are involved in off-campus activities such as field trips, off-campus laboratories, and off-campus clinical experiences. In addition, you are required to follow the safety policies and procedures of the specific clinical education site at which you are a student. A field trip form is to be completed by the course instructor and field trip site prior to the field trip which outlines student safety and site responsibilities.

Professional Requirements

Core Values

Values-Based Behaviors of the PTA

Professional Behaviors for the 21st Century

Student Professional Development Portfolio

Professional Development Portfolio Requirements: 

• Service Learning (4 hours required to graduate from the PTA Program)
• Volunteer activities that benefit non-profit organizations or educational institutions
• Activities must be related to the field of Physical Therapy

Technical Skills

• Access information from books, reference manuals, computers, and paper and electronic medical records to accurately perform job functions and duties. 
• Observe clients’ response before, during, and after treatment in close and distant proximity to maintain client safety and assess their performance. 
• Physically move, position, and transfer patients of varying ages, sizes, and abilities. 
• Transport heavy, wheeled equipment and clients in wheelchairs and/or stretchers. 
• Demonstrate motor skills for safe and effective client-centered intervention. 
• Provide assessment and treatment for clients with varied disabilities including clients who may be terminally ill, have transmittable diseases, psychiatric disorders, developmental disorders, and other conditions. 
• Utilize technology for coursework and client-centered interventions. 
• Perform continuous physical work to fulfill clinical education course requirements. 
• Demonstrate critical-thinking skills necessary for clinical decision making and problem solving. 
• Demonstrate appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions under stressful and/or emergency conditions, emergent demands, and a distracting environment. 
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to patients, self, and nearby individuals by referencing, utilizing, and adhering to OSHA requirements such as MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and universal precautions. 
• Adhere to HIPAA, professional standards, and code of ethics established by the American Physical Therapy Association, Baker College conduct guidelines and clinical sites policies and procedures to fulfill requirements of rotating schedules and heavy workloads and demonstrate personal accountability for actions and decision outcomes. 

Supervision Requirements

Licensure Requirements

• Graduate from a physical therapist educational program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 
• Complete and submit application for licensure and fee, along with supporting documents to Michigan State Board of Physical Therapy. 
• Complete fingerprint report and criminal background check from an authorized agency. 
• Pass Jurisprudence exam 
• Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) that is administered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). 
• Applicants for licensure must schedule, complete and pass the jurisprudence examination through PSI. PSI can be contacted by visiting www.psiexams.com or by calling PSI at 800-733-9267. 

Testing Policy

• Achieve a 77% overall in the course 
• Earn an aggregate of 75% on written tests within the course.
• If a 75% aggregate testing score is not obtained, your final grade in the course will be documented as your aggregate test score, resulting in failure of that course, and you will not be able to progress in the program, and will follow the re-entry process. 

You are encouraged to track your scores throughout the course and seek additional support if necessary to ensure you meet the required average. If you fail to maintain the 75% average across all tests, you will not pass the course, regardless of individual test performance. This policy is enforced for all testing done on campus (in a proctored testing environment).

Testing Policy Examples:

Competencies

Clinical Hours

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

Program Overview

Accreditation Information

State and National Organizations

Goals

• Students will perform competently
• Students will critically think and solve problems effectively
• Students will communicate effectively
• Students will develop and grow professionally
• Students will become successful graduates of the program

Mission

Program Outcomes

• Produce diagnostically acceptable radiographs. 
• Practice appropriate radiation safety measures. 

• Adapt to challenging cases using accepted principles of radiologic science.  
• Critique the diagnostic quality of digital images and correct non-quality images accordingly.

• Demonstrate oral communication skills that exhibit patience and empathy with patients regarding their health history and prescribed radiologic procedures. 
• Use concise oral and written communication with physicians and members of the interdisciplinary team to provide optimal care to patients.

• Investigate the importance of professional growth, including continuing education, professional societies, career development, and participating in activities that promote the radiologic profession. 
• Recognize the diverse needs of patients and co-workers. 
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist’s Examination for Radiographers. 
• Demonstrate professional behaviors and skills consistent with a preferred entry-level radiologic technologist. 

Code of Ethics

Professional Requirements and Technical Skills

• Access information from books, reference manuals, computers, and paper and electronic medical records to accurately perform functions and duties.
• Comprehend technical and professional materials (i.e. textbooks, journal articles, and procedure manuals) to accurately perform clinical testing and/or use of equipment.
• Explain procedures and treatment appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding including what will be required while respecting patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to distress sounds from patient, audible/visual alarms/signals on patient-monitoring equipment for patient safety.
• Respond appropriately to changes in the patients’ status before, during, and after procedures.
• Monitor and respond to patient and accessory medical equipment directly and by intercommunication system during procedure to assess patient response and safety.
• Obtain optimum quality of radiographic images by clear discrimination of shades of gray.
• Accurately interpret and validate text, numbers, and graphs from print and video monitors used for fluoroscopy and digital imaging.
• Evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending radiologist.
• Recognize and correct performance deviations in imaging.
• Perform or assist with transferring, lifting, moving, positioning, and manipulating the patient.
• Transport heavy, wheeled equipment and patients in wheelchairs and/or stretchers.
• Accurately obtain precise measurements and determine appropriate immobilization and positioning aids needed for performing procedures.
• Provide safe and effective care including but not limited to administration of oral or rectal contrast medium.
• Perform and document warm-up procedures and quality assurance checks on imaging and treatment equipment.
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to patients, self, and nearby individuals by referencing, utilizing, and adhering to OSHA requirements such as MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), universal precautions, radiation safety standards, and policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions under stressful and/or emergency conditions (i.e. allergic reaction or cardiac arrest) and a distracting environment (i.e., high noise levels, crowding, complex visual stimuli).
• Adhere to HIPAA, American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) professional standards, Baker College professional conduct guidelines, program requirements, and clinical site policies and procedures.

Supervision Requirements

• The qualified registered radiographer reviews the requisition for the examination and/or procedure in relation to the student’s achievement and the curriculum level completed.
• The qualified registered radiographer evaluates the condition of the patient in relationship to the achievements and performance level of the student.
• The qualified registered radiographer observes the student perform the radiographic exam.
• The qualified registered radiographer reviews and critiques the radiographs with the student and approves all finished radiographs.
• After demonstrating competency, interns may perform procedures with indirect supervision.
• The student must continue to be directly supervised during all surgical and mobile procedures, including mobile fluoroscopy, regardless of the level of competency.

Repeating of Radiographs

• The student shall be supervised by hospital personnel designated as a clinical instructor and shall follow the Direct / Indirect Supervision Guidelines while at the clinical site as set forth by JRCERT.
• Program officials will maintain contact with students via email, phone, and regular site visits.

Licensure Requirements

Curriculum Design - Sequencing of Courses

Competencies

Clinical Hours

• RAD 2310: 560 hours of clinical participation is required along with weekly contributions to online discussions and review activities.
• RAD 2320: 320 hours of clinical participation is required along with weekly contributions to online discussions and review activities. There will be professional growth and development opportunities with advanced imaging technologies. 
• RAD 2450A: 320 hours of clinical participation. The course also requires additional hours of didactic review. 

Radiation Safety

• You are only permitted into the radiology laboratory or clinical department for observation or clinical experience if you have your radiation dosimeter badge. It is your responsibility to turn in the badge monthly for interpretation. Film badges must be worn at all times during hospital observation, lab, and clinical. If protective aprons are used, the appropriate badge must be placed above the apron so that any radiation reaching any part of the body will be recorded.

• If an emergency arises in which you must hold and/or support a patient, a protective apron and gloves must be worn. You should not hold patients during any radiographic procedure when an immobilization method is the appropriate standard of care.
• During the exposure or procedure, you are not to place yourself in direct line with the central ray, even though you are wearing a lead apron. You need to stand in an area where the tube is pointing away from your body.

• Under no circumstances are you as a student, or fellow students (or any other human being), to serve as a patient for test procedures or experimentation.
• During fluoroscopic procedures you are expected to adhere to the following:
  • Wear a lead apron at all times or remain behind a lead protective screen and not in visible line with either the tube or patient.
  • The dosimeter badge needs to be worn as noted above.
  • Stand as far from the patient and tube as possible, consistent with the conduct of the examination.
• When observing and/or performing radiographic procedures in surgery, you are expected to adhere to the following:
  • A lead apron will be worn.
  • Stand as far from the patient and tube as practicable.
  • Stand so that the central ray is pointing away from your body.
  • Observe all regulations which apply to work in surgery, such as preserving sterile fields, wearing surgical garments, etc.
• When observing and/or performing radiographic portable procedures in room occupied by patients, you are expected to adhere to the following:
  • A lead apron will be worn.
  • A dosimeter badge will be worn.
  • Stand as far from the patient and tube as practicable.
  • Stand so that the central ray is pointing away from your body.
  • Observe all regulations which apply to work in surgery, such as preserving sterile fields, wearing surgical garments, etc.

Baker College MRI Safety Policy

• In MRI, the magnetic field is always present. Ferromagnetic objects will either become projectiles due to the influence of extreme forces or conduct potentially dangerous amounts of heat due to the microwave energy emitted from the scanner.  
• Allowing any ferromagnetic materials into the scanning area is strictly prohibited in all situations. This includes times when life saving measures are needed. Patients must always be removed from the scan room when the use of restricted equipment is needed (AEDs).  
• Patient care Items such as gurneys, oxygen tanks, IV poles, wheelchairs, and immobilization devices must be designed for and approved for use by the MRI department before they can be brought in proximity to or inside of the scanning control / technologist work area or the scanning room.  
• Personal items such as stethoscopes, pens, scissors, phones, and credit cards must also be kept away from the scanner and left in an area designated by the MRI staff before you get near to the scanning room.  
• Other hazards include items in or on your body, including iron-containing tattoo dyes, metallic foreign bodies, or surgically implanted devices in your body. All students must comply with policies and procedures established at the clinical setting pertaining to the prevention of metallic objects coming in proximity to the MRI suite and most importantly, the MRI scanning room. 

Advisement Regarding Pregnancy

Radiation Safety During Student Pregnancy

Student in Lab

• Read NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13
• Discuss any concerns with the Program Director.
• We encourage you to have a conversation with your physician regarding potential risks and any need for restriction.
• You are double monitored and continue with normal lab activities unless otherwise indicated by a written recommendation submitted by you and your physician.
• You may declare the end of pregnancy status in writing at any time to discontinue the double monitoring. 

Student in Clinical Assignments 

• Read the NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13. Regulatory Guide 8.13 can be retrieved from the link or found at the back of this handbook.
• Discuss any concerns with the Program Director.
• Upon submitting the notice of pregnancy form, you will be given the opportunity to select from one of the following options for completing the program:

1. Withdraw from the program during the period of the pregnancy and re-enter with the next available offering of the non-completed courses. You must provide the program director with written notice of intent to re-enter.
2. Continue in the program without modification.
3. Continue in the program but adhere to modifications as decided with the program director and clinical coordinator. Modification may include:

• Protection measures, as in ordering a fetal dosimeter for the student
• Participate in double monitoring and continue with a normal clinical activity schedule
• Spending no more than half of the scheduled clinical experience day participating in portable or fluoroscopy assignments during first and second trimesters.
• Exiting the procedure room when a fluoroscopy procedure has exceeded 5 minutes of exposure time (finding a replacement technologist for the procedure if necessary).
• Wearing a lead apron that wraps around the entire abdomen when involved in fluoroscopic procedures. 

Complaints of Program Violation of Accreditation Standards

Customer Satisfaction Policy

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

Program Overview

Accreditation Information

State and National Organizations (Membership)

• Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
• Michigan State Assembly of Surgical Technologists (MSA - ST)

Mission

Program Goal

Program Outcomes

• Analyze the sequence and rationale behind surgical procedures.
• Evaluate sterilization and aseptic techniques and their effectiveness in preventing infection.
• Relate surgical anatomy and procedure to preparation for the surgical case. 
• Apply surgical technology principles to solve problems related to surgical procedures and patient care.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and proficient application of surgical pharmacology and anesthesia practices.
• Explain the perioperative department’s unique environment and operations, including its structure, roles, and protocols.

• Assemble, handle, troubleshoot, and pass surgical instrumentation and equipment during surgical procedures.
• Create, monitor, and maintain a sterile field.
• Organize instrumentation, supplies, and materials to ensure no retained surgical items.
• Apply knowledge to correctly handle and label medications and surgical specimens.
• Identify and appropriately respond to surgical emergencies by performing necessary interventions or assisting the surgical team.

• Practice appropriate communication behaviors (verbal and nonverbal) in the clinical setting.
• Exhibit effective collaboration and teamwork in the surgical environment.
• Apply feedback, engage in self-reflection, and create a plan for continuing education to demonstrate a continuous learning attitude in surgical technology.
• Practice culturally appropriate, patient-centered care during all phases of surgical intervention.
• Exhibit a surgical conscience by adhering to professional, ethical standards and guidelines.

Additional Fees

• Background Check - Castle Branch $20.90 x 2
• Gold Bundle - Association of Surgical Technologists - $247

Safety Requirements

• Any and all lab activities in SUR 2210 & SUR 2220 including but not limited to:
  • Patient Transport; and associated activities
  • Patient Vitals; and associated activities
  • Surgical Hand Scrub
  • Opening Supplies
  • Gowning and Gloving

• Prolonged standing or sitting in one place
• Prolonged retraction of tissues that may be uncomfortable
• Exposure to sharp objects such as scalpel blades, hypodermic needles, suture needles, and cautery tips
• Poor lighting conditions
• Pushing or pulling objects or items in excess of 25 pounds
• Bending, stooping, or stretching
• Chemicals in surgical scrub solutions such as iodine, chlorhexidine, and alcohol
• Items that may cause irritation to mucous membranes
• Radiation

• No false eyelashes/eyelash extensions
• Nails will be kept short and clean. No acrylic nails or nail polish
• Hair will be kept natural and of a length that is able to be completely contained under a bouffant scrub cap
• Beards and facial hair will be trimmed and able to be contained beneath a beard cover
• Make up will be light and natural looking
• Facial piercings must be at least one year old and healed
• No body glitter or lotions that have a strong smell

Sharps Injuries

• STOP what you are doing
• Isolate the injured anatomical part and the object that caused the injury
• Notify your preceptor or instructor immediately of the break in technique and injury
• Remove yourself from the area once your preceptor or instructor steps in your place
• Flush the injury with an antiseptic solution such as Betadine, alcohol, etc.
• Notify the charge nurse or program director of the injury and follow the site’s protocol for sharps injuries. The department the institution directs you to for following protocol can vary by hospital and may include any of the following:
  • Employee Health/Occupational Health
  • Emergency Room
  • Off-site at an Employee Health Service
  • Or if none of these options are available, you may seek care from your personal physician or a qualified healthcare provider.
• Obtain a copy of the facility’s incident report
• Inform the Program Director of injury
• Fill out a Baker College incident report during the next class session, or email report of incident to the program director. Baker College Incident Report Form Coming Soon!

Latex Allergies

Pregnancy

• Radiation exposure: Radiation from X-rays and other imaging equipment used in the operating room can harm a developing fetus.
• Anesthesia: Anesthetic drugs can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, leading to potential complications.
• Infection: Operating rooms are high-risk areas for infection, and a pregnant woman working in an operating room may be at greater risk of infection, which can be dangerous for both the woman and her fetus.
• Physical strain: Pregnant women may be at increased risk of physical strain due to the increased weight and size of their uterus, as well as changes in their center of gravity.
• Exposure to hazardous materials: Operating rooms often contain hazardous materials such as chemicals (polymethylmethacrylate), sharps, and medical waste, which can pose a risk to a developing fetus.
• Stress: The high-pressure, fast-paced environment of the operating room can cause stress, which can be harmful to a developing fetus.

Professional Requirements and Technical Skills

Affective Domain (Attitude)

• Effectively communicate with classmates, faculty, and members of the surgical team when visualization of mouth/lips is restricted.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills during interactions with patients, staff, faculty, and health care team members.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions under stressful and/or emergency conditions (i.e. unstable patient condition), emergent demands (i.e. stat test orders), and a distracting environment (i.e., high noise levels, complex visual stimuli).

Cognitive Domain (Knowledge)

• Access information from books, reference manuals, computers, and paper and electronic medical documents to accurately perform duties and safely use equipment.
• Prioritize, organize, and utilize time-management skills to perform tasks such as, but not limited to, appropriately tracking surgical supplies and performing anticipation skills intraoperatively.
• Respond appropriately to activation/warning signals on equipment.
• Detect and respond appropriately to odors in order to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to patients, self, and nearby individuals by referencing, utilizing, and adhering to OSHA requirements such as SMS (Material Safety Sheets) and standard precautions.

Psychomotor Domain (Skills)

• Safely access, prepare, and operate equipment and supplies in a variety of settings.
• Assist with transport and transfer of patient and equipment being able to lift 25-40lb equipment and instrument trays.
• Assist with surgical procedures for prolonged periods without nourishment or restroom breaks.
• Safely perform tasks such as, loading a fine (10-0) suture onto needles and needle holders while wearing safety glasses which requires fine motor control with corresponding hand-eye coordination.
• Utilize instruments, supplies, and equipment safely within the operating suite.
• Perform or assist with and/or transfer, lift, move, position, and manipulate the client who is unconscious.

Code of Ethics

• To maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and patient care.
• To hold all personal matters in confidence with respect to the patient’s beliefs.
• To respect and protect the patient’s legal and moral rights to quality patient care.
• To not knowingly cause injury or any injustice to those entrusted to our care.
• To work with fellow technologists and other professional health groups to promote harmony and unity for better patient care.
• To always follow the principles of asepsis.
• To maintain a high degree of efficiency through continuing education.
• To maintain and practice surgical technology willingly, with pride and dignity.
• To report any unethical conduct or practice to the proper authority.
• To adhere to the Code of Ethics at all times in relationship to all members of the health care team.

Supervision Requirements

• The student shall be supervised at all times by program officials when sharps are in use in the lab
• The student shall be supervised by hospital personnel/designated preceptors at all times when in the clinical setting
  • All student activities within the clinical setting will be educational in nature.
  • Students will not be substituted for hired staff personnel within the clinical institution, in the capacity of a surgical technologist.
• Program officials will maintain contact with students through regular clinical observation, email, and phone calls.

Certification of Eligibility

Web Based Testing/Certification Exam

• The CST exam is a mandatory component of program accreditation criteria and must be taken when you meet all other graduation criteria. Failure to sit for the CST exam will result in you not graduating from the program.

Program Overview

Accreditation Information

State and National Organizations

Goals

• To prepare students for competency in the knowledge of animal health and veterinary issues. 
• To prepare students to confidently and effectively perform the essential skills and tasks commonly encountered in veterinary facilities. 
• To provide general education that expands students’ horizons, develops strong communication skills, and encourages critical thinking. 
• To encourage social and classroom related activities, which promote both personal and professional growth. 
• To assist graduates throughout their careers in securing employment and improving career opportunities. 
• To promote the image and prestige of the veterinary technician profession by encouraging professional behavior and community service. 

Mission

Program Outcomes/Philosophy

• Apply knowledge of global practices, scientific practice, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and disease processes within veterinary medicine. 
• Communicate in all formats (written, oral, nonverbal, and electronic) with a diverse client population, other health care team members, and the public in a professional and effective manner. 
• Apply ethical standards and federal and state regulatory guidelines in the veterinary setting.
• Properly classify medications commonly used in veterinary medicine.
• Properly calculate and administer the appropriate dose of ordered medications. 
• Apply proper, safe radiological procedures within the veterinary laboratory setting. 
• Perform appropriate, effective, and efficient diagnostic laboratory procedures within the veterinary laboratory setting.
• Perform proper nursing procedures within a veterinary setting. 
• Successfully administer surgical assistance, postoperative care, anesthesia, and dentistry within a veterinary setting.
• Utilize safety and health regulations and policies on the care and use of laboratory animals, husbandry, care, and treatment and the importance to the environment while selecting or procuring exotic animals and animals used in research. 
• Prepare to take the national licensing exam. 

Code of Ethics

• Veterinary technicians shall aid society and animals through providing excellent care and services for animals. 
• Veterinary technicians shall prevent and relieve the suffering of animals. 
• Veterinary technicians shall promote public health by assisting with the control of zoonotic diseases and informing the public about these diseases. 
• Veterinary technicians shall assume accountability for individual professional actions and judgments. 
• Veterinary technicians shall protect confidential information provided by clients. 
• Veterinary technicians shall safeguard the public and the professional against individuals deficient in professional competence or ethics. 
• Veterinary technicians shall assist with efforts to ensure conditions of employment consistent with the excellent care for animals. 
• Veterinary technicians shall remain competent in veterinary technology through commitment to life-long learning.
• Veterinary technicians shall collaborate with members of the veterinary medical profession in efforts to ensure quality health care services for all animals.

Safety Requirements

Exposure to Hazards

• Live Animals: You will be exposed to live animals. At times there will be the potential of injury by small or large animals during the course of their treatment.
• Zoonotic Diseases: Zoonotic diseases are those diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. You will be exposed to sick animal patients. All due diligence will be paid to ensure that the possibility of transmission of zoonotic diseases from patients to students and staff will be held at a minimum. You must be aware that you will be at potential risk for contracting diseases from your patients. Information on specific disease risks will be promulgated on a case-by-case basis as needed. Specific questions should be directed to the Veterinary Technology Program Director. 
• Exposure to ionizing radiation: The use of diagnostic X-ray is a component of contemporary veterinary practice. During the course of clinical practice you will be exposed to ionizing radiation from x-ray equipment. Proper shielding and dosimetry will be provided to you prior to exposure. 
• During VET courses, required competencies of diagnostic and treatment techniques subject you to radiation.
• To abide by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) guidelines, the program monitors the level of exposure to each student registered for a VET course. 
• Badges are distributed by program personnel. 
• You are responsible for this badge at all times after distribution by program personnel.
• All radiology badges must be turned in to the Program Director as scheduled. You will receive a schedule. 
• Your badge will be sent in for a recording of the radiation exposure. If you have a lost radiology badge, you will incur a $20 replacement fee that you are responsible for. 
• As mentioned in the section on dress code, radiology badges must be present with you at all laboratory and externship activities. You must wear the radiology badge for EVERY activity involving radiation. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from that activity, which may affect your overall grade and competency for that required task. 
• All documentation of your radiation exposure will be placed in your program health file.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: You will be exposed to a variety of materials, some of which are potentially hazardous to human health. You will always have access to Material Safety Data sheets on any and all potentially hazardous materials. It is expected that all veterinary technology students and staff will comply with all safety and protective equipment regulations, outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, when handling potentially hazardous materials.

Rabies Immunization Protocol

Policy Concerning Temporarily Disabled, Potentially Pregnant, and Pregnant Students

Potential Risks

• Exposure to anesthetic gasses (Isoflurane, Sevoflurane) 
• Exposure to radiation. 
• Exposure to teratogens, including cytotoxic compounds, chemical agents, sterilizing agents, cleaning agents, preserving agents, and fixing agents
• Zoonotic diseases, including but not limited to: 
  • Rabies 
  • Leptospirosis 
  • Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases 
  • Giardia 
  • Visceral Larval Migrans 
  • Brucellosis 
  • Fungal diseases 
  • Toxoplasmosis 
• Animal bites and their associated complications including but not limited to lympha denopathy, septicemia, death, and disfigurement 
• Manual labor - lifting of animals, dog food bags, etc.
• Cat Scratches - exposure to Cytauxzoon felis (Cat Scratch Disease)
• Exposure to hormones (e.g., prostaglandins and progesterones) 
• Kicks or other physical contact, especially from large animals. 

Advanced Placement/Transfer Policy

Professional Requirements and Technical Skills

You are required to have the following items during the laboratory procedures and externships: 

• Student Photo ID badge 
• Radiology Badge (supplied by the program) 
• Calculator (four function only) 
• Stethoscope 
• Digital thermometer 
• Black ink pens 
• Small notebook 
• Watch with second hand
• Bandage scissors
• Leash
• Nail trimmer (cat and dog)
• Flea comb
• Knee high waterproof boots
• Coveralls (campus dependent - please check with your program director)

• Must be at least 18 years of age to operate diagnostic imaging equipment to comply with State of Michigan rules for radiation safety.
• Effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing (documentation) utilizing accurate and appropriate terminology with animals’ families/owners and members of the healthcare team in person or by telephone.  
• Effectively communicate with others when visualization of mouth/lips is restricted such as in a surgical setting. 
• Access information from books, reference manuals, computers, and paper and electronic medical documents to accurately perform duties and safely use equipment.  
• Auscultate body sounds, characterize them, and interpret findings appropriately. 
• Recognize and respond appropriately to distress sounds from animal and alarms/warning signals on animal monitoring equipment directly and through intercommunication systems to ensure patient safety. 
• Detect and respond appropriately to odors in order to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.  
• Accurately palpate and interpret findings, i.e., palpation of pulses, lymph nodes or trachea to determine proper endotracheal tube size.  
• Accurately observe variations in skin color, integrity, pulsations, tissue swelling, etc.  
• Observe/guard and respond appropriately to animals’ response before, during, and after treatment.  
• Accurately characterize and interpret the color, odor, clarity, and viscosity of body structures and fluids.  
• Obtain optimum quality of radiographic images and correctly interpret an ECG tracings recorded in shades of gray.  
• Safely perform tasks that require fine motor control with corresponding hand-eye coordination, such as loading a fine (5-0) suture onto needles while wearing safety glasses.  
• Accurately assesses equipment, medication, solutions, and other products/supplies to ensure animal safety.  
• Accurately interpret and validate text, numbers, and graphs from print and video monitors.  
• Evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending veterinarian.  
• Recognize and correct performance deviations. 
• Safely access, prepare supplies and instruments, and operate equipment in a variety of indoor settings (i.e., intraoperative, ICU, examination areas) and outdoor settings such as a farm field or barn.  
• Prioritize, organize, and utilize time-management skills to perform tasks.
• Perform or assist with transfer, lifting, and positioning of large and small animals.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions under stressful and/or emergency conditions (i.e., unstable patient condition), emergent demands (i.e., stat test orders), and a distracting environment (i.e., high noise levels, complex visual stimuli, aggressive animals).
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to animals, self, and nearby individuals by referencing, utilizing, and adhering to OSHA requirements such as SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and universal precautions.  
• Adhere to HIPAA, professional guidelines and code of ethics, Baker College conduct guidelines, and clinical and externship sites’ policies and procedures.

Supervision Requirements

Licensure Requirements

Competencies

Clinical Hours