Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2022-2023 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Compliance Requirements and Clearances : All candidates accepted into the Respiratory Care Program must have documented proof of the following additional requirements prior to clinical courses :
1 . Certificate of health / Physical Examination : A physical examination performed by a primary care physician , e . g .: MD , DO , NP , PA , is required to take part in clinical rotations . Official physical forms are provided by the University . Separate forms may be required dependent on the clinical site . Completed health forms are to be submitted to the Campus Health Office at least 2 weeks before clinical rotations begin . Students without completed health forms will not be permitted to take part in clinical rotations .
2 . Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR ) Certification / Recertification : Valid , current CPR 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 on-line , 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 . 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
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