Immunization Requirements for Healthcare and Nursing Students
As a student in one of the health profession programs at St. Catherine 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 students 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.
For each item below, documentation is required from a healthcare facility. Please be sure that all documentation includes your name and date of birth
One of the following is required:
- Documentation of two MMR vaccinations after 12 months of age.
- Documentation that you are immune to:
- Rubeola (Red Measles)
- Rubella (German Measles)
- Mumps
Requirement for first year in program:
One of the following is required:
- Documentation of a negative TB blood test (Quantiferon, TSpot, etc.)
- Documentation of 2 negative Tuberculin Skin Tests/Mantoux
Requirement for second/subsequent years in program:
One of the following is required:
- Documentation of a negative TB blood test (Quantiferon, TSpot, etc.)
- Documentation of 1 negative Tuberculin Skin Tests/Mantoux (not 2 as in your first year of the program)
*If you have ever had a positive Tuberculosis test, please contact Student Compliance for your next step at 651-690-7781. Be prepared to show proof of the positive TB test and subsequent recent x-ray/treatment.
Documentation of vaccination
One of the following is required:
- Documentation that you are immune to Hepatitis B
- Documentation of a series of three Hepatitis B Vaccinations
One of the following is required:
- Documentation of 2 doses of the vaccine
- Documentation that you are immune to chickenpox
Documentation of the current season's flu shot
One of the following is required:
- Original single-dose vaccine series and one booster series
- Original two-dose vaccine series and one booster vaccine
- One bivalent dose of the vaccine
*The single-dose vaccine series and one booster vaccine will not fulfill the requirement.
If you are unable to locate your immunization history, you will be required to complete a titer for each disease/condition. Requiring a simple blood draw, titers measure the amount of immunity you have against a specified disease/condition. Many titers can be measured with one blood draw.
It is important to note that, even if you can locate all of your immunization information, titers are still the best option to ensure your safety in the healthcare field. Having had all the required immunizations does not ensure immunity. Many people do not understand that immunity can either "not take" when given or wear off over time. If you have a titer done as you enter the healthcare field, you know for sure you are protected against all of the communicable diseases/conditions we are typically immunized for.
Documentation Needed
When completing your immunization packet, we require documentation, or proof, to verify the information you are reporting to us. Documentation includes
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School records
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Documents from your physician or healthcare facility showing the immunization and dates given.
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Documents from a lab (to include your name, date, and result of test)
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Any form signed by your physician stating specific information
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Military records
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Immigration records
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Immunization registry (state or local health department)
Deadlines
All students are required to complete their immunization packet and return it to the Student Compliance Office at St. Catherine University. Dates will vary per program but will be clearly stated on the forms you receive from Student Compliance.
Returning Students
All returning students are required to maintain current tuberculosis testing, background studies, and flu shots. Specific details will be communicated to you via an email from the Student Compliance Office.
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 students, to submit to a criminal background check as a means of documenting that they are qualified to provide care. At St. Catherine University, this check is required annually of all students expected to participate in a clinical experience within a licensed facility during the academic year. We utilize the NETstudy background study administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Once you have initiated your online study, DHS will conduct the standard background check on you. However, individual facilities may employ a 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 will receive a report from DHS, as will St. Catherine University Student Compliance, 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 this clearance and forward this clearance on 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, 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.
By Email
studentcompliance@stkate.edu
*The email subject line must include your name, program, and student id number.
By Phone
651-690-7781
In Person
200 Whitby
By Mail
Attn: Student Compliance Office
St. Catherine University Mailstop 4039
2004 Randolph Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
By Fax
651-690-7833
Attn: Student Compliance Office
The cover sheet must include your name, program, and student id number.
Background Study Requirement
Please do not complete until you have instructions to do so by your program!
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) has a background study conducted by the state. An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study will not be permitted to participate in clinical rotations.
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 $20.00, and is due at the time of study initiation. You will need a credit card or debit card to complete the study. Please note that the fee is charged by DHS, and is completely separate from St. Kate's (St. Kate's does not profit from the $20.00 fee).