Health care facilities’ regulations require the below information. Individual clinical sites may require additional information. In order to participate in practicum experiences, students are required to submit the following items:
Please download and fill out all forms.
- You will be required to have a current CPR Card
- It must say –“Health Care Provider” on the card
- Vaccines required are:
- TB (within 6 months) if test is positive – student must have a negative chest X-ray
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella- Hx of positive titer or documented date of disease by licensed healthcare provider
- MMR
- Some sites require a flu vaccine
- (If you do not have an immunization record for proof of these you must get a blood titre test with your primary physician).
- Physical Clearance
- Background Check
- You will log on to Castlebranch.com and follow instructions
- Urine Drug Screen (5 panel- in a sealed envelope)
The above information will be discussed further at class meetings that are held each semester.
Medical Authorization (Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Requirements) In order to provide safe and competent care for ill and vulnerable patients and meet the psychomotor and cognitive objectives of a clinical course, students participating in clinical experiences must meet the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial requirements.
Statement of Integrity is crucial to the practice of medical assisting. Therefore, behavior of medical assistant students shall demonstrate moral, ethical and legal values as is stated in the Medical Assistant Code of Ethics and adhere to Victor Valley College Student Conduct Code found in the Student Handbook and Medical Assistant Program Syllabus.
Practicum experiences occur in a variety of settings in the high desert area. A reliable means of transportation is required. Clinical experiences may be scheduled both day and evening hours according to clinical site availability. A flexible schedule is necessary. Adequate time is offered to students to arrange schedules as needed. Uniforms and school identification are required in multiple school related settings. This includes, but is not limited to: clinical sites, on-campus lab setting, volunteer settings, etc. Clinical partners prohibit body art such as tattoos, piercings, etc. Piercings must be removed, with the exception of one small earring in each ear. Tattoos must be completely covered. No jewelry other than wedding ring. Facilities are non-smoking, including the parking lot. Clients, patients, cohorts, staff, etc., may be sensitive to odors, especially that of tobacco. No smoking is allowed at any time during clinical rotations. Many of our clinical partners (and our Medical Assistant labs) are “Scent Free” facilities. This means that no odor is to be present on the student or faculty. Scents include: clothing or hair that smells of smoke (tobacco or wood smoke), perfumes, colognes, scented body lotions, scented powders, body odor, breath odor (tobacco or halitosis or scented hair products. Students may be asked to leave the clinical site/lab if odor is present.
Examples of Appropriate Appearance:
- Designated style, color and make for uniform tops and bottoms required
- Clean, white shoes (standard Medical Assistant or white vinyl/leather tennis shoes)
- Make-up with discretion
- Neat, short fingernails; clear nail polish is acceptable (no artificial or gel nails) · Clean hair, pulled off neck: pinned, braided, or in a bun.
- Ponytails should not come into contact with clients or equipment
- Mustaches, beards and sideburns must be kept neatly trimmed
- Body piercings removed
- Tattoos covered completely
Examples of Appropriate Behavior:
- Use of quiet tone of voice throughout health care facility
- Use designated areas for charting and discussions
- Display respectful, considerate behavior
- Place coats, purses in designated area
- Bring text books/references to clinical area
- Prepared with adequate sleep and nutrition prior to arriving to clinical site
- Abide by HIPAA regulations
- Any behavior or appearance which may impact professionalism, patient safety, or the educational experience as determined by the instructor will be addressed. Consequences will be determined on an individual basis.
ALL electronic devices, including cell phones, PDA’s, cameras, camera phones, and video recorders are to be turned off during simulation unless approved by faculty. These items must be kept in your backpack, coat or purse and switched off or to silent. While at clinical sites cell phones are NOT to be on your person. They are to be left in your vehicle or locker room area.