Policies and Procedures for Students

Textbook Policy
How to Prepare for the Course
Schedule
What to Wear at the Course
Grades
Retest Policy
Disability Policy
Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Textbook Policy

ITLS requires that all students have a copy of the appropriate ITLS course book. Students should receive their books at least 30 days before the course date for adequate time to prepare for the course.

How to Prepare for the Course

You absolutely must read and study the ITLS book before the course. There is not enough time in 2 days to learn the written material, master the skills, and imprint the ITLS patient assessment method. The philosophy of a 2-day hands-on course is to be familiar with the material beforehand, to review the concepts briefly, and then to spend most of the time practicing the practical applications of those concepts. The best method of preparation is to do the following:

1. Read the book through once (including skill stations that are to be taught in your course—you should be notified if you are to be responsible for any of the optional skills). Unless notified in writing, you are not required to read, nor will you be tested on, material in the Student section of the online Resource Central.
2. Take the pretest and compare your answers to the provided answer key.
3. Reread the book, paying particular attention to those subjects identified as weaknesses by the pretest.
4. Memorize the ITLS Primary Survey, ITLS Ongoing Exam and ITLS Secondary Survey.
5. If possible, practice patient assessment using the team approach as outlined in Chapter 3.
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Schedule

You will be sent a schedule for the course. ITLS is a very intensive learning course, and time must be used efficiently. You must be familiar with your skill station schedule so that you have time to practice each skill during the brief time available.

What to Wear at the Course

ITLS is a practical course that stresses hands-on teaching. You should wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Blue jeans and sweatshirts are perfect.

Grades

In order to become ITLS certified, you will have to take the ITLS Written Exam and Practical Exam at the conclusion of the Provider course. The Practical Exam is patient assessment. You will not be required to test on each of the skills taught in the skill stations. However, you will be required to use those skills correctly in the management of your simulated patients. You are graded on your overall management of the problem.

The one-hour written test is composed of 50 questions and requires a grade of at least 74% to pass. Students demonstrating superior performance on both the Written and Practical Exams may earn Instructor Potential designation and be invited to become instructor candidates.

Retest Policy

Students who fail only the patient assessment skills test will usually be retested on the same day (time permitting) or given the opportunity to retest within 6 weeks. It is strongly recommended that there be two evaluators for a patient assessment retest. If possible, the evaluator who initially rated the student as “inadequate” should not conduct the retest. Students may not retest in order to raise a passing grade.

Students who fail only the written test may not retake it immediately but will be given an opportunity to retest after having had time to review the material and study identified areas of weakness. The retest will be scheduled within 6 weeks. Students who pass the retest will pass the course. Students who fail the retest may be provided an opportunity to retake the course at no charge or for a reduced charge. Students may not retest in order to raise a passing grade.

Students who fail both the written and the patient assessment test will be asked to repeat the course.

Disability Policy

If a student cannot complete the patient assessment portion of the ITLS course due to physical disability, he or she should receive a certificate of completion or audit, but should not receive a course certification card.  Chapters and Training Centres may choose to make accommodations to assist students to complete portions of the course.  In addition, completion of a course does not signify field competency.

Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

ITLS recognizes the importance of conducting courses free of any sexual or other harassment. Each Chapter and Training Centre is required by ITLS International to adopt a non-discrimination and harassment policy that addresses the legal requirements while taking social and cultural customs into account. This policy can be found in the Chapter or Training Centre’s Policy & Procedure Manual.