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2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 1
12/18/17
Standard One – Accountability, Fair Practices, and Public Information
The sponsoring institution and program promote accountability and fair practices in relation to
students, faculty, and the public. Policies and procedures of the sponsoring institution and
program must support the rights of students and faculty, be well defined, written, and readily
available.
Objectives:
1.1 The sponsoring institution and program provide students, faculty, and the public with policies,
procedures, and relevant information. Policies and procedures must be fair, equitably applied,
and readily available. (1.1, 1.6, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10)
1.2 The sponsoring institution and program have faculty and staff recruitment and employment
practices that are nondiscriminatory. (1.14)
1.3 The sponsoring institution and program have student recruitment and admission practices that are
consistent with published policies and are nondiscriminatory. (1.12, 1.13)
1.4 The program assures the confidentiality of student education records. (1.5)
1.5 The program assures that students and faculty are made aware of the JRCERT Standards for an
Accredited Educational Program in Radiography and the avenue to pursue allegations of non-
compliance with the STANDARDS. (1.7)
1.6 The program publishes program effectiveness data (credentialing examination pass rate, job
placement rate, and program completion rate) on an annual basis. (5.3)
1.7 The sponsoring institution and program comply with the requirements to achieve and maintain
JRCERT accreditation. (6.6)
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 2
12/18/17
1.1 The sponsoring institution and program provide students, faculty, and the public with
policies, procedures, and relevant information. Policies and procedures must be fair,
equitably applied, and readily available. (1.1, 1.6, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10)
Explanation:
Institutional and program policies and procedures must be fair, equitably applied, and promote
professionalism. Policies, procedures, and relevant information must be current, accurate, published, and
made readily available to students, faculty and staff, and the public on the institution’s or program’s
website to assure transparency and accountability of the educational program. For example, requiring the
public to contact the institution or program to request program information is not fully transparent. Policy
changes must be made known to students, faculty, and the public in timely fashion. It is recommended
that revision dates be identified on program publications.
At a minimum, the sponsoring institution and/or program must publish policies, procedures, and/or
relevant information related to the following:
admission and transfer of credit policies;
tuition, fees, and refunds;
program completion and graduation requirements;
grading system;
program mission, goals, and student learning outcomes;
accreditation status; Note to reader: In the final interactive PDF, there will be a popup box or
hover text that will state “Click here for Appendix A – Accreditation Status Disclosure” .
articulation agreement(s);
academic calendar;
clinical obligations;
grievance policy and/or procedures. Note to reader: The information below will be displayed
in a popup box or ‘hover-text’ in the final interactive PDF document.
1. A grievance is defined as a claim by a student that there has been a violation, misinterpretation, or
inequitable application of any existing policy, procedure, or regulation.
2. The program must have a policy/procedure to provide individuals an avenue to pursue grievances.
If the institutional policy/procedure is to be followed, this must be clearly identified and provided to
students.
3. The policy/ procedure must outline the steps for formal resolution of any grievance.
4. The final step in the process must not include any individual(s) directly associated with the program
(e.g., program director, clinical coordinator, faculty).
5. The procedure must assure timely resolution.
6. The program must maintain a record of all formal grievances and their resolution. Records must be
retained in accordance with the institution’s/program’s retention policies/procedures.
7. Additionally, the program must have a procedure to address any complaints apart from those that
require invoking the grievance procedure.
8. The program must determine if a pattern of any grievance or complaint exists that could negatively
affect the quality of the educational program.
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 3
12/18/17
Required Program Response:
Describe how institutional and program policies, procedures, and relevant information are made
known to students, faculty, and the public.
Describe the nature of any formal grievance(s) and/or complaints(s) that would jeopardize the
program’s ability to meet its mission.
Provide publications that include the aforementioned policies, procedures, and relevant
information, including the hyperlink for each.
Provide a copy of the resolution of any formal grievance(s).
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of institutional and/or program website
Review of institutional and/or program materials
Review of student handbook
Review of student records
Review of formal grievance(s) record(s), if applicable
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with institutional administration
Interviews with students
Interviews with staff
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 4
12/18/17
1.2 The sponsoring institution and program have faculty recruitment and employment
practices that are nondiscriminatory. (1.14)
Explanation:
Nondiscriminatory recruitment and employment practices assure fairness and integrity. Equal
opportunity for employment must be offered to each applicant with respect to any legally protected status
such as race, color, gender, age, disability, national origin, and any other protected class. Employment
practices must be equitably applied.
Required Program Response:
Describe how nondiscriminatory recruitment and employment practices are assured.
Provide copies of employment policies and procedures that assure nondiscriminatory practices.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of employee/faculty handbook
Review of employee/faculty application form
Review of institutional catalog
Interviews with faculty
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 5
12/18/17
1.3 The sponsoring institution and program have student recruitment and admission practices
that are consistent with published policies and are nondiscriminatory. (1.12, 1.13)
Explanation:
Nondiscriminatory recruitment practices assure applicants have equal opportunity for admission. Defined
admission practices facilitate objective student selection. In considering applicants for admission, the
program must follow published policies and procedures. Statistical information such as race, color,
religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, and any other protected class may be collected; however,
the student must voluntarily provide this information. Use of this information in the student selection
process is discriminatory.
Required Program Response:
Describe the implementation of institutional and program admission policies.
Describe how admission practices are nondiscriminatory.
Provide institutional and program admission policies.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published program materials
Review of student records
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with Admissions personnel, as appropriate
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 6
12/18/17
1.4 The program assures the confidentiality of student education records. (1.5)
Explanation:
Appropriately maintaining the confidentiality of educational records protects students’ right to privacy.
Educational records must be maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act. If educational records contain students’ social security numbers, this information must be
maintained in a secure and confidential manner.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program maintains the confidentiality of students’ educational records.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of institution’s/program’s published policies/procedures
Review of student academic and clinical records
Tour of program offices
Tour of clinical setting(s)
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clerical support staff, if applicable
Interviews with clinical preceptor(s)
Interviews with clinical staff
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 7
12/18/17
1.5 The program assures that students and faculty are made aware of the JRCERT Standards for an
Accredited Educational Program in Radiography and the avenue to pursue allegations of
noncompliance with the STANDARDS. (1.7)
Explanation:
The program must assure students and faculty are cognizant of the STANDARDS and must provide
contact information for the JRCERT.
Any individual associated with the program has the right to submit allegations against a JRCERT-
accredited program if there is reason to believe that the program has acted contrary to JRCERT
accreditation standard, JRCERT policies. Additionally, an individual has the right to submit allegations
against the program if he/she believes that conditions at the program appear to jeopardize the quality of
instruction or the general welfare of its students.
Contact of the JRCERT should not be a step in the formal institutional or program grievance
policy/procedure. The individual must first attempt to resolve the complaint directly with
institutional/program officials by following the grievance policy/procedures provided by the
institution/program. If the individual is unable to resolve the complaint with institutional/program
officials or believes that the concerns have not been properly addressed, he or she may submit allegations
of noncompliance directly to the JRCERT.
Required Program Response:
Describe how students and faculty are made aware of the STANDARDS.
Provide documentation that the STANDARDS and JRCERT contact information are made
known to students and faculty.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of program publications
Review of program website
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
Refer to Objective 1.1, Appendix A,
and Policies 10.000 and 10.700 for
additional information.
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 8
12/18/17
1.6 The program publishes effectiveness data (credentialing examination pass rate, job placement
rate, and program completion rate) on an annual basis. (5.3)
Explanation:
Program accountability is enhanced, in part, by making its effectiveness data available to the program’s
communities of interest, including the public. In efforts to increase accountability and transparency, the
program must, at a minimum, publish its most recent three-year average credentialing examination pass
rate data, job placement rate data, and program completion rate data on its website to allow the public
access to this information. If the program cannot document three years of effectiveness data, it must
publish its most recent one year or two years of effectiveness data.
The program effectiveness data must clearly identify the sample size associated with each measure (i.e.,
number of first-time test takers, number of graduates actively seeking employment, number of graduates).
The JRCERT publishes three-year average credentialing examination pass rate, three-year average job
placement rate, and three-year average program completion rate data for each accredited program as part
of the accredited program details under the Find an Accredited Program webpage. Also, the JRCERT
has developed a specific webpage that defines and explains program effectiveness outcomes. In order to
facilitate a better understanding of this information and to gain access to the program effectiveness data
published on the JRCERT website, programs must publish the following hyperlink to allow students and
the public access to this information: https://www.jrcert.org/resources/program-effectiveness-data/
Required Program Response:
Provide the hyperlink for the program’s effectiveness data webpage.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of program website
Review of program publications
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
Refer to Appendix B for a template.
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 9
12/18/17
1.7 The sponsoring institution and program comply with requirements to achieve and maintain
JRCERT accreditation. (6.6)
Explanation:
Programs must comply with all JRCERT policies and procedures to maintain accreditation. JRCERT
policies are located at www.jrcert.org.
JRCERT accreditation requires that the sponsoring institution has primary responsibility for the
educational program and grants the terminal award (Policy 11.500). Sponsoring institutions may include
educational programs established in vocational/technical schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, or
military facilities. The JRCERT does not recognize a healthcare system as the program sponsor. A
healthcare system consists of multiple institutions operating under a common governing body or parent
corporation. A specific facility within the healthcare system must be identified as the sponsor. The
JRCERT also recognizes a consortium as an appropriate sponsor of an educational program. A
consortium is two or more academic or clinical institutions that have formally agreed to sponsor the
development and continuation of an educational program. The consortium must be structured to recognize
and perform the responsibilities and functions of a sponsoring institution (Policy 11.400).
The JRCERT does not recognize branch campuses. The JRCERT requires that each program location have
a separate accreditation award (Policy 11.900).
The JRCERT requires programs to maintain a current and accurate database. Institutional and program
official changes as well as certain clinical setting changes must be performed through the Accreditation
Management System (AMS) and be reflected within thirty (30) days of the effective change date (Policy
11.500). Additionally, the JRCERT requires substantive change(s) for review and approval by the Board
of Directors prior to implementation, with the exception of a change of ownership (Policy 11.400).
No Required Program Response.
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 10
12/18/17
Standard Two – Institutional Commitment and Resources
The sponsoring institution demonstrates a sound financial commitment to the program by assuring
sufficient academic, fiscal, personnel, and physical resources to achieve the program’s mission.
2.1 The sponsoring institution provides the program with sufficient support and financial
commitment to achieve its mission. (2.1, 2.9)
2.2 The sponsoring institution provides clerical support services, as needed, to meet all educational,
program, accreditation, and administrative requirements. (2.4)
2.3 The sponsoring institution provides the program with the physical resources needed to achieve its
mission. (2.6)
2.4 The sponsoring institution provides the program and its students with the academic and personal
support resources needed to achieve the program’s mission. (2.7, 2.8)
2.5 The sponsoring institution and program maintain compliance with United States Department of
Education (USDE) Title IV financial aid policies and procedures, if the JRCERT serves as
gatekeeper. (2.10)
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 11
12/18/17
2.1 The sponsoring institution provides the program with sufficient support and financial
commitment to achieve its mission. (2.1, 2.9)
Explanation:
To operate effectively, the program must have sufficient institutional support. The program’s relative
position in the organizational structure helps facilitate appropriate resources and assures focus on the
program. Adequate, ongoing funding is necessary to accomplish the program’s mission and to support
student learning. The sponsoring institution must demonstrate ongoing financial commitment to the
program and its students by providing adequate human, physical, and academic support resources.
Required Program Response:
Describe the sponsoring institution’s level of commitment to the program.
Describe the program’s relationship within the sponsoring institution’s organizational structure
and how this supports the program’s mission.
Describe the adequacy of financial resources.
Provide institutional and program organizational charts.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of organizational charts of institution and program
Review of published program materials
Review of meeting minutes
Interviews with faculty and institutional officials
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 12
12/18/17
2.2 The sponsoring institution provides clerical support services, as needed, to meet all
educational, program, accreditation, and administrative requirements. (2.4)
Explanation:
Programs may benefit from the services of clerical staff. Clerical services can aid the faculty in preparing
course materials, maintaining student records, assisting with recruitment and admission activities. The
use of a clerical staffing pool(s) that support multiple programs must be consistent with institutional
practice(s).
Required Program Response:
Describe the availability and functions of clerical and support staff, if applicable.
Describe how the use of a clerical staff pool supports the program, if applicable.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of program’s clerical staffing plan, if applicable
Interviews with clerical staff, if applicable
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 13
12/18/17
2.3 The sponsoring institution provides the program with the physical resources needed to
support the achievement of its mission. (2.6)
Explanation:
Physical resources include both the learning environments necessary to conduct teaching and facilitate
learning as well as the requisite office space required by faculty to fulfill their responsibilities. There
must be adequate space for the safe and secure storage of program materials, equipment, and supplies.
The sponsoring institution must provide the program with adequate classroom space. Although an
energized laboratory is not required, the program must have scheduled accessibility to facilities to hone
laboratory skills. If the program utilizes laboratory space that is also used for patient care, and in the
event patient flow disallows use of the laboratory space, the program must assure that laboratory courses
are made up in a timely manner. Classrooms and laboratories must be conducive to student learning,
sufficient in size, and appropriately designed to meet the needs of the program’s curriculum delivery
methods.
Faculty office space should be conducive to course development and preparation, secure storage of files
and records, and scholarly activities. Space should be made available for private student advisement and
program meetings/conferences.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program’s physical resources facilitate the achievement of the program’s
mission.
Describe how the classroom design and technology are used to facilitate the transmission of
synchronous and/or asynchronous distance education course(s), if applicable.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Tour of the classroom, laboratories, storage areas, and faculty offices
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 14
12/18/17
2.4 The sponsoring institution provides the program and its students with the academic and
personal support resources needed to achieve the program’s mission. (2.7, 2.8)
Explanation:
Academic and personal support resources, cumulatively, refer to the variety of services, programs, and/or
technology that is offered and takes place both inside and outside the classroom, laboratory, and/or
clinical setting to promote academic success, intellectual enrichment, and personal development.
Students are more likely to complete the educational program when they seek out and participate in these
support resources.
Academic and personal support resources include but are not limited to, access to computers, reliable and
secure Internet service, instructional materials (computer hardware and/or software, technology-equipped
classrooms, simulation devices, and other instructional aides), and library resources. Also, the institution
and/or program must provide access to information for personal counseling, requesting accommodations
for disabilities, and financial aid.
Programs must develop a process for review of the adequacy and use of the available academic support
services, as well as the maintenance of any computers, instructional aides, etc. The process can be formal
or informal in nature.
The JRCERT does not endorse any specific academic support resources.
Required Program Response:
Describe the available academic and personal support resources.
Describe the integration of academic resources into the program’s curriculum and/or course
delivery methods.
Describe how students are provided with access to information on personal counseling, disability
services, and financial aid.
Describe how the program utilizes other academic and personal support resources to promote
student success.
Describe the procedure for review and maintenance of academic and personal support resources.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Tour of learning facilities
Review of published program materials
Review of learning resources
Review of surveys
Review of meeting minutes
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 15
12/18/17
2.5 The sponsoring institution and program maintain compliance with United States
Department of Education (USDE) Title IV financial aid policies and procedures, if the
JRCERT serves as gatekeeper. (2.10)
Explanation:
If the program has elected to participate in Title IV financial aid and the JRCERT is identified as the
gatekeeper, the program must
maintain financial documents including audit and budget processes confirming appropriate
allocation and use of financial resources,
have a monitoring process for student loan default rates,
have an appropriate accounting system providing documentation for management of Title IV
financial aid and expenditures, and
inform students of responsibility for timely repayment of Title IV financial aid.
The program must comply with all USDE requirements to participate in Title IV financial aid.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program informs students of their responsibility for timely repayment of
financial aid.
Provide evidence that Title IV financial aid is managed and distributed according to the USDE
regulations to include
o recent student loan default data and
o results of financial or compliance audits.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of records
Interviews with administrative personnel
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 16
12/18/17
Standard Three - Faculty and Staff
The program assures adequate and qualified faculty that enable it to meet its mission and promote
student learning.
3.1 The sponsoring institution provides an adequate number of faculty to meet all educational,
programmatic, accreditation and administrative requirements. (2.2)
3.2 The sponsoring institution and program assure that all faculty and staff possess the academic and
professional qualifications appropriate for their assignments. (6.3)
3.3 The sponsoring institution and program assure the responsibilities of faculty and clinical staff are
delineated and performed. (1.1, 3.8)
3.4 The sponsoring institution and program assure program faculty performance is evaluated and
results shared regularly to assure responsibilities are performed. (3.9)
3.5 The sponsoring institution and/or program provide faculty with opportunities for continued
professional development. (2.3)
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 17
12/18/17
3.1 The sponsoring institution provides an adequate number of faculty to meet all educational,
programmatic, accreditation and administrative requirements. (2.2)
Explanation:
An adequate number of faculty promotes sound educational practices. Full- and part-time status is
determined by, and consistent with, the sponsoring institution’s definition.
A full-time program director is required. Also, a full-time equivalent clinical coordinator is required if
the program has more than fifteen (15) students enrolled in the program. The clinical coordinator position
may be shared by no more than four (4) appointees. If a clinical coordinator is required, the program
director may not be identified as the clinical coordinator. The clinical coordinator may not be identified
as the program director.
A minimum of one clinical preceptor must be designated at each recognized clinical setting. The same
clinical preceptor may be identified at more than one site as long as a ratio of one full-time equivalent
clinical preceptor for every ten (10) students is maintained. The program director and clinical coordinator
may perform clinical instruction; however, they may not be identified as clinical preceptors.
Required Program Response:
Describe the adequacy of the number of faculty and clinical preceptors to meet identified accreditation
requirements and program needs.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of faculty position descriptions
Review of clinical settings
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clinical preceptor(s)
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 18
12/18/17
3.2 The sponsoring institution and program assures that all faculty and staff possess the
academic and professional qualifications appropriate for their assignments. (6.3)
Position Qualifications
Program Director
Holds, at a minimum, a master’s degree;
Proficient in curriculum design, evaluation, instruction,
program administration, and academic advising;
Documents three years’ clinical experience in the
professional discipline;
Documents two years’ experience as an instructor in a
JRCERT-accredited program;
Holds current American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration, or
equivalent, 1
in radiography.
Clinical Coordinator
Holds, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree;
Proficient in curriculum development, supervision,
instruction, evaluation, and academic advising;
Documents two years’ clinical experience in the
professional discipline;
Documents one year’s experience as an instructor in a
JRCERT-accredited program;
Holds current American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration, or
equivalent, 1
in radiography.
Full-time Didactic Faculty
Holds, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree;
Is qualified to teach the subject;
Proficient in course development, instruction,
evaluation, and academic advising;
Documents two years’ clinical experience in the
professional discipline;
Holds current American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration, or
equivalent, 1
in radiography.
Adjunct Faculty Holds academic and/or professional credentials
appropriate to the subject content area taught;
Is knowledgeable of course development, instruction,
evaluation, and academic advising.
Clinical Preceptor
Is proficient in supervision, instruction, and evaluation;
Documents two years’ clinical experience in the
professional discipline;
Holds current American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration, or
equivalent, 2
in radiography.
Clinical Staff
Holds current American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration, or
equivalent, 2
in radiography. 1 Equivalent: an unrestricted state license for the state in which the program is located.
2 Equivalent: an unrestricted state license for the state in which the clinical setting is located.
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 19
12/18/17
Explanation:
Appropriate knowledge, proficiency, and certification (if appropriate) provide a foundation that promotes
a sound educational environment. Faculty and staff must possess academic and professional
qualification(s) appropriate for their assignment. Clinical preceptors and clinical staff supervising
students’ performance in the clinical component of the program must document ARRT certification and
registration (or equivalent) or other appropriate credentials. Appropriate credentials, other than ARRT
certification and registration (or equivalent), may be used for qualified health care practitioners
supervising students in specialty areas (e.g., registered nurse supervising students performing patient care
skills, phlebotomist supervising students performing venipuncture, etc.).
Consistent with Policy 11.700, the JRCERT verifies professional and academic qualifications of all program
officials, except clinical staff, upon initial appointment. Programs must maintain the accuracy of all
program officials within its Accreditation Management System (AMS) portal, including updated curricula
vitae and current ARRT certification and registration, or equivalent documentation.
No Required Program Response.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of a representative sample of program faculty’s and clinical preceptors’ current ARRT
certification and registration or equivalent documentation.
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 20
12/18/17
3.3 The sponsoring institution and program assures the responsibilities of faculty and clinical
staff are delineated and performed. (1.1, 3.8)
Position Responsibilities
Program Director
Assures effective program operations
Oversees ongoing program assessment
Participates in budget planning
Participates in didactic and/or clinical instruction, as
appropriate
Maintains current knowledge of professional discipline
Maintains current knowledge of educational
methodologies through continuing professional
development
Assumes the leadership role in the continued
development of the program.
Clinical Coordinator
Correlates clinical education with didactic education
Evaluates students
Participates in didactic and/or clinical instruction
Supports the program director to assure effective
program operations
Coordinates clinical education and evaluates its
effectiveness
Participates in the assessment process
Cooperates with the program director in periodic review
and revision of clinical course materials
Maintains current knowledge of professional discipline
Maintains current knowledge of educational
methodologies through continuing professional
development
Maintains current knowledge of program policies,
procedures, and student progress.
Didactic Faculty
Prepares and maintains course outlines and objectives,
instructs and evaluates student progress
Participates in the assessment process
Supports the program director to assure effective
program operations
Cooperates with the program director in periodic review
and revision of course materials
Maintains current knowledge of professional discipline
Maintains appropriate expertise and competence through
continuing professional development.
Adjunct Faculty
Prepares and maintains course outlines and objectives,
instructs and evaluates students, and reports progress
Participates in the assessment process, as appropriate
Cooperates with the program director in periodic review
and revision of course materials
Maintains current knowledge of professional discipline,
as appropriate
Maintains appropriate expertise and competence through
continuing professional development.
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 21
12/18/17
Position Responsibilities
Clinical Preceptor
Is knowledgeable of program mission and goals
Understands the clinical objectives and clinical
evaluation system
Understands the sequencing of didactic instruction and
clinical education
Provides students with clinical instruction and
supervision
Evaluates students’ clinical competence
Participates in the assessment process, as appropriate
Maintains competency in the professional discipline and
instructional and evaluative techniques through
continuing professional development
Maintains current knowledge of program policies,
procedures, and student progress. Monitors and
enforces program policies and procedures.
Clinical Staff
Understands the clinical competency system
Understands requirements for student supervision
Supports the educational process
Maintains current knowledge of program policies,
procedures, and student progress. Monitors and
enforces program policies and procedures.
Explanation:
Faculty and clinical staff responsibilities must be clearly delineated and must support the program’s
mission. The clear delineation of faculty and staff responsibilities facilitates accountability. The program
director may have other responsibilities as defined by the sponsoring institution; however, these added
responsibilities must not compromise the ability or the time allocated to perform the responsibilities
identified in this objective. For all circumstances when a faculty member’s appointment is less than 12
months and students are enrolled in didactic and/or clinical courses, the program director must assure that
all program responsibilities are fulfilled.
Required Program Response:
Describe how faculty and clinical staff responsibilities are delineated.
Describe how the delegation of responsibilities occurs to assure year-round coverage of program
responsibilities, if appropriate.
Provide documentation that faculty and clinical staff positions are clearly delineated.
Provide assurance that faculty responsibilities are fulfilled throughout the year.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of position descriptions
Review of handbooks
Interviews with institutional administration
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clinical preceptors
Interviews with clinical staff
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 22
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3.4 The sponsoring institution and program assures program faculty performance is evaluated
and results shared regularly to assure responsibilities are performed. (3.9)
Explanation:
Evaluation assures that responsibilities are performed and provides administration and faculty with
information to evaluate performance. Evaluation promotes proper teaching methodology and increases
program effectiveness. The performance of program faculty must be evaluated and shared minimally
once per year to assure continued professional development. Any evaluation results that identify
concerns must be discussed with the respective individual(s) as soon as possible.
It is the prerogative of the program to evaluate the performance of clinical preceptors who are employees
of clinical settings. Description of the evaluation process should be provided to the volunteer clinical
preceptors, along with the mechanism to incorporate feedback into professional growth and development.
Required Program Response:
Describe the evaluation process.
Describe how evaluation results are shared with program faculty.
Describe how evaluation results are shared with volunteer clinical preceptors, if appropriate.
Provide samples of evaluations of program faculty.
Provide samples of evaluations of clinical preceptors, if appropriate.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of program evaluation materials
Review of faculty evaluation(s)
Review of clinical preceptor evaluation(s), if appropriate
Interviews with institutional administration
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clinical preceptor(s), if appropriate
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 23
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3.5 The sponsoring institution and/or program provides faculty with opportunities for
continued professional development. (2.3)
Explanation:
Professional development results in more knowledgeable, competent, and proficient faculty.
Opportunities that enhance and advance educational, technical, and professional knowledge must be
available to program faculty. Professional development activities are, at times, necessitated by the results
of faculty’s performance evaluations or individual faculty development goals. Program faculty must not
be expected to use personal leave time in order to attend professional development activities outside the
sponsoring institution.
Required Program Response:
Describe how professional development opportunities are made available to faculty.
Provide documentation that demonstrates faculty’s participation in professional development
opportunities.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of institutional and/or program policies for professional development
Review of program budget or other fiscal appropriations
Review of evidence of faculty participation in professional development activities
Interviews with institutional administration
Interviews with faculty
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 24
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Standard Four – Curriculum and Academic Practices
The program’s curriculum and academic practices prepare students for professional practice.
4.1 The program has a mission, goals, and student learning outcomes that define its purpose. (3.1)
4.2 The program provides a well-structured curriculum that prepares students to practice in the
professional discipline. (3.2)
4.3 The program provides timely, equitable, and educationally valid clinical experiences for all
students. (1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.3, 4.8)
4.4 The program assures an appropriate relationship between program length and the subject matter
taught for the terminal award offered. (3.4)
4.5 The program measures the length of all didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses in clock hours or
credit hours. (3.5)
4.6 The program provides timely and supportive advisement to students enrolled in the program.
(3.7)
4.7 The program has procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance education courses. (1.15)
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 25
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4.1 The program has a mission, goals, and student learning outcomes that define its purpose.
(3.1)
Explanation:
The program’s mission must be consistent with, and supportive of, the mission of the sponsoring
institution. The program’s mission should clearly define the purpose or intent toward which the
program’s efforts are directed and how it supports the mission of the sponsoring institution. It is
important for the program to engage faculty and other communities of interest in the development or
revision of its mission, goals, and student learning outcomes (SLOs). The development of goals and
student learning outcomes allows the program to measure the attainment of its mission.
Programs must develop at least three goals. Programs can select any of the following content areas to
develop their goals:
clinical competency,
critical thinking,
diversity,
ethical principles, and/or
interpersonal skills.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program’s mission, goals, and student learning outcomes were developed.
Describe how the program’s mission and goals support the mission of the sponsoring institution.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published program materials (Refer to Objective 1.1)
Review of meeting minutes
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with institutional administration
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 26
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4.2 The program provides a well-structured curriculum that prepares students to practice in
the professional discipline. (3.2).
Explanation:
A well-structured curriculum must be comprehensive, current, appropriately sequenced, and provide for
evaluation of student achievement. A logical, well-structured curriculum allows for effective student
learning by providing a knowledge foundation in didactic and laboratory courses prior to performance of
procedures with patients. Continual refinement of the competencies achieved is necessary so that
students can demonstrate enhanced performance in a variety of situations and patient conditions. In
essence, competency-based education is an ongoing process, not an end product.
All programs must follow a JRCERT-adopted curriculum. An adopted curriculum is defined as
the most recent American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Radiography curriculum
and/or
another professional curriculum adopted by the JRCERT Board of Directors.
Use of a standard curriculum promotes consistency in radiography education and prepares the student to
practice in the professional discipline. At a minimum, the curriculum should promote qualities that are
necessary for students/graduates to practice competently, elicit sound decision-making, assess situations,
provide appropriate patient care, communicate effectively, and keep abreast of current advancements
within the profession.
Programs must develop course syllabi for all didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses that, at a minimum,
include
course title, number, and description,
course objectives,
instructor(s) – including contact information,
required text(s),
instructional methods,
evaluation methods and weighting for grade computation, and
grading scale.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program’s curriculum is structured.
Describe the program’s clinical competency-based system.
Describe how the program's curriculum is delivered, including the method of delivery for
distance education courses. Identify which courses, if any, are offered via distance education.
Describe alternative learning options, if applicable (e.g., part-time, evening and/or weekend
curricular track(s)).
Submit current curriculum analysis grid.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of didactic and clinical curriculum sequence
Review of input from communities of interest
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
Observation of a portion of any course offered via distance delivery
Review of part-time, evening and/or weekend curricular track(s), if applicable
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 27
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4.3: The program provides timely, equitable, and educationally valid clinical experiences for all
students. (1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.3, 4.8)
Explanation:
Programs must have a process in place to provide timely, appropriate, and educationally valid clinical
experiences to all students admitted to the program. Clinical placement must be nondiscriminatory in
nature and solely determined by the program. Students must be cognizant of clinical policies and
procedures specifically emergency preparedness and medical emergencies.
A meaningful clinical education plan assures that activities are equitable, educationally valid, and
prevents the use of students as replacements for employees. Students must have sufficient access to
clinical settings that provide a wide range of procedures for competency achievement including mobile,
surgical, and trauma examinations. The program must provide equitable opportunities for all students
regarding learning activities and clinical requirements. If evening and/or weekend rotations are utilized,
this opportunity must be equitably provided for all students. The maximum number of students assigned
to a clinical setting must be supported by sufficient human and physical resources. The number of
students assigned to the clinical setting must not exceed the number of clinical staff assigned to the
radiography department. The student to radiography clinical staff ratio must be 1:1; however, it is
acceptable that more than one student may be temporarily assigned to one technologist during
uncommonly performed procedures.
Programs are not required to offer clinical rotations in developing medical imaging and/or therapeutic
technologies; however, these clinical rotations are strongly encouraged to enhance student learning.
Students assigned to advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance,
angiography, and sonography, are not included in the calculation of the authorized clinical capacity unless
the clinical setting is recognized exclusively for advanced imaging modality rotations. Once the students
have completed the advanced imaging assignments, the program must assure that there are sufficient
physical and human resources to support the students upon reassignment to the radiography department.
Programs must assure that clinical involvement for students is limited to not more than ten (10) hours per
day. Programs may permit students to make up clinical time during term or scheduled breaks; however,
they may not be assigned to clinical settings on holidays that are observed by the program. Program
faculty need not be physically present; however, students must be able to contact program faculty during
makeup assignments. Also, the program must assure that its liability insurance covers students during
these makeup assignments.
All clinical settings must be recognized by the JRCERT (Refer to Policy xx.xxx [Note to reader: Policy to
be revised at later date]). However, if the facility is used as an observation site then JRCERT recognition
is not required. An observation site is used for student observation of equipment operation and/or
procedures that may not be available at recognized clinical settings. Students may not assist in, or
perform, any aspects of patient care during observational assignments. Facilities where students
participate in community-based learning do not require recognition.
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Required Program Response:
Describe the process for student clinical placement, including, but not limited to
o assuring equitable learning opportunities,
o assuring access to a sufficient variety and volume of procedures to achieve program
competencies, and
o orienting students to clinical settings.
Describe how the program assures a 1:1 student to radiography clinical staff ratio at all clinical
settings.
Provide current clinical student assignment schedules in relation to student enrollment.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published program materials
Review of clinical placement process
Review of course objectives
Review of student clinical assignment schedules
Review of clinical orientation process/records
Review of student records
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clinical preceptors
Interviews with clinical staff
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 29
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4.4 The program assures an appropriate relationship between program length and the subject
matter taught for the terminal award offered. (3.4)
Explanation:
Program length must be consistent with the terminal award. The JRCERT defines program length as the
duration of the program, which may be stated as total academic or calendar year(s), total semesters,
trimesters, or quarters.
Required Program Response:
Describe the relationship between the program length and the terminal award offered.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of course catalog
Review of published program materials
Review of class schedules
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 30
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4.5 The program measures the length of all didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses in clock
hours or credit hours. (3.5)
Explanation:
Defining the length of didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses facilitates transfer of credit and the
awarding of financial aid. The formula for calculating assigned clock/credit hours must be consistently
applied for all didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses, respectively.
Required Program Response:
Describe the method used to award credit hours for lecture, laboratory and clinical courses.
Provide a copy of the program’s policies and procedures for determining credit hours and an
example of how such policies and procedures have been applied to the program’s coursework.
Provide a list of all didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses with corresponding clock or credit
hours.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published program materials
Review of class schedules
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with institutional administration
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 31
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4.6 The program provides timely and supportive advisement to students enrolled in the
program. (3.7)
Explanation:
Appropriate advisement promotes student achievement. Student advisement should be both formative
and summative, and must be shared with students in a timely manner. Programs are encouraged to
develop written advisement procedures.
Required Program Response:
Describe procedures for advisement.
Provide sample records of student advisement.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of students’ records
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clinical preceptor(s)
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 32
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4.7 The program has procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance education courses.
Explanation:
Programs that offer distance education courses must have processes in place that assure that the students
who register in the distance education courses are the same students that participate in, complete, and
receive the credit. Programs must verify the identity of students by using methods such as, but not
limited to: secure logins, pass codes, proctored exams, and/or video monitoring. These processes must
protect the student’s privacy.
Required Program Response:
Describe the process for assuring the integrity of distance education courses.
Provide published institutional/program materials that outline procedures for maintaining the
integrity of distance education courses.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published institutional/program materials
Review the process of student identification
Review of student records
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with institutional administration
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 33
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Standard Five – Health and Safety
The sponsoring institution and program have policies and procedures that promote the health,
safety, and optimal use of radiation for students, patients, and the public.
5.1 The program assures the radiation safety of students through the implementation of
published policies and procedures. (4.1, 4.2)
5.2 The program assures its energized laboratories are in compliance with applicable state and/or
federal radiation safety laws. (6.2)
5.3 The program assures that students employ proper safety practices. (4.3)
5.4 The program assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the appropriate
supervision of a qualified radiographer. (4.4, 4.5, 4.6)
5.5 The sponsoring institution and/or program have policies and procedures that safeguard the health
and safety of students. (4.7)
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5.1 The program assures the radiation safety of students through the implementation of
published policies and procedures. (4.1, 4.2 and Interpretation)
Explanation:
Appropriate policies and procedures help assure that student radiation exposure is kept as low as
reasonably achievable (ALARA). The program must monitor and maintain student radiation exposure
data. Students must be provided their radiation exposure report within thirty (30) school days following
receipt of the data. The program must have a published protocol that identifies a threshold dose for
incidents in which student dose limits are exceeded. Programs are encouraged to identify a threshold
dose below those identified in federal regulations.
The program’s radiation safety policies must also include provisions for the declared pregnant student in
effort to assure radiation exposure to the student and fetus are kept as low as reasonably achievable
(ALARA). The pregnancy policy must be made known to accepted and enrolled female students, and
include
a written notice of voluntary declaration,
an option for written withdrawal of declaration, and
an option for student continuance in the program without modification.
The program may offer clinical component options such as: clinical reassignments and/or leave of
absence.
Programs must develop policies regarding safe and appropriate use of energized laboratories by students.
All students who participate in using equipment in an energized laboratory or clinical environment must
be monitored for radiation exposure, including, but not limited to, simulation procedures or quality
assurance testing.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the policies and procedures are made known to enrolled students.
Describe how the radiation exposure report is made available to students.
Provide copies of appropriate policies.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published program materials
Review of student records
Review of student dosimetry reports
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clinical preceptor(s)
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 35
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5.2 The program assures each energized laboratory is in compliance with applicable state
and/or federal radiation safety laws. (6.2)
Explanation:
Compliance with applicable laws promotes a safe environment for students and others. Records of
compliance must be maintained for the program’s energized laboratories.
Required Program Response:
Provide certificates and/or letters for each energized laboratory documenting compliance with state and/or
federal radiation safety laws. If the program utilizes laboratory space that is also used for patient care
(i.e., does not have a dedicated energized laboratory) the program does not need to respond to this
objective.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published program materials
Review of compliance records
Interviews with faculty
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 36
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5.3 The program assures that students employ proper safety practices. (4.3 and Interpretation)
Explanation:
The program must assure that students are instructed in the utilization of imaging equipment, accessories,
optimal exposure factors, and proper patient positioning to minimize radiation exposure to patients,
selves, and others. These practices assure radiation exposures are kept as low as reasonably achievable
(ALARA).
Students must understand basic safety practices prior to assignment to clinical settings. As students
progress in the program, they must become increasingly proficient in the application of radiation safety
practices. Programs must establish a safety screening protocol for students having access to the magnetic
resonance environment. This assures that students are appropriately screened for magnetic wave or
radiofrequency hazards.
Students must not hold image receptors during any radiographic procedure. Students should not hold
patients during any radiographic procedure when an immobilization method is the appropriate standard of
care. The program must also assure radiation safety in energized laboratories. Students’ utilization of
energized laboratories must be under the supervision of a qualified radiographer who is readily available.
If a qualified radiographer is not readily available to provide supervision, the radiation exposure
mechanism must be disabled.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the curriculum sequence and content prepares students for safe radiation practices.
Describe how the program prepares students for magnetic resonance safe practices
Provide the curriculum sequence.
Provide policies/procedures regarding radiation safety.
Provide MR safety screening protocol and release form.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of program curriculum
Review of radiation safety policies/procedures
Review of magnetic resonance safe practice and/or screening protocol.
Review of student handbook
Review of student records
Review of student dosimetry reports
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clinical preceptor(s)
Interviews with clinical staff
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 37
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5.4 The program assures that medical imaging procedures are performed under the
appropriate supervision of a qualified radiographer. (4.4, 4.5, 4.6)
Explanation:
Appropriate supervision assures patient safety and proper educational practices. The program must
develop and publish supervision policies that clearly delineate its expectations of students, clinical
preceptors, and clinical staff.
The JRCERT defines direct supervision as student supervision by a qualified radiographer who
reviews the procedure in relation to the student’s achievement,
evaluates the condition of the patient in relation to the student’s knowledge,
is physically present during the conduct of the procedure, and
reviews and approves the procedure and/or image.
Students must be directly supervised until competency is achieved. Once students have achieved
competency, they may work under indirect supervision. The JRCERT defines indirect supervision as
student supervision provided by a qualified radiographer who is immediately available to assist students
regardless of the level of student achievement.
A qualified radiographer must be physically present during the conduct of a repeat image and must
approve the student’s procedure prior to re-exposure. The presence of a qualified radiographer during the
repeat of an unsatisfactory image assures patient safety and proper educational practices.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the supervision policies are made known to students, clinical instructors, and
clinical staff.
Describe how supervision policies are enforced and monitored in the clinical setting.
Provide policies/procedures related to supervision.
Provide documentation that the program’s supervision policies are made known to students,
clinical preceptors, and clinical staff.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published program materials
Review of student records
Review of meeting minutes
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with clinical preceptor(s)
Interviews with clinical staff
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 38
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5.5 The sponsoring institution and/or program have policies and procedures that safeguard the
health and safety of the students. (4.7)
Explanation:
Appropriate health and safety policies and procedures assure that students are part of a safe, protected
environment. These policies must, at a minimum, address campus safety, emergency preparedness,
harassment, communicable diseases, and substance abuse. Enrolled students must be informed of policies
and procedures.
Required Program Response:
Describe how institutional and/or program policies and procedures are made known to enrolled
students.
Provide institutional and/or program policies and procedures that safeguard the health and safety
of students.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of published program materials
Review of student records
Interviews with faculty
Interviews with students
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 39
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Standard Six: Programmatic Effectiveness and Assessment: Using Data for Sustained
Improvement
The extent of a program’s effectiveness is linked to the ability to meet its mission, goals, and student
learning outcomes. A systematic, ongoing assessment process provides credible evidence that
enables analysis and critical discussions to foster ongoing program improvement.
6.1 The program has a systematic assessment plan that facilitates ongoing program improvement.
(5.1)
6.2 The program monitors and maintains the following program effectiveness data:
three-year average credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 80 percent at first
attempt within six months of graduation,
three-year average job placement rate of not less than 80 percent within twelve months
of graduation,
three-year average program completion rate of not less than 80 percent within 150
percent of stated program length. (5.2)
6.3 The program analyzes student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to facilitate
ongoing program improvement. (5.4)
6.4 The program periodically reevaluates its assessment process to assure continuous program
improvement. (3.1, 5.5)
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 40
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6.1: The program has a systematic assessment plan that facilitates ongoing program
improvement. (5.1)
Explanation:
A formalized written assessment plan serves as a tangible product to guide program officials and help
validate assessment efforts. The assessment plan allows programs to gather useful data in an effort to
measure the goals and student learning outcomes (SLOs) of the educational program. Assessment plans
should be written to directly evaluate student learning. If student learning outcomes are written in an
explicit, measurable manner and clearly state the learning expectations in terms of what students should
be able to know or do as a result of program completion, then the assessment plan will illustrate learning.
The program must have a written systematic assessment plan that, at a minimum, contains
at least three total goals in relation to clinical competence, critical thinking, diversity, ethical
principles, and/or interpersonal skills (Refer to Objective 4.1).
at least one SLO per goal. Each SLO must be specific, achievable, and measurable.
at least two assessment methods per SLO. Assessment methods must provide credible data for
informed decision making.
justifiable benchmarks for each assessment method to determine level of achievement, and
timeframes for data collection.
For additional assessment-related information, assessment plan templates, and assessment reporting
templates, please refer to the Assessment Corner of the JRCERT website.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program determined the goals and student learning outcomes to be included in
the systematic assessment plan.
Describe how assessment methods provide credible evidence for informed decision making.
Provide a copy of the program’s current assessment plan.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of assessment plan
Review of assessment methods
Interviews with faculty
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 41
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6.2 The program monitors and maintains the following program effectiveness data:
three-year average credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 80 percent
at first attempt within six months of graduation,
three-year average job placement rate of not less than 80 percent within twelve
months of graduation,
three-year average program completion rate of not less than 80 percent within 150
percent of stated program length. (5.2)
Explanation:
Credentialing examination, job placement, and program completion data must be reported annually via
the JRCERT Annual Report. Program effectiveness outcomes should not be part of the program’s
systematic assessment plan, as the assessment plan is meant to illustrate student learning. Programs are
encouraged to utilize institutional assessment reporting or other documentation that provides for the
analysis of its program effectiveness outcomes. Program effectiveness outcomes focus on issues
pertaining to the overall curriculum such as enrollment, retention, completion, credentialing examination
performance, job placement, and satisfaction. The JRCERT has developed definitions and criteria related
to program effectiveness outcomes. These definitions and criteria can be found in the Glossary of Terms
at the end of this document.
Required Program Response:
Describe the process for collecting job placement rate data.
Describe/identify the program-specific entry point and application of nonacademic withdraws in
the calculation of program completion rate.
Provide the most current program effectiveness data.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of program effectiveness data
Interviews with faculty
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 42
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6.3: The program analyzes student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to
facilitate ongoing program improvement. (5.4, new)
Explanation:
Analysis of student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data allows the program to
determine if it is meeting its mission, goals, and student learning outcomes. Program strengths and
opportunities for improvement can be identified to bring about program improvement.
Analysis also provides a means of accountability to faculty, students, and other internal and external
communities of interest. Typically, faculty drive programmatic assessment processes including data
analysis. Faculty often assure all data have been analyzed and discussed in a faculty meeting, prior to
sharing results with an assessment committee or other communities of interest. Programs must use
assessment results to maintain and improve student learning and make evidence-based decisions affecting
the curriculum, pedagogy, and/or program delivery. This review should occur at least annually and must
be formally documented in meeting minutes.
In sum, the data analysis process must, at a minimum, include
credible assessment data that is compared to expected achievement;
faculty discussions about actual assessment data, including trending/comparing of results over
time; and the
use of results – for unmet SLOs, the program must develop, implement, and reassess its action
plan until the performance concern(s) is/are rectified.
For additional assessment-related information, assessment plan templates, and assessment reporting
templates, please refer to the Assessment Corner of the JRCERT website.
Required Program Response:
Describe how the program’s assessment process drives decision making and curricular
improvements.
Describe how the program analyzes student learning outcome data and program effectiveness
data to identify areas for program improvement.
Describe how the program identifies opportunities for improvement based on the analysis of
student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data.
Describe examples of changes that have resulted from the analysis of student learning outcome
data and program effectiveness data and discuss how these changes have led to program
improvement.
Describe how the program shares its student learning outcome data and program effectiveness
data with its communities of interest.
Describe the reassessment process for any unmet SLOs and discuss how these changes have led
to program improvement.
Provide a copy of the program’s actual student learning outcome data and its analysis since the last
accreditation award. This data and its analysis may be documented on previous assessment plans,
a separate document, or as part of institutional assessment report(s).
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Provide meeting minutes that documents student learning outcome data and program
effectiveness data have been analyzed and used to identify priorities for improvement.
Provide meeting minutes that document student learning outcome data and program effectiveness
data have been shared with communities of interest.
Provide documentation that unmet SLOs have been reassessed.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of student learning outcome data and program effectiveness data to support
the assessment plan
Review of representative samples of measurement tools used for data collection
Review of aggregate data
Review of meeting minutes related to the assessment process
Interviews with faculty
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 44
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6.4 The program periodically reevaluates its assessment process to assure continuous program
improvement. (3.1, 5.5)
Explanation:
Identifying and implementing needed improvements in the assessment process leads to program
improvement and renewal. As part of the assessment process, the program must review its mission,
goals, student learning outcomes, and assessment plan to assure that assessment methods are providing
credible information to make evidence-based decisions. The program must assure the assessment process
is effective in measuring student learning outcomes. At a minimum, this evaluation must occur at least
every two years and be documented in meeting minutes.
For additional assessment-related information, assessment plan templates, assessment reporting templates,
and the JRCERT meta-assessment rubric, please refer to the Assessment Corner of the JRCERT website.
Required Program Response:
Describe how assessment process reevaluation has occurred.
Provide documentation that the assessment process is evaluated at least once every two years.
Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:
Review of meeting minutes related to the assessment process
Interviews with faculty
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 45
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Glossary of Terms
Academic and personal support resources: Cumulatively refers to the variety of services, programs,
and/or technology that is offered and takes place in learning environments to promote academic success,
intellectual enrichment, and personal development.
Accreditation Status: a statement of the program’s current standing with the JRCERT. Per JRCERT
Policy 10.00 and 10.700, accreditation status is categorized as one of the following: accredited,
probationary accreditation, and administrative probationary accreditation. The program must also
identify its current length of accreditation award (i.e., 8 year, 5 year, 3 year, probation). Appendix A
provides a template that must be used. The JRCERT publishes each program’s current accreditation
status under the Find an Accredited Program webpage.
Action plan: A plan or intervention developed to address a problem (outcomes, resources) in such a way
that progress towards the solution can be determined. At a minimum, an action plan must include (the)
issue/problem, proposal of modification, assessment methods, and reassessment timeline. The action plan
must be formally documented in appropriate meeting minutes.
Adequate: Sufficient or enough for the purpose of achieving the program’s goals and mission. See:
Sufficient.
Articulation agreement(s): a listing of institutions with which the program has established an agreement
for graduates to receive academic credit towards a higher degree.
Assessment: is the process of providing credible evidence of resources, implementation actions, and
outcomes undertaken for the purpose of improving the effectiveness of instruction, programs, and
services in higher education (Banta & Palomba, 2015, Assessment essentials: Planning, implementing, and
improving assessment in higher education (2nd ed.)).
Assessment method(s): the strategies, techniques, measurement tools, or instruments used for data
collection to determine the extent to which students demonstrate desired learning outcomes and make
evidence-based decisions. These methods may be direct measures or indirect measures.
Assessment plan: The tangible, written, systematic product that allows programs to gather useful data in
an effort to measure goals and student learning outcomes (SLOs). The plan must at a minimum include:
at least three goals, one SLO per goal, at least two assessment methods per SLO, justifiable benchmarks,
and timeframes for data collection. Refer to Objective 6.1 for further information. See: goals, student
learning outcomes, assessment methods.
Clinical obligations: relevant requirements for completion of a clinical course, including but not limited
to, background checks, drug screening, travel to geographically dispersed clinical settings, evening and/or
weekend clinical assignments documentation of professional liability.
Communities of interest: The internal and external stakeholders, as defined by the program, who have a
keen interest in the mission, goals, and outcomes of the program and the subsequent program
effectiveness. The communities of interest may include current students, faculty, graduates, institutional
administration, employers, clinical staff, or other institutions, organizations, regulatory groups, and/or
individuals interested in educational activities in medical imaging and radiation oncology.
Complaint(s): A concern about the program that is typically not among those identified under the
institution’s or program’s formal grievance policy(ies). Example: cleanliness of learning environment.
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 46
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Distance Education: Refer to JRCERT Policy 10.800 – Alternative Learning Options and Higher
Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Pub. L. No. 110-315, §103(a)(19).
Asynchronous Distance Learning: Learning and instruction that do not occur in the same place or at the same time.
Distance Education: An educational process characterized by the separation, in time and/or
place, between instructor and student. Distance education supports regular and substantive
interaction synchronously or asynchronously between the instructor and student through one or more interactive distance delivery technologies.
Distance (Delivery) Technology: Instructional/delivery methods that may include the use of
TV, audio, or computer transmissions (broadcast, closed-circuit, cable, microwave, satellite transmissions); audio, computer, or Internet based conferencing and/or methodologies.
Hybrid Radiography Course: A professional level radiography course that uses a mix of face-
to-face traditional classroom instruction along with synchronous or asynchronous distance
education instruction. Regardless of institutional definition, the JRCERT defines a hybrid
radiography course as one that utilizes distance education for more than 50% of instruction and
learning.
Online Radiography Course: A professional level radiography course that primarily uses
asynchronous distance education instruction. Typically, the course instruction and learning is
100% delivered via the Internet. Often used interchangeably with Internet-based learning, Web-
based learning, or Distance Learning.
Synchronous Distance Learning: Learning and instruction that occur at the same time and in the same place.
[Definitions based on Accrediting Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN) Accreditation Manual glossary]
Education(al) record(s): Those records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information
directly related to a student and maintained by the educational institution/program or by a party acting for
the educational institution/program (e.g., clinical settings). The information may be recorded in any way,
including, but not limited to, handwriting, print, computer media, videotape, audiotape, film, and email. (Based, in part Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 34 CFR 99, Subpart A, §99.3)
Gatekeeper: An agency holding responsibility for oversight of the distribution, record keeping, and
repayment of Title IV financial aid.
Goals: Broad, strategic statements of student achievement that reflect the values and priorities of the
program. Goals allow the program to determine if it has achieved its mission.
Grading System: The institutional and/or program-specific policy(s) that provides a computational
scholastic index that appears on a transcript. Typically designated by straight letter grades or may
include plus and minus grades along with an index or quality points to calculate grade point average.
Other grade designations such as I – Incomplete, W – Withdrew, AU – Audit Grade, CR – Transfer of
Credit, are also typically utilized. Some institutions/programs may also utilize the Pass/Fail or No Credit
(Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) options for some courses.
Grievance: A claim by a student, faculty, or staff that there has been a violation, misinterpretation, or
inequitable application of any existing policy, procedure, or regulation.
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Immediately available: The physical presence of a qualified radiographer adjacent to the room or
location where a radiographic procedure is being performed. This availability applies to all areas where
ionizing radiation equipment is in use on patients. See: Indirect supervision.
Learning environment(s): Defined as places, surroundings, or circumstances where knowledge,
understanding, or skills are acquired such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, or clinical settings. See:
Physical resources.
Meeting Minutes: A tangible record of a meeting of individuals, groups, and/or boards that serve as a
source of attestation of a meeting’s outcome(s) and a reference for members who were unable to attend.
The minutes should include decisions made, next steps planned, and identification and tracking of action
plans.
Mission: A purpose statement that defines the unique nature, scope, and fundamental beliefs of an
institution, department, or educational program.
Must: Indicates an imperative need, duty or requirement; an essential or indispensable item; mandatory.
Typically, synonymous with shall. See: Shall.
Physical resources: Both the learning environments necessary to conduct teaching and facilitate learning
as well as the requisite office space required by faculty to fulfill their responsibilities. There must be
adequate space for the safe and secure storage of program materials, equipment, and supplies. See:
Learning environment(s).
Policy: A general principle by which an institution or program is guided.
Practice(s): Common actions or activities; customary ways of operation or behavior.
Procedure(s): A description of the methods or processes used to implement a policy.
Professional development: Systematic and/or special professional learning events typically sponsored by
an institution, campus, and/or professional association or society for the purpose of professional
enhancement. Participation in symposia, conferences, and/or in-services allow faculty to gain knowledge
regarding subject matter, curriculum concepts, new educational theories and pedagogies, or new
educational software/media.
Program Effectiveness Outcomes/Data: The specific program outcomes established by the JRCERT.
The JRCERT has developed the following definitions and criteria related to program effectiveness
outcomes.
Credentialing examination pass rate: The number of graduates who pass, on first attempt, the
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an
unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the
examination within six months of graduation.
Job placement rate: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to
the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences. The JRCERT
has defined not actively seeking employment as: 1) graduate fails to communicate with program
officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts, 2) graduate is unwilling to seek
employment that requires relocation, 3) graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary
or hours, 4) graduate is on active military duty, and/or 5) graduate is continuing education.
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Program completion rate: The number of students who complete the program within 150% of
the stated program length. The program specifies the entry point (e.g., required orientation date,
final drop/add date, final date to drop with 100% tuition refund, official class roster date, etc.)
used in calculating program’s completion rate. When calculating the total number of students
enrolled in the program (denominator), programs need not consider graduates who attrite due to
nonacademic reasons such as: 1) financial, medical/mental health, or family reasons, 2) military
deployment, 3) a change in major/course of study, and/or 4) other reasons an institution may
classify as a nonacademic withdrawal.
Published/Publications: Made publically available in written or electronic format.
Readily available: Made accessible to others in a timely fashion via defined program or institution
procedures. The public and others must be able to access digital material without disclosure of contact
information. Navigation to digital material should take little effort or time.
Relevant Information: The factual knowledge that has significant and demonstrable bearing on the
program, prospective, accepted, and enrolled students, faculty and staff, and more. Relevant information
is typically not a policy or procedure but rather a communication that provides knowledge to clarify,
promotes accountability, and/or provides transparent material (e.g., accreditation status, clinical
obligations, program effectiveness data, etc.).
Shall: Indicates an imperative need, duty or requirement; an essential or indispensable item; mandatory.
Typically, synonymous with must. See: Must.
Should: Indicates a method to achieve compliance; however, not an imperative need or must.
Sponsoring Institution: The facility or organization that has primary responsibility for the educational
program and grants the terminal award. A recognized institutional accreditor must accredit a sponsoring
institution. Educational programs may be established in: community and junior colleges; senior colleges
and universities, hospitals, medical schools, postsecondary vocational/technical schools and institutions;
military/governmental facilities; proprietary schools; and consortia. Consortia must be structured to
recognize and perform the responsibilities and functions of a sponsoring institution.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): The knowledge, skills, and attributes students are expected to
have gained as a result of program completion. Should be student-focused, reflect all learners, aligned
with and allow for the measurement of program goals.
Sufficient: Enough or adequate for the purpose of achieving the program’s goals and mission. See:
Adequate.
Supervision, Direct: the supervision of clinical student by a qualified radiographer who 1) reviews the
procedure in relation to the student’s achievement, 2) evaluates the condition of the patient in relation to
the student’s knowledge, 3)is physically present during the conduct of the procedure, and 4) reviews and
approves the procedure and/or image. See: Indirect supervision.
Supervision, Indirect: The supervision of a clinical student, who has achieved competence, yet must still
be supervised by a qualified radiographer who is immediately available to assist regardless of student
achievement. See: Immediately available.
Timely: Without undue delay; as soon as possible.
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Use of Results: Refers to making of a change to a program and then re-assessing to determine that the
change positively influenced student learning (Fulcher, Good, Coleman, & Smith, 2014, NILOA Occasional
Paper #23).
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Appendix A: Accreditation Status Disclosure
Per Standard One – Objective 1.1, programs must publish their current accreditation status directly on
their program-specific webpage. Additional information regarding accreditation status can be found
under Accreditation Policy 10.00 – Advertising Accreditation Status and Accreditation Policy 10.700 –
Disclosure of Accreditation Status.
The following is a template that must be used to disclose accreditation status:
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Consistent with Accreditation Policy 10.700 – Disclosure of Accreditation Status, programs placed on
probationary status must inform currently enrolled and accepted students as well as the public of its
probationary status no later than 30 days upon receipt of notice.
The following is a template that must be used to disclose accreditation status. Any program wishing to
provide more information than below is free to add to the template language.
Accreditation Status: Probationary Accreditation
A Word version of each of these templates can be found under the Program Resources section of the
JRCERT website. Note to reader: This will be added to the website at a later time.
The {degree type} radiography program at {Institution} is accredited by the Joint Review
Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program’s current
length of accreditation is {length of award}. JRCERT contact information is: 20 North
Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois, 60606-3182; phone: (312) 704-5300; email:
[email protected]; web: www.jrcert.org
The {degree type} radiography program at {Institution} was placed on probationary status
by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) at its
(date) meeting. The program is not in compliance with [Outstanding Citation(s)] and must
submit a follow-up report to the JRCERT not later than (date). The program is tentatively
scheduled to go before the JRCERT Board of Directors in (month/year) for
reconsideration of its accreditation status. The program remains fully accredited and
graduates will be eligible to sit for the national credentialing examination and will be
considered graduates of an accredited JRCERT program during this probationary period.
For more explanation about this action, please contact the director of the radiography
program.
The JRCERT has published a copy of the program’s current probationary accreditation
decision letter that can be found at this link. For more information about implications of
this probationary accreditation status or any other accreditation-related question, you may
contact the JRCERT at: 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois, 60606-
3182; phone: (312) 704-5300; email: [email protected]; web: www.jrcert.org
2021 STANDARDS – Certificate Programs __Radiography 51
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Appendix B: Program Effectiveness Data Disclosure
Per Standard One – Objective 1.6, programs must maintain accurate effectiveness data directly on their
program-specific webpage. The information must clearly identify the year and sample size with each
associated measure.
The following is a template to disclose program effectiveness data, it is not mandatory to use this
template. A Word version of this form can be found under the Program Resources section of the JRCERT
website. Note to reader: This will be added to the website at a later time.
Program Effectiveness Data:
The following is the most current program effectiveness data for the {degree type} radiography program at
{Institution}. Our accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
(JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. Click here to go directly to the JRCERT webpage.
Outcome Measure Year Results
Credentialing Examination: Year 1 # pass on 1st
attempt / # attempt
within 6 months of
graduation
9/9(100%)
Year 2
Year 3
Current 3-Year Average Total of above
x/x (__%)
Job Placement: Year 1 #employed / #
actively seeking
employment w/n 12
months
9/9 (100%)
Year 2
Year 3
Current 3-Year Average Total of above
x/x (__%)
Program Completion:
Year 1 # completing
program / # total
cohort w/n 150% of
program length
9/11 (82%)
Year 2
Year 3
Current 3-Year Average Total of above
x/x (__%)