Supervision of Students Policy
Policy Scope
This policy applies to all Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) students.
Policy Statement
All DMS students must be supervised in the clinical setting in accordance with program, institutional, and accreditation (CAAHEP) standards. Clinical affiliate policies, including those related to chaperones, must be followed at all times.
Clinical Supervision Requirements
Students must perform all sonographic procedures under the supervision of a qualified sonographer. Students may not substitute for, or function in place of, qualified staff and must not perform examinations without supervision.
- Direct Supervision
The supervising sonographer is physically present in the examination room and directly observes and/or assists the student throughout the entire procedure. - Indirect Supervision
The supervising sonographer is immediately available to assist the student but is not required to be present in the room for the entire examination.
Students are expected to progress from direct supervision to indirect supervision as knowledge, technical proficiency, and competency are demonstrated. The level of supervision is determined by the examination type, patient condition, and student competency.
Specific Supervision Requirements
- All sonographically guided procedures must be performed under direct supervision.
- Anatomically sensitive examinations (e.g., genital or intracavitary exams) require direct supervision until competency is documented; thereafter, indirect supervision may be permitted.
Accountability
All examinations performed by students must be reviewed and completed by the supervising sonographer. The supervising sonographer retains final authority and responsibility for the quality, accuracy, and completeness of the examination.