Procedures: The procedures governing fieldwork/clinical practice are binding and will be provided in a procedures manual. Also refer to §174.1 and for information specific to the Occupational Therapy program.

Fieldwork/Clinical Practice at Sites: When students attend required fieldwork/clinical placements at approved institutions, students will also follow the administrative procedures and regulations of that institution. Students must attend fieldwork/clinical placement orientation seminars.

CPR Certification: Students in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine must obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before entering their clinical fieldwork placements. All fees and other costs for CPR certification and recertification are the students' responsibility. Students must maintain their certification by recertifying in each of the subsequent years they are in the program.

Occupational therapy students may complete approved CPR certification courses offered elsewhere.

Security Clearance Check: Students should be aware that under the Protection for Persons in Care Act, they may be required to satisfy a criminal records check before being allowed to serve a period of internship, practicum placement, work experience or to complete a course requirement. Refer to §23.8.3.

Immunization Requirements and Bloodborne Pathogens Policy: Rehabilitation Medicine students are health care professionals who will be exposed to patients during the course of studies at the University. To ensure, insofar as possible, both student and patient safety, the Faculty requires immunization, or proof of immunity, to poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B. As well, varicella titre and TB testing are required. A two-step tuberculin skin test is required in the first year of the program and should be performed by the University of Alberta Health Centre.

The University of Alberta recognizes its duty to minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens to/by individuals studying or working at this University. The Bloodborne Pathogens Policy limits the possibility of bloodborne pathogens within the educational setting. The University recognizes, however, that it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of infection. Refer to §20.5 University Bloodborne Pathogens Policy, for additional information.

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, in accordance with University policies and other available guidelines, has developed the following policies concerning bloodborne pathogens. These policies will be reviewed and adapted as further information becomes available.

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B surface antigen testing will be performed by the University of Alberta Health Centre. For those students who test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG), hepatitis B vaccination will be required. An exception will be made for those individuals who have proof of prior vaccination and test positive for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (antiHBs). After vaccination, students will receive a second test to determine if they have converted to produce the appropriate antibody titre. If they have not converted they will receive a second vaccination and again be tested. Those students who then fail to convert will be counselled as to their potential risk status during training and future practice.

For those students who test positive for HbsAG, their “e” antigen (HBeAG) status and the presence of hepatitis B viral DNA will be determined. If they are found to be positive for the “e” antigen or the viral DNA they will be counselled as to their risk of infecting patients.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The data relating to transmission of HIV from a health care worker to a patient in a health care setting are limited. Transmission from patients to a health care worker is more common. All students accepted into the Faculty are encouraged to undergo HIV testing at any time during their program when concerns about infection have arisen. Testing for HIV is not mandatory.

Immunization/bloodborne pathogen requirements must be fulfilled by the date published in the fieldwork/clinical placement procedures manual. Students must sign a waiver if they are unable to meet these requirements due to medical contraindication.

Note: For updates on changes to medical testing and immunization refer to the Faculty Office.

Fit Testing for Respirator Mask, as required.

Dress requirements: Students will be advised of dress requirements at the time of registration.