STUDENT HANDBOOK | 2025-2026

Inspiring Success through Life-Changing Learning Experiences

Table of Contents

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School Calendar | 3

General Campus Policies and Procedures | 4

  4   Access to Student Records

  5   Directory Information

  6   Attendance

  7   Adult Students

  8   High School Students

  9   Checking Out

  9   Hazing

  12   Bullying

  14   Cyberbullying and Internet Safety Facts

15   Driving Privileges

15   Inclement Weather

16   Internet Use Policy

18   Interrogations

18   Locker Searches

19   Financial Assistance

19   Refund Policy

21   Searches by Trained Drug Dogs

21   Sexual Harassment

Student Behavior | 22

23   Disciplinary Options

24   Suspension Appeals Committee

25   Discipline Appeals Procedures

26  Student Dress Code

28   Student of the Month

28   Student Searches

29   Telecommunications Code of Conduct

30   Visitor Policy

Health and Safety Information | 31

31   Administering Medicines to Students

31   Diabetes Care and Management Plan

32   Alcohol or Illegal Chemical Substance Testing

32   Bartlesville Student Crime Stoppers

33   Contagious or Communicable Disease

33   Crimes / Disciplinary Actions / Judicial Referrals

34   Drug/Alcohol-Free Workplace

34   Emergency Medical Care

35   Fire and Tornado Instructions/Warnings

35   Possession of  Weapons in School is Prohibited

36   Gun-Free Schools Student Suspension

38   Information Concerning Asbestos Control

38   Shop Safety Procedures

39   Tobacco Use

39        Campus Security Cameras

Academics and Grading | 40

40   Class Times

40  Work-Based Education

42   Field Trips and School Activities

43   Grading System

44   Graduation Requirements

44   Consideration of Previous Training for VA Students

45   Program Changes

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs and Organizations | 46

Grievance Policy | 49

Notification of Rights Under FERPA | 50

Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment | 51

Public Statement | 53

Addendum for EMT Students | 54

Addendum for Paramedic Students | 65

Tri County’s Vision

Tri County’s Vision is, “Inspiring Success through Life-Changing Learning Experiences.” This Vision is the inspiration and the framework for strategic planning decisions.

Tri County’s Mission

Tri County’s mission, “Providing Superior Training,” is the foundation of our educational service offerings. The Tri County Way is our culture and is articulated through our Vision, our Values and Key Performance Measures.

This Handbook is intended to provide Tri County’s policies, information and guidelines for students and assist students with a safe and successful educational experience.

Tri County Tech does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admissions and employment. Title IX Coordinator - Tara Stevens, Chief People Officer, Tara.Stevens@tricountytech.edu | 918.331.3248. 504 Coordinator - Dr. Dennis Grover, Instructional Director, Dennis.Grover@tricountytech.edu | 918.331.3227. According to the State of Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act, registered sex offenders must self-disclose their status before admission. View our privacy policy. View our full non-discrimination policy. Title IX Training is provided by OSSBA Workshop Resources.

SCHOOL CALENDAR  2025 - 2026

First Day, Secondary Classes                                        August 7, 2025

Commencement                                                May 19, 2026

Last Day, Secondary Classes                                        May 19, 2026  

Student Holidays

Labor Day Holiday                                                September 1, 2025

Fall Break                                                         October 16-17, 2025

Thanksgiving                                                        November 24–28, 2025

Winter Break                                                        December 22, 2025 - January 5, 2026

M.L.K. Holiday                                                        January 19, 2026

President’s Day                                                        February 16, 2026

Spring Break                                                        March 16–20, 2026

Good Friday                                                        April 3, 2026 

Professional Days

Professional Day                                                August 1, 2025

Professional Days - OK Summit                                        August 4-5, 2025

Professional Day                                                August 6, 2025

Professional Days                                                November 24-25, 2025

Work Group Professional Day                                        January 5, 2026 

Professional Day                                                January 19, 2026 

Professional Days                                                May 20-22, 26-29, 2026

Semesters

First Semester                                                        August 7, 2025 – December 19, 2025

                                                                89 Teaching Days

Second Semester                                                January 6, 2026 – May 19, 2026

                                                                88 Teaching Days

                                                                177 Total Teaching Days

Home high school calendars may differ from the calendar at Tri County Tech. Students are required to attend TCT each day it is open to students.

General Campus Policies and Procedures

Access to Student Records

Notice to parents of minor students and eligible students (those 18 years of age or enrolled in postsecondary education) - the following are your rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Parents and eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s educational records.

• Parents or eligible students should submit to the administration a written request that identifies as precisely as possible the records he or she wishes to inspect.
• Since a student's records may be maintained in several locations, the administration should offer to collect copies of records or the records themselves from site locations, so they may be inspected at one site. However, if parents of a minor student and eligible students wish to inspect records where they are maintained, the administration will make every effort to accommodate their wishes. The administration will make the needed arrangements as promptly as possible and notify the parent of a minor student or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected (Section 9).

• It is the intent of TCT to limit the disclosure of information contained in a student’s education records except: (1) by the prior written consent of the student’s parent or the eligible student, (2) as directory information, (3) under certain limited circumstances as permitted by the FERPA and the criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest, for purposes of disclosure.
• Parents of minor students and eligible students have a right to seek to change any part of the student's record they believe is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of student rights. The technology center will not use this procedure to consider a request to change the grade a teacher assigns for a course.
• To establish an orderly process to review and correct an education record for a requester, the technology center may decide to comply with the request for a change at several levels in the procedure. In order to view the request for levels, see Section 9 of the TCT Board Policy.
• A person has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if Tri County Tech is in violation of FERPA.
• A student’s parent or eligible student should follow the proper procedure to obtain copies of this policy and the locations where copies may be obtained.
• The district will arrange to provide translations of this notice to non-English speaking parents in their native language and to effectively notify parents or eligible students who are disabled. All rights and protections given to parents under the FERPA and this policy transfer to the student when he/she reaches the age of 18 or enrolls in a post-secondary school. The student then becomes an “eligible student”. (I-427-A1)

Directory Information

TCT proposes to designate the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s record as “directory information”, and it will disclose that information without prior written consent if deemed appropriate.

Directory information will include the students:

• Name        
• Telephone Listing                        
• Address
• Class Designation (i.e., 11th grade, etc.)                                
• Date of Birth        
• Honors or Awards
• Achievements
• Photograph
• Extracurricular Participation                        
• The School or School District Attended
• Parent’s Name (prior to enrolling)

After the parents or eligible students have been given the above information, they will have two weeks to advise the district in writing (letter to the superintendent’s office) of any or all items they refuse to permit the district to designate as directory information about that student. At the end of the two-week period, each student’s records will be appropriately marked by the records custodian to indicate the items the district will designate as directory information about that student. This designation will remain in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the student’s parent or the eligible student.

Attendance

Loss of Credit Appeals Process (Adult and High School Students)

Students who have exceeded the maximum number of allowable absences during a semester will be notified by the Student Services Director or designee that he/she must complete the appeals process to avoid the possibility of losing credit. If the student fails to file an appeal or does not complete the assigned makeup time, he/she shall not receive credit for the courses in which he/she was enrolled at the time the maximum number of absences were exceeded. In addition to losing credit, adult students will be immediately dropped from the program and will not be permitted to enroll in any program at Tri County Tech for the following semester. To keep in good standing, he/she must appeal the “Loss of Credit” using the following process:

• The student is expected to complete the necessary paperwork that may be obtained through the Student Services office prior to the appeal hearing being conducted.
• After the appropriate paperwork has been completed and submitted, the student will present his/her appeal to the Attendance Appeals Committee consisting of the Student Services Director and/or Instructional Director and/or other designee by discussing the following:

• Documentation of absences (doctor’s notes, court orders, etc.)
• Current grades (requires instructor’s initials)
• Plan for make-up of time (with instructor’s signature)
• Education and Employment Goals
• Plan for successful attendance

• Plans by the Appeals Committee that outline a path for the student to recover potential lost credit must be completed within the specified timeframe, or the student risks program dismissal and loss of credit.
• Adult students may appeal a maximum of three (3) days per semester.
• The determination of whether the appeal is granted or denied shall be the responsibility of the Attendance Appeals Committee.
• If the appeal has been denied, the student will have the right to appeal to the Chief Instructional Officer using the same guidelines as stated above.
  The Chief Instructional Officer’s decision is final and is not appealable.

Adult Students

Practical Nursing, EMT, and Paramedic Students

Please see your class handbook for the attendance policy.

Definitions

Adult Student – a student no longer enrolled in high school who is  enrolled in a daytime program that is not Practical Nursing or Dental Hygiene.

Absence – an adult student is considered absent if he/she misses more than 30 minutes of the class period.

Tardy – an adult student is considered tardy if he/she misses 30 minutes or less of the class period. *Every 5th tardy will equate to an absence.

Class Period – a class period is considered to be the morning or afternoon session.

Attendance Guidelines

Adult students who are enrolled half-time (AM or PM classes) are allowed to miss eight (8) class periods, while those enrolled full-time (AM and PM classes) are allowed to miss sixteen (16) class periods (8 morning and 8 afternoon) per semester to use for illness and unavoidable personal business leave.

• Students are expected to communicate any absences or tardies to the Student Services office and supply appropriate documentation if available (i.e.: doctor’s note, court order, etc.).
• If a student exceeds the number of allowable absences, he/she must follow the appropriate procedures for filing an appeal. (Refer to “Loss of Credit Appeals Process” section).
• Adult students may appeal a maximum of three (3) days per semester.

Tri County Tech does not allow extended leaves of absence for Adult students. If an extended leave is necessary, students must withdraw from the program and reapply for the next available class.

High School Students

Definitions

Absence – A regular full-time program student is considered absent if they miss more than 30 minutes of the class period. A student enrolled in the Medicine & Biosciences program will be considered absent if they miss more than 15 minutes of a class period.

Tardy – A regular full-time program student is considered tardy if they miss 30 minutes or less of the class period. A student enrolled in the Medicine & Biosciences program will be considered tardy if they miss 15 minutes or less.

*Every 5th Tardy will equate to an absence.

Class Period – for a regular full-time program, a class period is considered to be the morning or afternoon session. Medicine & Biosciences is structured in such a way that each course/subject within the program is considered a class period.

Attendance Guidelines

Students enrolled in full-time programs are allowed eight (8) absences per semester to use for illness and unavoidable personal business leave. (Note: Adult Cosmetology students are limited to five (5) absences per semester due to State Board Hour Requirements)

• Students are expected to communicate any absences or tardies to the Student Services office and supply appropriate documentation if available (i.e., doctor’s note, court order, etc.).
• If a student exceeds the number of allowable absences, he/she must follow the appropriate procedures for filing an appeal. (Refer to “Loss of Credit Appeals Process” section)
• Homebound Status – High School Students only

• Contact the Student Services office regarding homebound status.

The following absences will not be charged against the minimum attendance requirement for high school students: (Documentation required for each occurrence)

• Approved school activities that are confirmed by the student’s home campus.
• Maximum of 2 College Days per year, documentation of college visits must be provided.
• All other absences will be assessed at the time of the appeal hearing if one is needed.

Checking Out

If, for any reason, you need to leave before class is over, please follow these steps:

1. Communicate with your instructor regarding the need to leave early.
2. High school students will need to ask parents to contact the Student Services office to provide permission to leave early, at which point the Student Services office will contact the instructor to provide permission for the student to leave early.

JEANNE CLERY CAMPUS SAFETY ACT AND STOP CAMPUS HAZING ACT

The technology center has taken steps toward improving the safety and well-being of students, employees and visitors. The technology center engages in comprehensive violence prevention efforts, including education programs which seek to increase awareness and reduce incidents of misconduct such as bullying, harassment, hazing, intimidation, retaliation, and criminal acts including sex offenses. The technology center will not tolerate these acts on its campus, or off campus if such conduct impacts the education environment.

Bullying, Harassment, Hazing, Intimidation and Retaliation 

These forms of misconduct will be investigated and responded to under the technology center’s policies and procedures related to such misconduct. The technology center’s Title IX Policy, Student Bullying Policy, and Hazing Policy are incorporated herein as if fully set out.  

Criminal Activity and Sex Offenses

Criminal activity is defined as any conduct which violates a local, state or federal law. Examples include, but are not limited to, all forms of homicide, assault, battery, robbery, theft, arson, property crimes, hate crimes, weapons violations, and drug/alcohol violations. Sex offenses are a type of criminal activity and are defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Sex offenses commonly include stalking, rape, and acquaintance rape. Sex offenses may include other misconduct, whether violent or nonviolent, if the conduct is unwelcomed and is of a sexual nature.

Reporting Criminal Activity and Sex Offenses

Any individual who has witnessed or been the victim of criminal activity, including sex offenses, should immediately report the incident to the Student Services Department at 918- 331-3333. This will increase safety and allow for critical evidence to be preserved. Any member of the technology center’s administrative team will help students report sex offenses to law enforcement upon the student’s request. Sex offenses should also be promptly reported to the technology center’s Title IX Coordinator so the technology center can conduct an appropriate investigation and take the necessary remedial actions.

Reports can be made to:

Title IX Coordinator

Attention: Chief People Officer

Tri County Tech

6101 Southeast Nowata Road

Bartlesville, OK 74006

918-333-2422

Investigations 

All criminal activity, harassment, bullying, hazing, retaliation,  and sex offenses alleged to have occurred on campus, whether involving a visitor, employee or student, will be promptly investigated in accordance with technology center policy. All sex offenses alleged to have occurred off campus but involving a technology center student will be investigated to determine if the incident has impacted the education  environment. Although this investigation may be conducted in conjunction with local law enforcement, the technology center will independently determine whether student or employee disciplinary consequences are appropriate and what, if any, victim supportive services should be offered.

Disciplinary Procedures and Consequences 

Students and employees will be disciplined for committing sexual offense, crime, bullying activity, hazing activity, intimidation and related retaliation. Any student or employee who is determined to have committed a sex offense or other crime on campus will face severe disciplinary consequences, up to and including termination for employees and expulsion for students. A full statement of the technology center’s disciplinary procedures can be found in policies regarding student behavior (for students) and professional conduct (for employees). These technology center sanctions are independent of other civil or criminal penalties through law enforcement.

Supportive Services for Victims of Sex Offenses

Any individual who is the victim of a an on-campus sex offense, and any student who is the victim of an off-campus sex offense impacting the education environment may receive information on community resources such as mental health care, victim advocacy and housing referrals. Technology center administrators will work with these individuals to assess the need and craft appropriate interventions to ensure continued student and employee success.

Crime Report

Prior to October 1st of each year, the technology center will disseminate a campus crime report to all current students and employees via the technology center’s website after individually notifying employees and students of the availability of the report. The report will comply with all aspects of the Clery Act. Applicants and members of the public may request a copy of this report by contacting the superintendent’s office. The district will maintain all statistical data on Clery Act crimes for seven (7) years.

Campus Hazing Transparency Act  

On or before July 1st of each year, the technology center will post publicly on its website a Campus Hazing Transparency Report that summarizes hazing violations of student organizations during the five years preceding the report, including the name of the student organization, a general description of the violation that resulted in a finding of responsibility, including whether the violation involved abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs, the findings of the institution, and the sanctions imposed, as applicable, and dates of incident, investigation initiation, hazing determination, and organizational notification. The report will be updated twice a calendar year unless there are no new hazing findings since last posting.  

Bullying

Statement of Legislative Mandate and Purpose

This policy is a result of the legislative mandate and public policy embodied in the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act, 70 Okla. Stat. § 24-100.2 et seq. (“Act”). The technology center intends to comply with the mandates of the Act and expects students to refrain from bullying. Bullying is expressly forbidden, and students who bully are subject to disciplinary consequences as outlined in the technology center’s policy on student behavior. Bullies may also be provided with assistance to end their unacceptable behavior, and targets of bullies may be provided with assistance to overcome the negative effects of bullying. See Section 10 of the TCT Board Policy. To report an instance of bullying, individuals may submit a Bully/Harassment Incident Report Form.

Definition of Terms

1. Statutory definition of terms:

1. “Bully” means any pattern of harassment, intimidation, threatening behavior, physical acts, or verbal or electronic communication directed toward a student or group of students that results in or is reasonably perceived as being done with the intent to cause negative educational or physical results for the targeted individual or group and is communicated in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school’s academic mission or the education of any student.
2. “Threatening behavior” means any pattern of behavior or isolated action, whether or not it is directed at another person, that a reasonable person would believe indicates potential for future harm to students, school personnel, or school property.
3. “Electronic communication” means the communication of any written, verbal, pictorial information or video content by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, a mobile or cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunication device, or a computer. Note: Bullying by electronic communication is prohibited whether or not such communication originated at school or with school equipment, if the communication is specifically directed at students or school personnel and concerns bullying at school.
4. “At school” means on technology center grounds, in technology center vehicles, at technology center sponsored activities, or technology center sanctioned events.

2. The “Reasonable Person” Standard: In determining what a “reasonable person” should recognize as bullying, staff will consider the point of view of the intended target, including any characteristics unique to the intended target. Staff may also consider the discipline history and physical characteristics of the alleged bully.

3. Types of Bullying

1. “Physical Bullying” includes harm or threatened harm to another’s body or property, including but not limited to threats, tripping, hitting, pushing, pinching, pulling hair, kicking, biting, starting fights, daring others to fight, stealing or destroying property, extortion, assaults with a weapon, other violent acts, and homicide.
2. “Emotional Bullying” includes the intentional infliction of harm to another’s self-esteem, including but not limited to insulting or profane remarks or gestures or harassing and frightening statements.
3. “Social Bullying” includes harm to another’s group acceptance, including but not limited to gossiping; spreading negative rumors to cause a targeted person to be socially excluded, ridiculed, or otherwise lose status; acts designed to embarrass a targeted person publicly, damage the target’s current relationships, or deprive the target of self-confidence or the respect of peers.
4. “Sexual Bullying” includes harm of a sexual nature, including but not limited to making unwelcome sexual comments or gestures to or about the targeted person; creating or distributing vulgar, profane, or lewd words or images about the target; committing a sexual act at school, including touching private parts of the target’s body; engaging in off-campus dating violence that adversely affects the target’s education opportunities; making threatening sexual statements directed at or about the target; or gossiping about the target’s sexuality or sex life. Such conduct may also constitute sexual harassment which is prohibited by the technology center.

Cyberbullying and Internet Safety Facts

People can be bullied in lots of ways, including through cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is when someone sends or posts things (words, pictures, recordings) that are mean, embarrassing, or make people feel scared, embarrassed, or uncomfortable. Even if they don’t do this at school, sometimes cyberbullying makes things at school hard. No student is allowed to disrupt school through cyberbullying.

Cyberbullies work in lots of ways, but here’s some of their most common:

• Send or post mean messages
• Makeup websites or accounts with stories, cartoons, pictures, or “jokes” that are mean to others
• Take embarrassing pictures or recordings (without asking first)
• Send or post stuff to embarrass others
• Hack into other people’s accounts or read their stuff
• Hack into other people’s accounts and send or post their private stuff
• Pretend to be somebody else to get someone to give them private info
• Send threats

If someone is cyberbullying you, there’s something you can do about it:

• Don’t respond to and don’t ignore a cyberbully. Instead, tell an adult you trust. If cyberbullying follows you to school, tell your instructor, counselor, or administrator.
• Even if what the bully does is embarrassing, don’t delete it. Instead, get a copy so you can prove what happened.
• Have an adult help you contact a company representative (cell phone company, Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) about blocking or removing the bad stuff. You can’t always stop people from being mean, but there are ways to help yourself:

• Don’t give out your personal info in electronic or digital communications
• Don’t tell anyone but your parents what your login name, password or PIN number is
• Don’t post or send embarrassing pics or recordings (even on your own sites) – bullies love to copy your stuff

Suggestions for Parents:

• Help your child understand how permanent electronic or digital communications are
• Talk to your child about understanding, preventing, and responding to cyberbullying
• Contact your student’s school for help if you suspect your child is being cyberbullied – or if you suspect your child is engaging in cyberbullying.

Driving Privileges

• All students may drive their personal cars to Tri County Tech.
• Speed limit on campus is 15 mph.
• Vehicles must be parked properly upon arrival and not moved until the end of the class session.

Students will not be permitted to loiter in the parking lots or sit in their cars before or after school, during break or lunch period. East side parking lot is the primary parking area for students. Parking spots along the curb by the building are reserved for event customers and clients. Students enrolled in courses in the Manufacturing Building must park in the East Parking lot – the small parking lot by the Manufacturing building is reserved for faculty and customers. The Northwest parking lot by the fitness center is reserved for faculty and customers.

If, at any time, students violate the rules and regulations concerning their use of personal vehicles, driving privileges may be revoked, and the student will be required to find other means of transportation. Other disciplinary actions may also be administered.

Inclement Weather

Students who attend or reside in a partner school district that is closed due to bad weather will be excused from classes and will be allowed to make up all classwork. If your school is closed for any other reason than inclement weather, you will still be expected to attend Tri County Tech. If we are open, our buses will still run. See Section 3, page 23 of the TCT Board Policy.

In case it becomes necessary to close school, you will receive a text message. You must text TCTALERTS to 833.661.0512 to opt into these text messages. It is possible that day classes might be open and evening classes canceled, or vice versa. Be sure to listen carefully. The closing notice will be posted on Tri County Tech’s Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter and Website, TriCountyTech.edu.  Also, be aware that Tri County Tech might be open when your home high school is closed, or vice versa – be sure to listen for the announcement on both schools.

Internet Use Policy

A student who submits to the school, as directed, a properly signed policy and follows the policy to which he/she has agreed, will have computer network and internet access during the course of the school year only. Students will be asked to sign a new policy each year during which they will be students in the school district before they are given an access account. For the full policy, see Section 12 of the TCT Board Policy.

Acceptable Uses

Students agree to access material in furtherance of educational goals or for personal leisure and recreational use which does not otherwise violate this policy. No student may make an electronic or digital communication which disrupts the education environment - even if that communication is made outside of school or on personal equipment.

Types of electronic or digital communications which can disrupt the education environment include, but are not limited to:

• Sexting
• Harassing, intimidating, threatening or bullying posts, tweets, blogs, images, texts, etc.
• Distributing pictures, recordings or information which is harmful or embarrassing. Students who engage in electronic or digital communications which disrupt the education environment are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension from school.

Students may also be subject to civil and criminal penalties depending on the nature of the electronic or digital communication.

Internet Etiquette

Users are required to comply with accepted standards for electronic or digital communications, including:

• Appropriate language. Users must refrain from the use of abusive, discriminatory, vulgar, lewd or profane language in their electronic or digital communications.
• Content. Users must refrain from the use of hostile, threatening, discriminatory, intimidating, or bullying content in their electronic or digital communications.
• Safety. Minor students must not include personal contact information (name, address, phone number, address, banking numbers, etc.) in their electronic or digital communications. Minor students must never agree to meet with someone they met online and must report any electronic or digital communication which makes them uncomfortable to their instructor. Adult students are also encouraged to follow these safety precautions.
• Privacy. Users understand that the technology center has access to and can read all electronic or digital communications created and received with technology center resources. Users agree that they will not use technology center resources to create or receive any electronic or digital communications which they want to be private.
• System resources. Users agree to use the technology center’s electronic resources carefully so as not to damage them or impede others’ use of the technology center’s resources. Users will not:

• Install any hardware, software, program, or app without approval from the IT department
• Download large files during peak use hours
• Disable security features
• Create or run a program known or intended to be malicious
• Stream music or video for personal entertainment

• Intellectual Property Copyrights. Users will respect other’s works by giving proper credit and not plagiarizing, even if using websites designed for educational and classroom purposes (see www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html). Users agree to ask for assistance in citing sources as needed.

Interrogations

Should it become necessary for a member of a law enforcement agency or a social service agency to talk with a student and/or school personnel during the school day, the following procedures shall be observed to protect the rights of all parties involved.

In the event of an emergency which necessitates that law enforcement be contacted, law enforcement personnel may use whatever legal means are necessary to ensure the safety of all district students, patrons and employees.

In non-emergency situations, such as when law enforcement personnel wish to question a student or employee, law enforcement personnel must coordinate their business through the administrative offices. The administration is authorized to summon the student or employee to a private area so that law enforcement personnel may conduct a private interview. If the interview involves a minor student, an administrator will attempt to contact the student’s parent or guardian prior to the interview. However, the inability to reach the student’s parent or guardian will not prevent the interview from being conducted. A school employee may remain present during the interview of a minor student to ensure compliance with the child’s rights but may not participate in the interview. Students will not be removed from campus unless the student is being arrested or being placed in protective custody.

Child welfare workers wishing to interview minor students about suspected abuse or neglect must also coordinate their business through the administration. The administration is authorized to summon the student to a private area so that the child welfare personnel may conduct a private interview. The administrator will ask the child welfare worker whether a parent/guardian may be contacted and/or whether a school official may be present for the interview, and school officials must comply with those instructions. Child welfare workers wishing to remove any student from school property must have a properly signed court order or be accompanied by local law enforcement for the removal of the child.

Locker Searches

In order to maintain discipline and to ensure the proper functioning of the educational process, school administrators must have access at all times to all technology center property, including lockers, cabinets, desks, etc., assigned to students. For more information, see Section 10 of the TCT Board Policy.  

Financial Assistance

The primary purpose of the financial assistance program at Tri County Tech is to provide assistance for financially disadvantaged students who, without such assistance, would be unable to further their education. Assistance consists of grants, scholarships, and employment. An individual might participate in one or more resources, depending upon eligibility and need.

The family of a student is expected to make maximum effort to assist the student with educational expenses. Financial assistance from Tri County Tech and other sources are only viewed as supplementary to their efforts. The total amount of financial assistance offered to a student by Tri County Tech and all other sources shall not exceed the amount of demonstrated need.

Financial Assistance is available through the Tri County Tech Foundation for Full-Time and Flex classes. The Financial Assistance application is available in the new student application in the student portal. The form must be filled out and submitted with the most recent two (2) months of paystubs for every working member of your household.

Tri County financial assistance and/or payment plans may be arranged with Madison Kester, Student Success Advisor. Students must be current on payment plans to continue from semester-to-semester, enroll in new programs, or re-enroll. Transcripts will be held if the students’ financial obligations have not been met.

Refund Policy

It is the policy of the technology center board of education that students who have paid tuition for adult programs be given full or partial refunds under conditions stated in established guidelines. This policy applies when a student officially withdraws from a full-time or short-term adult program or short-term multi-client classes prior to the specified time within the instructional period for which he/she has been charged and includes full or partial refund of tuition, fees, and other charges. The term “withdrawal” shall mean written notification by a student of his/her intention to discontinue class attendance.

Procedures

The purpose of these procedures is to establish a set of guidelines for the refund of tuition to students who wish to withdraw from full-time and flex programs.

General Guidelines

1. 100% tuition and supply fees are refundable to the student if the technology center cancels the program.
2. A $10.00 processing fee will be assessed to all refund requests on short-term courses, except international students (see section below), after the first class has met. Under extenuating circumstances, the administration may waive the fee.
3. A student eligible for a refund should expect a minimum of three weeks (15 working days) from the date of refund request approval to receipt of a refund check.
4. No refund is given for book purchases.
5. Nonattendance of classes does not constitute official withdrawal. The student must contact Student Services for an official withdrawal and refund request.
6. Withdrawals must be in writing and include the student’s reason for withdrawal.
7. A refund request will not be approved unless all financial obligations to the technology center have been met.
8. When a student is eligible for a refund, the amount of the refund may be credited toward enrollment in another technology center course. See Section 10 of the TCT Board Policy.
9. A 100% refund will be given for the current course(s) and any subsequent courses within the program of study if a student withdraws before the third class meeting date.
10. No refund will be given after the third class meeting date for the current course(s) or any previously completed courses within the program of study.
11. For courses meeting five (5) or fewer days, NO refund will be given after the first class meeting.

International Students

1. The deadline for requesting a refund for a course or enrollment period is the end of the first day of the class session.
2. A $500.00 processing fee will be assessed to all refund requests, except in instances where the program is canceled by the technology center.

Searches by Trained Drug Dogs

As an additional deterrent, Tri County Tech will employ the services of a trained Detection Dog. Search dogs and handlers will conduct searches for illegal substances or items on school property and grounds during periodic unannounced visits either during school hours or non-school hours at the discretion of the Superintendent. Lockers, vehicles, school desks, work areas, and any area of concealment are subject to search. For more information, see Section 10 of the TCT Board Policy. 

Sexual Harassment

State and federal law specifically prohibits sexual harassment of employees and students in connection with their employment by or enrollment in Tri County Tech. There is a no-tolerance rule regarding sexual harassment. See Section 11 of the TCT Board Policy.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Purpose

The technology center serves adult and secondary students. Educational opportunities available to students may be cut short or terminated in instances where a student’s conduct violates the approved standards or when a student, for other reasons, cannot fulfill program requirements essential to successful course completion. For the full Student Behavior policy, see Section 10 of the TCT Board Policy.

In instances involving a student’s dismissal or removal from a course or program, the technology center will utilize procedures that are fair and reasonable. The complete cooperation of students is encouraged to ensure that all students have an opportunity to benefit from the educational opportunities available. Conduct which violates policies, rules, and practices or which interferes with or disrupts learning must and will be addressed by the school administration. This policy explains the technology center’s standards of conduct and describes the procedure that will be used when it is necessary to remove a student from a course or program. Removal may involve a short or long period or may involve a permanent removal.

Notification of Policy

Copies of any procedural regulations and the Adult Student Behavior Code shall be distributed to all adult students annually, and students are responsible for compliance with the school’s behavior and conduct standards. Questions as to the interpretation of any part of the policy should be presented to the appropriate administrator.

Administrative Actions

Administrative actions provided in this policy may be taken by the administrator designated by this policy or the superintendent. An administrator, whether a division administrator, superintendent, or other administrator in charge, may appoint a designee to act in his/her place. With the exception of the superintendent, designees must be approved by the superintendent.

Students suspended for a violent offense directed toward an instructor shall not be allowed to return to the instructor’s classroom without the instructor’s prior approval. Whether an offense is considered a violent offense, requiring an instructor’s approval as a condition of return to a particular classroom, shall be based on applicable provisions of the Oklahoma school law regarding student suspension and applicable criminal law distinguishing between violent and nonviolent offenses. In addition, conduct occurring outside of the normal technology center day or off technology center property that has a direct and immediate negative effect on the discipline or educational process or effectiveness of the technology center, will also result in disciplinary action, which may include removal from the technology center. This includes but is not limited to electronic communication, whether or not such communication originated at the technology center or with technology center equipment if the communication is specifically directed at students or technology center personnel, and concerns harassment, intimidation, or bullying at the technology center.

To see the full list of behaviors that will result in disciplinary action, see Section 10 of the TCT Board Policy.  

Disciplinary Options

Instructor or Administrator Intervention

May include, but is not limited to: warning conference with student, parent conference, referral to counselor, behavioral contract, restriction of privileges, requirement of corrective action by student, changing student’s seat or class assignment, involvement of local authorities or agencies, or other appropriate action as required or indicated by the circumstances.

Detention or In-School Intervention

Detention is a corrective measure used when it is deemed appropriate. Students are to report to the appropriate teacher or to the Director of Instruction at the specified time with class work to be studied. Detention may be assigned on a weekday or on a Saturday, as deemed appropriate.

Alternative In-School Placement

Alternative in-school placement is an optional corrective measure that may be used by the administration when deemed appropriate. It involves assignment to a site on campus for a prescribed duration that is designated by the Director of Instruction or designee.

Alternative Out-of-School Placement

Any such placement will be made in accordance with applicable special education procedural safeguards.

Out of School Student Suspension

Students may be suspended from school pursuant to the technology center’s policy regarding student suspension.

Student Privileges While Under Suspension

Participation in extracurricular activities at the technology center is a privilege and not a right. Accordingly, when a student's behavior results in a determination by the administrator to impose disciplinary or other corrective measures against a student, the student will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities offered by the technology center during the term of the discipline unless, in the sole judgment of the Director of Instruction or designee, such participation is appropriate given the nature of the offense.

"Extracurricular activities" include, but are not limited to, all technology center sponsored teams, clubs, organizations, ceremonies, student government, etc.

Suspension Appeals Committee

The suspension appeals committee is hereby established, which will consist of 3 administrators or teachers or a combination thereof. The Superintendence or designees shall appoint the members of the committee and maybe include the Superintendent. However, any member of the committee who initiated a suspension in a case shall be excused from the committee during any appeal of that particular case.

Discipline Appeals Procedures

Any student who has been suspended for ten (10) days or less, or the student’s parent(s), where applicable, may appeal the suspension to the suspension appeals committee. The following procedures shall govern the appellate process:

1. The student, or the student’s parent(s), where applicable, shall notify the administration in writing within five (5) days following the suspension, or the notice of the intent to suspend, of their intention to appeal the suspension. If the administrator does not receive a written appeal within five (5) calendar days of the decision, the suspension decision is final.
2. Upon receiving notice of a student’s intent to appeal, the administrator shall advise the suspension committee. The suspension appeals committee shall hear the appeal within ten (10) days from the date the notice of intent is filed with the administration. The committee chair will communicate with the parent to schedule a time to convene during regular school hours. The administrator, at his/her discretion, may permit the suspended student to attend school under such “in-house” restrictions deemed proper pending the outcome of the appeal.
3. During the appeal hearing before the suspension appeals committee, the student or the student’s parent(s), where applicable, shall have the right to provide evidence as to why the suspension, or the duration thereof, is inappropriate. Either party choosing to have legal counsel at the hearing shall give the other party twenty-four (24) hours advance notice. The failure to give such notice will preclude the party’s right to have counsel attend the hearing.
4. The suspension appeals committee shall uphold and modify, which may include increasing the term of the suspension or overruling the suspension. The student and the student’s parent(s), where applicable, shall be notified within five (5) days of the decision.
5. Decisions of the suspension appeals committee may not be appealed to the Board of Education. The decision of the suspension appeals committee shall be final.

Any student who has been suspended for greater than ten (10) days under the steps listed above, or the student’s parent(s), where applicable, may request a review of the suspension with the administration. If the administration does not withdraw the suspension, the student shall have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Education. The following procedures shall govern the appellate process:

1. The student, or the student’s parent(s), where applicable, shall notify the Superintendent in writing within five (5) calendar days following the suspension or the notice of the intent to suspend of their intent to appeal the suspension. If the Superintendent does not receive a written appeal within five (5) calendar days of the administrator’s decision, the suspension decision is final.
2. Upon receiving the notice of a student’s intent to appeal, the Superintendent shall advise the Board of Education. The Board of Education or appointed hearing officer shall hear the appeal as soon as possible. The Superintendent, at their discretion, may permit the suspended student to attend classes pending the outcome of the appeal.
3. During the hearing of the appeal before the Board of Education, the student or the student’s parent(s), where applicable, shall have the right to choose an “open” or “closed” hearing and will have an opportunity to provide evidence as to why the suspension, or the duration thereof, is inappropriate.
4. The Board of Education shall uphold and modify, which may include increasing the term of the suspension or overruling the suspension. The decision of the Board of Education shall be final.

NOTE: 70 O.S. §24-101.3 (E) states that a student who has been suspended from a public or private school in the state of Oklahoma or another state for a violent act or an act showing deliberate or reckless disregard for the health or safety of faculty or other students shall not be entitled to enroll in a public school of this state, and no public school shall be required to enroll such student, until the terms of suspension have been met or the time of suspension has expired.

Student Dress Code

It is the consensus of the administrative and instructional staff at Tri County Tech that, in addition to teaching a sellable skill, the school should help students realize that society generally demands certain personal characteristics of those who hope to succeed within it.

Prospective employers prefer that students develop and demonstrate these characteristics during the training period so that they may adjust more quickly to the job responsibilities following initial employment.

It is a requirement that all students enrolled in the regular full-time programs be neatly groomed at all times. They must be appropriately dressed in relation to the trade for which they are preparing as defined by the instructor in each department and approved by the school administration.

Items or situations that individual program instructors define as disruptive to class will be dealt with accordingly. Also, when deemed necessary by the instructor that the length of hair or wearing of jewelry may be hazardous and/or inappropriate, necessary personal safety precautions will be taken.

Students participating in school activities that require travel, in-town or out-of-town, are expected to represent an appearance, both as a group and individually, which will enhance the reputation of Tri County Tech. The sponsor of the activity should advise all students of the proper clothing to be worn for all trips. Students who do not adhere to the dress regulations are not permitted to represent the school system.

Students who are members of an organization that has a prescribed uniform are to wear the complete uniform whenever it is specified for a trip. Coats and ties, or similar parts of uniforms, may be removed during travel. When no uniform is prescribed for travel, students are to wear clothes that would be completely acceptable for classroom wear during the regular school day.

The following are the dress codes for the TCT campus, and students should arrive on campus in compliance with the dress code:

• Shorts/skirts length must reach fingertips of the longest finger (cheerleading uniforms are permitted)
• No midriff showing
• Shirt straps must be three fingers wide and have straps on both shoulders
• No halter tops/tube tops
• No alcohol or drug advertisements; no suggestive references
• No see-through outfits
• No visible undergarments

Student of the Month

The Student of the Month award is given in cooperation with Tri County Tech and the Bartlesville Downtown Kiwanis Club to honor an adult student and a high school student each month from September through April.  Each Student of the Month recipient will be considered for the Student of the Year award that is announced at graduation. Students are nominated by a Tri County Tech employee and interviewed by a committee. Selection is based on overall grade point, attendance, participation in a career tech student organization, personal goals, accomplishments, work, attitude, and community service.

Student Searches

A student may be searched if a school official has reason to suspect the student has in his or her possession dangerous weapons, controlled dangerous substances, as defined in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, intoxicating beverages, low point beer, unauthorized wireless telecommunication devices or missing or stolen property if the property is reasonably suspected to have been taken from a student, a school employee, or the school during school activities. A search is permitted when the student is on school premises, in transit while under the authority of the school, or while attending any function sponsored or authorized by the school.

The superintendent, the administrator(s) responsible for supervision of the student's training, teachers, or security personnel may search a student. A person of the same sex as the student must conduct a search of the student’s person and must be witnessed by a person of the same sex whenever possible.

In no event shall a strip search of a student be conducted. No student's clothing, except cold weather outerwear, shall be removed prior to or during the conduct of any warrantless search. Should such a search be necessary, the police must be contacted to obtain a search warrant and conduct the search.

The decision to search particular students must be reasonable in light of all the circumstances, including the prevalence and seriousness of the suspected law or rule violation, the school official’s prior experience in detecting the problem or recognizing suspicious behavior, the need to make a search without delay and further investigation, the nature and source of the information or other indications that the student has violated a rule, and the student's age, history and past behavior record.

The scope of the search must be reasonably related to the kind of item for which the search is being conducted. Items found during the search which the student is prohibited from possessing may be removed from the student and, where appropriate, turned over to law enforcement authorities. Items removed from the student and not turned over to law enforcement authorities will be returned to the parent or the student at the end of the year. Any student who refuses to peaceably submit to a search based on reasonable suspicion or who refuses to turn over items discovered as a result of a search may be suspended for such refusals.

Students who drive a vehicle onto school property do so as a privilege afforded them by Tri County Tech and not as a right. Accordingly, any student who drives a vehicle of any kind to school and parks such vehicle on school property is deemed to authorize a search of such vehicle by the Instructional Director or their designee at any time and for any reason deemed appropriate by the Instructional Director or the Superintendent. Any student who refuses to peaceably submit his or her vehicle to a search when requested to do so may be suspended for such refusal and may thereafter be denied the right to drive his or her vehicle onto school property.

Telecommunications Code of Conduct

Out of respect for the instructional process and your fellow students, please silence cell phones while in the classroom. Using or having on or in an operational mode any cell phone, laser pointer/pen, or any other type of telecommunication or imaging device during instructional time, except as expressly permitted in connection with a class assignment, is discouraged.

While students are permitted to possess such devices during the school day, they are prohibited from using them in any manner that interferes with or is disruptive of the educational process or invades the privacy of students, employees, volunteers, or visitors. Use of cell phones should be made during breaks outside of the regular classroom without distracting others. Clinical sites, field trips, and other off-campus experiences may have different cell phone policies that must be followed.

If they violate this prohibition, then they are subject to discipline under this “code of conduct” and/or any other provision in the Student Behavior Code that may be applicable to the circumstances involved.

Visitor Policy

Visitors to a program are limited to potential students and must register as prospective students at the Front Desk located at the Student Services Entrance in the main building. Students are not to bring guests to class with them.

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION

Administering Medicines to Students

A school nurse, an administrator, or a designated school employee may administer prescription and non-prescription medications to minor students. Please visit Student Services to request medication assistance.

Except as provided in the technology center’s diabetes care and management policy, high school students may not retain possession of or self-administer any medicine.

The parent must deliver the minor student’s medicine to the school administrator in its original container with the parent’s written authorization for administration of the medicine. The parent's authorization must identify the minor student and the medicine and include or refer to the label for instructions on administration of the medicine. The administrator or a designated employee will administer the medicine to the minor student under the parent's instructions and the directions for use on the label or in the physician's prescription. The parent must complete a new authorization form annually and for each change of medication. The technology center will maintain the authorization form as a part of the minor student’s health record. Authorization forms will be available in Student Services. A parent who chooses to do so may come to the school and personally dispense medication to the minor student.

Diabetes Care and Management Plan

Any technology center employee aware of a student who has diabetes-related needs while at school or while participating in school activities will promptly advise the administration. The parent of any minor student who will have diabetes-related needs at school or in school activities should promptly advise the administration.

A personal health care team will develop a written Diabetes Medical Management Plan (“Plan”) for each student who may seek care for diabetes while at school or while participating in a school activity. The Plan will identify the health services the student may need at school. To see the full Diabetes Care Plan policy, see Section 10 of the TCT Board Policy.

No technology center employee will be subject to any penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to serve as an Assistant. No technology center employee will be subject to any disciplinary proceeding resulting from any action taken in compliance with this policy. Any employee acting in accordance with this policy and law will be immune from civil liability unless the employee’s actions rise to the level of reckless or intentional conduct.

Alcohol or Illegal Chemical Substance Testing

Any student whose behavior, while on school property, at a school-sponsored event, in school vehicles, or going to or from a school-sponsored event, creates a reasonable individualized suspicion that the student is under the influence of alcohol or an illegal chemical substance may be required to take an alcohol and/or drug use test.

(Over-the-counter legal substances used for recreational purposes will be treated the same as alcohol or illegal drugs.)

Bartlesville Student Crime Stoppers

Remain anonymous, earn a reward, and make your school a safe place.

Text your information to CRIMES (274637)

Put “BPSTIP” and your school at the beginning of your message.

You can also call 918-336-CLUE or report online at: www.bccrimestoppers.com

Crisis Hotlines

Oklahoma Safeline - 1-800-522-7233 (SAFE)

Oklahoma Safeline - Oklahoma City Metro Area - 405-522-7233 (SAFE)

National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network Hotline - 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)

Communication Services for the Deaf (TTY) - 1-800-252-1017 (TTY)

Communication Services for the Deaf (Voice) - 1-866-845-7445 (Voice)

Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 405-524-0700 (M-F/9-5)

Contagious or Communicable Disease or Condition

If you have a contagious or communicable disease or condition confirmed by a physician, DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL! A note from a physician must be provided before returning to school.

For complete contagious or communicable disease or condition policy, see Section 4 of the TCT Board Policy.

Head lice is considered a communicable condition. If you have head lice, you cannot return to school without a letter from a health professional stating that you are free from lice and their eggs (nits). (Public Law #1150 Section 1210.194)

Crimes / Disciplinary Actions / Judicial Referrals

Beginning September 1, 1992, statistics regarding the following crimes shall be provided to all students and employees, and made available to any applicant for employment or enrollment upon request subsequent to this date. Information on listed crimes shall be updated annually by the superintendent or designee.

Updated reports shall be available by September 1 of each year to include reports of crimes for the most recent calendar year and during the two preceding calendar years for which data is available.

Crime                                 2019                2020                2021                2022                2023

Murder/Manslaughter                 0                 0                 0                 0                 0

Forcible Sex Offense                0                0                0                0                0

Reported Robberies                0                0                0                0                0

Aggravated Assault                0                0                0                0                0

Burglary                                0                0                0                0                0

Motor Vehicle Theft                0                0                0                0                0

Non-Forcible Sex Offense                0                0                0                0                0

Arson                                0                0                0                0                0

Negligent Manslaughter                0                0                0                0                0

Disciplinary Actions                2019                2020                2021                2022                2023

Liquor Law Violations                0                0                0                0                0

Drug Law Violations                2                4                3                1                1

Illegal Weapons Possessions        0                0                0                0                1

TCT adopts the Oklahoma State Law Title 63 – Drugs

View our comprehensive Safety & Security report.

Drug/Alcohol-Free Workplace

The policy of the TCT Board of Education is that any teacher must report to administration if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a student may be under the influence of or has in his/her possession:

• Non-intoxicating beverages (low-point beer)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Controlled dangerous substance
• Any prescription drug in a name other than that of the student

Emergency Medical Care

All students or parents of high school students must sign a consent form for emergency medical treatment.

In the event of a serious accident, the student will be taken to Jane Phillips Medical Center by a designated representative or by ambulance.

The school will authorize treatment only in accordance with parental consent in a “medical emergency card” if one is on file but will not otherwise act on behalf of the parent or on its own to authorize any treatment.

Fire and Tornado Instructions/Warnings

FIRE: A continuous ring of regular school buzzers followed by an announcement on the public address system. Everyone must exit the building immediately and follow the fire exit route posted in each classroom/workspace and assemble with your instructor/supervisor in the designated area outside the fire lane. DO NOT re-enter the building until notified to return. Instructors/Supervisors must take roll and account for all persons in their charge.

TORNADO: The alarm for a tornado alert is continuous short rings of the regular school buzzer. Everyone must seek shelter in the designated shelter area as posted in each classroom/workspace. Instructors/Supervisors must take roll and account for all persons in their charge. Remain at the shelter area until notified to return to your assigned duties.

Possession of Dangerous Weapons in School is Prohibited

The Board of Education has adopted a policy prohibiting the possession of dangerous weapons and replicas or facsimiles of dangerous weapons.

Possession by any student of a dangerous weapon or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon while on school property, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school bus or vehicle is prohibited.

A dangerous weapon includes, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air gun or spring gun, B-B gun, stun gun, hand grenades, fireworks, slingshot, bludgeon, blackjack, brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kind, nunchucks, dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, butterfly knife, any knife regardless of the length or sharpness of the blade, any knife the blade of which can be opened by a flick of a button or pressure on the handle, any pocket knife regardless of the length or sharpness of the blade, any pen knife, “credit card” knife, razor, dart, ice pick, explosive smoke bomb, incendiary device, sword cane, hand chains, firearm shells or bullets, garrotes, choking devices, mace, pepper spray, and any item whose principal purpose is for use as a weapon, whether offensive or defensive, and any replica or facsimiles of any of the foregoing items, or any item or instrumentality which is used to threaten harm or is used to harm any person or any chemical, material or substance which can cause an irritation to or reacts with human tissue, or any chemical, material, or substance used, given, applied to or administered to another person without that person’s consent. THE FOREGOING LIST OF “DANGEROUS WEAPONS” IS DESCRIPTIVE AND BY WAY OF EXAMPLE ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AN EXCLUSIVE OR LIMITING LIST OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS. IT WILL NOT BE A DEFENSE TO ANY DISCIPLINARY ACTION UNDER THIS POLICY THAT THAT STUDENT POSSESSING THE DANGEROUS WEAPON DID NOT KNOW THAT IT IS A DANGEROUS WEAPON, BUT SUCH CLAIM OF A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE MAY BE CONSIDERED IN MITIGATION OF ANY DISCIPLINARY PENALTY.

Possession includes, but is not limited to, any person having a dangerous weapon:

• On their person
• In their locker
• In their vehicle
• Held by another person for their benefit
• At any place on school property, a school bus or vehicle, or at a school activity.

Anyone in possession of a dangerous weapon will be immediately suspended from school pending an investigation of the charge – criminal charges may be filed. The student’s home high school will be informed of the action.

Gun-Free Schools Student Suspension

Any student who is determined to have:

• brought a weapon to a school under the jurisdiction of the district or
• possessed a weapon within two thousand (2,000) feet of public school property or
• possessed a weapon at a school event

shall be suspended from school for a period of not less than one calendar year. This policy does not apply to students who are members of the JROTC and who possess or bring an inoperable weapon to the technology center for participation in a technology center program, provided the student obtained prior permission from an administrator, the weapon remains inoperable while at the technology center and the weapon is used consistent with the permission granted.

Any out-of-school suspension imposed under this policy may be modified for any student on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent or Designee of the technology center.

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall control:

• The term "weapon" means a firearm, and as such, the term is defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
• The term "determined to have brought a weapon to a school under the jurisdiction of the district" means any student being in possession or control of a weapon on property owned, leased, or rented by the technology center, including, but not limited to, school buildings, parking lots and motor vehicles and any student who is in possession or control of a weapon at any technology center sponsored function regardless of whether such function is conducted on technology center property.

Enforcement of this policy shall be consistent with state and federal laws dealing with discipline of students with disabilities. Students who violate this policy will be referred to the appropriate criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system. Any firearm seized from a student by any technology center employee shall immediately be delivered to a law enforcement authority for disposition pursuant to applicable law. Any out-of-school suspension initiated pursuant to this policy shall be subject to the procedural safeguards outlined in the technology center’s policy for the out-of-school suspension of students.

Consistent with Oklahoma law, no education plan shall be implemented during the suspension of an out-of-school student under this policy. This policy does not apply to student suspensions for non-weapon violations.

Information Concerning Asbestos Control

TCT has completed the inspection of our buildings for the presence of asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM). Two (2) buildings on the TCT campus have some asbestos present. Although it is not a hazard to our students or employees in its present condition, we are still required by Federal Law to inform you of its presence. The two buildings with ACBM are the administration building and maintenance building, where there is some asbestos insulation on pipe joints and valves and in vinyl tile mastic. The EPA and U.S. Health Department requires us to tell you that they have developed evidence that asbestos fibers may contribute to certain lung diseases when the fiber concentration reaches abnormally high levels. TCT has developed a plan to manage the areas with ACBM with approved operations and maintenance procedures, which will prevent any hazard from developing. A copy of the management plan is in the Facilities Management office.

Shop Safety Procedures

A safety test will be given to each student and placed in the student’s folder. The safety test must be passed with 100% accuracy before the student is allowed to participate in shop activities.

Eye Protection Devices

All students and teachers are required by State Statute 70-14-107 to wear “industrial quality eye protective devices” while working in a shop and laboratory area. At the beginning of each school year, all full-time students requiring safety glasses are given safety glasses. It is the responsibility of the students to wear the glasses while in the shops and laboratories.

Hazardous Materials

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are maintained in each shop area for those materials with which the student is likely to come into contact. Students should become familiar with their location and content and refer to them prior to handling any material or chemicals in the shop.

Some chemicals used in some career technology programs have been declared hazardous to the development of unborn children. Pregnant students must have written advice and approval from a doctor before working with chemicals in the program.

Tobacco Use

Tri County Tech is a tobacco-free campus, and smoking and the use of tobacco products in any form are prohibited by all persons. This includes school buildings, grounds, school-owned vehicles, and off-site school-sponsored activities, including clinical sites. The use or possession of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, rolling papers, chewing tobacco, snuff, matches, lighters, e-cigarettes, digital/personal vaporizers, and electronic nicotine delivery systems is prohibited.

Campus Security Camera Usage

Security cameras are utilized on the Tri County Tech campus.  Any person acting to remove, alter, bypass, disconnect, or otherwise affect the operation of any camera or monitor installed in, or around, Technology Center property or vehicles without approval will be subject to disciplinary or other adverse action including, but not limited to, removal from Technology Center property and prosecution. These cameras are placed in various common interior and exterior areas for security purposes only.  Cameras, other than those designed for distance learning purposes, are not located within classroom settings.  

ACADEMICS & GRADING

Class Times

Class times for regular Full-Time programs are from 8:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Medicine and Biosciences afternoon classes will meet from 12:30 to 2:15.

Work-Based Education

It is the policy of the technology center to provide structured and meaningful Work-Based Experience (WBE) for students. The board recognizes the value of providing students with WBE in addition to the traditional training received in the classroom, laboratory and/or shop setting. Students will participate in on-campus or on-site occupationally-related activities, conjoined with business/industry personnel when students demonstrate the appropriate level of readiness.

General Guidelines

The following options are approved for WBE in all programs:

1. Clinical. In most cases, a group of students assigned to worksites with the instructor being available on-site.
2. Cooperative Education. A paid part-time work experience in which the student is released from school for part of the day.
3. Enterprise. A small business operated within the program that replicates a business in the larger community.
4. Expert in Residence. An industry expert regularly visits the school to work with students and instructors, and hosts them at worksite (also by on-line visits).
5. Internship. An on-the-job training experience that is highly selective and intensive. May require a commitment to additional training beyond high school or subsequent employment at the worksite, which may include mentoring or on-line experience, and service learning.
6. Integrated Project. A special project integrating studies/experiences from two (2) or more program areas of the technology center, exploring career directions and connections.
7. Job Shadowing. A student “shadows” an employee at a worksite to learn about a particular skill, occupation, or industry.

Each student should be given the opportunity to participate in one or more WBEs, with the specific assignments chosen by the instructor and mutually agreed upon by the sponsoring company and student. In programs that include a WBE as a curriculum unit with a required length, one or more of the seven WBE options may be used (or combined) to satisfy the requirement. WBE activities may be paid or unpaid. The WBE must be directly related to the program competencies for which the student has been trained. The student, instructor, and sponsoring company will mutually agree upon the hours of participation in on-site WBE activities.

• The student must be at least 16 years of age.
• The student must provide transportation if performing as the only technology center participant in an on-site WBE activity at a sponsor company.
• Students driving personal vehicles must have a valid driver’s license and liability insurance.
• Drivers transporting students are required to have written permission of ALL parents/guardians of minor-age passengers.
• Minor-age drivers must have parent/guardian authorization to transport students.

WBE activities may be assigned at any point during the program, with the essential criteria being as follows:

1. The WBE must be appropriate for the student’s level of development and competence
2. Schedules and training plan will be mutually agreeable between student, sponsoring company, and the technology center.
3. A student performing as the only technology center participant in an on-site option extending beyond two (2) weeks must have maintained a 90% program attendance.
4. A student performing as the only technology center participant in an on-site option extending beyond two (2) weeks must maintain a minimum grade of “C” prior to participation.
5. A Memorandum of Understanding must be on file signed by a student and parent/guardian of a minor age student.
6. A WBE Agreement must be on file and signed by a representative of the sponsor company.

Procedures

The instructor and program advisory committee will determine the WBE option(s) that are appropriate with the approval of campus administration. The instructor will verify that WBE Agreements, student/parent/guardian Memorandum of Understanding, and all information forms are on file. The instructor will verify that the sponsor company has been toured by technology center personnel and determined appropriate. The administration will be notified of the name of the student(s) participating in a WBE option, as well as the location, date and time.

Appraisal

An appraisal will be completed by the student(s) participating in the WBE at the end of the activity or every two (2) weeks for extended options. An appraisal will be completed by a representative of the sponsor company at the end of the activity or every two (2) weeks for extended options. An appraisal will be completed by the instructor at the end of the activity or every two (2) weeks for extended options. The appraisals may be hand-delivered, emailed, faxed, or conveyed electronically to the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student to assure the sequence of the above steps is completed. The ratings will be recorded in the instructor’s grade book under the appropriate objective and identified as a WBE.

Field Trips and School Activities

Field trips are encouraged in each program when they can supplement the instructional process. Students must meet eligibility requirements from his/her home campus and be progressing satisfactorily in their TCT program. Students will travel in school vehicles unless otherwise approved by an administrator.

Grading System

Student Responsibility

In order to receive a grade, it is the student’s responsibility to complete course requirements, return all school-owned books and equipment or pay for the same, and pay all tuition, fees, and any other indebtedness. Student indebtedness will result in a “hold” being placed on report cards, transcripts and/or other student records until the debt is paid in full.

Letter Grades, Grading Scales, and Percentages

The following criteria will be used for the assignment of letter grades, grading scales, and percentage grades for students participating in full-time courses:

A: 90-100         I: Incomplete

B: 80-89         W: Withdrawal

C: 70-79         P/F: Pass / Fail

F: 0-69*

*(unless otherwise indicated per course syllabi)

Special grading scales may be used to meet state and national certification, apprenticeship programs, and other special requirements.

Incomplete Grades

When a grade of I is issued, the student has ten (10) school days from the end of the grading period to correct the I grade, or the I shall be recorded as an F.

Recording Grades

Grades earned are recorded by the instructor in an official grade book or electronic grading system. Transcripts are kept electronically indefinitely.

Course Grades

Grading patterns are calculated and established by the instructor(s) and may include, but are not limited to: practice of technical skills grades; written work grades; test grades; project grades; WBE grades. Each instructor’s grading pattern will be on file in the administrative offices in the course syllabi. Instructors will give the students a copy of the grading pattern at the beginning of each course. Though not specifically graded, there is no intent in this policy to minimize the value of instructional emphasis on students’ attitude, attendance, or development of a positive work ethic.

Arrangements to Complete Work Missed

It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor and make arrangements to complete any work missed. No penalty will be assigned if work is made up in the required time frame. The normal time frame is considered to be one (1) day for each day missed. In situations which require more time due to the nature of the program, the instructor is to set the date when make-up work is due. If the work is not made up, the grade will be a zero (0).

Graduation Requirements

A student is considered a “candidate for graduation” when he/she completes the following:

• Complete each course within the program with a grade of “C” or better.
• Complete the entire program by the end of the school year.
• Completes required training time in the program (Ex.: 480 hrs., 960 hrs., etc.)
• No early completions permitted – students will not be allowed to complete prior to meeting program requirements.
• Students who lose credit for attendance will receive “Loss of Credit” in all active courses for the semester. Completed and inactive courses will not be affected.
• Diplomas or certificates will be available for each student who meets the graduation requirements.

Consideration of Previous Training

When a potential student who has previous training in the field in which they are enrolling begins the enrollment process, they will provide Tri County Tech with a transcript of any previous training. The Student Success Advisor will meet with the instructor of the program that the potential student will be enrolled in and determine if the previous training matches the program courses. If it is found that the courses are similar, the potential student will be given the opportunity to take a competency test or a pre-test in the course if necessary. Upon satisfactory completion of the competency or pre-test, the student will receive credit for the course.

Program Changes

Students in daytime classes have 25 hours to change programs. Transfer to another program is contingent on the following:

• Availability of space in another program,
• Approval of the administration, teacher of the program to which the student desires to change, local high school, administrator or counselor, and parents of students under 18.

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs and Organizations 

Career Tech Student Organizations (CTSO)

The board is committed to the proposition that student participation in student activities and organizations can advance educational goals and otherwise benefit students and that technology center policies should further students' opportunities for participation. The board is also mindful that the primary purpose of the technology center is to educate its students and that the board must maintain control and oversight of students' activities and experiences while attending school.

Therefore, the board has determined that only school-sponsored student organizations, as that term is defined in this policy, will be permitted to utilize school facilities for meetings or other functions. The board intends by this policy to create a "closed forum" in regard to the utilization of technology center facilities by student organizations and groups, in that the use of technology center facilities by student organizations and groups will be restricted to those student organizations and groups that are sponsored by the technology center as provided in this policy.

Technology Center-Sponsored Student Organizations

The technology center may sponsor student organizations that the board determines are in furtherance of and consistent with the technology center's educational objectives and directly related to its curriculum. Each program at Tri County Tech is associated with one of the following CTSOs: BPA, DECA, Ed Rising, F.I.R.S.T. Robotics, HOSA, SkillsUSA, or TSA.

An organization shall be considered to be directly related to the technology center's curriculum: (1) if the subject matter of the group is actually taught or will soon be taught; (2) if the subject matter of the group concerns the body of courses as a whole; (3) if participation in the group is required for a particular course; (4) if participation in the group results in academic credit; or (5) if it is part of or an adjunct to student government, relating directly to the curriculum, to the extent that it addresses concerns, solicits opinions and formulates proposals pertaining to the body of courses offered by the technology center.

Technology center sponsored student organizations shall have a faculty sponsor whose teaching field, education, background or other expertise is reasonably related to the purpose and goals of the group and who shall receive extra-duty compensation.

Application for technology center sponsorship shall be made by the proposed faculty sponsor and at least five (5) students who intend to participate in the organization. Each proposed student organization will submit its membership requirements, organizational structure, and provisions of a constitution or other document setting out its organizational purpose and structure, subject to approval by the superintendent.

After the proposed organization and its constitution have received preliminary approval from the superintendent, the board shall review and approve or disapprove the organization for sponsorship based on the standards set out in this policy and, if requested, on an opinion rendered by the technology center's legal counsel that the proposed organization meets the standards of this policy.

Only technology center sponsored student organizations shall be permitted to meet in or otherwise use technology center facilities.

Notice Regarding Student Organizations and Parental Right to Withhold Permission to Participate

The technology center shall provide annual notice to parents and guardians about technology center-sponsored student organizations in the student handbook and on the technology center’s website. The notice shall include at least a list of the names of the clubs or organizations, their individual missions or purposes; and the names of the faculty advisors.

If technology center sponsored student organizations are created or formed after the annual notice is distributed, the technology center shall send supplemental notice through the technology center’s website or by any other means it deems appropriate. Like the annual notice, the supplemental notice shall specify at least the name of the organization, its mission or purpose, and the name of its faculty advisor.

Parents and guardians may notify the technology center that they are withholding permission for their student to join or participate in one or more extracurricular technology center-sponsored student organizations. However, parents and guardians may not withhold permission for student participation in clubs and organizations that are necessary for a required course of instruction.

Parents and guardians are solely responsible for preventing their student from participating in a club or organization for which they have withheld their permission. Parents and guardians are also solely responsible for retrieving their student from attendance at a club or organization for which permission has been withheld.

Nothing in this policy prevents a club or organization from meeting when a student who is not authorized to participate is present.

The technology center may, but is not required to, provide annual (or supplemental) notice to parents and guardians about independent student-organized groups, as they are not groups directed or controlled by the technology center. If notice of such groups is provided, the notice shall indicate that the group is an independent student-organized group.

Each secondary program at Tri County Tech is associated with one of the following CTSOs: BPA, DECA, Ed Rising, F.I.R.S.T. Robotics, HOSA, SkillsUSA, or TSA.

Grievance Policy

Tri County Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. In accordance with OKLA. STAT. tit. 70 § 24-163, the technology center uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism, as adopted, May 26, 2016, to evaluate harassment and discrimination against Jews. In compliance with OKLA. STAT. tit. 70 § 24-163(D)(1), the technology center shall electronically report all incidents and complaints of antisemitic discrimination and harassment to theOklahoma Department of Education’s Title VI Coordinator.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Tara Stevens, CPO | Tara.Stevens@TriCountyTech.edu. For 504 inquiries: Dr. Dennis Grover, Instructional Director, Dennis.Grover@TriCountyTech.edu. | 6101 Nowata Road | Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918-331-3333. According to the State of Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act, registered sex offenders must self-disclose their status before admission. View our privacy policy. View our full non-discrimination policy. Title IX Training provided by: OSSBA Workshop Resources.

This policy is applicable to complaints of discrimination involving race, color,

national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, age, or genetic information. It is not applicable

to sex discrimination or sexual harassment. Complaints related to these areas are addressed

by Tri County’s policy Title IX—Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment.

To read the full Grievance Policy, see Section 11 of the TCT Board Policy.

Notification of Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.S. 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that affords parents and “eligible students” over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.  To read the Notification of Rights Under FERPA policy, see Section 9 of the TCT Board Policy.

Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupils Rights Amendment

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment affords parents and students who are 18 or emancipated minors (“eligible students”) certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection, and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

1. Political affiliations;
2. Mental and psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law, to determine eligibility.

Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of:

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

Inspect, upon request and before administration or use:

1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

The School District will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights and arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes. The School District will directly notify parents and eligible students, such as through U.S Mail or email, at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific or approximate dates of the following activities and provide an opportunity to opt a student out of participating in:

• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Americans with Disabilities Act – Allowable Accommodations

Tri County Tech is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to educational programs and services. Any student who has a disability that he or she believes will require some form of academic accommodation must inform the instructor of such need during or immediately following the first class attended. Before any educational accommodation can be provided, it is the responsibility of each student to prove eligibility for assistance by registering for services through Student Services. Students needing more information about Student Disability Services should contact the Instructional Director or Student Services Director at Tri County Tech.

Public Statement

The Board of Education of Tri County Tech School District #1, its administration and/or their agents reserve the right to change information without notice when circumstances warrant such action.

Tri County Tech is an Equal Opportunity institution in accordance with civil rights legislation and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, genetic information or marital status in the operation of its educational programs, activities, recruitment, and admission practices.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Tara Stevens, Chief People Officer  | Tara.Stevens@TriCountyTech.edu.  For 504 inquiries: Dr. Dennis Grover, Instructional Director, Dennis.Grover@TriCountyTech.edu. 6101 Nowata Road | Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918-331-3333.

According to the State of Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act, registered sex offenders must self-disclose their status before admission.

View our privacy policy. View our full non-discrimination policy. Title IX Training provided by: OSSBA Workshop Resources

This publication is issued by Tri County Tech as authorized by its Board of Education.

Student Handbook Addendum for EMT

Table of Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Student Handbook Addendum for EMT

The main student handbook applies to all TriCountyTech students. I understand I am required to review the main handbook at TriCountyTech.edu/student-resources. I understand that the contents of the online handbook may change, and I am responsible for reviewing the handbook occasionally.

This addendum section of the student handbook applies specifically to EMT students.

Important Contacts         3

Tuition         3

Required Independent Training        3

Grading for EMT Students        3

9-week Affective Classroom Evaluations        5

Uniforms/Dress Code        7

Clinical Uniforms        7

Student IDs        7

Drug Testing        7

Attendance        7

INFECTIOUS DISEASES        8

EMT Job Tasks        8

Important Contacts

Brian Church, NRP                                                 brian.church@tricountytech.edu

Trevor Anthony, NRP                                                 trevor.anthony@tricountytech.edu

Jacob Cox, NRP                                                jacob.cox@tricountytech.edu

Jeannette Slater, Instructional Director        918-331-3362                jeannette.slater@tricountytech.edu

Laci Davis, Student Services Director        918-331-3261                laci.davis@tricountytech.edu

Additional staff contact information can be found on the website. TriCountyTech.edu

Tuition

Tuition for the EMT Class includes:

• Textbook
• Tri County EMT T-Shirt
• FISDAP Student Orientation Package
• CPR for Healthcare Providers
• Blood Pressure Cuff / Stethoscope

Required Independent Training

The following independent study courses are to be completed prior to your first night of class:

• ICS 100
• ICS 200
• ICS 700
• Notice: Independent Study Exams now require a FEMA Student Identification (SID) Number. If you do not yet have a SID, register for one today: https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid. Please do not contact the Independent Study program office as they are unable to provide assistance with these requests.
• If you have an inquiry regarding the FEMA Independent Study Program, NIMS or other Emergency Management Institute (EMI) related requests such as: requests for certificates, transcripts, online test scores/results, please contact the FEMA Independent Study program office at 301-447-1200 or email Independent.Study@fema.dhs.gov for further assistance. Please do not contact the FEMA SID Help Desk as they are unable to provide assistance with these requests.

Grading for EMT Students

Assignments/Quizzes/Tests

Grading Scale: The following grading scale will be used:

A = 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89%   an 80% average is required to successfully complete a course.

C = 70 – 79%

F = 69 – below

I = Incomplete

W = Withdrew

Grading Weights: The following weights will be applied for grading:

50% = Tests

25% = Homework/daily assignments/reports

25% = Quizzes

Assignments

Students must pass each course with an 80%. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 80% on all homework, quizzes, daily assignments, and  reports as assigned. All assignments should be turned in on the scheduled due date. ONLY students that have notified the Instructor of an absence will be allowed to turn in late assignments. If an Instructor is notified by text, a return text from the Instructor is required for documentation.

If the student has an absence during a class session, he/she will have 2 class days to make up any tests, quizzes or homework assignments which were not listed on the course outline. Assignments and tests listed on the course outline will be due upon the student’s return to class.

Testing

Tests are due as scheduled. Students are to maintain an 80% average on exams. Some courses may require students to retake an exam (version B) if an 80% is not achieved. In the courses requiring a retake exam, the makeup exam score will be recorded at a maximum score of 80%. Students are required to make arrangements to take their retake at the next class period or the Instructor’s convenience.  

Anyone not present for an exam will receive a zero. You can only make up an exam if your Instructor has been notified before your absence. You must notify the Instructor by phone or text if you will miss an exam. Request a return text from the Instructor for documentation. Only one(1) missed exam throughout the entirety of the program may be made up at the discretion of the Instructor(s) and must be made up at the next class period. If a student misses more than one(1) test for extreme circumstances, a physician’s note or documentation proving the reason for the absence is required. The Instructor has the discretion to allow the student to take a missed test. It is the student’s responsibility, not the instructor’s, to contact the instructor, provide documentation (if required), and follow-up on a missed test.

Clinical days cannot be made up and will result in a zero.

It is the responsibility of the student to get missed assignments from the Instructor.

Students below an 80% average will be placed on a two-week academic probation status.  Those who are unable to bring their grade to passing (80% or above) within the two-week timeframe will be dismissed.  If a student’s grades drop below 80% for a third time, he/she will be automatically dismissed from the program.    

Students on academic probation are not eligible to participate in skills classes or clinicals.

Skills

When students are testing lab skills, they will receive a pass or fail. A passing grade is equivalent to 100%. Students who do not pass a lab skill will be given one(1) opportunity to retest the skill.

Students will be kept informed of their grades and notified when examinations are scheduled. Quizzes may be unannounced. Any student should inquire of the course instructor if he/she does not understand or agree with points given.

Affective Evaluations

9-week Affective Classroom Evaluation

Student _________________________________  Instructor____________________________

Date ________________________________        Instructor____________________________

9-week Effective Classroom Evaluation

Instructor Comments:

Student Comments:

_______________________________________      __________________________________________

Student Signature                                Instructor Signature

_______________________________________         ________________________________________

Date                                                        Date

Uniforms/Dress Code

Students are to present a professional appearance at all times in class, clinicals, and field experiences. All uniforms must be clean and wrinkle-free. If students are coming to class from an EMS shift, work uniforms may be worn if they are clean and professional. Students are representatives of the school while in uniform. Uniforms should not be worn outside of class.

Student required uniform:

• T-Shirt furnished by Tri County Tech – tucked in at all times.
• In cold weather, white or black turtlenecks or white or black thermal underwear may be worn under the t-shirt.
• Student ID badge
• Black pants
• Black Belt – plain leather and plain buckle
• Black non-slip closed-toe shoes or boots – clean and polished
• Socks – required, black if visible
• Tattoos should be covered if possible. Any offensive tattoo must be covered.
• In extreme weather conditions, appropriate outerwear may be worn in that meets Instructor or clinical/field site approval.
• During low visibility, high-visibility public safety vests must be worn for all contacts close to or on a roadway.
• Ink pen
• Notepad
• During clinical, site uniform requirements may differ.

Clinical Uniforms

Student required clinical uniform:

• T-Shirt furnished by Tri County
• Black pants
• Black Belt – plain leather
• Black non-slip closed-toe shoes or boots
• Socks – required, black if visible
• Ink pen and Notepad

Student IDs

Students are required to wear a student ID provided by TCT at all clinical and field internships.

Drug Testing

All students are subject to random drug testing throughout their program. Students must meet the standards for employees of all clinical facilities to continue to attend the clinical area. It will not be possible to complete the program without the clinical component. A positive drug screen (including THC) will result in dismissal from the program.

Attendance

Attendance is of prime importance for the EMT Program. EMT students must be in attendance 90% of the scheduled class/lab hours.

• Instructors must be notified if a student is going to be absent or tardy prior to class.
• One tardy (anything less than an hour) will equal 1 hour. Arriving late or leaving early is considered a tardy.

100% Attendance is required for Clinicals. There is no makeup for clinicals.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Within the healthcare industry, there is a risk of exposure to various communicable diseases. Those of particular concern within the industry are the Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human Immuno-deficiency (HIV) viruses. Both viruses are found in body secretions, especially blood, and are often referred to as blood-borne pathogens.

HEPATITIS B (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a virus which attacks the liver resulting in swelling, soreness and loss of normal liver functioning. Since the liver is a major filter of blood and destroyer of toxic materials, this may cause serious consequences. The symptoms of Hepatitis B infection include: weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and the characteristic jaundice or yellow discoloration of the skin. Symptoms may vary from severe to non-existent. A major concern for the healthcare worker is the chronic carrier or person who has the virus present at all times. Although the carrier is not ill, the virus may be transmitted to others through contact with blood or body fluids from this person. There is a vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis B infection. It is recommended that persons who are at risk of exposure (including all healthcare workers) be vaccinated.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks a person's immune system and results in their being unable to fight disease. This virus causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. The symptoms of HIV infection may take as long as 8 to 10 years following exposure to appear. They may include night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue, gland pain or swelling, and muscle or joint pain. Presently, there is no vaccination against or cure for HIV.

STANDARD PRECAUTIONS You can protect yourself and patients from disease by using standard precautions. Standard precautions mean using precautions and protective devices when there is a potential for exposure to any body fluid. This is the method used by the clinical facilities where our students practice. Throughout this program, you will be taught and encouraged to use personal protective equipment and practices to protect yourself and others from exposure to body substances. These will include, but are not limited to, proper handwashing, practices for disposing of sharps, practices for disposing of materials contaminated with body secretions, and the use of protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, etc. when the potential for exposure is present. Learn and practice standard precautions at all times to protect yourself and others from infection.

EXPOSURE

Even when practicing careful technique and proper procedure, exposure to contaminated materials may occur. Pathogens or disease-causing organisms may be transmitted through contact with mucous membranes, non-intact skin (including cuts, abrasions, burns, rashes, paper cuts, hangnails, etc.), or touching contaminated areas or surfaces. Healthcare workers must especially be careful to prevent puncture wounds or cuts from contaminated sharps.

If exposure does occur:

1. Immediately wash the exposed area with warm water and soap; if mouth is exposed - rinse with water or mouthwash, and if eye exposure - irrigate with water or normal saline.

2. Immediately report the incident to your instructor, describing how, when, and where the incident occurred.

3. Your instructor will tell you what procedure needs to be followed.

 EMT Job Tasks

The Dictionary of Occupational Titles, published by the United States Department of Labor, rates the occupation of Emergency Medical Technician as Strength Code M – Medium.  

Job tasks include:

1. Administers first-aid treatment and life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital setting. 
2. Assists in removal and transport of victims to treatment center. 
3. Assess the nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures. 
4. Observes, records, and reports patient's condition, and reactions to drugs and treatment, to physician. 
5. Monitors patient's condition using an electrocardiograph. 
6. Communicate with treatment center personnel to arrange the reception of victims and to receive instructions for further treatment. 
7. Assists treatment center personnel in obtaining and record victims' vital statistics and administering emergency treatment. 
8. Assists treatment center personnel to obtain information relating to circumstances of emergency. 
9. Drives mobile intensive care unit to a specified location, following instructions from emergency medical dispatcher. 
10. Maintains vehicles, medical and communication equipment. Replenishes first-aid equipment and supplies. 

In addition, the Dictionary of Occupational Titles has identified the academic skills for success in the EMT training. The following ratings are as follows:

• Reasoning Development (R) – Level 4: Apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule forms.
• Mathematical Development (M) – Level 3: Calculate variables and formulas, monomials and polynomials, ratio and proportion variables, and percentages. Calculate surfaces, volumes, weights, and measures.
• Language Development (L) – Level 4: Read journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias and other reference materials. Conversant in methods of speaking effectively in persuasive speaking, discussion, and debate.

Paramedic
Student Handbook Addendum

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Table of Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Student Handbook Addendum for EMS - Paramedic

The main student handbook applies to all TriCountyTech students. I understand I am required to review the main handbook at TriCountyTech.edu/student-resources. I understand that the contents of the online handbook may change, and I am responsible for reviewing the handbook occasionally.

This addendum section of the student handbook applies specifically to EMS - Paramedic students.

Paramedic
Student Handbook Addendum        1

Student Handbook Addendum for EMS - Paramedic        2

Important Contacts        4

Controlling Accreditations        4

Goal and Minimum Expectations        5

Publication Notice        5

Non-Discrimination Statement        5

Paramedic Tuition        5

Admission Requirements        6

Drug Testing        6

Grading        6

Assignments/Quizzes/Tests        6

Assignments        7

Testing        7

Skills        7

Affective Evaluations        8

Course Completion Requirements        10

Final Program Testing        10

Terminal Competency/Graduation Requirements        10

Attendance        10

Clinicals        10

Uniforms/Dress Code        11

Student IDs        11

Advanced Placement, Transfers, Experiential Learning, and Credits        11

Advanced Standing        11

Experiential Learning and Credits        11

Incoming Transfers        11

Curriculum        12

Technical Standards        12

Paramedic Functional Job Analysis / Technical Standards        13

Health and Safety Procedures        16

INFECTIOUS DISEASES        16

HEPATITIS B (HBV)        16

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)        16

STANDARD PRECAUTIONS        16

EXPOSURE        16

Appendix A - CONFIDENTIALITY        18

Appendix B – CoAEMSP Disclosure        19

Appendix C – Terminal Competency Form        20

Appendix D - Student Agreement For Drug Testing And Clinical Eligibility.        21

Important Contacts

Jeannette Slater, Instructional Director        918-331-3362                jeannette.slater@tricountytech.edu

Tara Gotwalt, Chief Instructional Officer – 918-331-3221        tara.gotwalt@tricountytech.edu

Dr. James Carver, Program Director

Dr. Ronald Hay, Medical Director

Dr. James Christensen, Assistant Medical Director

Dale Little Lead Instructor, NR                                         dale.little@tricountytech.edu

Brain Church, NRP                                                 brian.church@tricountytech.edu

Laci Davis, Student Services Director –  918-331-3261                laci.davis@tricountytech.edu

Controlling Accreditations

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
1500 West Seventh Avenue
Stillwater, OK 74074-4364
405.377.2000
Approval: 2021-2025 school year

Goal and Minimum Expectations

The Goal of Tri County’s Paramedic Program is to prepare competent entry-level advanced life-support prehospital providers as Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains, including leadership and research with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder Levels.

Publication Notice

This Handbook is a publication of the requirements, information, and curricula at the time of publication. Tri County reserves the right to edit, update or revise information within this Handbook. This Handbook is supplemented by Tri County’s Student Handbook at the following link: https://tricountytech.edu/student-resources

Non-Discrimination Statement

Tri County Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. In accordance with OKLA. STAT. tit. 70 § 24-163, the technology center uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism, as adopted, May 26, 2016, to evaluate harassment and discrimination against Jews. In compliance with OKLA. STAT. tit. 70 § 24-163(D)(1), the technology center shall electronically report all incidents and complaints of antisemitic discrimination and harassment to theOklahoma Department of Education’s Title VI Coordinator.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Tara Stevens, CPO | Tara.Stevens@TriCountyTech.edu. For 504 inquiries: Dr. Dennis Grover, Instructional Director, Dennis.Grover@TriCountyTech.edu. | 6101 Nowata Road | Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918-331-3333. According to the State of Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act, registered sex offenders must self-disclose their status before admission. View our privacy policy. View our full non-discrimination policy. Title IX Training provided by: OSSBA Workshop Resources.

Paramedic Tuition

Tuition for the Paramedic is found at tricountytech.edu. Throughout the program, there may be other costs.

Course Length – 681 Classroom Hours – 400 Clinical Hours = 1081 Total Hours

Includes:

• Tuition
• Books
• Lab Supplies
• 2 –  Polo Shirts
• Liability Insurance
• BLS/ACLS/PALS Certification
• FISDAP (scheduler, skills tracker, study tools, preceptor training)
• Drug Test
• National Background Check

Students will complete a National Background Check within 1 year before clinicals. Criminal history for each county of residence;

• National sexual offender registry;
• Social Security verification;
• Residency history; and
• National healthcare fraud and abuse scan (OIG, GSA)

It may be necessary before the end of a program to request an additional background check.

In addition, students should provide for their files a copy of the exclusion search results from Federal Programs Search available at http://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov

Admission Requirements

Students should submit the following documents, or complete the following requirements:

• Register for the ACCUPLACER test (a student may provide ACCUPLACER or ACT scores from the last 3 years).
• Students will be asked to submit a packet of documentation. Students may turn in any /all of the following documents when they come to Tri County Tech to test and complete an application. The documentation includes:

• Official high school transcript or GED scores and college transcript if applicable.
• Recommendation form completed OR a letter of recommendation from former EMT instructor
• Resume
• Complete Pre-requisite: Tri County’s Paramedic A & P with a “C” or better or provide a college transcripted with an approved A & P class within past 5 years with a “C” or better.
• Official college transcripts (if applicable)
• Copy of NREMT EMT certification
• Physical sign off form (located in Tri County Tech’s student services)
• Immunization record which includes record of 2 MMRs immunizations or a positive titer test, Tdap every 10 years, a negative Tuberculin Skin Tests within the last 365 days or negative chest x-ray within 5 years, Record of Hepatitis B series (3 doses), record of 2 Varicella immunizations or positive titer, annual seasonal influenza vaccine (October - March).
• Criminal Record attestation (students will complete a National background check, which is required before clinicals. National background checks may take 6 weeks or more to process.)

Paramedic student admission is conducted on a point basis. Students must complete an Interview as part of the admission process and will be notified of available Interview date(s).

Tri County Tech does not provide students with health insurance. Students are required to provide proof of health insurance.

Drug Testing

All Paramedic students are subject to random drug testing throughout their program. Students must meet the standards for employees of all clinical facilities to continue to attend the clinical area. It will not be possible to complete the program without the clinical component. A positive drug screen (including THC) will result in dismissal from the program. Students must sign and adhear to the Student Agreement For Drug Testing And Clinical Eligibility.

Grading

Assignments/Quizzes/Tests

Grading Scale: The following grading scale will be used:

A = 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89%   an 80% average is required to successfully complete a course.

C = 70 – 79%

F = 69 – below

I = Incomplete

W = Withdrew

Grading Weights: The following weights will be applied for grading:

50% = Tests

25% = Homework/daily assignments/reports

25% = Quizzes

Assignments

Students must pass each course with an 80%. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 80% on all homework, quizzes, daily assignments, reports as assigned. All assignments should be turned in on scheduled due date. ONLY students that have notified Instructor of an absence will be allowed to turn in late assignments. If an Instructor is notified by text, a return text from the Instructor is required for documentation.

If the student has an absence during a class session, he/she will have 2 class days to make up any tests, quizzes or homework assignments which were not listed on the course outline. Assignments and tests listed on the course outline will be due upon the student’s return to class.

Testing

Tests are due as scheduled. Students are to maintain an 80% average on exams. Some courses may require students to retake an exam (version B) if an 80% is not achieved. In the courses requiring a retake exam, the makeup exam score will be recorded at a maximum score of 80%. Students are required to make arrangements to take their retake at the next class period.  

Anyone not present for an exam will receive a zero. You must notify the Instructor,  by phone or text,  if you are missing an exam. Request a return text from Instructor for documentation.  You can only make up an exam if your Instructor has been notified prior to your absence. Only 1 missed exam throughout the entirety of the program may be made up at the discretion of the Instructor(s) and must be made up at the next class period. If a student misses more than 1 test for extreme circumstances, a physician’s note or documentation proving the reason for the absence is required. The Instructor has the discretion to allow the student to take a missed test. It is the student’s responsibility, not the instructor’s, to contact the instructor, provide documentation (if required) and follow-up on a missed test.

Clinical days cannot be made up and will result in a zero.

 It is the responsibility of the student to get missed assignments from the Instructor.

Students below an 80% average will be placed on a two-week academic probation status.  Those who are unable to bring their grade to passing (80% or above) within the two-week timeframe will be dismissed.  If a student’s grades drop below 80% for a third time, he/she will be automatically dismissed from the program.  

Skills

When students are testing lab skills, they will receive a pass or fail. A passing grade is equivalent to 100%. Students that do not pass a lab skill will be given one(1) opportunity to retest the skill.

Students on academic probation are not eligible to participate in skills or clinicals.

Students will be kept informed of their grades and notified when examinations are scheduled. Quizzes may be unannounced. Any student should inquire of the course instructor if he/she does not understand or agree with the points given.

Affective Evaluations

9-week Affective Classroom Evaluation

Student__________________________________Instructor____________________________

Date:_______________________________         Instructor____________________________

9-week Affective Classroom Evaluation

Instructor Comments:

Student Comments:

_____________________________________________        _______________________________________

Student Signature                                Instructor Signature

_____________________________________________        _______________________________________

Date                                                        Date

Course Completion Requirements

Tri County’s Paramedic students are required to complete the following requirements in order to be considered completed and eligible for graduation:

• Students must maintain an 80% cumulative average in each course in order to graduate.
• Students must receive a minimum of 75% on the Final Course Test (see below).

• A student that does not receive a 75% on the course final, will be given the opportunity to have 2 retakes.
• The student will have 10 days from the first test to complete the retakes.
• If the student does not pass the Final Course test, the student fails the program.

• Students must pass the comprehensive skills final.
• Have all clinical and internship records completed, turned in and recorded in Fisdap.
• Portfolio and Certification information completed and recorded in Fisdap.

Final Program Testing

Tri County will administer an online final in the Assessment Center through the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech (ODCTE) and an Instructor Final Test. The better of the two finals will be your FINAL test score.  Tri County requires a minimum of 75% as passing for this final. You may retake each FINAL twice. You must complete your Final within 2 weeks and make arrangements with the Assessment Center’s staff for your retake.  If you do not pass a FINAL test within the allowed retakes, you must repeat the entire program.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: ODCTE results will show a 70% as passing and will not allow retakes if 70% is achieved. Two retakes are allowed for the ODCTE Final if 70% is not achieved. Tri County requires a minimum of 75% as passing for this final. The Instructor Final Test may be retaken twice.

Terminal Competency/Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate, students must have a completed and signed by Program Director Terminal Competency Form. (See Appendix C).

Attendance

Attendance is of prime importance for the Paramedic Program. Paramedic students must be in attendance 90% of the scheduled class/lab hours.

• Instructors must be notified if a student is going to be absent or tardy prior to class.
• One tardy (anything less than an hour) will equal 1 hour. Arriving late or leaving early is considered a tardy.
• Students absent 68.1 hours will be dismissed from the program.
• Individuals missing over 32 hours will be placed on Probation and remain on Probation for the entirety of the Program.

100% Attendance is required for Clinicals. There is no makeup for clinicals.

Clinicals

Clinicals are on a pass/fail basis.

Uniforms/Dress Code

Students are to present a professional appearance at all times in class, clinicals, and field experiences. All uniforms must be clean and wrinkle-free. If students are coming to class from an EMS shift, work uniforms may be worn if clean and professional. Students are representatives of the school while in uniform. Uniforms should not be worn outside of class.

Student required uniform:

• Polo Shirt furnished by Tri County – tucked in at all times.
• White or black undershirts (plain) must be worn underneath your Polo Shirt at all times.
• In cold weather, white or black turtlenecks or white or black thermal underwear may be work under the polo shirt.
• Picture ID
• Black pants
• Black Belt – plain leather and plain buckle
• Black non-slip closed-toe shoes or boots – clean and polished
• Socks – required, black if visible
• Tattoos should be covered if possible. Any offensive tattoo must be covered.
• In extreme weather conditions, appropriate outerwear may be worn if it meets Instructor or clinical/field site approval.
• During low visibility, high-visibility public safety vest must be worn for all contacts close to or on a roadway.
• Ink pen
• Note Pad
• During clinicals, site uniform requirements may differ.

Student IDs

Students are required to wear a picture ID at all clinicals and field internships.

Advanced Placement, Transfers, Experiential Learning, and Credits

Advanced Standing

Students who leave the Paramedic Program must return at the beginning of the course that was incomplete—but must do it during the next (following) class only. Advanced Standing and credit will only be given for one year. Students applying for advanced standing from another program will be addressed on a case by case basis.

Experiential Learning and Credits

Advanced placement for the Paramedic program is not offered at Tri County Tech and Tri County does not issue college credits for courses completed. Once students complete all the requirements for the Tri County’s Paramedic program and pass their certifications, a completion certificate is issued. Although Tri County does not issue college credits, several colleges/universities offer advanced placement paths to obtain degrees. Information regarding institutions that offer experiential learning and credits for licensed and certified paramedics may contact the Student Services office for additional information.

Incoming Transfers

Students must show their withdrawal and “good-standing” from another state approved program. Transfer requests will be reviewed by an Advisor and the Paramedic Instructors to determine if there is an appropriate entry-point. If there is not an appropriate entry-point, students will be advised they need to enter at the beginning of the next scheduled class.

Curriculum

The following sequencing of courses covers the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning domains. Students must successfully complete 1201 hours to graduate. Anatomy & Physiology is a Prerequisite.

*Note: Instructors may require students to attend weekly update/reviews during Internship/Leadership
and clinical portions.

Technical Standards

A candidate for the paramedic program must have abilities, attributes and skills in five major areas: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral and social. Technological competencies and reasonable accommodations can be made for some handicaps in certain areas. Paramedic students must be able to:

• Communicate verbally via phone or radio.
• Ability to lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance)
• Analyze, interpret and respond to written, oral and diagnostic form instructions.
• Remain calm and utilize good judgment in high-stress situations.
• Be able to read maps, locate addresses, drive and respond to dispatchers.
• Perform tasks related to advanced emergency patient care and documentation.
• Calculate ratios and mathematical calculations in expedient manner.
• Assist in lifting patients onto stretchers and place in ambulance.

Paramedic Functional Job Analysis / Technical Standards

Paramedic Characteristics

The Paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The Paramedic must have excellent judgement and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self-disciplined, able to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural groups and ages within those groups. Must be able to function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.

Even though the Paramedic is generally part of a two-person team generally working with a lower skill and knowledge level Basic EMT, it is the Paramedic who is held responsible for safe and therapeutic administration of drugs including narcotics. Therefore, the Paramedic must not only be knowledge about medications but must be able to apply this knowledge in a practical sense. Knowledge and practical application of medications include thoroughly knowing and understanding the general properties of all types of drugs including analgesics, anesthetics, anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives and hypnotics, anticonvulsants, central nervous stimulants, psychotherapeutics which include antidepressants, and other anti-psychotics, anticholerginics, cholergenics, muscle relaxants, anti-dysrythmics, anti-hypertensives, anticoagulants, diuretics, bronchodilators, opthalmics, pituitary drugs, gastro-intestinal drugs, hormones, antibiotics, antifungals, antiinflammatories, serums, vaccines, anti-parasitics, and others.

The Paramedic is personally responsible, legally, ethically, and morally for each drug administered, for using correct precautions and techniques, observing and documenting the effects of the drugs administered, keeping one’s own pharmacological knowledge base current as to changes and trends in administration and use, keeping abreast of all contraindications to administration of specific drugs to patients based on their constitutional make-up, and using drug reference literature.

The responsibility of the Paramedic includes obtaining a comprehensive drug history from the patient that includes names of drugs, strength, daily usage and dosage. The Paramedic must take into consideration that many factors, in relation to the history given, can affect the type medication to be given. For example, some patients may be taking several medications prescribed by several different doctors and some may lose track of what they have or have not taken. Some may be using nonprescription/over the counter drugs. Awareness of drug reactions and the synergistic effects of drugs combined with other medicines and in some instances, food, is imperative. The Paramedic must also take into consideration the possible risks of medication administered to a pregnant mother and the fetus, keeping in mind that drugs may cross the placenta.

The Paramedic must be cognizant of the impact of medications on pediatric patients based on size and weight, special concerns related to newborns, geriatric patients and the physiological effects of aging such as the way skin can tear in the geriatric population with relatively little to no pressure. There must be an awareness of the high abuse potential of controlled substances and the potential for addiction, therefore, the Paramedic must be thorough in report writing and able to justify why a particular narcotic was used and why a particular amount was given. The ability to measure and re-measure drip rates for controlled substances/medications is essential. Once medication is stopped or not used, the Paramedic must send back unused portions to proper inventory arena.

The Paramedic must be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems associated with medication dosages, perform conversion problems, differentiate temperature reading between centigrade and Fahrenheit scales, be able to use proper advanced life support equipment and supplies ( i.e. proper size of intravenous needles ) based on patient’s age and condition of veins, and be able to locate sites for obtaining blood samples and perform this task, administer medication intravenously, administer medications by gastric tube, administer oral medications, administer rectal medications, and comply with universal pre-cautions and body substance isolation, disposing of contaminated items and equipment properly.

The Paramedic must be able to apply knowledge and skills to assist overdosed patients to overcome trauma through antidotes, and have knowledge of poisons and be able to administer treatment. The Paramedic must be knowledgeable as to the stages drugs/medications go through once they have entered the patient’s system and be cognizant that route of administration is critical in relation to patient’s needs and the effect that occurs.

The Paramedic must also be capable of providing advanced life support emergency medical services to patients including conducting of and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support the cardiac functions, performing advanced endotracheal intubations in airway management and relief of pneumothorax and administering of appropriate intravenous fluids and drugs under direction of off-site designated physician.

The Paramedic is a person who must not only remain calm while working in difficult and stressful circumstances, but must be capable of staying focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions of the position. Good judgement along with advanced knowledge and technical skills are essential in directing other team members to assist as needed. The Paramedic must be able to provide top quality care, concurrently handle high levels of stress, and be willing to take on the personal responsibility required of the position. This includes not only all legal ramifications for precise documentation, but also the responsibility for using the knowledge and skills acquired in real lifethreatening emergency situations.

The Paramedic must be able to deal with adverse and often dangerous situations which include responding to calls in districts known to have high crime and mortality rates. Self-confidence is critical, as is a desire to work with people, solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress, and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual, and cognitive requirements demanded by this position.

Physical Demands

Aptitudes required for work of this nature are good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds. Motor coordination is necessary because over uneven terrain, the patient’s, the Paramedic’s, and other workers’ well-being must not be jeopardized.

Comments

The Paramedic provides the most extensive pre-hospital care and may work for fire departments, private ambulance services, police departments or hospitals. Response times for nature of work are dependent upon nature of call. For example, a Paramedic working for a private ambulance service that transports the elderly from nursing homes to routine medical appointments and check-ups may endure somewhat less stressful circumstances than the Paramedic who works primarily with 911 calls in districts known to have high crime rates. Thus, the particular stresses inherent in the role of the Paramedic can vary, depending on place and type of employment.

However, in general, in the analyst’s opinion, the Paramedic must be flexible to meet the demands of the ever-changing emergency scene. When emergencies exist, the situation can be complex and care of the patient must be started immediately. In essence, the Paramedic in the EMS system uses advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician services to the ambulance. The Paramedic must be able to make accurate independent judgements while following oral directives. The ability to perform duties in a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life and death for the patient.

Use of the telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt emergency services is required, as is a pager, depending on place of employment. Accurately discerning street names through map reading, and correctly distinguishing house numbers or business addresses are essential to task completion in the most expedient manner. Concisely and accurately describing orally to dispatcher and other concerned staff, one's impression of patient's condition, is critical as the Paramedic works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for deliberation. The Paramedic must also be able to accurately report orally and in writing, all relevant patient data. At times, reporting may require a detailed narrative on extenuating circumstances or conditions that go beyond what is required on a prescribed form. In some instances, the Paramedic must enter data on computer from a laptop in ambulance. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are used extensively.

Source: USDOT 1998 National Standard Paramedic Curriculum

The Dictionary of Occupational Titles, published by the United States Department of Labor, rates the occupation of Paramedic as Strength Code V – Very Heavy Work. Abilities required to perform jobs rated V include:

• Exerting in excess of 100 pounds force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly.
• These strength requirements exceed those of Heavy work

The Dictionary of Occupational Titles lists job tasks performed by Paramedics as follows:

• Administer life support care to sick and injured persons in a pre-hospital setting.
• Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures to be followed or need for additional assistance.
• Restores and stabilizes heart rhythm on pulseless, non-breathing patient, using a defibrillator.
• Initiates intravenous fluids for a variety of purposes, performs endotracheal intubation to open airways and ventilate patient.
• Administers injections of medications and drugs.
• Assists in extricating trapped victims and transports sick and injured persons to a treatment facility.
• Observes, records, and reports to physician patient’s condition and response to drugs, treatments or other significant incidents.
• May drive mobile intensive care unit to scene.
• May serve as team leader for Emergency Medical Technicians.

Occupational Risks

Provision of emergency medical services poses inherent occupational risks for EMS responders. Risks include the following.

1. Violence/assaults

2. Verbal threats/aggression

3. Motor vehicle crashes

4. Infectious disease

5. Lifting injuries

6. Sprains and strains

7. Psychological trauma

8. Hazardous chemical exposure

9. Hyper/hypothermia

Health and Safety Procedures

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Within the health care industry there is a risk of exposure to a variety of communicable diseases. Those of particular concern within the industry are the Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human Immuno-deficiency (HIV) viruses. Both of these viruses are found in body secretions, especially blood, and are often referred to as blood borne pathogens.

HEPATITIS B (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a virus which attacks the liver resulting in swelling, soreness and loss of normal liver functioning. Since the liver is a major filter of blood and destroyer of toxic materials, this may cause serious consequences. The symptoms of Hepatitis B infection include: weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and the characteristic jaundice or yellow discoloration of the skin. Symptoms may vary from severe to non-existent. A major concern for the health care worker is the chronic carrier or person who has the virus present at all times. Although the carrier is not ill, the virus may be transmitted to others through contact with blood or body fluids from this person. There is a vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis B infection. It is recommended that persons who are at risk of exposure (including all health care workers) be vaccinated.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus which attacks a person's immune system and results in their being unable to fight disease. This virus causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. The symptoms of HIV infection may take as long as 8 to 10 years following exposure to appear. They may include: night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue, gland pain or swelling, and muscle or joint pain. Presently, there is no vaccination against or cure for HIV.

STANDARD PRECAUTIONS

You can protect yourself and patients from disease by using standard precautions. Standard precautions mean using precautions and protective devices when there is a potential for exposure to any body fluid. This is the method used by the clinical facilities in which our students practice. Throughout this program, you will be taught and encouraged to use personal protective equipment and practices to protect yourself and others from exposure to body substances. These will include, but are not limited to proper handwashing; practices for disposing of sharps; practices for disposing of materials contaminated with body secretions; and the use of protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, etc. when the potential for exposure is present. Learn and practice standard precautions at all times to protect yourself and others from infection.

EXPOSURE

Even when practicing careful technique and proper procedure, exposure to contaminated materials may occur. Pathogens or disease-causing organisms may be transmitted through contact with mucous membranes, non-intact skin (including cuts, abrasions, burns, rashes, paper cuts, hangnails, etc.), or touching contaminated areas or surfaces. Healthcare workers must especially be careful to prevent puncture wounds or cuts from contaminated sharps.

If exposure does occur:

1. Immediately wash the exposed area with warm water and soap; if mouth exposure - rinse with water or mouthwash, and if eye exposure - irrigate with water or normal saline.

2. Immediately report the incident to your instructor describing how, when, and where the incident occurred.

3. Your instructor will tell you what additional procedure needs to be followed.

Appendix A - CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is defined as the principle in medical ethics that the information a client reveals to a health care provider is private and has limits on how and when it can be disclosed to a third party, (Miller-Keane – Encyclopedia & Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Allied Health, 6th ed., 1997). It is the maintenance of privacy, by not sharing or divulging to a third part privileged or entrusted information. Clients’ knowledge that they may safely discuss sensitive matters with their health care providers is necessary for successful, caring, and effective diagnosis and treatment. Matters discussed in confidence are held in secret, except in the rare instances when the information presents a clear threat to the health and well-being of another person, or in cases in which public health may be compromised by not revealing the information. In these instances, it is unethical and illegal not to disclose the information (Taber’s Dictionary, 19th ed., 2001).

 As a student paramedic you are going to be aware of very personal and private information about the clients you care for. At all times it is imperative that you maintain the strictest confidentiality. This means that you may only discuss the client’s condition or treatment with caregivers who are directly engaged in giving care to this client. At no time is it appropriate to discuss a client’s condition, care, or procedures with others not involved with the care of this client.

For educational purposes you may describe procedures or diagnosis during post conference or in your clinical assignments but do not include client name.

At no time may the chart or any part of the chart be copied or photocopied. If, at any time, you should break confidentiality, you may be asked to leave the program.

Appendix B – CoAEMSP Disclosure

The Tri County Tech Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs(www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of  the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Service Professions (CoAEMSP Executive Office). To contact CoAEMSP Executive Office: 8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312 | Rowlett, TX 75088 | 214-703-8445 | www.coaemsp.org

Appendix C – Terminal Competency Form
Provided in class.

Appendix D - STUDENT AGREEMENT FOR DRUG TESTING AND CLINICAL ELIGIBILITY

Purpose:

This agreement outlines the drug testing policies and clinical eligibility requirements for students enrolled in programs at Tri County Tech. By signing this agreement, students acknowledge their responsibilities and the potential impact of marijuana use on clinical placement and program completion.

1. Drug Testing Policy

1.1. Students are required to undergo drug testing as a condition of enrollment and prior to clinical placement. Additional testing may be required based on clinical site policies or may be conducted by Tri County Tech at random or if there is reasonable suspicion of impairment.

1.2. A positive drug test for any controlled substance, including THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), will result in further review. Students who test positive for a prescribed medication, including amphetamines or opioids, must provide valid documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.

1.3. Students who test positive for THC and present a valid Oklahoma medical marijuana card will have their drug test reviewed in accordance with school and clinical site policies. Students assigned to clinical sites that prohibit marijuana use, including medical, may be denied admittance to or dismissed from the clinical site upon a positive drug test. It is the responsibility of the student to know their clinical site’s policies.

2. Clinical Site Requirements

2.1. Clinical sites may impose their own drug testing policies, which may differ from the school’s policies. Students are responsible for complying with all clinical site requirements.

2.2. If a clinical site denies a student placement due to a positive drug test, the school is not responsible for securing alternative placements. This may impact the student’s ability to complete the program requirements.

2.3. Students acknowledge that marijuana and its derivatives are controlled and illegal substances under federal law.  Students further acknowledge that they will perform safety-sensitive tasks as part of the clinical experience.  Marijuana use, including medical, at any time while working in most healthcare settings is prohibited.

3. Student Responsibilities

3.1. Students shall report any prescription medications, including medical marijuana, to the designated school official before drug testing.

3.2. Students shall not attend clinicals under the influence of any substance that could impair their ability to provide safe patient care.

3.3. If a student is suspected of being impaired at a clinical site, they may be subject to immediate removal, additional drug testing, and potential disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.

4. Acknowledgment and Agreement

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the drug testing policies and clinical eligibility requirements. I understand that my use of medical marijuana, even if legal in Oklahoma, may impact my ability to be placed in a clinical setting and to continue in or complete my training at Tri County Technology Center. I accept full responsibility for any consequences related to any positive drug test results and am fully aware of the risks associated with testing positive for an altering substance or substances, including medical marijuana, or associated with being under the influence or in possession of an altering substance.

Student Name (Print): ___________________________

Student Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________

School Representative Name (Print): ___________________________

School Representative Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________