Professional Practice Experience (PPE) Description

Professional Practice Experience courses are clinical on-site training. If you currently work full time and you are taking online courses, you will need to manage your time and be able to take off time to complete your PPE hours. If this is something that you cannot complete, this may not be the program for you.

PPE consists of directed practice clinical on-site learning experience at hospitals, clinics, physician offices, or various other medical facilities. We secure a clinic site for you upon receipt of all required paperwork. The programs Healthcare Site Coordinator will work in cooperation with the student to locate an available site in their area and assist with arranging hours and any other necessary paperwork. Paperwork must be on file in the office of HIM Program Director before you can register for Professional Practice Experience I - HIT 355.

Professional Practice Experience I is approximately 96 hours of hands-on clinic-site training. Most students complete this by doing 2 days per week for 6 weeks. Students should have completed or be taking Term 1 and Term 2 courses before taking HIT-355.

Professional Practice Experience II is approximately 96 hours of hands-on clinic-site training. Most students complete this by doing 2 days per week for 6 weeks. Students must have completed or be completing Coding III to begin HIT-555.

Both PPE courses will also require students to participate in weekly assignments and student lounge discussions within the Canvas course. Students must follow SCC HIPAA training and the clinic site HIPAA procedures. The HIPAA training will be provided to you by the Site Coordinator or by the Site Supervisor.

Professional Practice Assignments are unpaid educational experiences; therefore, students do not receive financial compensation for work performed in PPE. In some cases there are exceptions, but do not expect that you will be paid.

PPE Attendance Policy

Students are expected to be present every day to their site. Should a student be unable to attend for any reason, he/she is to report the absence by notifying the PPE instructor by email and PPE site supervisor by phone ahead of time or within a reasonable amount of time for each day he/she will be absent or tardy and state the reason. All absences or failures to be on-time will be documented in the student’s record. Before leaving the clinical site, the student must inform the PPE site supervisor. Failure to notify SCC Instructor and/or clinic site supervisor may result in failure of the student for PPE.

Incidents: Any incident which is inconsistent with routine hospital care or patient treatment must be reported immediately to the PPE site supervisor and a written report describing the incident must be completed.

PPE Professional Conduct

Students and employees absolutely must conduct themselves in a professional manner during all PPE experiences and at all health care agencies. They are forewarned that a series of minor violations or any serious violation may be just cause for their immediate dismissal from the program. PPE sites are providing are students with a learning opportunity on their own time and during their business hours. Please be respectful of their time and understand that not every day will be the same and that they may not have time every day to do the things that the student needs or feels they are ready for.

1. Students must be aware that this is a learning opportunity and that they are not responsible for deciding their day to day activities or responsibilities, the site will determine this. Sites give their time and dedication for the student and this must be respected.
2. The student is responsible for being available and ready for instruction in his/her assigned area or location.
3. The student will be present and ready for work at the assigned time, and will report to the clinical instructor or department supervisor.
4. The student is the responsibility of the clinical instructor, or in the instructor’s absence, the department supervisor.
5. The student must develop a sense of protection and responsibility for the health and well-being of the patient by careful, complete, and professional medical record practices.
6. The student must complete and follow SCC HIPAA training, as well as the Clinical Site’s HIPAA policies and procedures.

The following is a list of examples of misconduct which will not be tolerated. These are merely examples and this list is not to be construed as all-inclusive.

• Dishonesty
• Falsifying records or information
• Theft
• Destruction or misuse of property
• Failure to follow directions or neglect of assigned duties
• Violating confidentiality, or disclosing information about patients, fellow students or workers, technicians or physicians and their practices
• Leaving without permission
• Undue absenteeism or tardiness
• Conducting personal business or making personal calls during PPE hours
• Any immoral conduct, use of alcohol, or illegal drug activity will on duty or on the premises.
• Any disorderly conduct, fighting, horseplay, overly loud talking
• Possession of a weapon on the premises
• Making treats of any nature to any person on a health care setting
• Discourtesy, including vile, abusive, or vulgar language, towards patients, visitors, physicians, or follow workers
• Abuse of break or lunch times
• Disregard for HIPAA and safety rules, policies, or procedures
• Dress code violation or unprofessional attire
• Discrimination toward any patient, visitor, co-worker, student, or physician because of race, color, sex, age, religion, or handicap

PPE Requirements

During PPE assignments, students may be in direct contact with patients at clinical sites. It is required for each student to have a physical examination prior to starting a PPE assignment to assure both the student and the clinical affiliate that the student can participate as required, this is required regardless of On-Site, Hybrid or Virtual. Cost of the physical examination and updating any required vaccinations is the responsibility of the student. Please note that each site may have different requirements, the requirements listed below need to be completed prior to an agreement being made with a site. The Health Form is located at the end of the Handbook as well as within the Professional Practice Experience Handbook. If the student refuses to comply with the requirements the college cannot guarantee completion of the PPE and may be dismissed from the program.

All students are strongly recommended to have their own health insurance policy. The clinical agencies do not provide insurance coverage for students injured or who become ill while in their respective organizations. Student need to assume full responsibility for their own accidents, injuries, or illness that may occur in any of the PPE settings.

Each student must have a physical performed by a licensed physician, with name, location, and phone number required on the health form. In addition, documentation and/or results of the following tests and immunizations are required:

• MMR or Rubella
• Two-Step Tuberculosis Test - within the last 12 months prior to starting your Capstone.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria Booster - within last ten years.
• COVID-19
• Influenza
• Hepatitis B (optional)

A criminal background check will also be required of every student regardless of virtual, hybrid, or on-site. The completed form(s) will be kept in the student’s permanent file. This background check is performed by Castle Branch and is at the cost of the student, $62.00.  portal.castlebranch.com/CT58 Please note that if a background check comes back unsatisfactory, we may not be able to place you in a Capstone site, which means you may not be able to graduate from the program.