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The following immunizations are required for students admitted to the medical imaging program. It is recommended that students begin the immunization process prior to admission to the program, as some immunizations require six (6) months to complete the series.

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (series of 2) - e.g. MMR
• Tetanus and Diphtheria (within last 10 years - must not lapse during the program) - e.g. Td, Tdap
• Varicella (Chicken Pox, series of 2) - e.g. VAR -or- documented History of Disease
• Hepatitis B (series of 3) - e.g. HepB, HepA-HepB
• Polio (series of 3) - e.g. OPV, IPV
• COVID-19 vaccine may be required for clinical placement

Positive titer documentation (showing immunity) may be accepted in place of immunization documentation.

TB test and Influenza vaccine

An annual TB Test and Influenza Vaccine will be required for all students enrolled in the professional medical imaging program. More information regarding this requirement will be provided to students enrolled in the program.

Health insurance

Students enrolled in a program in the health sciences may be exposed to possible injuries and communicable diseases. All students are required to carry their own health insurance. Costs associated with any incident on campus or at clinical sites shall remain the responsibility of the student.

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has identified a radiation limit of 5.0 mSv (0.5 rem) for fetal exposure. The reason the NRC has established this limit is to protect the embryo/fetus from unnecessary radiation levels that may put the developing baby at risk.

The medical imaging program is committed to working with students who choose to declare a pregnancy while enrolled in the program. The decision to declare a pregnancy is completely voluntary and the student may revoke in writing the declaration of pregnancy at any time.

The student who elects to declare pregnancy must complete the Declaration of Pregnancy Form and submit the form to the program director or clinical director. The declaration form data includes an estimation of the date of conception and anticipated due date. The form includes a statement indicating that the declared student is aware of the risks of radiation and that the dose equivalent limit to the embryo/fetus for each month of pregnancy is 0.5 mSv (5.0 mSv or 0.5 rem for entire pregnancy).

Once a student declares pregnancy, a fetal monitor badge will be supplied to the student and fetal exposure will be monitored throughout the pregnancy or until such time as the student revokes the declaration in writing.

Students who declare pregnancy may elect one of the following program modifications:

• The student may elect to complete the program without any modifications of her clinical and didactic requirements.
• The student may request from the Faculty Committee an individualized program for completing program clinical and didactic requirements during the pregnancy.
• The student may take a leave of absence (LOA) of one year duration. Such a student will be granted a leave of absence with a place reserved in the following class. Any college work previously completed at that time will be granted credit. The student must complete requirements of didactic courses before proceeding to the next course level.
• The student may elect an LOA for more than one year duration. In this case, the student must submit another application to the program, and go through the admission screening process. No place will be reserved in the following class. The need to repeat previously completed professional course work will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Students who do not disclose a pregnancy are assuming all risks associated with continuing in the program and progress through the program will not be modified.

Policy modified July 2016

MIRS is committed to working with students who choose to declare a pregnancy while enrolled in the Program. The decision to declare a pregnancy is completely voluntary and the student may revoke in writing the declaration of pregnancy at any time.

The student who elects to declare pregnancy must complete the Declaration of Pregnancy form and submit the form to the Program Director or Clinical Coordinator.

The declaration form data includes an estimation of date of conception and anticipated due date.

Students who declare pregnancy may elect one of the following Program modifications:

1. The student may elect to complete the Program without any modifications of her clinical and didactic requirements.
2. The student may request from the Faculty Committee an individualized Program for completing Program clinical and didactic requirements during the pregnancy.
3. The student may take a leave of absence (LOA) of one year duration. Such a student will be granted a leave of absence with a place reserved in the following class. Any college work previously completed at that time will be granted credit. The student must complete requirements of didactic courses before proceeding to the next course level.
4. The student may elect a LOA for more than a one year duration. In this case, the student must submit another application to the Program, and go through the admission screening process. No place will be reserved in the following class. The need to repeat previously completed professional course work will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
5. Students who do not disclose a pregnancy are assuming all risks associated with continuing in the Program and progress through the Program will not be modified.

Policy modified July 2023

The School of Medicine Health Professions Programs faculty have specified the following non-academic criteria (technical standards) which all applicants and enrolled students are expected to meet in order to participate in the School of Medicine Health Professions Programs and professional practice. These standards include the following five categories and may vary by degree program.

• Observation: The applicant/student must be able to participate actively in all demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and clinical experiences in the professional program component of the degree and to assess and comprehend the condition of all patients assigned to him or her for examination, diagnosis and treatment. Such observation and information usually requires the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensations.
• Communication: The applicant/student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, assess non-verbal communications, and be able to effectively and efficiently receive from and transmit information to patients, fellow students, faculty and staff, and all members of the health care team. Communication skills include listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as the observation skills described above.
• Motor: The applicant/student must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic maneuvers; be able to perform basic tests; possess all skills necessary to carry out diagnostic or therapeutic procedures; be able to interpret appropriate examinations and procedures, and be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients.
• Intellectual/Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: The applicant/student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of allied health practitioners, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the applicant/student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. The applicant/student must have the capacity to perform these problem solving skills in a timely fashion.
• Behavioral and Social Attributes: The applicant/student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to care of patients; and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and others. Applicants must also be able to tolerate taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, commitment and motivation are personal qualities which each applicant/student should possess.

If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. Contact the Purdue Fort Wayne  (Walb Union, Room 113; Telephone Number: 260-481-6657 or dac@pfw.edu), as soon as possible. 

Medical imaging students provide patient care and perform diagnostic imaging procedures in a variety of settings and situations such as: outpatient clinics, hospital radiology departments and patient rooms, emergency departments, trauma centers, and surgery suites. Professional competence requires medical imaging students to manage the following additional physical demands and physical exposure:

• Pushing & Pulling – Pushing and pulling are required when moving imaging equipment as well as when transferring patients through the hospital and to and from the imaging table.
• Lifting – Heavy lifting is frequently required when performing bedside examinations. Lifting is also frequently required when transferring patients to and from the imaging table and to and from wheelchairs, carts, and hospital beds.
• Reaching & Crouching – Reaching and crouching are often required when performing imaging examinations.
• Standing – Standing for long periods of time is required during procedural demonstrations and throughout the day during clinical rotations.
• Fine Motor Skills – Fine motor skills are required to manipulate knobs, buttons, switches, and computer devices that control image production.
• Lead Aprons and Thyroid Collars – Heavy protective lead apparel is required to be worn during many radiographic procedures.
• Disease – Exposure to disease will occur in clinical education as a result of caring for patients and handling and disposing of bodily fluids and secretions.
• Radiation – Exposure to radiation will occur in clinical education as a result of working with the radiation producing equipment used to generate medical diagnostic images.
• Magnetic Field – Exposure to a magnetic field may occur in clinical education as a result of working with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment.*
• Lab Simulation - Students will perform a variety of imaging procedures in lab settings utilizing volunteer students and/or models. 

* Every student enrolled in the professional medical imaging program must complete an MRI Safety and Screening form prior to obtaining access to the Magnetic Resonance Environment. Any student determined to be at risk when exposed to the MRI environment will be exempt from MRI rotations. Contact the program for additional information.

Estimated costs of the medical imaging program

The following identifies additional expenses for students admitted to the program. The amounts listed are approximations and may vary. 

Immunizations

Dependent upon immunization record, please see below.

 Miscellaneous information

• Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical sites.
• All students must participate in evening and weekend clinical rotations as assigned.
• Clinical assignments are within a 75-mile radius for Radiography and a 110-mile radius for Sonography.
• Students are required to have a laptop computer. Students are required to bring a laptop with an attached privacy screen for specific classes and days. Student laptops will be used on a regular basis to review online course materials, take online quizzes and exams, access digital textbooks, participate in discussion boards, review medical images, etc.
  • The computer must be a laptop (Windows or Mac)
  • Due to software limitations and screen size constraints, Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones are not adequate for all tasks
  • Laptop must be capable of wirelessly accessing the internet and online course materials
  • Laptop must be capable of video conferencing (i.e. it must have a camera and microphone)
  • For in class activities, particularly quizzes and exams, the device must have a privacy screen attached
    
    • MIRS Faculty may require additional precautions be taken during quizzes and exams if a student laptop does not have an attached privacy screen.
    • The student must keep the laptop charged for in class meetings and in good working condition. Failure to have a functional laptop for in person or online course meetings may result in a course grade reduction.

2^nd years meet on the First Day of Summer Session for:

• a Venipuncture Education

3^rd years meet on the First Day of Summer Session for:

• ARRT Website Training for post primary pathway competency tracking Education

2^nd and 3^rd year students meet on the last day of the semester for Clinical Compliance Meeting and Yearly CPR training