Non-credit Introduction to Clinical Experiences and Research (NICER)

If your research does not include any protected health information or contact, you do not need to go through NICER. If, however, you anticipate requesting funding for presentation of your work at a meeting, you must have a completed NICER form. View SOAR website for details.

All research must be processed through NICER.

Yes, all clinical precepting done outside of a registered rotation requires NICER approval.

Yes, you will need a badge regardless of the timeframe you will spend shadowing but please discuss this issue with your faculty preceptor, since different sites have different rules. Also, you can find the required documentation and contacts for the facilities on Blackboards Badging/Onboarding tab.

You only have to fill out a new authorization form when it is a new experience and you’ve not previously been authorized to shadow/do research with that physician or with that group. Approved forms expire at the end of the academic year (30 June) and you must complete a new form starting (July 1).

Typical expectation for shadowing is 1-3 times.  Shadowing is meant to offer exposure to a specialty/field and not to substitute for a clinical rotation. In special circumstances (e.g. no electives are available in this field and the student is hoping to get a letter of recommendation), additional experiences may be approved. 

The form will require you to input an explanation and you would provide those details there. You are also able to upload forms and if you have a letter or email communication you can attach the documents.

No. It’s not for credit, won’t show up on any transcript, and the registrar has nothing to do with managing these experiences. 

Check with a specialty specific mentor, student interest group or ask one of the deans. We’ll help.

The faculty and residents can show students how to scrub in, so you should work with your preceptor to get the process completed. You can also find a PowerPoint with embedded video about scrubbing in on Blackboard in the Badging/Onboarding tab for BSLMC.

You should work with the faculty person to determine. (e.g. ask if scrubs or business casual is appropriate, do you need your white coat, etc.)

You should upload the proof of BCM Corporate Training Modules.

The waiver should only be completed when you are participating in research/shadowing at an institute that is not affiliated with Baylor.

Only currently enrolled SOM or MSTP students are permitted to use NICER.