- Pre-Placement Requirements:
All students/learners wishing to participate in educational opportunities at NSHA must complete a number of mandatory pre-placement requirements at least one month beforestarting a learning placement. The pre-placement requirements generally include:
- Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.
- Immunization requirements (as per Appendix A in the 2008 immunization policy)
- Placement Agreement Form
- HSPnet student learner database consent form.
The above is a summary of mandatory pre-placement requirements and are subject to change. Please visit the student learner placement website for most up-to date pre-placement requirement information at:
“click” on “Pre-Placement Requirements”
Please Note: Applicants who do not have an affiliation with an educational institution such as Atlantic School of Theology or Acadia Divinity College will have additional requirements.
We ask that as a part of your application process you visit your physician or health care provider to discuss your immunization status. A list of the required immunizations is available in Appendix A of the 2008 Capital Health Immunization Policy that can be found on the student learner website. Take this list to your physician and check the status of your immunization records and inquire about the immunizations you are missing and how long it will take to complete all outstanding requirements.
If you are an ADC or AST student, we ask that you touch base with the individual who collects the pre-placement requirements for the school so you may discuss the schools processes regarding collecting pre-placement requirements and the schools internal deadlines which may be earlier than NSHA’s deadlines.
During the CPE applicant interviews – you will be asked your status regarding the pre-placement requirements and an estimate on when you will have completed the requirements.
Please ensure your physician does not sign the proof of immunization form until ALL requirements have been met.
Please note:If you are unable to complete any of the pre-placement requirements by the deadline – you will be withdrawn from the CPE unit and advised to take a later CPE unit.
- Helpful Tips for Completing NSHA Pre-placement requirements:
- START EARLY! It may take some time to locate your immunization records and complete your immunization requirements.
- Hepatitis B is mandatory. If you have not had Hepatitis B immunizations in the past, it can take up to a minimum of 7 months to complete. Further, immunity is not always achieved in the first round of immunizations and additional round immunizations may be required. Additionally, Hepatitis B immunity needs to be confirmed via blood work. If you have had Hep B immunity previously, immunity can diminish over time and booster shots and new blood work may be required.
- The Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) needs to be done at a travel clinic or through Public Health Services and takes 9-10 days to complete. An appointment is required and there is a cost. If you also need to get a MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, it would be wise to get your two-step TST first. MMR and Varicella vaccines interfere with two-step TST results, so if you get either of those vaccines first, you’ll have to wait a month before you can start the two-step TST.
- There may be costs associated with some of the vaccines and tests. If you have private health insurance (through school or an employer), check if the cost of preventable vaccines is covered.
- For a criminal record check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) you need to apply at your local police station. Check the web sites below first as you may need to go to a specific location. There is a charge for a CRC and you should allow a minimum of two weeks or more for processing depending on the province. Make sure that you ask for the VSS when you apply for your CRC.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Question: Can I start my CPE unit if I have 2 of the 3 Hepatitis Vaccines already?
Answer: No – unless medically exempt – you need to complete all vaccines in the series and show you have achieved immunity to Hep B via a blood test.
- Question:Can I take an expedited Hep B vaccination schedule?
Answer: Please discuss this with your healthcare provider – as long as it meets our minimum immunity requirement evidenced by the blood test – it is up to your physician which vaccine schedule is recommended.
- Question:What if I am unable to locate my immunization records?
Answer:You can also try and retrieve immunization records form public health in the province you received your immunizations. If you are still unable to secure your records – discuss with your physician what blood work or additional boosters you may need to have to meet the immunization requirements.
- Question:What if I am unable to receive any of the immunizations/boosers due to health reasons?
- Answer: If there is a medical reason you are unable to comply with part of the immunization requirements – please have your physician write a letter or note that clearly outlines which requirements you are unable to meet due to your health condition. Include this letter with your proof of immunization records.
- Question:What if I am waiting for a reference letter before I mail my application and I am worried about meeting the deadline – can I send the reference letter in later?
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- Question:When are the interviews scheduled?
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- Question:How quickly following the interview will I find out if I am offered a place in theCPE unit?
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Last revised: February 27, 2017