The healthcare industry and the College programs of study require healthcare professionals to be in good physical and mental health. Students with physical and/or mental health issues may be asked to obtain a physician’s statement, at the student’s cost, verifying that the condition will not be aggravated by or endanger clients associated with the student in required coursework.
Students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program should complete the Student Physical Form and all required immunizations listed below within the first week of the first term (with the exception of Hepatitis B) that the student starts the program.
- MMR – Measles, Mumps, Rubella (two doses or positive titers)
- Varicella (two doses or positive titer)
- Seasonal Influenza
- Tdap/TD - Tetanus (within last 10 years)
- Hepatitis B vaccination is administered in a series of three doses. Students must complete the first two doses of Hepatitis B immunizations within 30 days after starting the first term.
Students enrolled in the Medical Assisting & Basic X-Ray Technician program must complete the following immunizations prior to clinical/externship:
- Hepatitis B (first two in the series of three shots or positive titer).
Additional Immunizations/Vaccinations for Dental Hygiene Program
Immunization/vaccination requirements are based on the current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for healthcare workers and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Externship sites where students will be assigned may have additional health clearance and immunization requirements beyond the current recommendations by the CDC or ACIP. Most hospital-based clinicals and externship sites require COVID-19 Immunization. The College has identified a standard immunization policy but reserves the right to require any additional healthcare clearance assessment, documentation, immunization, and serology testing at any point throughout the enrollment of the program. In addition, immunizations and health requirements may change without notice and students may be required to provide verifiable documentation of their ability to meet new requirements. Students are required to provide documentation within the designated timeframe in order to maintain enrollment and progress. All additional requirements are at the student’s expense.
Additional Requirements for Dental Hygiene Program After Program Acceptance
The requirements listed below are not considered during the admission process but must be completed prior to the completion of the first term of enrollment in the Dental Hygiene program:.
- Applicants must sign the physical or technical statement specific to the chosen program.
- The applicant must submit a copy of his or her current (American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Course) CPR card or take a short course to obtain the certification. The CPR certification must remain current throughout the program.
- Since some externship sites may require that students have health insurance, the applicant must submit either a valid medical insurance card or a signed medical waiver form stating he or she is responsible for the costs of all medical services he or she requires.
- TB test results must be submitted prior to completing the first term. If the results are positive, the applicant must submit negative chest X-ray results.
- Since some externship sites may be farther than 50 miles from the campus, applicants must sign a statement of understanding of the travel requirements.
- The Dental Hygiene program requires that the student be 18 years of age at the time he or she starts the clinical/externship portion of the program.