Abstract
This dissertation in practice (DIP) examines the perceptions of the clinical learning environment (CLE) from the perspective of students currently or recently enrolled in a radiation sciences program at a midsized, midwestern university. This qualitative study, which followed a hermeneutical phenomenological method, sought to identify suggested improvements for the CLEs of the radiation sciences students to improve their educational experience and perceptions of their learning environment. The literature review examines the lived experiences of radiology students and recent alumni in the CLE (i.e., student education level and perceived clinical skill, teaching strategies of reflection, problem-based learning, concept mapping, layered learning practice model and role modeling as well as clinical climate and feedback) of radiology adjacent disciplines. I used semi-structured interviews to collect data, as well as reviews of reflective journals, subsequently coding and theming these to produce insights about the clinical environment. My findings and analysis identify two major areas for improvement, the toxic climate of the CLE and the lackluster feedback provided on clinical activity. My proposed solutions for improving the clinical climate are to implement servant leadership in place of the current command and control management and use of clinical preceptors in all clinical areas. Solutions for improving the feedback include implementation of a verbal feedback system that happens in real time and improvement to the written comments on the evaluation forms. I detail these solutions and discuss implementation strategies, required resources, and stakeholder involvement.Keywords: radiation sciences, clinical learning environment, climate, feedback, phenomenology