Learning, Volunteering and Working

Experiential Learning

While performing duties related to patient care, all students must clearly identify themselves as a KCU‐MHS-AA students both verbally and by wearing their KCU picture identification badge in addition to any hospital issued identification. Misrepresentation of oneself as a licensed provider or physician is illegal, unethical, and subject to disciplinary action. Should the KCU identification badge become lost or broken, the student should contact KCU Safety & Emergency Management (SEM) immediately to order a free replacement.

The MHS-AA program recommends that students refer to themselves as "Student Anesthesiologist Assistants" (SAAs) followed by the academic year of study as first-year (semesters 1-3), second-year (semesters 4-6), and third-year (semester 7). Students' progress will be shown on their name badge by semesters in Arabic numeral form. Students should use these titles when completing written communication such as email, letters, and program documents. Communication should look like the following: SAA-1, SAA-2, SAA-3

Students are prohibited from accepting any form of payment or gratuity for their clinical activities.

Clinical activities of students are not permitted without appropriate supervision.

The determination of whether a student's activity violates this policy shall be that of the vice provost for Student Services. The Student Services team can counsel students on this policy as violation of policy may result in immediate disciplinary action.

Hospital Rules & Regulations/Financial Responsibilities

Each hospital/health care system has individual rules and regulations. Students must familiarize themselves with and adhere to these protocols during training. Students must respect and follow all policies regarding the use of hospital facilities, housing and equipment.

Students are financially responsible for any damage to or loss of hospital or training site‐related property, including but not limited to library materials, pagers, phones, and keys. Final grades may be withheld pending return of all hospital or training site property.

Extracurricular Experiences & Shadowing Policy

KCU‐MHS-AA students choosing to participate in volunteer activities outside of KCU sponsored events, including shadowing, assume independent legal liability.  Associated risks may include but are not limited to OSHA and HIPAA law requirements and medical malpractice coverage.

 Additionally, students are only allowed to wear their KCU white coats at KCU sponsored events (e.g., Score 1 screening, KCU classroom presentation), or while on clinical rotations.

Medical Professional Liability Insurance

KCU‐MHS-AA students may wish to participate in volunteer activities such as health fairs. Student professional liability coverage does not extend to non‐KCU approved activities (volunteer or otherwise). It is the student's responsibility to personally determine that any activity in which they participate outside of coursework is covered by alternative coverage. The student is personally responsible should an issue of medical liability arise during activities not covered by KCU professional liability insurance.

KCU provides medical professional liability insurance commensurate with industry standards. Coverage extends only to clinical activities specifically determined by the University as requirements for successful program completion. Nonclinical claims, (e.g. property or equipment loss or damage) do not fall underneath this policy. Changes made to clinical dates, type and/or location without prior approval can jeopardize coverage.

Student Leadership Requirements

Any KCU student who is holding a leadership role in a University‐endorsed program or organization (e.g., student ambassador, student government, executive leadership) or campus employment position is expected to maintain professional standards and good academic standing. To be eligible for official leadership positions, students must be in good academic standing and not on academic probation. Students who are not in good standing or are placed on academic probation may be required to resign from their leadership or employment position. Students who exhibit unprofessional behavior in violation of the Code of Professional Conduct may similarly be required to resign from a leadership or employment position.

A student may appeal the decision for any reason. The appeals process will be communicated to the student at the time the initial decision is delivered (verbally or in writing) to the student. If the student wishes to appeal, they will submit an appeal in writing to the assistant vice provost for Student Services at their respective campus. That appeal should be submitted for review within five business days of receipt of the initial decision.

Working During the Program

Given the rigor and fast pace of the MHS-AA program, students are strongly discouraged from seeking and maintaining employment. Students who are observed to be distracted or impaired due to sleep deprivation or exhaustion, who therefore pose increased risk to patients, faculty, staff and self-harm events, are referred to the program director initially, and may be referred to the SPC for sanctions. The safety of patients and others is of paramount concern.

Contact Student Services and Financial Aid for guidance on personal finance management, budgeting and University resources.