Clinical Experience Attendance Policy
The clinical experience is an extension of the clinical coursework and maximizes the knowledge and skills utilized in these courses to enhance the students’ overall learning experience. ATS are chosen for their clinical assignments based on their education level and their need to get exposure to various athletic or healthcare environments. Clinical sites and Preceptor are trained by Cumberland University’s Clinical Education Coordinator in the competencies and proficiencies that each student in the AT Program must attain during their rotation. However, the ATS must understand that these healthcare providers are extensions of our program and not employees, and they must work under the direction and regulations of another entity. These individuals are chosen based on their professional skills and their knowledge in specific areas that will enhance our student learning outcomes. Therefore, it is very important that the ATS respect the time and dedication that these individuals have volunteered to our AT Program. Communication, punctuality and professional behavior must be maintained at all times. When ATS are expected to be present at a clinical site and do not show up, the integrity of the AT Program, the quality of patient care and the confidence between the student and Preceptor has been diminished. Tardies/Absences problems will be disciplined following the guidelines in the Discipline Policy. See Section IX - I for the Discipline Policy The most important part of this policy is communicating effectively with your assigned Preceptor. We understand that there will be occasions in which a situation arises that an ATS will need to miss a clinical assignment or will be late. However, the ATS must make every reasonable attempt to contact their preceptor prior to their absence or tardiness so that any accommodations can be made by their instructor. A minimum of 24 hour notice of an absence must be communicated to the preceptor. Emergency absences/tardies must be communicated with the preceptor as soon as they arise. Even with a legitimate excuse, no attempt to communicate with their preceptor will force the preceptor to count this incident as an unexcused absence/tardy and the above criteria will apply.