Meeting & Agendas

Janet Barlow called meeting to order.

Janet Barlow welcomed members present at the meeting. Each attendee introduced themselves and their affiliation (place of employment) with the program.

The Advisory Committee was informed of changes proposed for the new Cardiac Vascular Sonography Program curriculum. The curriculum (previously approved by CAHEP) was based on a 60 Credit hour limit for Workforce related fields. We have since been approved to add an additional 5 credit hours back to the curriculum by the THECB (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board). A Power Point slide presented the following information. The slide noted “Medical Terminology” added back into the curriculum (which was a change proposal discussed in the previous Advisory Committee meeting in 2015). It also identified a move of “Interpersonal Communication” to the 1st semester of the program. Both Principles of Adult Echocardiography and Basic Ultrasound Physics were given more credit/contact lecture hours. The total credit hours for the Pre/Co Requisites, first year Fall and Spring Semesters were raised. The total credit hours contained in the newly proposed curriculum will be increased from 81 to 86credit hours. Open discussion ensued: • Jennifer Reinhart asked if the A&P courses had the Lab attached to them like the Human Anatomy and Physiology classes did. Gina answered: Yes, each A&P course is a 3 hr lecture with a 3hr lab attached to it. • Jamie James asked if it was the same amount of contact hours as before. Gina answered: Yes • Sharee Bolton wanted confirmation that the second list on the screen was the current proposal. Janet answered: Yes There was a vote taken by a show of hands to accept or deny the new proposal. The outcome was a unanimous acceptance of the newly proposed Cardiac Vascular Sonography Program Curriculum at 86 Credit hours and was recognized by the note taker.

Cardiac Sonography “Wish List” (also known as Janet’s “Blue Skies”) was discussed. • Another ergonomic work station, • Dedicated Cardiovascular Equipment, • TEE probe/attachment/more case studies for our Simulator • Expansion our lab space • Additional Vascular Parks system Janet stated that the previously discussed “Expansion of ACC Campuses” was approved to include the Round Rock Campus. She then added that she was informed recently that the expansion would include the Cardiac Sonography Lab. Applause ensued.

Guided Pathways: Janet handed the floor over to Pat Recek for her expertise one of the newest ventures of ACC in promoting access to higher education for all. Pat covered the following aspects: • Happening across the country • Books now available about redesigning Community Colleges • Promoting access to higher education is key • Community Colleges are not so good at getting them in and getting them graduated • Futures Institute- 100 Faculty and Governing Representatives were divided into groups and sent out to other colleges to ask questions, to learn what is working and what is not, and how they are doing it • When registering for classes here at ACC there are over 186 choices of degrees and certifications • So they have divided them into “areas of study” • Health Sciences is 16 Programs within its area of study • Each “area of study” now will have dedicated advisors and counselors with an extensive knowledge base of the division (i.e..courses needed, pre/co requisites required, length of programs, types of contact) • These advisors/ counselors will follow the Student through graduation • They offer options and directions to those who’s pathways alter

State of the Cardiac Sonography Program: Remarks: • Outcomes reporting is mandatory and is reported annually to CAHEP (includes): 1. Job placement 2. Pass rate 3. Attrition (admit/graduate) • Gina reported on documented information concerning attrition, pass rates and job placement from other Community College Cardiac Sonography programs from both here in the state of Texas and other states • ACC Cardiac Sonography Program reported: 1. 2014 class -12 Students admitted and 7 completed; 42% attrition; 100% Credentialing pass rate; 100% job placement; 6 admitted into VT and 5 completed 2. 2015 class- 12 Students admitted and 7 completed; 42% attrition; 100% Credentialing pass rate; 14% job placement; 7 admitted into VT and 5 are currently enrolled 3. 2016 class- 14 Students were admitted and there are currently 10 expected to graduate in Dec.; all have shown interest in the ESC-VT • From 2014-2016 the Cardiac Sonography Program has lost 16 out of 40 Students enrolled which is 40% • 56% of these were non-traditional Students • Noted struggles/problems these students face include academic, motivational, psycho social, financial and health issues • Our plan of action includes: 1. Advising session 2. Ranking system 3. Early alert conferencing 4. Health sciences counseling 5. Tutoring 6. Previous students 7. Lab assistants 8. One-on-one guided scanning 9. Curriculum changes will spread out instruction a little more 10. Guided pathways • New ranking system requirements include the following: 1. Advising Session with Program Directors (implemented 2 yrs ago) 2. TEAS V exam (HOBET V in past) score submission-the exam can only be taken once and must be within 6 months prior to application submission 3. Prerequisite courses may be repeated for a higher grade only 1 time within 5 years of application date (some applicants taking a single course during a semester and taking it 3-4 times to get an “A” but then have significant difficulty with a full-course load in Program) 4. Points awarded for completion of Co-requisites and direct patient care experience have decreased • Open for suggestions: Sharee Bolton asked if the new application requirements were for both General and Cardiac. Answer: Yes Janet: feel free to send suggestions to her or visit privately Challenges of the Cardiac and Vascular Programs- Power Point slide presented the following information concerning the “Challenges” currently faced: • Clinical Placements Too busy Not busy enough Training new hires Learning new equipment and transfer to database/ new computer system Dr.’s don’t want students to slow down the Sonographers (i.e. no work-in availability) • Students not able to scan during the Clinical rotation day Too busy Training new hires • Communication with Clinical Instructors Non-compliance with Student Handbook and Syllabus rules/guidelines Inappropriate communication with patient’s/ staff/ Dr.’s Attendance- tardy/leaving early Open Discussion: Sharee Bolton asked: as the Vascular program merges with the Cardiac program, will the students continue to be moved mid-semester as they are now? Gina answered: Not sure, it’s always a possibility. Sharee stated that she did not feel it was in the student’s best interest to have short rotations. Gina answered: that we do not like it as well but it may need to be done to ensure that students have access to all types of vascular scans/exams Thank you to all of our Cardiovascular Sites for your continued efforts and time spent in helping to prepare our students for success in the Sonography workplace.