Assignments - Assessments - Grading
Completion of the clinical training experience includes didactic assignments as well as achievement of expected levels of competency indicated in each departmental checklist.
Attendance Cards
To complete this requirement:
- Track attendance for each day
- Clinical training supervisor or appointed staff member assess student performance over the week, adds comments as necessary, and signs card
- Mail the completed attendance card at the end of each week during the clinical training experience.
Complete attendance cards are saved in the student’s clinical training file and are incorporated in the final grade. Failing to submit the attendance card by the deadline will result in a violation of the clinical training policies and result in a meeting with the Departmental Committee.
Site Visit Progress Evaluation
The NWHSU Clinical Coordinator will arrange to visit the student at the clinical training site close to the halfway point of their experience. The coordinator meets with both the student and the clinical training site supervisor(s) to discuss progress, and to identify/troubleshoot any areas of concern. A summary of the site visit is maintained in the student’s clinical training file.
Weekly Communication Submission
To complete this assignment:
- Submit a weekly communication form through online submission, which includes a summary of learning experiences that week and a self-evaluation of the student’s progress through the current department and/or the overall internship
- NWHSU clinical coordinator will specify the format of online submission depending upon student’s individualized schedule
Content Area Assignments
A short assignment has been developed for each content areas, to assist students in review of the relevant concepts in preparation for assessments during and after the clinical training experience. Instructions for completion and submission of each assignment, along with appropriate grading rubrics or guidelines, will be posted to the course website.
Content Area Pre-Tests
Content area pre-tests are scheduled for the beginning of each departmental experience when possible. To complete these assignments, students should sign into their LabCE Exam Simulator account and follow directions provided by the instructor to select the appropriate options. Please note that the pre-tests are graded on points for completion; this is a study tool meant to assess current knowledge in the area. Students should use the results of the pre-test along with any feedback from the NWHSU clinical coordinator to develop a study plan for improvement.
Content Area Post-Tests
Content area post-tests are scheduled for the end of each departmental experience when possible. To complete these assignments, sign in to ExamSoft/Examplify within the scheduled test window, and use the provided password to take the assessment. Students must earn at least 75% on each content area post-test to pass the clinical training course. Students who do not earn the required score have the opportunity for remediation and repeat testing until expected score is obtained.
Mock Board Exams
In addition to the content area assessments, students are required to complete two mock (simulated) board exams during the trimester. To complete these assignments, students should sign into their LabCE Exam Simulator account and follow directions provided by the instructor to select the appropriate options. Please note, these exams are graded on points for completion, so please treat them like true BOC assessments to get the best evaluation of current knowledge/preparation. The NWHSU clinical coordinator will be able to see student performance and provide additional guidance as in preparation for the ASCP Board of Certification exam upon graduation.
Evaluation of Affective Skills
Affective skills, or professional behaviors, will be assessed during the clinical training experience by the site preceptor or appropriate designee. Students will be assessed part way through the experience, to determine if there are areas for improvement or remediation, and again at the end of the experience. To complete this assignment, students should submit a completed Affective Skills evaluation form, signed by the appropriate individuals.
Evaluation of Departmental Competencies
Each laboratory department includes an assessment of technical skills, based on achievement of expected levels of competency in each area. Students will be provided with a competency checklist for each major department, which will be filled out by their clinical supervisor/preceptor or appropriate designee throughout the clinical training experience. To complete this requirement, students should submit completed checklists for all departments, signed by the appropriate individuals.
Grading
Grades are assigned on a pass/fail scale, using the following guidelines:
- Student must earn at least 75% of total points possible in the course
- Students must complete all departmental competency checklists
- Students must earn at least 75% on each content area post-test
- Students who do not earn satisfactory score on a first attempt will have the opportunity for remediation and repeat testing