Teaching professional responsibilities and development within a medical technology curriculum

This paper describes an innovative approach for teaching a course on professional topics - that addresses principles of supervision and education, career planning, and practical research and development - within a 3 + 1 medical technology program. Learner affective behavior is influenced by coupling the experiental learning model with principles of adult education. The contract method of evaluation used provides individual learners with the opportunity to choose a level of involvement consistent with their interest in participating in activities directly related to the accomplishment of their career goals. Effectiveness of the course design and component activities are discussed in light of student evaluations.