Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences Handbook of Departmental Policies
Arkansas State University
College of Nursing & Health Professions
Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences Department
Handbook of Departmental Policies
Mission, Philosophy, and Goals
University Mission
Arkansas State University educates leaders, enhances intellectual growth, and enriches lives.
College of Nursing and Health Professions Mission
Our mission is to prepare leaders to meet current and future global healthcare demands and positively impact health and wellness in the Mississippi Delta region and beyond through innovative scholarship and outreach.
MLRS Department Mission
The mission of the Department of Medical Laboratory & Radiation Sciences is to provide comprehensive, multi-faceted educational experiences to produce multi-skilled graduates for entry-level practice in a dynamic healthcare environment.
General Policies and Regulations (in alphabetical order)
Academic Integrity Policy
The College Student Academic Honor Code exists in addition to the University Code of Conduct, and the Academic Integrity Policy found in the Student Handbook. An academic honor offense by the college code is defined as an act of lying/willful misrepresentation, cheating/unauthorized collaboration, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty of others. These terms are defined as follows:
Lying/willful misrepresentation - a false statement (written or oral) made with the deliberate intent to deceive; something intended to or serving to convey a false impression.
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Fabricating quotations and/or sources
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Fabricating, dishonestly adjusting, omitting, or otherwise misrepresenting research results and records, including information, data, statistics, research facts, and its analysis
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Engaging in selective reporting or omission of conflicting data for deceptive purposes
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Altering graded work, then resubmitting it for a new grade
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Providing false information about reasons for class absences or late work when requesting a make-up quiz or exam or an extension for homework
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Submitting the same paper in more than one class without the approval of the instructors involved
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Submitting a paper from a previous semester for a current class without the approval from the instructor
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Failing to provide required or requested information regarding academic performance or enrollments at previous institutions
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Intentionally obstructing or interfering with other students’ academic work, or otherwise undertaking activity with the purpose of creating or obtaining an unfair academic advantage over other students’ academic work.
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Altering documents affecting academic records, such as falsifying information on an official academic document, form, grade report, letter of permission, clinical record, student ID cards, or any other official document.
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Providing false information to others about academic performance, leadership activities, or membership in student organizations.
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Falsification of information records
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Recording hours not actually worked
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Submitting an altered or fabricated preceptor evaluation
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Altering a score, grade, or schedule change on an academic record.
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Forging the signature of an instructor, advisor, dean, or another student without proper authorization
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Creating false university, college, or other official correspondence (such as medical documentation)
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Using notes, books, calculators, phones, photos, computers, websites, tweets, social media, or other aids during a quiz or an exam when not allowed by the instructor
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Talking during a quiz or exam when told by the instructor that talking is not permitted
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Looking at another student’s exam or quiz during the testing period
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Continuing to work on a quiz or exam after the instructor has notified students that time for the test has ended
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Ignoring the guidelines specified by the instructor for an assignment or for a “take home” test and instead using materials or study aids that the instructor has forbidden
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Receiving help with homework, reports, labs, paper, data collection, or other activities when not allowed by the instructor
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Accepting credit for a group project without doing your share of the work
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Helping others with their homework or other assignments when not allowed by the instructor
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Allowing others to view your answers or copy part of your homework, lab, quiz answers, exam answers, or other related work when not permitted to do so by the instructor
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A group doing another student’s work on a group project, lab, presentation, report, or other activity while presenting the work as if done by the entire group equally
Plagiarism – as defined in the 1995 Random House dictionary is the “use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.” Within academia plagiarism is considered academic dishonesty or academic fraud and offenders are subject to a number of penalties including course failure or other severe consequences.
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Using the words, sentences, arguments, rhetorical structures, and ideas of another without proper citation and acknowledgement
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Copying data, facts, graphs, computer programs, spreadsheets, images, photos, film/video, or other materials and using them without proper citation or acknowledgement
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Copying homework, quiz, or exam answers from an answer key, solution manual, textbook, web site, or other items from another student, thus presenting another’s work as your own
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Failing to use quotation marks properly or when needed
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Failing to give a source for quoted materials
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Failing to paraphrase language completely
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Failing to give a source for paraphrases
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Failing to cite sources correctly and completely
Facilitating academic dishonesty of others – intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help others commit an act of academic dishonesty.
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Writing a paper for another student
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Allowing another student to use your past homework assignments, paper, labs, or similar items
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Sharing homework with another student when told collaboration is not allowed
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Allowing or helping another student to look at your exam or quiz during a test
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Sharing with other students your notes, books, calculators, phones, photos, computers, websites, tweets, social media, or other aids during a quiz or an exam when not allowed by the instructor
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Completing another student’s exam or quiz by filling in the student’s answer sheet or by attending the exam in place of the other student
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Providing any materials, information, or assistance to another person with the knowledge or reasonable expectation that such would be used for dishonest purposes
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Stealing, reproducing, circulating, or otherwise gaining access to a quiz, exam, or homework materials prior to the time authorized by an instructor
These academic honor code violations apply whether they are performed individually or in groups. They apply to didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences of the Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences programs.
Academic Standards
A student who receives a grade below "C" (i.e. a D, F, FN, or W) in any of the courses offered within the MLRS department programs may not continue in any of our programs. Students should review the Readmission Policy in this Student Handbook and discuss readmission requirements with the respective Program Director.
Clinical requirements will be detailed for each semester in the course's syllabi. Unsatisfactory progress in the clinical education process can result in a failed clinical grade for that course. Unsatisfactory progress includes poor student evaluation forms (Affective Evaluation or Attitude and Behavior form), non-completion of required clinical competency exams, and/or poor attendance practices. Requested removal of a student by a clinical site will be addressed with the Clinical Coordinator. All attempts will be made to place the student in another clinical site within a week. If another site is not available, clinical education and graduation may be delayed. A student removed from two clinical sites for performance issues may be removed from the program based on the discretion of the Program Director.
Background Check Requirement
Based on recent legislation in Arkansas, students will be required to complete a background check AFTER they receive conditional admission into the program.
Students who are conditionally admitted into MLRS programs must submit an initial background check to complete their admission requirements into the program.
VERIFIED CREDENTIALS
Arkansas State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions works with Verified Credentials, Inc. to establish an acceptable screening procedure. The cost of the background check is around $100.
Please follow this link: https://scholar.verifiedcredentials.com/arkansasstate
The code that must be entered is CCMMJ-26642
Upon completion, the results of the background screening will be sent to you via email that will apprise you of the findings as well as your final score of:
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Red: Convictions or Discrepancy Found
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Yellow: Possible Discrepancy Found
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Green: No Convictions or Discrepancies Found
If any information is found that would negatively affect your eligibility for clinical placement in an MLRS program, you will be given an opportunity to challenge the information through the Adverse Action process associated with Verified Credentials. The clinical site will receive information concerning any reports that are yellow or red and will determine your eligibility to participate in the program based on their criteria.
College Code of Honor Policy
Each student admitted to a professional program at the College of Nursing and Health Professions is charged with the responsibility of honorable conduct. A student is assumed honorable until his/her actions prove otherwise. An honor offense is defined as an intentional act of lying, cheating, or stealing. Formal procedures exist for violations of the Honor Code. (See Academic Integrity Policy)
As a student in a health program, it is fundamental that you act in an honorable and virtuous way so that a community of trust is established among members of the college and your clients. Honor is a practiced ideal that will positively impact your relationship with fellow students, faculty, administrators, patients, and other members of the community. As you live an honorable life, you will find that you cannot live without it.
All students in this college are bound by the Honor Code, and all are needed to make it work. The atmosphere of trust and integrity that is created by an honor system enables the student to know his/her word will be taken as true, to compete fairly in the classroom and to keep what is rightfully his/hers. The system functions best when all members of the college not only take responsibility for their own actions but hold their peers to the same standards.
As a student admitted to a health professions program, you must agree to live by and support the basic principles of honesty - no lying, cheating or stealing; be accountable for your actions; and share information about honor offenses. If you are not prepared to accept these responsibilities, you should select a program outside of this college.
Confidentiality Contract
The confidentiality of patients admitted to contracted clinical agencies of the College of Nursing & Health Professions at Arkansas State University is protected by state and federal laws as well as treatment center policy and ethical considerations. Any student who breaches this confidentiality will be subject to immediate termination from the clinical rotation. Such disclosure is also subject to applicable laws and regulations. All information in regard to patients is considered confidential. This includes the following:
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The fact that the individual is a patient at a contracted clinical agency.
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The patient’s name, address, employer, etc.
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The nature of the patient’s illness or reason for admission to the treatment center
Students are not allowed to discuss patients with individuals in the community and are not allowed to discuss patients in patient/public areas within the treatment center. Prior to the start of the clinical rotation, each student will receive a briefing regarding confidentiality from the clinical instructor.
Credentials Maintenance
Arkansas State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions works with Verified Credentials, Inc. to maintain a record of the documentation requirements for the various clinical experiences offered. Students in the MLRS programs are required to establish an account with Verified Credentials and upload all the required documentation, such as CPR certifications, TB mask fitting, TB skin test results, vaccination records, etc. The cost for this account is $35, payable by the student.
Disciplinary Action
The policies contained in this handbook are necessary in order to ensure consistency and orderly operation as well as to protect the rights and safety of all concerned. It is the desire of this program to assist all students so that we can achieve our objectives for the best education and finest patient care available. Willful or inexcusable violations of the policies in the handbook will be dealt with under a uniform policy that applies equally to all students. The Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, or Program Faculty from A-State MLRS Programs may provide verbal or written warnings of violations of policies.
Verbal Warning
This is informal notification to a student that they have violated a policy of the student handbook. If a repeated violation occurs, then a written warning will result. Documentation of the verbal warning will be placed in the student’s clinical folder.
A verbal warning includes documentation provided and signed during orientation regarding the College of Nursing and Health Professions Honor Code and the MLRS department’s lack of tolerance for dishonest or dangerous clinical practices.
Written Warning
This is a formal notification to a student that they have violated a policy of the student handbook. Written documentation is prepared and entered into the student’s clinical folder with signatures of all parties involved. Verbal and written warnings are cumulative throughout the professional program.
When a violation of policy warrants disciplinary action, the following actions will be taken. A meeting will be held with the Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator. Based upon the severity of the findings, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, including, but not limited to academic probation, failure of the course, or dismissal from an MLRS Program, including potential dismissal from the University.
Dismissal Policy
A student who meets any of the criteria below may be dismissed from a Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences Program:
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Participation in academic cheating and/or unauthorized possession of an examination.
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Plagiarism
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The unlawful and/or unauthorized use, abuse, possession, distribution, transportation, manufacture, concealment, consumption, promotion, or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and legal drugs obtained illegally, controlled substances, or designer drugs.
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Illegal possession of weapons
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Lack of professional compatibility or unsafe clinical practices as identified by the MLRS faculty.
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Violation of repeat radiograph policy after written warning (for radiography programs).
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Failure to meet academic standards (failing a course)
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Failure to demonstrate suitable progress in clinical practice
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If physical or emotional conditions affect the ability to attain curricular objectives.
A student WILL be dismissed from all Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences programs for:
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Falsification of patient, affiliate, and/or program records (to include false time clocks for self or others)
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Patterns of behavior jeopardizing patient safety, individual or group progress, and/or contract agreement with the clinical affiliate.
Dismissal will be based on the following:
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Written documentation describing the offense(s).
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Review of the student’s performance records by the A-State faculty, Clinical Coordinator, and the Program Director.
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Failing the same MLRS course twice.
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Failing two MLRS courses during enrollment as an MLRS student.
A recommendation for disciplinary action will be made in writing to Academic Affairs per the established protocols found in the A-State Student Handbook. Any student wishing to appeal must follow the stated appeal process.
Dress Code
The dress code for all MLRS students in the classroom or lab:
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Scrubs that are uniform in color
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Shoes must be made of a non-porous material, closed-heel, and closed-toe
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Long hair should be pulled back away from the face.
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Fingernails should be kept trimmed and neat, no longer than ¼” past the end of the finger. CDC guidance states healthcare workers should not wear artificial nails or extenders, as they are a hand hygiene risk and can spread infections.
The dress code for all MLRS students doing clinicals:
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Uniforms consist of charcoal gray scrubs. The top will have the proper A-State Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences program name embroidered under the A-State logo. Both will be embroidered on the left side. Pants should not drag the floor; the uniform should be well-fitted and without designs of any kind (other than logo).
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Lab coats are optional and may be white, gray, or black. No fleece, other style jackets, or sweatshirts are allowed.
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Shoes must be made of a non-porous material, closed-heel and closed-toe, and should be white, grey, or black with little to no accent colors.
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Only solid white, grey, black, or red T-shirts and long sleeve shirts may be worn under the “scrub” shirt.
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The A-State security photo ID badge and dosimeter are to be worn in the clinical area at all times. (Medical Lab Science students do not need to wear dosimeters)
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The A-State ID badge IS NOT TO BE WORN when employed by a healthcare facility.
General Appearance (at a minimum):
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Hair should be neat/clean and of a natural color. Long hair should be pulled back away from the face.
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Personal hygiene is to be maintained at all times.
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Plain wedding bands and watches are the only recommended jewelry to be worn.
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Earrings should be modest – no large hoop or dangle earrings.
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Excessive body piercing is not allowed.
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Tongue piercings must be removed as they interfere with speech clarity
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If any face, nose, or septum piercings interfere with the function of an N95 mask, they compromise your safety and are not allowed.
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Uniforms must be kept clean and neat at all times. Shoes and laces should be kept clean.
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Fingernails should be kept trimmed and neat, no longer than ¼” past the end of the finger. CDC guidance states healthcare workers should not wear artificial nails or extenders, as they are a hand hygiene risk and can spread infections.
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Visible tattoos must be unremarkable in appearance. Graphic, offensive, or obscene tattoos must be covered with a bandage or sleeve.
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False lashes that are excessive and impede vision are not allowed.
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Regulations regarding appearance are intended to foster professionalism. Faculty reserves the right to regulate student appearance.
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Absolutely no cell phones are allowed on your person during clinical hours.
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Students will refrain from perfumed products out of respect for patient sensitivities.
Dress codes at assigned clinical sites, if more rigorous, will supersede these general policies.
Driver's License Requirement
MLRS students are responsible for arranging transportation to and from their clinical site each clinic day, adhering to all the institutional policies and procedures (as if you were an employee), being on time, keeping up with the materials and learning activities assigned, and staying in contact with the appropriate faculty member. The MLRS department cannot guarantee that public transportation to and from clinicals will be available or that a student can carpool with peers. Our sites are located all over Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Therefore, it is expected that the student will have (or procure) a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle for transportation. MLRS students must upload a copy of a valid Driver's License to their respective program application upon admission to the program.
Grievance Policy
A student who disagrees with the sanction issued should follow the Academic Grievance Procedure as outlined in the A-State Student Handbook.
Health Insurance
The CNHP strongly recommends that students obtain their own health insurance. Injuries that occur on-campus or off-campus on clinical rotations are NOT covered and/or paid by the university or clinical site.
Malpractice Insurance
Students are required to carry their own malpractice/liability insurance and provide proof of insurance coverage each semester they participate in clinical rotations. Coverage must be for a minimum of $1,000,000/$3,000,000. A copy of the policy page containing the student’s name, policy limits, and effective dates should be uploaded to verified credentials or the clinical rotation tracking software prior to participating in clinical rotations.
Petition for Reinstatement Policy
Failure to successfully complete a professional MLRS course or continue in the established progression listed in the curriculum sequence results in dismissal from the program.
The enrollment of a student who is repeating an MLRS course for re-entering the progression sequence will be permitted on a “space available” basis; reinstatement will be granted within one year of withdrawal or non-progression and with the Program Director’s approval. Enrollment space for a student cannot, therefore, be “reserved” or “guaranteed” for any subsequent semester.
A student who desires to repeat/re-enroll/re-enter/ a MLRS course must fulfill the following criteria:
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Meet eligibility requirements to enroll in the University and respective MLRS curriculum.
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Contact the Program Director at least six (6) weeks prior to the scheduled semester in which the student is requesting enrollment.
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Retake all didactic final exams and final lab practicals for those courses previously completed for credit.
Readmission to an MLRS Program
A student wishing to be readmitted to a Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences program must make a formal application to the program and to the University, if not currently enrolled. Readmission is granted on an individual basis, based on the student’s previous records and the availability of space. Application for readmission for whatever reason will be granted up to one time only under the discretion of the program director and/or clinical coordinator.
Readmission will be denied if:
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Either cumulative or institutional grade point averages are lower than 2.00.
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The student has received a final grade lower than “C” in the same course (i.e., earning a D, F, or W) or has received a grade lower than “C” in professional courses in two separate semesters.
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Failing the same MLRS course twice (i.e. earning a D, F, or W).
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Failing two MLRS courses (i.e., earning a D, F, or W) during enrollment as an MLRS student.
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The student fails one or more programs, making them ineligible to enroll in another MLRS program.
Social Media Policy
You are solely responsible for what you post online. Inappropriate postings specific to patients, classmates, or faculty that include discriminatory remarks, harassment or threats, or violations of professional codes of conduct are subject to disciplinary action. Your actions could adversely affect your standing in your health professions program, which could include program dismissal.
You should be aware that future employers may view potential candidates’ websites. Students are advised to review their site for any unprofessional images or language, which could adversely affect successful employment upon graduation. Please make responsible decisions about your use of social media.
Student Records
The Department of Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences within Arkansas State University maintains accurate and confidential student records. It is the right of the students to have access to their education records, and it is the duty of the University and the MLRS Department to limit unauthorized access by others in accordance with existing guidelines and relevant laws. Student records, with certain exceptions, will not be released without prior consent of the student through written requests.
Students have the right to review and question the content of their education records within a reasonable length of time after making a request for review. If there are any questions concerning the accuracy or appropriateness of these records that cannot be resolved informally, an opportunity to challenge a perceived inaccuracy or violation of privacy will be provided through the appeal mechanism.
Arkansas State University and the MLRS Department maintain student records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1997. In accordance with the University’s Policy on Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, information about a student generally may not be released to a third party without the student’s written permission. Exceptions under the law include state and federal education and financial institutions, and law enforcement officials. The only records that will be released concerning students are that information considered “directory” information, such as field of study, name, address, telephone number, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, attendance, degrees, and awards. The policy also permits students to review their educational records and to challenge the contents of those records.
Substance Abuse Testing
When engaged in educational activities on campus or at clinical sites, students are expected to be free from the abusive influence of chemical substances/drugs. When students are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they present a threat to patients, fellow students, faculty, and employees and visitors at a clinical site. As a condition of admission and retention in a CNHP program, all students must agree to adhere to the Substance Abuse Policy and Procedures when conducting any activity associated with their academic program.
In the event that an affiliated institution requests drug testing prior to clinical placement, students will be responsible for the cost unless the affiliated institution has agreed to cover the cost. If a faculty member or supervisor observes a student demonstrating behavioral changes giving probable cause to believe the student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the student will immediately be asked to submit to drug testing, and again, the costs will be borne by the student. Refusal to submit for testing warrants immediate program dismissal.
Tobacco Policy
Effective August 1, 2010, Arkansas State University became a smoke-free campus in response to Arkansas State Law, the Arkansas Clean Air on Campus Act of 2009.
While in the clinical setting, students will comply with the organization’s specific policy. Effective October 1, 2005, Arkansas state law prohibited smoking on any grounds owned by a hospital, including, but not limited to, buildings in and on which medical facilities operate together with all property owned by a medical facility that is contiguous to the buildings where medical services are provided.
Any student who smokes or uses smokeless tobacco products at clinical sites will be subject to that facility’s policy, which may include removal from premises or a fine.
MLRS Faculty
Cheryl DuBose, Ed.D. RT(R)(MR)(CT)(QM)(ARRT), MRSO, FASRT
Professor/Department Chair
Radiography Program Director
Phone: (870) 972-2772
Email: cdubose@astate.edu
Mary Grace Caubble, MSRS, RT(R)(M)(BS)(ARRT)
Instructor, Mammography/Breast Sonography Program Coordinator
Office: CNHP 404
Phone: (870) 972-3309
Email: mcaubble@astate.edu
Jessica Cooper, MSRS, RT(R)(VI)(ARRT)
Assistant Professor/Special Programs Coordinator
Office: CNHP 406
Phone: (870) 972-2747
Email: jmcooper@astate.edu
Carly Farmer, MLS(ASCP)CM
Project/Program Specialist, Clinical Coordinator for Medical Laboratory Sciences
Office: E. Smith 105
Phone: (870) 972-2465
Email: cafarmer@astate.edu
Audrey Folsom, D.Sc., MSHS, MLS(ASCP)
Assistant Professor/Medical Laboratory Sciences Program Director
Office: E. Smith 101A
Phone: (870) 680-4846
Email: askaggs@astate.edu
Lana Hamilton MLS(AMT)
Assistant Professor of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Office: E. Smith 106 (or CNHP 412)
Phone: (870) 972-3073
Email: lhamilton@astate.edu
Isabelle Haun, BSRS, RDMS, RVT, RT(R)
Clinical Coordinator/Instructor - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Office: CNHP 420
Phone: (708) 674-6271
Email: ihaun@astate.edu
Tyler Hester, MSRS, RT(R)(MR)(ARRT), MRSO
Instructor, Radiography & MRI Clinical Coordinator
Office: CNHP 418
Phone: (870) 972-2555
Email: thester@astate.edu
Jody Nutt, MS, RT(R)(T)(ARRT)
Associate Professor/Radiation Therapy Clinical Coordinator
Office: CNHP 413
Phone: (870) 972-3485
Email: jnutt@astate.edu
Jennifer Shrable, MSHS, MLS(ASCP)CM
Assistant Professor of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Office: E. Smith 104
Phone: (870) 680-2746
Email: jshrable@astate.edu
Tracy White, MS, RT(R)(T)(ARRT)
Associate Professor/Radiation Therapy Program Director
Office: CNHP 417
Phone: (870) 972-2976
Email: twhite@astate.edu
Amber Wooten, MSHS, RT(R)(ARRT), RDMS, RVT
Assistant Professor/Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director
Office: CNHP 408
Phone: (870) 972-2914
Email: awooten@astate.edu
Kendall Youngman, MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR)(ARRT)
Associate Professor/MRI Program Director
CT Program Coordinator
Office: CNHP 416
Phone: (870) 972-3329
Email: kyoungman@astate.edu
Updated 8/17/2026
