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SECTION II: Policies and Procedures for all Students

Compliance Requirements

The requirements below are mandatory, and students who are not in compliance will not be allowed to begin or continue in their programs until all requirements have been fulfilled. Holds are placed on non-compliant students’ accounts which will prohibit future course registration. University Health Service assists students in meeting NYS college students, health professionals, and federal OSHA requirements.

  • UR SON students are required to submit an initial health history form online and subsequent yearly screenings through the University Health Service’s (UHS) UHSConnect Portal. Students are responsible for payment for annual health screenings if not covered under the University Health Service insurance plan. The form includes immunization information required by NYS Law to be completed prior to students attending courses. A processing fee is charged for the initial and renewal health forms for part-time students. If this requirement is not met by the first day of classes, the student is charged a late fee. The charge will be added to your tuition bill. (Note: This requirement is waived for students in the RN to BS program.)

  • If you are a Strong Memorial Hospital employee, you may email the Employee Health Office to have a copy of your health update and physical

Initial Requirements Upon Entry Link to section

  1. Completed Health History Form, including a complete immunization history.

  2. Completed Allergy and Medication Form.

  3. Completed Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.

  4. Documented physical examination within 12 months of sufficient scope to confirm that there are no health impairments that would be of potential risk to patients or personnel, or which might interfere with the performance of responsibilities, including the habituation or addiction to depressants, stimulants, narcotics, alcohol or other drugs or substances which may alter the individual’s behavior.

  5. Documentation of health insurance coverage. All full-time students will be covered and charged for University-sponsored health insurance unless they provide evidence of health insurance coverage that meets University insurance criteria. All full-time students must complete the Online Insurance Process every year.

Federal, New York State, and University Health Requirements Link to section

For Accelerated Programs for NonNurses, Master’s, post-master’s, DNP, and Ph.D. programs.

  • Measles (rubeola): Documentation of health insurance coverage. All full-time students will be covered and charged for University-sponsored health insurance unless they provide evidence of health insurance coverage that meets University insurance criteria. All full-time students must complete the Online Insurance Process every year.

  • Mumps vaccine: Two (2) doses of live vaccine given on or after the first birthday AND on or after 1/1/69. Serologic evidence of mumps immunity is acceptable for establishing immunity.

  • Rubella: One (1) dose of live vaccine given on or after the first birthday AND on or after 1/1/69. Serologic evidence of immunity is acceptable.

  • Meningococcus: One (1) dose of vaccine within the last 5 years, or written acknowledgment of receipt of information concerning vaccination and signature declining vaccination.

  • Tuberculin Skin Test: Two TST (Mantoux intradermal skin test) and interpretations are required, the first within one year of the second and the second within 3 months of the start of the appointment, unless a history of past positive skin test is reported. Chest x-ray: If the TST is positive, a negative chest x-ray report after a positive TST is required. We also accept QuantiFERON Gold blood tests resulting within 3 months of the start of the appointment. If you have had a baseline two TST with subsequent annual TB assessments completed through your present employer or educational facility: We require documentation of the baseline two TST with interpretations, plus documentation of all subsequent annual TB assessments. The most recent TB assessment must be within the last 12 months of the start of the appointment.

  • Tetanus-Diphtheria: Tetanus–Diphtheria (initial series) and booster every 10 years OR Tdap: The CDC recommends that healthcare providers who have direct patient contact should receive a single dose of Tdap as soon as feasible if they have not previously received it.

  • Polio: All students must have received the polio vaccine. Enter the date of the last vaccination on the form. Either Oral (OPV) or Intramuscular (IPV) forms of the vaccine are acceptable. Serological results/ titers are not accepted proof of immunity.

  • Hepatitis B Vaccine: The CDC strongly recommends hepatitis B vaccination (includes 3 doses of vaccine and post-vaccine titer 1-2 months after the 3rd dose) for all health care professionals. A signed declination form must be completed if the applicant declines the vaccine.

  • Varicella Status: Documentation of 2 doses of varicella vaccine or a varicella titer result must be provided. UHS strongly recommends vaccination for any students who have a negative varicella titer.

  • Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are not required but are strongly encouraged to keep our patients, colleagues, and community safe. Documentation of your vaccination status (whether you got vaccinated or declined) is required by providing proof of vaccination or declination.

  • Physical Examination: The Physical Examination for Health Profession Students MUST be filled out by a health care practitioner – OR – An accompanying professional/employee health update form must be attached. You can find the physical examination form here. This page must be uploaded as an attachment with your Health History Form via UHSConnect.

You must have official documentation that supports the dates you have filled out on the Health History form, otherwise those immunizations, titers, etc. cannot beaccepted. You must attach/upload the official documentation with your Health History form. Email HHF@UHS.ROCHESTER.EDU or call (585) 275-0697.

Background Check Link to section

The SON requires that ALL matriculated students complete a background check through Castle Branch. Being an employee of URMC is not an exemption from this requirement. If a student has been separated for over one year, a new background check must be completed for matriculation into the current program.

CPR Certification Link to section

  • The SON requires that all students enrolled in the Accelerated Programs for Non-Nurses, RN to BS to MS, Master’s NP, MNE, CNL, post-master’s, and DNP programs are CPR certified through the American Heart Association. Completed certifications must be sent to SONCompliance@urmc.rochester.edu.

  • Professional rescue cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course. CPR certification – Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Health Care Provider through the American Heart Association is required upon matriculation.

    • The School of Nursing requires CPR certification through the American Heart Association. We do not accept the American Red Cross or any other certificates that indicate they are taught following the procedures of the AHA. You must be AHA Certified.

    • To find a class, go to AHA’s website 

      • Enter your City and State location (ex: Rochester, NY) and click "Find a Class.”

      • To the left under "Filters" select the box for "BLS: BLS Provider."

  • Please do not sign up for an online course. Blended learning and classroom learning are acceptable.

  • You may also use this CPR Course resource located in Helen Wood Hall.

  • You must remain compliant throughout your program, and it is expected that you renew prior to the expiration date if applicable.

  • School of Nursing students who are also medical center employees can submit their most recent RQI certification.

Learning Modules Link to section

The SON requires that all students enrolled in the Accelerated Programs for Non-Nurses, RN to BS, RN to BS to MS, Master’s, post-master’s, and DNP programs complete the following:

  • Child and Minor Safety

  • HIPAA

  • Academic and Professional Integrity (The training is all included as part of the Compliance Course in Blackboard).

  • In addition, students in the ABSN, RN to BS to MS, Master’s NP and CNL, LDR, MNE, Post Master’s, and DNP programs must also complete the City-Wide Mandatory In-service training (completed by mid-semester for new ABSN students) and ADA Technical Standards.

  • All students are required to complete online Sexual Harassment training through the Compliance Course in Blackboard, and the University distributed separately once annually through an outside vendor, Get Inclusive.