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As a ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ in one of the health profession programs at St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University, you will be required to meet certain immunization and background study requirements. The requirements meet the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Health guidelines and are for the protection of our ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s and the patients and clients we serve. You will receive detailed information on these requirements and will work with the Student Compliance Office on fulfilling the requirements which must be received and cleared prior to your first fieldwork or clinical experience.

Please note: This is not an official form and does not contain all of the details needed to properly complete all requirements. When you enter your program, we will send you a customized form containing specific instructions and deadlines.

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University Immunization Requirements

For each item below, documentation is required from a healthcare facility. Please be sure that all documentation includes your name and date of birth

Documentation Needed

When completing your requirements, we require documentation, or proof, to verify the information you are reporting to us. Documentation includes

• Documents from your physician or healthcare facility showing the immunization and dates given

• Documents from a lab (to include your name, date, and result of test)

• Immunization registry (state health department)

• Any form signed by your physician stating specific information

• School records

• Military records

• Immigration records

Deadlines

Due dates will vary by program and will be clearly stated in the information you receive from the Clinical and Fieldwork Clearance Office.

Returning Students

All returning ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s are required to maintain current tuberculosis testing, background studies, and flu shots.

• Minnesota state law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a healthcare facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (DHS) must have a background study conducted by the state.
• Failure to participate in clinical rotations required by the academic program could result in ineligibility to qualify for a degree in the program. You are responsible for maintaining a copy of your background check clearance and providing it to your clinical site if requested. The cost of the DHS study is $44, and is due at the time you complete your online application. Fingerprinting is $10.50 payable at the time of your fingerprinting appointment.
• Any ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of their background study will not be permitted to participate in a clinical education experience in any health care facility or other fieldwork setting and thus, would be unable to complete their program.

More information about this requirement

In 1995, the State of Minnesota passed the Vulnerable Adults Act. This law is intended to protect individuals who are patients in licensed facilities from mistreatment by those who are providing their patient care services. In addition, this law requires those who provide care in such agencies, including ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s, to submit to a criminal background check as a means of documenting that they are qualified to provide care. At St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University, this check is required of all ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s participating in a clinical experience within a licensed facility in Minnesota during the academic year. We utilize the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) NETstudy background study.

Once you have initiated your online study, DHS will conduct the standard background check on you. However, individual facilities may employ an additional, more comprehensive background study process. Therefore, the standard background study is not intended to guarantee eligibility for clinical experience or employment in all facilities.

When this background study has been completed, you and St. Kate’s will receive a report from DHS, indicating that you have clearance to provide care or that you are disqualified from providing care in a licensed facility. It is your responsibility to keep a copy of your clearance letter and forward it to clinical sites should they require a copy. In the event of a disqualification, you may submit an appeal to the DHS for reconsideration. If you are disqualified, you may not participate in clinical rotations in Minnesota, and will not be able to satisfy the graduation requirements of your healthcare program.

If you fear you may be disqualified for any reason, or have potential issues, I encourage you to contact the Background Study Call Center at DHS, 651-296-3802, to confidentially discuss your circumstances with them. Be open and honest with them so you may get the best information possible. You may also contact (651-690-7781) with any questions.