MCOM Orientation
Please read all of the Orientation Guidelines.
After reading, enter your name and student ID (if known), and click "I Accept"
If you have any questions about what is put forward, please contact Amy Benish
Welcome to the Midwest College.
In addition to the orientation you will get from the professors on the first day of class, you are asked to read the following orientation information and complete the "new student" survey at the end of the presentation. When you are done with the survey click submit.
This will help you better understand the information in the Student Handbook and help us better understand the background of our new students.
First, you should know the Administration and Staff who you will be interacting with as your education progresses. Some you may have already met or spoken with, others you may not need to talk to till later.
Who do I Talk to About What?
Amy Benish is the Registrar. Her office is in Racine. She will register you for classes and clinic each 12 week quarter. She also records your grades, clinic hours and sends out the progress report each term. If you have a question about your progress report, call Amy.
Kelly Westerlund is the Admissions Coordinator. Her office is in Racine. Most of you will have spoken with her already, but she is still here to help newer students who have questions. Later, you can speak to Kelly about how to do the documentation for your National Boards and also, to have transcripts sent.
Stephanie Pittman is the Financial Aid Processor. Her office is in Racine. If you have applied for financial aid, you have already spoken to Stephanie, but remember that she will be contacting you at the end of each three quarter academic year with a packet you need to complete to re-up your aid package.
Michelle Kopteros is responsible for the Directed Learning Papers (DLP) in Chicago. When you register for the Chinese Medical History and Pathology papers, you will work with one of these two librarians as you complete the work. You will get the DLP manual from them when you begin and consult with them as you work on and complete the paper.
Dr. Duckin Suh is the Dean of Foreign Students. His office is in Chicago If you are not a U.S. citizen and are applying for a student visa, you will work with Dr. Suh. He will track your course load and progress to assure that you remain in compliance with federal regulations. The best days to contact him are on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Dr. Robert Chelnick is the Administrative Director. He has office hours in Racine on Fridays and in Chicago on Mondays and Saturdays. In addition to his other duties, he is also in charge of the Major paper you will be completing over three quarters toward the end of your education. The librarian will give you the Major Paper Manual, but Dr. Chelnick must approve your topic before beginning and will work with you as you complete the paper.
Dr. Kris LaPoint is the Special Projects coordinator. She has office hours in Racine on Fridays and Saturday mornings and in Chicago on Mondays and many Saturday afternoons.
Dr. LaPoint is responsible for transfer credit from other TCM colleges and for arranging proficiency exams. She is also the "go to" person for special scheduling or personal needs that affect your academic progress.
Gigi Dunbar is the Evaluation and Clinic Records Officer. She has office hours in Racine on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If you know you will be missing an exam, for reasons found in the Student Handbook, and want to avoid a late fee, contact Gigi beforehand. Ms. Dunbar also records and tracks your clinic hours each quarter. She is responsible for final approval of your clinic requirements prior to graduation.
Now let's review the Student Handbook
Please remember that the enrollment agreement you signed states that you have read and understand the College catalog and that you are responsible for understanding the material in each year's Student Handbooks and Internship Manual. You are also responsible for reading all official college bulletin board postings on the electronic bulletin boards.
Registration / Academic Counseling
All students can register for the next quarter's classes by filling out the registration form on the day of midterms or by calling the Racine campus Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm beginning after the sixth week midterms. Make sure you tell them which paper and clinic(s) you need.
The Registrar, Amy Benish will finalize your enrollment directly into the computer and mail you a one-quarter enrollment agreement which includes your class list and billing statement. Upon receipt, you should immediately review these documents and correct any errors by calling Amy. Your registration is not complete until you have paid your tuition in full by checks, credit card, or financial aid.
Please remember that registration for classes ends on the Friday of the seventh week. After that, there is a late registration fee of $100. The $100 late fee also applies if you have not paid tuition in full by the first day of classes. You are not entitled to attend classes for the next term until after your registration is complete and tuition paid.
What are the Course Load Qualifications to Maintain Financial Aid?
You must register for 4.5 credit hours or more for OM or 6.0 or more for acupuncture to be eligible for future loans or deferment of outstanding loans.
What are the Completion Times for the Programs?
Graduates of the Acupuncture program receive a "masters level" Acupuncture certificate. The Acupuncture program can be completed in three academic years (a minimum of 27 months) that consists of nine 12-week quarters. The maximum completion time for Acupuncture is 40 months.
Graduates of the Oriental Medicine program receive the degree Master of Science in Oriental Medicine with a combined Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition. The OM program can be completed in four academic years (a minimum of 36 months) consisting of twelve 12-week quarters. The maximum completion time for OM program is 54 months.
If you see yourself approaching either of these maximum completion dates with outstanding work still unfinished, at any time during your education, contact Dr. LaPoint immediately.
What Do I Do if I Change My Address?
If a student changes his/her postal, e-mail address or phone number, it must be reported to the Racine office so that the file information can be changed. All information sent to a student's e-mail address is considered the same as sent through the USPS. If you register for a quarter and do not list a new postal or e-mail address or phone number, you cannot expect the College to be responsible for any communication you may have missed.
How Do I Withdrawal from or Drop a Class? What if My Refund?
Students may give notification of withdrawal from a class prior to the final examination and receive a grade of "W". The refund schedule for dropping a class can be found in the college catalog and handbook.
What does Constructive Notice of Withdrawal Mean?
If a student misses ten consecutive class days, based on the student's scheduled days of class, without providing an explanation to the school administration regarding absences, prior to the tenth scheduled class day, the student is considered to be withdrawn after the tenth day of unexplained absence. This means that if you "disappear" from classes for four or more weeks, depending on your schedule, and do not let the college know the reason, you will be dismissed from the program and need to reapply. Remember, you can always arrange for a formal leave of absence for personal reasons.
Can I transfer from the Acupuncture to Oriental Medicine Program?
Can I Transfer from Oriental Medicine to Acupuncture?
It is simple to transfer from Acupuncture to Oriental Medicine. This is often done at the end of the fourth quarter if a student is doing well in the acupuncture program.
It is very difficult and expensive to transfer from Oriental Medicine to Acupuncture. There are financial aid ramifications. So, if you are in the Oriental Medicine program and are having trouble with classes early on, or need to begin your practice as soon as possible and are enrolled in the OM program, you will want to contact Dr. LaPoint immediately to discuss your options. Remember, you can always complete the acupuncture program and then enroll in the OM program after you are already in practice. This is a good idea for some students.
How Do I get My Financial Aid Disbursement?
At the beginning of each quarter, students who receive financial aid need to complete a "Financial Aid Authorization" form to "draw down" their loans and/or receive excess money from their account. The instructor signature on this form also verifies your initial attendance. Since several people are involved in completing and approving your request before a check will be issued please do not expect this to be done "on the spot". Each quarter, the earliest batch of checks will be mailed at the end of the third week of the quarter.
What are the Attendance Requirements?
An attendance record of 80% must be maintained in order to receive credit for all academic classes and internship. Based upon a twelve-week quarter, this allows for two absences per quarter. Unavoidable absences of more than two sessions must be made up through a makeup work assignment in academic classes or attending extra clinic sessions in internship. If more than four classes have been missed a student may not be allowed to take the exams and the course will have to be repeated.
Missed attendance must be completed by the second week of the next quarter. If your attendance is not made up by the end of the 2nd week, you will receive an "F" and the course will have to be retaken. If a student misses more than two sessions in ALL the classes they are registered for during the quarter and does not make them up, they are eligible for dismissal from the program, subject to the normal appeals procedure.
Makeup Work for Missing More than Two Classes
If a student misses more than two classes, they should expect makeup work in the form of assigned readings or a short paper as directed by the instructor. After makeup work is completed and submitted, the makeup form will be sent to the office. Makeup hours for internship are recorded on the student's internship hour sheet and signed by a supervisor.
Are there Classroom Work Assignments?
Instructors may make homework assignments as part of the grading requirement for a class. Students who do not turn in their assignments by the end of the second week of the next quarter will receive a failing grade for the course.
What is the Examination Policy?
The minimum passing grade is 70% on all exams. Extra credit can only be applied to students who have exam grades of at least 70%.
A student who misses the original classroom exam with an unexcused absence or fails to get a grade of at least 70% on a midterm or final has one chance to pass a similar exam within two weeks of the original class room exam.
The highest grade awarded for an
unexcused makeup exam or for a retake
of a failed examination is a 70%.
Students may not cut classes after completing exams, if a post-test review is given during the same class session.
Exams may not be taken before the normally scheduled time on the sixth and twelfth week. If more than four classes are missed, a student cannot take exams.
A student cannot take a final unless they have passed the midterm.
Scheduled holidays or vacation days for all students or for office staff administering exams extends the 2 week period.
Students who miss or fail midterms or final examinations without a valid approved excuse listed below for any three quarters during the course of their education may be subject to academic dismissal.
Fee Schedule Pertaining to Examinations
Unexcused missed or retake exam fee - $100 per test
Missed appointment for make up or retake - $50 per test.
Test administration fee - $25.00 (cannot be waived)
For the missed appointment fee to be waived you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
How do I Schedule a Makeup or Retake Exam?
Make up or retake exams in Racine must be scheduled in advance, by calling Gigi Dunbar on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.
In Chicago see Kris LaPoint or Don Martin on Monday 1pm to 8pm or Wednesday 3pm to 5pm. Practical exams are often given during clinic hours, because a partner may be needed.
If a student cannot pass the makeup or retake during the two week period, they must call Gigi Dunbar to explain the reason. To petition for a waiver of the two week rule, students will be required to provide written explanation and there will be a $100 petition fee per course. If the petition is granted, a memo with the revised deadline will be given to the student to present before taking the exam.
What is the Academic Progress Standard?
A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 must be maintained. The cumulative GPA is listed on each quarterly academic record. The College does not have a probationary period for poor academic progress.
How do I Complete the Directed Learning Paper Courses?
Look at the program schedule in the catalog to see in which quarter the papers should be written. A student enrolled in a directed learning paper or major paper course is required to contact the instructor in-charge at least once during the first four weeks of the quarter, again during the second four weeks of the quarter, and again during the final four weeks of the quarter. If a student fails to contact the instructor in-charge, that instructor may submit a grade of "W" (withdrew) during the fifth through eight week of the quarter or a grade of "F" in the ninth through twelfth week of the quarter.
Students who want their papers critiqued and/or the opportunity to make revisions, must submit their paper by the end of the ninth week of the quarter. Any paper submitted during the last three weeks of the quarter will receive a final grade without a detailed critique. If a paper submitted during the last three weeks receives a grade of "D" or "F", this will be the grade. Complete papers must be submitted for grading by the end of the twelfth week. There are no other extensions beyond the twelfth week for submitting both the Independent Study and Major papers.
What if I Need a Leave of Absence?
Since many classes are only offered once each year, students who need time off for personal or family responsibilities need to meet with an academic counselor to determine how a leave of absence will affect their future class schedules and graduation date. Generally, leaves are limited to all or part of two quarters. Medical leaves are limited to one year. Students with outstanding loans should be aware that if the leave of absence is greater than six months they will have to begin to repay their loans.
Do I Have Insurance When in Clinic?
All students participating in clinic or practicum courses are insured under the Midwest College's institutional malpractice policy as long as they are enrolled.
Drug and Alcohol Policy is contained in the SHB
Nondiscrimination / Handicapped Policy is Contained in the SHB
Sexual Harassment Policy is Contained in the SHB
What is the Student Conduct & Right of Suspension or Dismissal Policy?
A student is subject to suspension or dismissal for academic policy reasons or for conduct that disrupts teaching or College administrative activities or for that which interferes with the rights of other members of the College community. Suspension is defined as a period of up to two weeks during which a student may not attend class or participate in any College activity.
What are Library Hours?
The Colleges in Racine and Chicago both have a reference and lending library. Students must have an MWC internship badge in order to withdraw books. The library is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday. There are additional weekday hours posted for the Racine and Chicago libraries. Students may not graduate with outstanding books or fees. When returning library books, you should give them directly to the librarian. Do not give them to faculty, staff, or just leave them in the library.
What is the Transfer Credit Policy?
Students seeking transfer credit for prior work must make their request before the end of the first quarter of enrollment, unless they are requesting permission to enroll at another college while attending Midwest for a course they wish to transfer.
Introduction to Internship
New Intern Orientation
New student orientation to clinic is extremely important because it introduces interns to the objectives of the internship component of the program. Over the two decades that the Midwest College has been providing clinical experience to its students, we have found that a thorough and complete orientation is fundamental in setting the tone for student performance.
Orientation to student clinic occurs during the first clinic session for new interns. This may be conducted by a supervisor or clinic administrative assistant and will give students the attention necessary for a smooth transition into the clinical experience. This orientation includes:
Clinic protocol and procedures
Patient practitioner relations and communication
Behavior in the student clinic
Specific objectives for the observation phase
Objectives of the future phases of clinical experience
The purpose of the medical record
The legal implications of documentation
The components of patient files
Review of the forms used in student clinic
How to fill out and arrange documents
Protocol for setup, cleanup, and close of clinic
Where supplies and forms are stored
Review of the forms used in student clinic
How documents are arranged in a patient file
Review of inventory management
Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Training
All new students beginning internship are required to complete Blood-Borne Pathogen Training on the first day of clinic attendance. This includes a written examination. After receiving a passing grade on the examination, the student's name will be added to the completion list that is entered into the computer under the practical training section.
No student may begin working in clinic until the BBP test has been passed.
Internship Hour Requirements
A minimum of 660 hours is required to complete graduation requirements for the Acupuncture program and 918 hours in the OM program.
All students need a minimum of 150 hours of observation-based internship. Acupuncture students complete 510 hours of participation-based internship using acu/moxa therapy and accessory modalities. Oriental Medicine program students complete 768 hours of participation-based internship using all modalities of TCM including nutrition.
What Happens During My First Phase of Clinic?
During Phase 1 internship, students learn about clinic operations and clinical standards. A student's experience includes observation of TCM intake and treatments and participation in physical examination.
Students are required to attend patient interviews, observe procedures and learn about TCM and biomedical diagnostic examinations. They are expected to take every opportunity to take pulses and observe tongues and engage in palpatory examination; however, the student is not required to accurately interpret these examinations.
The student does not work with needles or participate in invasive procedures, although he or she may administer non-invasive techniques for which they have completed classes, such as, massage, moxa, etc. However, treatment credit cannot begin to be awarded until 150 hours of observation is completed and a student has progressed to Phase 2.
Students begin to learn charting by documenting the Western diagnostic examinations and non-invasive procedures that they will perform, and by checking over intake and consent forms to make sure that they have been properly filled out. They must also learn to comply with the standards of sanitation, dress code, and personal hygiene set by the clinic.
Finally, students learn how to conduct themselves in a professional manner when exposed to patients and to respond appropriately to supervision.
Students begin their observation internship during the first quarter. Observation interns immediately begin helping with the intake process. They will begin to take vital signs and perform massage after completing course work. During Phase 1, students will wear a badge indicating their status in the clinic. Phase 1 students learn the workings and procedures of the clinic.
Equipment needed during the Observation Phase
Blood Pressure Cuff / Stethoscope
Accessory kit in the third quarter
If an intern fails to bring the equipment to any internship session, the highest grade possible for the quarter is a "C."
Setting up the Clinic by Phase 1 Interns
Each session, a student will be required to be the "desk person", greeting and assisting patients
Setting up treatment areas, disinfecting the tables, emptying garbage cans, if necessary.
Pull charts and put them in order of the time of the appointment or arrival.
Setting up new patent charts.
Making sure the entire treatment space is tidy.
Not bringing in any excess materials to stack on the floor or tables.
All interns regardless of phase are required to help in cleanup activities at the end or between shifts. Your grade will be affected if you don't help.
The student observer takes a passive role in the diagnostics and procedures of acupuncture and does not disturb the supervisor or senior interns during the delivery of treatments. The observer is not to render advice, and any questions the patient might ask must be referred to the supervisor.
What is the Grading process for Internship?
Each quarter students are graded on the performance objectives and attendance.
Requirements for completing Phase 1 Internship:
Passing score turned in each quarter.
Sufficient attendance.
Completion of the Observation Workbook; of 150 hours; to be turned in when finished.
What are the Prerequisites for Admission to Phase 2 internship?
The student must complete a Request for Promotion to New Phase Level form that is included in the workbook, which will include the following signatures.
Verification of 150 internship hours in observation.
Signature by clinic supervisor verifying sufficient competency.
Signature by a records officer verifying completion of all Phase 1 requirements.
See Performance Objectives for Phase 1 in the Student Handbook
There are no rollovers of hours from Observation to Phase 2 treatments.
Students must spend their first and last clinic quarter at an on campus clinic.
What are the Rules of Conduct and Protocol in Clinic?
Please be aware that while all clinics follow the same internship regulations and use the same evaluation forms, the supervisors may have different styles of patient / practitioner interaction. You are making a commitment to spend a sufficient amount of time in the clinic to learn TCM diagnostics and treatment, and patient management skills. This is part of your education in practice building.
In any clinic setting there are clerkship tasks to be done. All of these tasks are routinely carried out by interns and will be expected of you as well.
These tasks include: setting up supplies, keeping patient charts in order and up to date, monitoring acupuncture supplies, answering phones, and assisting in the general appearance of the treatment rooms and areas by cleaning between patient visits and at the end of the clinic shift.
What About Appearance in the Clinic?
Your professional credibility and the clinic's overall image are affected by your appearance. Simplicity in dress and neat, clean attire will create respect and confidence for you and instill patient confidence in the clinic. You must wear clean clothes, appropriate shoes, lab jacket and nametag. The styles that are comfortable in class probably are not appropriate for the clinic. When in doubt, overdress. Let your supervisor tell you that you are overdressed rather than too casual. Remember an excellent practitioner is better dressed than their best dressed patient.
What is the Dress Code for Interns?
No sandals, gym shoes, or shoes with open toes.
All interns must wear a lab coat/jacket with nametag.
Long hair must be tied back so that it cannot brush across patients or the clean field while working.
If the intern is dressed inappropriately they will be dismissed for the session. (no exposed midriffs)
No scrubs. Scrubs are used in surgery and not in outpatient medical offices.
No jeans.
Inappropriate shoes or dress, no lab jacket, no name tab, no kit equals no credit for the day. No excuses!
What is the Clinic Attendance and Punctuality Policy?
Interns must punch in and sign an attendance roster.
In class, instructors take attendance, in clinic you are responsible for signing in.
Interns may not leave early, except for emergencies.
If a student has any absences in a quarter, they must attend a makeup session at another clinic time by the second week of the next quarter.
In order to receive credit for an internship course, a total of 54 or 60 hours, based on the course number, must be completed. If a student is short hours due to absence, they must be made up before submitting their Phase Book.
Honor seriously the commitment to the schedule you have arranged with your supervisor. Do not come late, leave early, or call at the last minute to cancel.
Exams are not a justifiable reason to take a week off from internship.
If you need to miss a clinic session, you must call the college or the supervisor. It is requested that you find a fellow student to replace you.
Do not leave the clinic during your working hours without permission from your supervisor. Arrange break times in advance.
Students will punch the clock on the hour sheets bound in the correct Phase Workbook. Before sending the Workbook to the Racine office, make a copy of the hour sheets for your own records.
Do I Need to Speak English Only in Clinic?
Medical records must always be in English and interns must speak English with patients in the clinic. However, if the patient cannot speak English an intern may converse in another language. English is to be used at all other times.
Protect Yourself / Protect Your Future Practice!
Respect boundaries. Avoiding any Implication of Sexual Harassment
When choosing points, tui na techniques or other therapies, it is essential to avoid any action that the patient may interpret as inappropriate touch or attention.
If you think you need a point anywhere near a personal area i.e. the inguinal groove etc., you must get approval from a supervisor and two interns must be present during treatment, including one of the same sex as the patient.
Do Not Break this Rule.
Confidential Information
All patient records are confidential and no cases can be discussed by name with anyone who is not on staff at the clinic. No records can leave the clinic and the patient's case cannot be discussed outside the clinic unless their identity is kept secret.
What are the General Rules for Midwest College Student Clinics?
The following list of rules were suggested and developed by student interns to help new students fit smoothly into the flow of the student clinic. Failure to abide by these rules can result in a suspension of clinic privileges. Observe all clean needle protocol.
You may not use any modalities or devices on a patient that are not taught at MWC.
You may not leave a patient unattended with a TCP lamp in use. A violation of this rule will mean a two week suspension from all clinic sessions.
Work as a team with your fellow interns.
Dress appropriately, no open-toed shoes etc
No food or beverages allowed in the clinic.
Proper professional behavior is expected at all times.
Long hair must be tied back.
Hand washing is required.
Speaking in disparaging terms about other medical traditions is unacceptable.
Interns must arrive promptly at the start of clinic time.
Interns are required to clean stations between patients.
Interns are required to stay until the end of the session.
Everyone is responsible for filing and clean-up at the end of the clinic session.
All interns participate in charting, and other record keeping.
Only two excused absences per quarter.
Courtesy is expected at all times towards patients and fellow interns.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. All are important.
If you wish to speak with a fellow student about anything other than patient care, take it outside of the treatment area. Do not critique your fellow interns or gossip about personal issues where this discussion can be overheard by a patient.
If you lose your internship records and do not have a copy, you will not receive credit.
What if I Have a Needle Stick?
Report a needle stick or other safety issues immediately to your supervisor. The OSHA Exposure Control Manual is held at each clinic location.
What is an Incident Report?
If, during your internship duties, there is an occurrence that involves patient safety or injury contact your supervisor immediately to have an Incident Report filed.
An example of an incident would be a moxa burn, unusual bruising, alcohol irritation to sensitive tissue, any type of confrontational behavior with a patient or other intern, inappropriate emotional or sexual behavior. Safety first, protect yourself and your future practice; do not hesitate to act ethically by having an incident report filed.
In the event of a moxa burn, you would want to report to a supervisor immediately and apply Ching Wan Hung burn cream to the affected area and send some home with the patient to apply every 4 hours.
In the event of alcohol irritation clean the area with water or use the Eye Wash kit if there is ocular involvement.
Internship Hour Sheets
Internship hours are tracked as a graduation requirement. There are five different phase forms used to record internship hours. They are part of the each different Internship Workbook. Students will keep all their sheets together in the workbooks as they progress through a phase. When there are enough hours to meet the phase change or completion criteria, the student will submit them, still bound, together with the workbook.
How do I Complete the Internship Hour Sheets?
Students are responsible for:
Punching in & out on the time clock
Totaling the number of hours (calculated from in & out)
Getting the Supervisor's signature
Be sure to make a copy of all of your internship hour forms just before you turn in your workbook.
Enrolling in more than one clinic?
Although you are clocking hours in the same book, each supervisor will complete an evaluation for each clinic you are in.
All policies contained in this manual can be changed with 90 days written notice or posting on the Midwest College bulletin board unless the college deems it an emergency. While this manual is meant to be authoritative, other policies and clarification may be contained in other Midwest college publications or subsequent notifications.
By typing my name and submiting this form, I understand this is the equivalent of my signature. I am therefore electronically signing this form.
Where did you learn about MCOM? (check all that apply)
Acupuncturist
Advanced Nursing Magazine
AMA
Aspectarian
Acupuncture Today
Chicago Tribune Career Builder
College Postcard
Conscious Choice
CCAOM
Chiropractor
East/West Journal
Exchange
Guide to Health Wellness
Graduate Referral
Holistic Junction
Indiana Newspaper
ISTHMUS
Kenosha News Flier
Location Signs
Massage Therapist
Medical Doctor
Milwaukee Newspaper
Massage Today
News City
NCCAOM
NaturalHealers.com
Nursing Matters
The Onion Newspaper
Patient
Physical Therapist Mailing
Prospective Student Mailing
Radio Advertisement
The Reader
The RedEye, Chicago Tribune
Shepherd Express
Staff Referral
Traditional Chinese Medicine World
The News
Unknown
Website
Word of Mouth
Yellow Pages
Yoga Journal
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