PrepMD Medical Device Specialist Training Program Policies

PrepMD LLC (“PrepMD”) is Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure (License# 13100380) Office of Private Occupational Schools.  Any comments, questions, or concerns about this school’s license should be directed to occupational.schools@state.ma.us or 617-701-8719. PrepMD LLC Policy Statements are pursuant to M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K.

School Calendar The entirety of each PrepMD training calendar is available on the PrepMD Admissions webpage. After the participant has completed and signed the Enrollment and at the time of enrollment, each participant receives a welcome letter detailing all necessary information the participant will require in advance of beginning the PrepMD program, inclusive of books, webinar schedules, on-site program preparation, and a detail on the expectations of time management that will be required throughout the conduct of the program. Participants are able to contact all PrepMD faculty regarding any questions on calendar and their program status when they are off-site, at 888-633-7737.

Enrollment Process
PrepMD notifies accepted candidates via an acceptance email which is followed by a digital acceptance package. To confirm and hold a seat, students are required to sign the acceptance package and make a $2,500 deposit which includes $1,495 non-refundable fees within two weeks. PrepMD encourages students to submit their deposit as early as possible and upon receipt, the student participates in gearing up call with Admissions to discuss the next steps in the process including pre-work, books, housing, immunizations and professional development. Books and online prework access are provided to help strengthen the student’s engagement in the Phase 1 segment of the program. PrepMD Professionals LLC initiates Professional development support, starting with professional resume coaching to ensure the student’s resume content and structure is ready for hiring manager review. A background check is performed on all accepted students. Full tuition payment is due one month before the session start date.

Tuition, Fees & Expenses
The total cost for PrepMD’s 24-Week Medical Device Specialist Training Program is $35,895.

Total Program Cost: $35,895
Program Tuition: $34,400
Total non-refundable fees, $1,495 (after the initial 5-day period):
Books, Online Learning Platform Access $650.00
Clinical Rotation Setup immunization screenings) $720.00
Background Check Fee $75.00
Administrative Fee $50.00

A deposit of $2,500 is due within two weeks of acceptance and the remaining balance of $33,395 is due 30 days prior to the start of the program.

Students attend class in Braintree, MA and travel to clinical sites in the Greater Boston area during the onsite portion of the program (approximately 15 weeks in duration). The costs for room and board are estimated at $1,500 to $1,800 per month. Additional costs include transportation and general living expenses. Students must have the ability to travel to clinical sites not accessible by public transportation.

Many students borrowing funds to attend PrepMD choose Meritize, a private student lender. Accepted PrepMD applicants applying to Meritize may borrow a loan to cover the total cost of attending the program which includes tuition & fees and living expenses.

Enrollment Policies
Any changes, addendums, or additions made subsequent to the signing of the Enrollment Agreement must be in writing and signed by both the school and the student and are subject to the regulations of M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K.

Students have the right to cancel the enrollment contract before the completion of five school days or five percent of this Program, whichever occurs first, and to receive a full refund of all monies paid, less actual reasonable administrative costs up to $50 and actual reasonable costs of non-reusable supplies or equipment which include books, online technologies and software license fees, clinical rotation setup fees, Dosimeter badges & reading fees, and background check fee. Refund Amount $32,500.

Immunization Requirements and Proof of Health Insurance
PrepMD students participate in clinical rotations at major medical centers in the Boston area and an immunization checklist is provided to the students upon acceptance into the program. Students are required to submit immunization documentation listed in the checklist and proof of health insurance by the start of their training session. All immunization records and titer result documentation must include the student’s full name, date of birth, and a health professional signature or stamp. Students who are not able to submit the immunization documentation may not participate in the clinical rotations and therefore cannot graduate from the program.

Acceptance Deferral Process
Students accepted into one session may defer their enrollment to the following session if space is available. Students need to officially communicate deferral requests to PrepMD Admissions. If the student has not yet signed an acceptance package, PrepMD Admissions will re-launch an acceptance package with the new session dates. If the student has already signed an acceptance package, PrepMD Admissions will initiate a deferral letter to confirm the student’s request for deferral with new session dates and refund schedule. The student is required to digitally sign this deferral letter in order to complete the acceptance deferral process.

Acceptance Withdrawal Process
Students accepted into a session need to officially communicate withdrawal requests to PrepMD Admissions. If a student has made a deposit and/or tuition payment, a refund amount is calculated as per the refund policy listed in the PrepMD Enrollment Agreement signed by the student and PrepMD. The student is required to digitally sign a withdrawal acknowledgement sent by PrepMD Admissions and confirm the mailing address so PrepMD can process the refund amount. Any refund due to the student is processed within 45 days of the effective date of the termination of the Enrollment Agreement.

Attendance Policy
Attendance is measured and accounted for during the entirety of the program. PrepMD’s 24-week long Medical Device Specialist Training Program includes curriculum delivered through Orientation, Professional Development and Core Concept distance learning (Phase 1) followed by Pre-Clinical didactic lectures, workshops, and laboratories conducted at our Braintree facility (Phase 2), subsequently followed by Clinical Rotations in Boston area hospitals (Phase 3) during which participants alternate weekly between classroom lectures, workshops and hospital -based clinical settings. 100% attendance by each program participant is mandated to ensure that the participant maintains PrepMD’s Good Academic Standing in the program.

Should a participant miss a training session in any portion of the program, for whatever reason, this reason must be documented and approved by PrepMD’s Program Director or by the CEO. Any absence without such approval constitutes a violation of the PrepMD’s attendance policy and as such may necessitate the participant’s voluntary withdrawal from the program. Voluntary withdrawals from the Program due to the inability of the participant to adhere to the PrepMD attendance policy will qualify for a refund in accordance with the state’s refund policy.

Each participant’s attendance record is reported to potential hiring managers upon request. PrepMD stores printed or digital course records in the form of PrepMD session curriculum, student rosters by PrepMD session, as well as individual test scores for each session. Course enrollment records and exam scores are kept by PrepMD for a period of seven years.

Tardiness
Students are encouraged to be in class at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the training day. Any student who is not present in their seat at the start of the class day and has not previously informed the faculty in writing of their reason for being late will be marked as tardy. Students who arrive late to their designated clinical sites during Phase 3 of their rotation will also be marked as tardy for that date.

Make-up Work
It is the sole responsibility of the student to make up all missed classroom assignments and examinations. Additional work may be assigned by faculty to account for missed clinical rotation and/or classroom time.

Failure to Adhere to Attendance Policy
If a participant does not adhere to the attendance policy by missing a training session during any portion of the program, for whatever reason, this reason must be documented and approved by PrepMD’s Program Director or by the CEO. Failure to submit an absence without approval constitutes a violation of the PrepMD’s attendance policy and as such may necessitate the participant’s voluntary withdrawal from the program. If a student stops attending a PrepMD session but does not withdraw in accordance with PrepMD’s withdrawal policy, PrepMD shall:

1. For purposes of any payments due from the student or refund due to the student, treat the student’s non-attendance as a termination of the enrollment contract, effective no later than the last date of attendance or last participation in an instructional activity.
2. Determine the effective date of the termination within 30 days after the end of the period of enrollment, the term, or the Program, whichever is earliest.
3. Complete a refund calculation for the student, including all fees and payments, in a form acceptable to the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure.
4. Provide the calculation and any refund to student within 45 days from the date the School determines the effective date of termination under M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K.

Leave of Absences & Reentry Requirements
PrepMD is a fast-paced academically rigorous program and therefore it is challenging for students to take a leave of absence. Students do have an option to initiate a deferral prior to cumulative exam 2 at the conclusion of Phase 1 (1) due to personal reasons or (2) failure to maintain good academic standing. Students are not able to defer after Phase 1 of the program and will be required to execute the PrepMD refund policy. These students may reapply to a later session as new applicants following the regular admissions and enrollment process as listed in the Admissions section.

Course Access The PrepMD Medical Device Specialist Training Program is not differentiated by “courses” but by phases of training.

Phase 1, Core Concept Coursework is conducted through distance learning and includes a combination of  online lectures, weekly live webinars and knowledge checks. PrepMD utilizes advanced tools and technologies to provide best-in-class experience for the students during the program.

• iPrepMD Online Learning Platform During Phase 1 of the program, the students are given access to the iPrepMD Online Learning platform which hosts courses on cardiac anatomy and physiology, different disease states and procedures performed, and techniques and technologies used to perform these procedures. The Online Learning platform also has capabilities to provide simulations and virtual clinical training.
• Shared Drive PrepMD and PrepMD Professionals predominantly uses Google Drive to store and share content such as resumes, student bios, etc. with the students and among the faculty and staff.
• Online Conferencing Platforms PrepMD uses online technologies such as GoToMeeting, Zoom and Google Meet to conduct webinars and online meetings with the students. This provides virtual classroom experience to the students and enables the faculty to meet with the students individually during faculty hours as well as conduct weekly webinars during Phase 1 of the program.
• PrepMD Email Access During Phase 1 week 1, every student is set up with his/her own PrepMD email address. Students are encouraged to use this email address for communication with hiring managers and with the class and PrepMD staff during the program.
• Online Communication Platform PrepMD faculty engages with the students throughout the program on SLACK, which is an online communication platform. The PrepMD channel on Slack is a forum for the class that facilitates communication among the students as well as with the PrepMD faculty and staff. Students use this platform extensively to discuss academics as well as for non-academic communication such as housing coordination.
• Laptop & Software Requirements Students are required to bring a laptop with access to Microsoft Office tools such as MS Word, XLS and PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Reader for use while working on assignments, resumes, etc.

Phase 2, Pre-Clinical Coursework, consisting of didactic lectures, laboratories, and workshops, is conducted onsite at the PrepMD facility in Braintree MA. Each PrepMD participant must be able to attend daily lectures at the PrepMD facility.

• Training Facility PrepMD has a 11,095 Sq. Ft. award-winning facility in Braintree, MA. The facility offers an immersive, technologically advanced environment with state-of-the-art equipment and training spaces tailored to the needs of future medical device clinical specialists.
• EP Lounge: Our facility includes a dedicated EP lounge where students learn complex electrophysiology mapping procedures. The students learn to identify where an arrhythmia or abnormal rhythm is originating by practicing on 3D mapping system equipment from different companies. The EP lounge also offers video conferencing capabilities, so the students can attend interactive lectures with guest speakers in real time.
• PrepLab™: In the PrepLab™ mock procedure room, we can recreate entire device implantation procedures with amazing fidelity. In addition to acquainting students with different implant procedures for various arrhythmias, they can also familiarize themselves with hospital procedure room protocol. We are the only medical device training facility in the country with a replica electrophysiology laboratory of this kind.
• Programmer Bar™: The students learn how different companies’ devices impact heart arrhythmias at our Programmer Bar. This one-of-a-kind training system enables the students to compare device algorithm effects with ease. The Programmer Bar™ also offers video conferencing capabilities, so the students can attend interactive lectures with guest speakers in real time.
• Classrooms and Library: Our large, bright classrooms feature smart learning technology to make lectures and meetings interactive and engaging. In our on-site library and resource center, students will be able to browse text, periodical, and video resources, as well as sign out demo equipment for practicing programming skills.

Phase 3, Clinical Rotations, are conducted in Boston area hospitals and physician offices. Participants are required to have their own means of transportation available, whether public or private, in order to attend these clinical rotation sessions. PrepMD partners with some of the world’s top medical centers as well as community medical centers enabling students to gain firsthand clinical experience. During the clinical rotations, students have the opportunity to interact with highly experienced practitioners and observe highly complex cardiac patient cases.

• Beth Israel Deaconess: A major teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals”
• Beth Israel Lahey Health: Founded in 1923, a teaching hospital of Tufts University School of Medicine
• Boston Medical Center: Treats one million patients annually across 70 specialties, affiliated with Boston University School of Medicine
• Tufts Medical Center: The principal teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine and a world-class medical center
• UMass Memorial Medical Center: The region’s trusted academic medical center, part of the prestigious UMass Memorial Health Care system

Grading and Satisfactory Progress

Overview: PrepMD students are required to maintain Good Academic Standing throughout all three phases of the training program, including comprehensive written and practical final exams. Due to the unique nature of the PrepMD program, each training phase has its own academic standing requirements. Failure to successfully meet the academic standing requirements for any phase of training will prevent the candidate from graduating from the program as outlined below. Deferral and withdrawal procedures are outlined below.

Good Academic Standing: Successful program completion is determined by achieving a Good Academic Standing score as detailed in PrepMD’s Academic Standing Policy.

Exam Integrity: At PrepMD exam integrity is taken very seriously. Any student found to be taking electronic images or to be in possession of electronic images from any PrepMD Exam or Quiz will fall out of Good Academic Standing and as such cannot graduate from the program.

Academic Status Notification: Exam and Quiz scores are posted regularly so that each participant understands their academic status. Any student who does not maintain the minimum required score or above on any test will receive direct written notification of their score and make-up exam options.

Deferrals: Students may elect to initiate a deferral prior to Cumulative Exam 2 (at the conclusion of Phase 1). PrepMD allows students to defer only once. See PrepMD Deferral Refund Policy for details.

Withdrawals: Based upon a PrepMD participant’s inability to maintain PrepMD’s Good Academic Standing, as defined above, such participant will be given the option to voluntarily withdraw.

Refunds: Voluntary withdrawals due to the inability of the participant to satisfy the requirements of PrepMD’s Academic Standing Policy will be assigned a refund in accordance with PrepMD’s refund policy.

Academic Records: Course records in the form of PrepMD session curriculum, student rosters by PrepMD session, and all examination results and final grades are securely stored electronically. PrepMD LLC provides appropriate reports of progress to every participant on a regular basis. All final grades are recorded within PrepMD’s electronic records and may be requested by the individual.

Student Progress Reports:
Phase 1: Weekly Progress Report email updates highlight the student’s running average, minimum score requirements, and class average. Students participate in a weekly quiz group review with instructions on how to arrange for extra help if needed.

Students are required to pass two cumulative exams during Phase 1. Cumulative Exam Written Progress Reports include score achieved and incorrectly answered questions.

Phases 2 and 3: Written Weekly Progress Reports outline the student’s score and key concepts missed by them during the exam.

Students receive written Evaluation Reports on oral presentations and practical application exams administered during Phase 3 of the program.  Written reports provide feedback on areas of strength as well as development when evaluated against a standard grading rubric.

Phase 2 and Phase 3 Cumulative Exam Progress Reports include scores and key competency areas that were missed on the exam.

Periodic quiz feedback is provided throughout. While these quizzes do not count toward overall academic graduation requirements, they serve to help each student self-monitor for understanding and retention of the material delivered daily and prepare for weekly exams.

Throughout the program a student not receiving a passing score on any required testing is notified in writing of their score, the makeup requirements, and consequences of failing the makeup exam.

Graduation Requirements
For a student to maintain Good Academic Standing (explained in the Minimum Academic Requirements section) and successfully graduate from the PrepMD Medical Device Specialist Training Program the student must successfully complete all three phases of training as well as successfully complete comprehensive written and practical final exams. Students will receive a diploma and transcripts upon completion of a program. Additional certificates or transcripts may be requested by the students and will be provided electronically.

Expediting Program Completion
Students must satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements to receive a PrepMD Diploma. Students wishing to leave the program prior to graduation to pursue a career opportunity may work with the faculty in order to receive an expedited curriculum and testing schedule. The student must complete this curriculum and pass the tests as per the academic standards set by the faculty in order to expedite the graduation process.

Transfer of Credits
PrepMD is a Massachusetts Licensed Private Occupational School. Students graduating from the program receive a diploma confirming the program completion along with placement services. PrepMD does not issue transferable credits. Completion of PrepMD curriculum does not imply, promise or guarantee transferability of credits to any other institution.

Record Keeping
Students may request their academic transcripts or immunization records post-graduation. PrepMD maintains a record of the results of all examinations, both written and oral, for students enrolled in each session and provides appropriate reports of progress to every participant on a weekly basis. All final grades are recorded within PrepMD’s electronic records and can be accessed by participants and by staff.

PrepMD stores course records in the form of PrepMD session curriculum, student rosters by PrepMD session and individual test scores for each session. Course enrollment records and exam scores are kept by PrepMD LLC for at least seven years after graduation or separation from the School:

• The student’s signed enrollment contract, as well as any addendums, extensions, or amendments to that contract
• All records to support any effective date of termination of an enrollment contract used in a refund calculation under G.L. c. 112, § 263
• Copies of progress reports required under G.L. c. 112, § 263
• Student attendance records, which reflect any leaves of absence (including information about the status of the leave), the date of completion (anticipated and actual), and the date the student received a diploma or certificate
• Records of any externships
• Copies of any student complaints and PrepMD’s response

Acceptance Deferral Process
Students accepted into one session may defer their enrollment to the following session if space is available. Students need to officially communicate deferral requests to PrepMD Admissions. If the student has not yet signed an acceptance package, PrepMD Admissions will re-launch an acceptance package with the new session dates. If the student has already signed an acceptance package, PrepMD Admissions will initiate a deferral letter to confirm the student’s request for deferral with new session dates and refund schedule. The student is required to digitally sign this deferral letter in order to complete the acceptance deferral process.

PrepMD has a one-time only deferral policy. Students may elect to initiate a deferral prior to cumulative exam 2 (at the conclusion of Phase 1) due to personal reasons or failure to maintain good academic standing. A student who defers must start over at the beginning of the deferred session. PrepMD will retain any tuition fees paid and will apply those fees to the deferred session. Deferred students will be provided access to online curriculum while they await the deferred session.

• After taking cumulative exam 2, students no longer have an option to defer and will have to withdraw from the program. Students who withdraw may choose to reapply to a later session.

Students need to officially communicate deferral or withdrawal requests to PrepMD Admissions. A deferral or a withdrawal letter is subsequently sent to the student for signature.

Total Administrative Fees: $1.495, as follows:
Books, Online Learning Platform Access $650
Clinical Rotation Setup (immunization screenings) $720
Background Check Fee $75
Administrative Fee $50

Withdrawals If a student withdraws from a PrepMD session in accordance with PrepMD’s withdrawal policy, PrepMD shall:

• Treat the withdrawal as a termination of the enrollment contract effective immediately.
• Complete a refund calculation for the student, including all fees and payments, in a form acceptable to the division.
• Provide the calculation and any refund due to the student within 45 days of the effective date of the termination.

If a student stops attending a PrepMD session but does not withdraw in accordance with PrepMD’s withdrawal policy, PrepMD shall:

• For purposes of any payments due from the student or refund due to the student, treat the student’s non-attendance as a termination of the enrollment contract, effective no later than the last date of attendance or last participation in an instructional activity.
• Determine the effective date of the termination within 30 days after the end of the period of enrollment, the term, or the Program, whichever is earliest.
• Complete a refund calculation for the student, including all fees and payments, in a form acceptable to the division.
• Provide calculation and any refund to student within 45 days from the date the School determines the effective date of termination under M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K.

School Rules and Regulations

Smoking Policy
PrepMD is committed to providing a safe, healthy and productive work environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. Consistent with this commitment, in line with PrepMD policy, and in compliance with federal regulations PrepMD remains smoke and drug free.

Photo and Video Marketing Policy
PrepMD uses photos and videos of the facility, students, faculty, staff, and visitors to keep students engaged in their education, to interest prospective students in the program, to promote long-lasting relationships with PrepMD alumni, and to inform corporate and clinical partners and the general public about our program. PrepMD has the right to use these pictures and videos for marketing purposes. Students may submit a written request to the marketing team to not be included.

Social Media Policy
PrepMD has an active presence on social media outlets and engages with its followers by posting photos, videos and messages of the facility, students, faculty, staff and visitors. Students are held accountable for their own responsible use of social media outlets. It is up to each user of a social media outlet and participant in a virtual discussion to regulate content that is added or shared with the community.

The following is prohibited:

• Students may not post any content that is discriminatory, including any posts that are vulgar, false, obscene, harassing, or disparaging to the race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of any individual with whom a student comes into contact as a result of being a member of the PrepMD community
• Students may not disclose any financial, proprietary, or other confidential information of PrepMD.
• Students may not present themselves as official representatives of, or spokespersons for PrepMD unless asked to do so by a PrepMD staff or faculty member.
• Students may not use PrepMD trademarks or logos without PrepMD Marketing staff permission.
• Students may not represent themselves as another person, real or fictitious, or otherwise attempt to obscure their identity as a means to circumvent the prohibitions included in this policy.

If found in violation of these policies, students will be subject to disciplinary actions including warning, probation, or suspension pending withdrawal from PrepMD. Violations of federal and state laws may also result in criminal or civil actions.

Policy on Sexual Harassment
It is the goal of PrepMD to promote a learning environment that is free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of students or employees occurring in the workplace or in other settings in which employees or students may find themselves in connection with their employment or education is unlawful and will not be tolerated by this organization. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment or retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated. To achieve our goal of providing an education environment free from sexual harassment, the conduct that is described in this policy will not be tolerated and we have provided a procedure by which inappropriate conduct will be dealt with, if encountered by employees and students.

Because PrepMD takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously, we will respond promptly to complaints of sexual harassment and where it is determined that such inappropriate conduct has occurred, we will act promptly to eliminate the conduct and impose such corrective action as is necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate.

Please note that while this policy sets forth our goals of promoting a learning environment that is free of sexual harassment, the policy is not designed or intended to limit our authority to discipline or take remedial action for workplace conduct which we deem unacceptable, regardless of whether that conduct satisfies the definition of sexual harassment.

In Massachusetts, the legal definition for sexual harassment is: “sexual harassment” means sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or as a basis for employment decisions; or,
• such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive work environment.

Under these definitions, direct or implied requests by a supervisor or instructor for sexual favors in exchange for actual or promised job or educational benefits such as favorable reviews or grades, salary increases, promotions, increased benefits, or continued employment constitutes sexual harassment.

Definition of Sexual Harassment
The legal definition of sexual harassment is broad and in addition to the above examples, other sexually oriented conduct, whether it is intended or not, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating a work place or educational environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating to male or female workers may also constitute sexual harassment.

While it is not possible to list all those additional circumstances that may constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples of conduct which if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment depending upon the totality of the circumstances including the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness:

• Unwelcome sexual advances — whether they involve physical touching or not
• Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life; comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess
• Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons
• Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments
• Inquiries into one’s sexual experiences, and
• Discussion of one’s sexual activities

All employees and students of PrepMD should take special note that, as stated above, retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment, and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated by this organization.

Complaints of Sexual Harassment
If any of our employees or students believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment, the individual has the right to file a complaint with our organization. This may be done in writing or orally.

If you would like to file a complaint you may do so by contacting:
• Frank Coen, Human Resources Officer at 781-351-9526, frank.coen@prepmd.com, or
• Melissa Monaco, Business Manager at 781-428-4125, melissa.monaco@prepmd.com
Matt O’Neal, PrepMD CEO is also available to discuss any concerns you may have and to provide information to you about our policy on sexual harassment and our complaint process.

Sexual Harassment Investigation
When we receive the complaint, we will promptly investigate the allegation in a fair and expeditious manner. The investigation will be conducted in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. Our investigation will include a private interview with the person filing the complaint and with witnesses. We will also interview the person alleged to have committed sexual harassment. When we have completed our investigation, we will, to the extent appropriate inform the person filing the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the conduct of the results of that investigation.

If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has occurred, we will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct, and where it is appropriate, we will also impose disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Action
If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has been committed by one of our employees, students, or instructors, we will take such action as is appropriate under the circumstances. Such action may range from counseling to termination from employment/expulsion and may include such other forms of disciplinary action as we deem appropriate under the circumstances.

State and Federal Remedies
In addition to the above, if you believe you have been subjected to sexual harassment, you may file a formal complaint with either or both of the government agencies set forth below. Using our complaint process does not prohibit you from filing a complaint with these agencies. Each of the agencies has a short time period for filing a claim (EEOC – 300 days; MCAD – 300 days).

United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”)
JFK Federal Building
15 New Sudbury Street, Room 475
Boston, MA 02203-0506
1-800-669-4000

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”)
Boston Office:
One Ashburton Place—Room 601
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-3900

Student Conduct Suspension and Dismissal Guidelines
Students are accountable for meeting the requirements of the PrepMD training program and are expected to be responsible for conducting themselves ethically, honestly, and with integrity. This includes mutual respect and civility in academic and professional dialogue while in our training facility and in particular during their attendance at clinical rotations. Students also should not impair, interfere with, or impede the opportunities of others to learn.

Students whose conduct is deemed unethical or inappropriate may be subject to discipline ranging from counseling and/or a warning, up to and including expulsion. If expulsion is indicated, PrepMD will treat the expulsion as a withdrawal for the purposes of its refund policy and will issue a refund to the student in accordance with the PrepMD refund policy.Actions, oral, and written statements which threaten or violate the personal safety of any member of the faculty, staff, or other students.

Misconduct that may warrant discipline includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• • Disrespectful language toward any student, faculty member or staff of PrepMD.
  • Sexual abuse toward any PrepMD participant faculty member or staff.
  • Harassment that has the effect of creating a hostile or aggressive educational environment for any student, faculty, or staff member.
  • Sex discrimination/sexual harassment that has the effect of creating a hostile or unpleasant educational environment for any student, faculty, or staff member. This includes, but is not limited to, sex discrimination, sexual harassment, unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature including sexual violence.
  • Stalking or persistently pursuing another person that has the effect of imposing unwelcomed contact and/or communication.
  • Disorderly conduct that obstructs or interferes with PrepMD LLC’s educational process.
  • Violation of any applicable professional codes of ethics or conduct.
  • Failure to promptly comply with any reasonable instruction from faculty or official of PrepMD LLC.
  • Fabrication, alteration or creation of information, or lying during an investigation.
  • Violation of federal, state, or local laws or regulations that impacts PrepMD LLC’s educational environment.

If disciplinary action is required, PrepMD will require the student to immediately withdraw from the PrepMD program. If such a withdrawal is indicated, PrepMD will issue a refund to the participant in accordance with the PrepMD refund and withdrawal policies.

Guidance and Counseling Policies: Professional Development 

For students who choose to accept placement services, PrepMD Professionals LLC provides professional development guidance through group lectures and individual sessions, addressing issues such as resume and bio development, healthcare system and industry expectations for job performance, medical device industry history, and job interview preparation.

Students are asked to present to PrepMD Professionals their geographic preferences and industry of preference as part of the admissions process as well as during the program. PrepMD Professionals coaches the students, helping them explore a variety of placement areas within the medical device space. The clinical rotations phase specifically provides first-hand experience to the students so they may better understand the role and responsibilities of the various career opportunities.

Job Placement 

PrepMD Professionals is actively engaged in the placement of the participants into medical device specialist careers within healthcare organizations and medical device manufacturers. PrepMD Professionals has established formal staffing agreements with major medical device companies and healthcare systems who have requested its direct and/or contract staffing assistance, and PrepMD Professionals is directly paid by Employers for these services. Employers also include PrepMD’s subsidiary, PrepMD RMS LLC, and PrepMD Professionals itself which employs participants and places them in contract positions at medical device companies and healthcare systems.

While the students may choose to pursue all placement opportunities presented to them, the ultimate hiring decisions are made by the employers. Educational qualifications, academic performance, geographic flexibility, professional acumen and interview performance are key factors directly impacting interview opportunities and the placement success of the students. Placement support guidelines and terms are outlined in detail in the PrepMD Professionals Candidate Representation Agreement.

Although PrepMD Professionals provides these placement services there is no guarantee of employment, no guarantee of a specific salary range, and no guarantee of employment in a specific geographic location. PrepMD Professionals is paid by employers, and not students, for placement services and does not charge students any fees or expenses associated with the job interview or hiring processes. The student is required to submit to PrepMD Professionals copies of all employment offer letters received.

PrepMD Professionals LLC maintains records of its job placement rates electronically and can provide these records to the Department of Professional Licensure (DPL), or to the public, upon written request. PrepMD Professionals LLC is in compliance with all of requirements of the Attorney General of Massachusetts (as detailed here) with regard to expected salaries post-graduation from PrepMD.

Student Complaints 

PrepMD has the following established procedure for resolving student complaints. Students are encouraged to contact either the HR Officer, Business Manager or CEO of PrepMD to file any complaints:

• A student will be asked to submit the PrepMD Complaint Form available upon request.
• The completed complaint form must be signed and submitted by the originator to the HR Officer, Business Manager or CEO of PrepMD.
• The complaint will be logged and registered, and the originator will receive an acknowledgement accordingly.
• In accordance with 230 CMR 15.07, PrepMD shall respond to student complaints within 10 days from the submission of the complaint by the student in writing to PrepMD.
• The originator will receive a written response to the complaint from PrepMD with either resolution or the need for advancement of the complaint issue for further consideration and/or investigation.
• A written (and electronic) record of student complaints shall be maintained by PrepMD for a period of seven years following the participant’s satisfactory completion of the PrepMD program, or the voluntary withdrawal of the participant from the PrepMD program.
• The complaint originator may also contact the MA Division of Occupational Licensure with the complaint at any time at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-occupational-licensure, or 617-701-8719.

Handicap Accessibility
PrepMD is located in a handicap accessible office space fully equipped with facilities including handicapped parking spots, handicap accessible entrance and handicap accessible restrooms. PrepMD will also make any necessary accommodations within the training facility to provide students access to relevant training.

Non-Discrimination Policy

• PrepMD offers programs for adult students to raise the quality of the medical device workforce through foundational and advanced training solutions.
• PrepMD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all students and applicants. No student or applicant shall be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race, religion, creed, sex, color or national origin, or any category protected by applicable state and federal laws. Similarly, PrepMD is committed to making its programs and campus accessible to its students and compliant with all applicable non-discrimination laws.
• PrepMD is available to all learners and does not discriminate based upon ability or disability. In accordance with state and federal law, it is PrepMD’s policy to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities and to afford them an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of PrepMD’s programs, services, and activities.

PrepMD Housing Disclaimer
The housing and housing assistance referred to on this Webpage, videos and in part of this program is not being provided by PrepMD LLC, but is provided by several companies that specialize in providing housing on a short term and long term basis in the Boston/Braintree Metro area.. While PrepMD LLC believes that these Housing Companies are reputable, PrepMD LLC is not affiliated with them, has not conducted any background investigation into them, does not control them or their employees or representatives, and is not responsible or liable for their actions or omissions or any representations or recommendations that they may make. PrepMD is not an agent for any of the Housing Companies and has no authority to bind, or act on behalf of, any of them. None of the Housing Companies or their respective employees or agents is an agent of PrepMD and none of them has any authority to bind or act on behalf of PrepMD.

The Housing Companies may directly provide housing to you as a landlord, or they may simply arrange for you to rent housing from a third-party landlord or share a room with another tenant or owner of a home. You may be required to enter into verbal or written leases, agreements or arrangements with the Housing Companies, the landlords and/or others as a condition of securing housing. ICE strongly advises you to carefully review and make sure that you understand any agreement or arrangement before signing it or otherwise committing yourself. If you have any questions regarding any agreement or other arrangement, we recommend that you check with a qualified attorney before agreeing to the terms. If you are not comfortable with any terms, conditions or agreements provided by a Housing Company, you should not agree to such housing arrangement. Please be aware that PrepMD does not assume any responsibility for any agreement, arrangement or other understanding that you may enter into with any Housing Company, any landlord, or anyone else.

PrepMD has used reasonable efforts to provide a range of Housing Companies for its students’ varying needs and budgets. All statements made by PrepMD regarding the Housing Companies or the services to be provided by them, including, but not limited to: amenities, costs, lease terms, testimonials, etc. (“Housing Services”) are based on information provided to PrepMD by the Housing Companies for promotional purposes. Although PrepMD has no reason to believe that such statements are false, PrepMD makes no representation or warranty that they are true, correct or complete, and PrepMD assumes no responsibility with respect to any Housing Services (or lack thereof). Before entering into any agreement, arrangement or commitment with respect to any Housing Company or relying on any Housing Company for any Housing Services, you should specifically confirm any understandings or assumptions that you may have regarding such Housing Services with the applicable Housing Company.

Also, PrepMD has not necessarily inspected the housing or other accommodations offered to you, and PrepMD makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, that any such housing or accommodations will satisfy your needs or desires or expectations as to quality, safety, location, or any other matter. PrepMD strongly recommends that you do your own research and due diligence, that may include visiting the actual housing or accommodations offered to you and; if applicable, interviewing any prospective roommates or others with whom you may be sharing such housing or accommodations prior to entering into any lease, agreement, arrangement or other commitment with respect to such housing or accommodations and researching the specific Housing Company or other landlord.

PrepMD is not responsible or liable for, and has no control over, any landlord, host family, co-tenant, or other person with whom you may enter into an arrangement for, or with whom you may share an accommodation or housing. PrepMD does not guarantee in any manner and makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the safety of any accommodation or housing or the neighborhood in which it is located. ICE is not responsible for mediating or resolving any disputes that may arise between you and any Housing Company, any landlord, any co-tenant, or any other person with whom you may share an accommodation or housing.

The housing information presented in PrepMD’s advertisements, videos or other promotions or marketing materials, including, but not limited to, PrepMD’s website, brochures, or verbally via a representative of PrepMD has been provided by the Housing Companies and is believed by PrepMD (without further inquiry) to be true at the time of advertisement. It is not to be considered a complete resource of all housing opportunities available in the surrounding communities of PrepMD’s campuses. Students of PrepMD are under no obligation to utilize the services of any Housing Assistance Company. Moreover, PrepMD does not guarantee housing through any of these listings. If for any reason you need additional help obtaining accommodations in the Boston/Braintree metro area, please notify PrepMD, and we will help you in any reasonable way we can.

Smoking Policy
PrepMD is committed to providing a safe, healthy and productive work environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. Consistent with this commitment, in line with PrepMD policy, and in compliance with federal regulations PrepMD remains smoke and drug free.

Photo and Video Marketing Policy
PrepMD uses photos and videos of the facility, students, faculty, staff, and visitors to keep students engaged in their education, to interest prospective students in the program, to promote long-lasting relationships with PrepMD alumni, and to inform corporate and clinical partners and the general public about our program. PrepMD has the right to use these pictures and videos for marketing purposes. Students may submit a written request to the marketing team to not be included.

Social Media Policy
PrepMD has an active presence on social media outlets and engages with its followers by posting photos, videos and messages of the facility, students, faculty, staff and visitors. Students are held accountable for their own responsible use of social media outlets. It is up to each user of a social media outlet and participant in a virtual discussion to regulate content that is added or shared with the community.

The following is prohibited:

• Students may not post any content that is discriminatory, including any posts that are vulgar, false, obscene, harassing, or disparaging to the race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of any individual with whom a student comes into contact as a result of being a member of the PrepMD community.
• Students may not disclose any financial, proprietary, or other confidential information of PrepMD.
• Students may not present themselves as official representatives of, or spokespersons for PrepMD unless asked to do so by a PrepMD staff or faculty member.
• Students may not use PrepMD trademarks or logos without PrepMD Marketing staff permission.
• Students may not represent themselves as another person, real or fictitious, or otherwise attempt to obscure their identity as a means to circumvent the prohibitions included in this policy.

If found in violation of these policies, students will be subject to disciplinary actions including warning, probation, or suspension pending withdrawal from PrepMD. Violations of federal and state laws may also result in criminal or civil actions.

Policy on Sexual Harassment
It is the goal of PrepMD to promote a learning environment that is free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of students or employees occurring in the workplace or in other settings in which employees or students may find themselves in connection with their employment or education is unlawful and will not be tolerated by this organization. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment or retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated. To achieve our goal of providing an education environment free from sexual harassment, the conduct that is described in this policy will not be tolerated and we have provided a procedure by which inappropriate conduct will be dealt with, if encountered by employees and students.

Because PrepMD takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously, we will respond promptly to complaints of sexual harassment and where it is determined that such inappropriate conduct has occurred, we will act promptly to eliminate the conduct and impose such corrective action as is necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate.

Please note that while this policy sets forth our goals of promoting a learning environment that is free of sexual harassment, the policy is not designed or intended to limit our authority to discipline or take remedial action for workplace conduct which we deem unacceptable, regardless of whether that conduct satisfies the definition of sexual harassment.

In Massachusetts, the legal definition for sexual harassment is: “sexual harassment” means sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or as a basis for employment decisions; or,
• such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive work environment.

Under these definitions, direct or implied requests by a supervisor or instructor for sexual favors in exchange for actual or promised job or educational benefits such as favorable reviews or grades, salary increases, promotions, increased benefits, or continued employment constitutes sexual harassment.

Definition of Sexual Harassment
The legal definition of sexual harassment is broad and in addition to the above examples, other sexually oriented conduct, whether it is intended or not, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating a work place or educational environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating to male or female workers may also constitute sexual harassment.

While it is not possible to list all those additional circumstances that may constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples of conduct which if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment depending upon the totality of the circumstances including the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness:

• Unwelcome sexual advances — whether they involve physical touching or not
• Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life; comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess
• Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons
• Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments
• Inquiries into one’s sexual experiences, and
• Discussion of one’s sexual activities

All employees and students of PrepMD should take special note that, as stated above, retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment, and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated by this organization.

Complaints of Sexual Harassment
If any of our employees or students believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment, the individual has the right to file a complaint with our organization. This may be done in writing or orally.

If you would like to file a complaint you may do so by contacting:

• Frank Coen, Human Resources Officer at 781-351-9526, frank.coen@prepmd.com, or
• Melissa Monaco, Business Manager at 781-428-4125, melissa.monaco@prepmd.com
• Matt O’Neal, PrepMD CEO is also available to discuss any concerns you may have and to provide information to you about our policy on sexual harassment and our complaint process.

Sexual Harassment Investigation
When we receive the complaint, we will promptly investigate the allegation in a fair and expeditious manner. The investigation will be conducted in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. Our investigation will include a private interview with the person filing the complaint and with witnesses. We will also interview the person alleged to have committed sexual harassment. When we have completed our investigation, we will, to the extent appropriate inform the person filing the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the conduct of the results of that investigation.

If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has occurred, we will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct, and where it is appropriate, we will also impose disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Action
If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has been committed by one of our employees, students, or instructors, we will take such action as is appropriate under the circumstances. Such action may range from counseling to termination from employment/expulsion and may include such other forms of disciplinary action as we deem appropriate under the circumstances.
State and Federal Remedies

In addition to the above, if you believe you have been subjected to sexual harassment, you may file a formal complaint with either or both of the government agencies set forth below. Using our complaint process does not prohibit you from filing a complaint with these agencies. Each of the agencies has a short time period for filing a claim (EEOC – 300 days; MCAD – 300 days).

United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”)
JFK Federal Building
15 New Sudbury Street, Room 475
Boston, MA 02203-0506
1-800-669-4000

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”)
Boston Office:
One Ashburton Place—Room 601
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-3900