The College of Health and Human Sciences is engaged in partnerships with many organizations throughout the United States to provide clinical practice education opportunities for our students for which clinical or special requirements for the students are mandatory. Some of these requirements include vaccinations, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other strategies for protecting yourself and your patients and clients. Your clinical coordinator will discuss requirements with you prior to placements.
Here is some important information:
For more information, please review the school and program page for clinical or special requirements or refer to the undergraduate catalog or graduate catalog.
You will receive a link to the understanding of risk survey from the clinical coordinator once the course begins.
Clinical/special requirements must be completed prior to starting HDFS 639.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required for progression in the program. Students will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at your expense.
Certain internship affiliates may require drug screens.
Contact DeAnna Harris-McKoy, Ph.D., LMFT-S at dharrismckoy@niu.edu.
Graduate students are required to complete clinical requirements before July 31.
It is a requirement of this program to complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to the start of clinical experiences. If a student has a prior criminal record or a positive drug screen, they may not be able to complete the program or required courses due to restrictions on clinical experience. Criminal background check and drug screen are completed after admissions decisions and have no bearing on acceptance into the program. Procedures for completing the required background check and drug screening will take place upon arrival on campus.
A physical exam by an M.D., N.P. or D.O. verifying adequate health to work with patients in a healthcare setting must be completed within the past six months. Submit your physical exam (DOCX) (completed on the school form) within the past six months and signed by a medical professional.
HIPAA training, OSHA certification, Code of Conduct acknowledgement, Communicable Disease acknowledgement, Confidentiality Statement, Handbook acknowledgement, NIU Technical Standards, and Understanding of Risk will be completed upon arrival to campus.
Please note that some of the clinical sites may require additional background checks, drug screenings, physical exams, and vaccinations. It is on the student to complete these requirements prior to beginning the rotation.
Contact Tyler Wood at twood1@niu.edu.
Deadline: Graduate students must be in compliance with all clinical requirements before July 1.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required for progression in the program. You will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at your expense.
Students in the audiology program may be required to submit a clean 10-panel drug screen in order to progress in the program. Students will be instructed on how and where to obtain this drug screen upon acceptance into the program. Certain sites or certain circumstances could require students to have to repeat this drug screen, at the student's expense.
Only American Heart Association BLS certification for healthcare providers will be accepted.
Submit documentation of your HIPAA training completion certificate from orientation to this requirement.
Submit documentation of your Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions training completion certificate from orientation to this requirement.
Handbook Acknowledgement and confidentiality statement will be complete upon arrival to campus.
Contact Danica Billingsly, clinical coordinator, at dbillingsly@niu.edu.
All health documentation (unless otherwise noted) must be submitted by July 1 prior to beginning clinical experience. Current season flu shot is due by October 1.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required for progression in the program. You will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at your expense.
Students in the Dietetic Internship programs are required to submit a clean 10-panel drug screen in order to progress in the program. You will be instructed on how and where to obtain this drug screen upon acceptance into the program. Certain sites or certain circumstances could require students to have to repeat this drug screen, at your expense.
One of the following:
Proof of health insurance
HIPAA and infectious disease – passing quiz scores
Code of Ethics sign-off (due after orientation)
ServSafe Food Manager certification or other ANSI certified Food Manager certification
Professional liability insurance
Handbook sign-off after orientation
Contact Nancy Prange, dietetic internship coordinator, at nprange@niu.edu.
Clinical/special requirements are due prior to registration for internship.
Complete a total of 100 hours, at least 50 hours completed prior to enrolling in HDFS 383 – Clinical Applications in Family Social Services, and the balance completed prior to enrolling in the internship. Volunteer hours must be completed in at least two agencies. At least one site must provide experience with extensive direct person-to-person (non-phone) contact with clients. A minimum of 30 hours at any one agency is required to count toward the total.
Vaccinations are encouraged and may be required by the clinical site.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required for progression in the program. You will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance.
The criminal background check must be initiated 90 days before starting the internship.
Specific internship sites may require further background check testing, drug screening or proof of immunizations at the student's expense.
Contact Deborah Koons-Beauchamp, Ph.D., MBA, LMFT at dkoonsbeauchamp@niu.edu.
Requirements must be completed prior to enrollment in Child Development labs (HDFS 330A, HDFS 331A, and HDFS 332A).
Tuberculosis (TB) - Negative Two Step TB Skin test or negative QuantiFERON Gold Blood test. If student has positive two step skin tests, they must provide a negative QuantiFERON Gold Blood test or a chest x-ray and clearance form from a physician.
Fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Physical exam within the last six months.
Contact Melissa Clucas Walter, Ph.D. at mcwalter@niu.edu.
Requirements are due prior to the start of supervised field work.
Vaccinations are encouraged and may be required by the clinical site.
Certain internship affiliates may require subsequent background checks or other requirements such as drug screens, and proof of certain immunizations at your expense.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required prior to beginning the internship. Students will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at your expense.
Certain internship affiliates may require subsequent background checks or other requirements such as drug screens, and proof of certain immunizations at your expense.
Successful completion of one credit pre-practicum seminar (GERO 467a)
Contact Yujun Liu, Ph.D. at lyujun@niu.edu.
Clinical requirements must be met prior to registering for clinical practicums.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required for progression in the program. You will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at your expense.
Students in the MLS program are required to submit a clean 10-panel drug screen in order to progress in the program. You will be instructed on how and where to obtain this drug screen upon acceptance into the program. Certain sites or certain circumstances could require you to have to repeat this drug screen, at your expense.
CPR certification is required and must be current throughout the duration of the clinical experience. CPR certification must be obtained through the American Heart Association, and only the BLS certification for Healthcare Providers will be accepted.
A copy of your health insurance card or policy cover sheet that documents your health care coverage must be submitted to Castle Branch.
If you are purchasing student health insurance through NIU, you can request a Certificate of Health Insurance Coverage by calling the student health insurance office at 815-753-0122 or sending an email to studentinsurance@niu.edu. The document will show the effective/expiration dates and is available even before the cards are available.
Contact Amanda Voelker, clinical coordinator, at avoelker2@niu.edu.
Pre-licensure students must submit documentation of all requirements by July 1 for fall start and for the annual requirements. The deadline for spring start is Nov. 1. Any vaccination exemption requests for religious or medical reasons need to be received by May 1 for the fall semester and Sept. 1 for spring semester. Please reach out to Mary Margaret Evans, mevans13@niu.edu, prior to that deadline to start the process.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required for acceptance/progression in the program. Students will be given specific instruction on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at the student's expense.
Students in the nursing program are required to submit a clean 10-panel drug screen every year in order to progress in the program. Students will be instructed on how and where to obtain this drug screen the semester prior to starting the program. Certain sites or certain circumstances could require students to have to repeat this drug screen, at the student's expense.
CPR certification is required and must be current throughout the duration of the clinical experience. CPR certification must be obtained through the American Heart Association, and only the BLS certification for Healthcare Providers will be accepted.
All students under series for a vaccine must always remain compliant until revaccination is complete, any required titers are achieved, or no further vaccinations are indicated.
All students must submit proof of health insurance. If there are any changes to your health insurance coverage, you must submit the new information immediately. If you are utilizing NIU Student Health Insurance, contact the Student Health Insurance office at 815-753-0122 to obtain proof of insurance.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Training, Code of Conduct, Academic Integrity, Blood Borne Pathogens and School Handbook Acknowledgement, will be obtained upon entry into the program and further instruction for obtaining these will be provided.
Contact Mary Margaret Evans, mevans13@niu.edu.
Students must submit documentation of all requirements the semester before enrolling in the practicum course. Fall practicum students must be compliant by August 1, spring practicum students must be compliant by November 1 and summer practicum students must be compliant by April 1.
Proof of current nursing license obtained in the state in which you will complete your practicum is required.
All students must submit proof of health insurance. If there are any changes to your health insurance coverage, you must submit the new information immediately. If you are utilizing NIU Student Health Insurance, contact the Student Health Insurance office at 815-753-0122 to obtain proof of insurance.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPPA Training, Code of Conduct, Academic Integrity, Blood Borne Pathogens and School Handbook Acknowledgement, will be obtained upon entry into the program and further instruction for obtaining these will be provided.
Contact Mary Margaret Evans at mevans13@niu.edu.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required upon admission to the program. Students will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at your expense.
Students in the nursing program are required to submit a clean 10-panel drug screen in order to progress in the program. Students will be instructed on how and where to obtain this drug screen at the start of the program. Certain sites or certain circumstances could require students to have to repeat this drug screen, at your expense.See Drug Screen Policy for more information.
CPR certification is required and must be current throughout the duration of the clinical experience. CPR certification must be obtained through the American Heart Association, and only the BLS certification for healthcare providers will be accepted.
These requirements are due the semester prior to the first internship/practicum/project, and further instructions will be provided by the online program coordinator. All students under series for a vaccine must always remain compliant until revaccination is complete, any required titers are achieved or no further vaccinations are indicated.
Proof of current Illinois Nursing license
All students must submit proof of health insurance. If there are any changes to your health insurance coverage, you must submit the new information immediately. If you are utilizing NIU Student Health Insurance, contact the Student Health Insurance office at 815-753-0122 to obtain proof of insurance.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPPA Training, Code of Conduct, Academic Integrity, Blood Borne Pathogens and School Handbook Acknowledgement, will be obtained upon entry into the program and further instruction for obtaining these will be provided.
Contact Jerri Reynolds at jreynolds3@niu.edu.
Graduate students are required to complete clinical requirements before June 8.
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required for progression in the program. You will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at the student's expense.
Students in the DPT program may be required to submit a clean 10-panel drug screen in order to progress in the program depending on the clinical site. Students will be instructed on how and where to obtain this drug screen upon acceptance into the program. Certain sites or certain circumstances could require students to have to repeat this drug screen, at the student's expense.
Proof of current CPR certification will need to be provided.
Only the American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR Certification will be accepted. The exact month/date/ year of the course must be noted on the card.
Online re-certifications are not accepted.
A physical exam by an M.D., N.P. or D.O. verifying adequate health to work with patients in a healthcare setting must be completed within the past six months. Submit your physical exam (DOCX) (completed on the school form) within the past six months and signed by a medical professional.
HIPAA training, OSHA certification, handbook acknowledgement and confidentiality statement will be completed upon arrival to campus.
Provide a copy of both sides of your current health insurance card or proof of coverage.
If name on documentation does not match the name on file, verification of coverage from your insurance provider is required.
Contact Sarah Greenhagen at sgreenhagen@niu.edu
Clinical requirements must be met prior to registering for internship.
Some internship affiliates may require that students submit to a criminal background check prior to beginning the internship at the student’s expense. You will be instructed how to obtain your background checks.
Some internship affiliates may require that students submit to a drug screen, at your expense. You will be instructed on how to obtain your drug screen.
Certain internship affiliates may require further proof of immunizations or other proof at your expense.
Contact Becky Pritchard, internship coordinator, at rpritchard@niu.edu.
Clinical requirements must be met prior to registering for internship.
Some internship affiliates may require that students submit to a criminal background check prior to beginning the internship at the student's expense. You will be instructed how to obtain your background checks.
Some internship affiliates may require that students submit to a drug screen, at your expense. You will be instructed on how to obtain your drug screen.
Certain internship affiliates may require further proof of immunizations or other proof at your expense.
Contact Becky Pritchard, internship coordinator, at rpritchard@niu.edu.
Students will need to meet clinical requirements prior to enrollment in the clinical courses (REHB 690 and REHB 694).
A criminal background check that is compliant with the standards of the Illinois Healthcare Workers Background Check Act is required for progression in the program. You will be given specific instructions on how to obtain this background check upon acceptance. Certain sites or specific circumstances may require subsequent background checks at your expense.
Certain affiliated sites may have additional requirements including but not limited to subsequent background checks, drug screens and proof of immunization.
Certain affiliated sites may have additional requirements including but not limited to subsequent background checks, drug screens and proof of immunization.
Contact Amanda McCarthy, program coordinator, at amccarthy@niu.edu.
Requirements should be completed by June 17.
Speech-Language Pathology majors need fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Learn more about the fingerprint criminal background check process.
You will complete a total of three background checks:
Through Universal Screening through EXXAT
State background check (see attached IL State background form document)
Federal background check (see attached FBI background form document)
You will complete the state and federal checks at an Accurate Biometrics location. Use the Accurate Biometrics website to put in your zip code to find an Accurate Biometric location closest to you and that is open.
Please note that some off-campus sites may require you to have an additional background check completed through a vendor or within a certain time at your own cost.
This is the state background check. Following completion, you will be able to sign for and pick up your results from the SLP clinical coordinator within the first week of classes. Then, you will upload them to EXXAT under the “State of Illinois Background Check” item.
This is the federal background check. On the form, choose Option 1 for delivery method. Results are available for only 30 days and can only be viewed/printed one time. Please make sure to be near a printer when you are viewing these results. Upload the results to EXXAT under the “FBI Background Check” item for review and approval.
Students in the Speech-Language Pathology program are required to submit a clean 10-panel drug screen in order to progress in the program. Students will be instructed on how and where to obtain this drug screen upon acceptance into the program. Certain sites or certain circumstances could require students to have to repeat this drug screen, at the student's expense.
Copies of front and back of CPR certification card (or E-Card) through the American Heart Association.
Must take the American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) class for healthcare providers
Contact Deidre Dobbels, SLP clinic coordinator, at ddobbels@niu.edu.
Clinical requirements are site dependent. Please check with course instructor for specific requirements.
The Dean's Office is open for face-to-face meetings by appointment only.