The sonographers at the clinical sites will act as the students' immediate supervisors. Any problems with the clinical schedule or rotation should be discussed with the Clinical Coordinator or Program Director. The Clinical Coordinator, clinical instructors, staff sonographers, medical imaging supervisors, Program Director, and Dean are available as clinical resources. The supervising sonographer determines the level of supervision required for each student, following the guidelines for direct and indirect supervision outlined below. Regardless of the level of supervision, all student images must be approved by a sonographer before the patient leaves the medical imaging department. The sonographer may take over the exam at any point if they think it is in the best interest of the patient.
Direct supervision: A sonographer must be in the same room as the student. The sonographer must be able to observe the student at all times and assist or intercede immediately in the sonographic examination if, in the opinion of the sonographer, the examination is being performed improperly or the continuation of the exam will be potentially harmful to the patient or student.
Students must be under direct supervision when performing the following sonographic examinations:
- Exams being performed for verification of clinical experience
- Exams before successful documentation of clinical competency
- Invasive procedures (i.e., Biopsy, Paracentesis, Thoracentesis)
- Critical care examinations
- Mobile examinations
- Surgical examinations
Indirect Supervision: A sonographer must be in the adjacent area, within shouting distance of the student. The sonographer must be able to free themselves from any other responsibilities to offer immediate consultation or direct supervision to a student who, after re-evaluation of the tasks involved in the sonographic examination, requires additional assistance.
Students are permitted to perform sonographic examinations under indirect supervision if:
- The exam is not restricted by the preceding paragraph dealing with direct supervision,
- The student has passed a clinical competency evaluation on the exam,
- The exam is not being performed for verification of clinical experience, or
- The patient's condition is non-critical.