Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 225
certification is required before beginning clinical education experiences. Respiratory Care faculty can provide CPR training prior to the start of clinical at the expense of the student. A copy of the current certification must be submitted to the Director of Clinical Education prior to the start of clinical rotations.
3. Health Insurance Coverage: Students must carry health insurance while in the Respiratory Care Program. Health insurance can be obtained through the University if the student does not have personal coverage. Confirmation of health insurance coverage must be submitted to the University by the beginning of each academic year.
4. Liability Insurance: All students enrolled in the Program are required to carry liability insurance and this coverage is provided through the University.
5. Child Abuse History Clearance: All students enrolled in the Program are required to have a Child Abuse History Clearance through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This is accomplished online, and further instructions will be provided by the Director of Clinical Education at the time of clinical orientation. Students are responsible for the cost of the Child Abuse History Clearance.
6. Criminal Background Check: All students enrolled in the Respiratory Care Program are required to have a Pennsylvania State Police( PSP) criminal background check performed via the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History( PATCH) web portal. In addition, all students must undergo a Federal Bureau of Investigation( FBI) background check. Information related to criminal background checks will be provided by the Director of Clinical Education at the time of the orientation to clinical. Students are responsible for the cost of the Criminal Background Check. Any incidents found on the check will be handled on an individual basis.
7. Drug Screening: Upon request, all students must present results from drug screening to participate in clinical education. Information on drug screening requirements is listed on the Health Form. Students are responsible for the cost of the screening.
8. Tuberculosis Screening: All students are required to undergo Tuberculosis screening on an annual basis. Further testing may be required dependent on individual clinical site requirements. Information on PPD screening is listed on the University’ s Health Form and students are responsible for the cost of the screening.
9. Flu Shot: All students must receive an annual flu shot in the Fall semester prior to the start of clinical rotations.
10. Routine Vaccinations: Students are required to have routine vaccinations which include, but are not limited to: Measles, Mumps, Rubella( MMR), Varicella( Chicken Pox), Tetanus, Diptheria and Polio( TDaP). Dependent on the dates of immunization, booster vaccinations may be required. Associated costs with vaccinations / boosters are the responsibility of the student.
11. COVID-19 Vaccination: Students are required to follow University policy regarding COVID-19 vaccination and it is the Program faculty’ s expectation that all students be fully vaccinated prior to the start of their clinical rotations. Students are required to provide documentation of COVID- 19 vaccination before attending clinical. COVID-19 vaccination requirements are set by the clinical sites and the Program must adhere to them. In extreme circumstances, exemptions may be honored at the discretion of the faculty and clinical site; however, the student must realize that such exemptions may limit or eliminate all clinical locations that the student can attend. If a clinical site allows an exemption, the student must follow all screening requirements and is responsible for any associated costs.
Professional Disposition and Conduct: Students must behave professionally and follow the guidelines provided in University publications and the Program and Clinical Manuals.