Florida International University
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Occupational Therapy Program
Health and Immunization Information
Each health care facility has its own requirements which must be met prior to students being allowed to
participate in clinical experiences at the facility, They are for the protection of students and the patients
for whom they will be caring. The health and immunization screening, background screening and drug
screening for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences meet the majority of the clinical requirements
for facilities in Dade and Broward Counties. Once these requirements are met the student will be
authorized to participate in clinical experiences, However, it is possible that participation at a particular
facility may necessitate additional screening or that screening requirements may change during the
course of the occupational Therapy program. CDC recommended standards for health care workers are
followed, (www.cdc.gov)
It is the responsibility of the students to keep the requirements current for each semester. Students should
keep all original documents and be prepared to show them each semester if requested by the assigned
health care facility. The Two Step PPD (Tuberculin Skin Test) is valid for one year:
All occupational therapy students are required to be certified to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
BLS (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) certification is usually valid for two years through the
American Heart Association. (www.americanheart.org)
Because of the need for proper sequencing of immunization and the time it may take, it is recommended
that your situation be reviewed now. You should start by finding proof of all relevant immunization you
have already received. Tetanus must be current within 10 years and if due, please consider the adult
vaccine TDaP (Adacel) which also provides protection for diphtheria and pertussis.
Health care workers have an increased risk of acquiring Hepatitis B because of their contact while
providing caring for patients who may have the disease and because of their potential exposure to blood
and body substances. To be effectively protected three properly sequenced doses of Hepatitis B series is
strongly recommended for all health professionals. In order to confirm immunity, students are advised to
have a Hepatitis Titer after receiving the full series of vaccine. Protection should be reevaluated after 10
years. While the College of Nursing and Health Sciences recommends that students have the vaccination
series, it is not required at this time. However any student who elects not to have Hepatitis B
vaccinations must sign and date the required declination.
Students must have a blood test called a TITER, which indicates current antibody level for
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Varicella (Chickenpox), Rubella (German Measles) and Rubeola (Measles). Having had the
disease or previous immunization is not evidence of immunity to the disease. Individuals who have had
the disease in childhood may lose their immunity as years pass. The only way of knowing immunity
status is to have titers done.
A Positive Titer Test indicates previous history of the disease or that the individual was
vaccinated against that disease. In either case; immunity to that disease is present.
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A Negative or equivocal Titer Test indicates little or no immunity to the disease and the
student needs to be immunized.
Revised 8 /2007
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Documentation of a positive varicella, rubella and rubeola titers with a lab report is required for all
students.
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Students who do not have positive titers indicating immunity must be immunized.
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Laboratory reports of the titers and documentation of all required immunizations must be
submitted in order for the medical history form to be considered
complete.
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It is recommended that students use FIU University Health Services www.fiu.edu/~health to complete
their health and immunization requirements. A health fee is part of the FIU semester fees, the charges are
reasonable and the personnel understand the requirements for health professionals and the appropriate
sequencing of immunization. You can make an appointment to see a primary care provider or receive
immunizations at University Park Campus (305 348-3437) If you use another health care provider and
they have questions, please refer them to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding
recommendations for health care providers.
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Results of the criminal background screen must be ,received by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Occupational Therapy program as part of all new students’ admission process. Students can
initiate the process by going to www:fiuexpress.com and completing the required information.
Payment by credit card is required.,
Your prompt completion and documentation of clinical requirements will prevent delay in access to the
clinical experiences that are a required part of your program.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT
In keeping with its mission and goals, and in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences promotes an
environment of respect and support for 'persons with disabilities, and will make reasonable
accommodations. The definition of an individual with a disability is "any person who has a physical or
mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities including walking, seeing,
hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working; has a record of such impairment; or is regarded as
having such impairment." (FIU Faculty Guide to Accommodating Students with Disabilities).
Students with disabilities must contact the Disability Resource Center if they are in need of special
accommodations in their academic program. Requests for services must tx: made prior to the beginning of
each' semester and current documentation of disability is required to receive
services." (FIU Undergraduate Catalog, FIU Graduate Catalog).
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Florida International University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences
University Park Campus,
11200SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida33199
Revised 8/2007
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