Procedures

Notification of Field Trips

• If a field trip is anticipated during a core course, it will be noted on that course’s syllabus.
  • Occasionally an opportunity may present itself for a field trip and students will be notified in a timely manner.
  • The above noted field trips are considered mandatory and any student who fails to attend will receive an absence for that day.
  • If use of a site requires a contract, the course instructor will verify the contract is current and valid at the beginning of the semester.

Waivers

• Student will be asked to sign a “Waiver and Release of Liability” form, upon admission to any program. This forms includes, but is not limited to:
  • Classroom instruction
  • Lab activities
  • Clinical experience/internships and/or practicums
  • Field trips
  • Exposure to environmental hazards
  • Infectious diseases
• This form acknowledges the college is not responsible for any injury that may occur traveling to and from the field trip site and/or if an injury or other medical condition arises from the trip.
• The form acknowledges that the college does not maintain medical or hospital insurance on students and the student understands that the student assumes full responsibility for any and all claims, causes of action, risks, harm, injuries, losses, damage costs and/or expenses (including attorney’s fees) which may result from or relate to their participation in the program and exposure to environmental hazards and infectious disease.
• Program faculty strongly encourages all students to obtain insurance, the cost of which shall be their sole responsibility.

Safety

• PTA faculty member responsible for the field trip will contact the site at least one week prior to the experience to verify applicable safety procedures at the site.
• PTA faculty will review general safety standards applicable to the experience with the students prior to the field trip. These may include:
  • Universal precautions.
  • Consistently ensuring a safe environment by recognizing safety hazards and taking necessary steps to prevent injury.
  • Asking for assistance when unable to safely handle supplies, product equipment and/or patients independently.
  • Using proper guarding techniques.
  • Using proper body mechanics while handling equipment and working with patients.
  • Adhering to established precautions and contraindications.
  • Demonstrating awareness of the facility’s emergency procedures and equipment.
  • Following manufacturer’s instructions for safe use of equipment as presented in the operator’s manual.
• When orienting the student(s) at a field trip site the PTA faculty or site representative will review safety rules and information specifically related to this experience.