- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Academics
- Clinical/Special Requirements
Clinical/Special Requirements
The programs identified below have learning experiences through internships, practicums, clinicals or similar for which additional clinical or special requirements for the student are mandatory. For more information, select a program below or refer to the undergraduate or graduate catalogs.
About COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
- NIU strongly encourages every Huskie to be vaccinated and up to date on their vaccines.
- Many clinical placements, internships and practicums are requiring participating students to be fully vaccinated. This CHHS program vaccination requirement is separate from NIU’s vaccination guidelines.
- We encourage all CHHS students to complete health requirements for these placements based on required program deadlines. If you are not fully vaccinated, you may be unable to participate in activities required by your degree program in a timely manner and your graduation could be delayed.
- Students in FACS programs need to include the COVID-19 vaccine with other program requirements. Please contact your advisors, clinical program coordinators and chairs in your specific program with questions.
Learn more at Protecting the Pack.
Understanding of Risk Survey
You will receive a link to the understanding of risk survey from the clinical coordinator once the course begins.
Undergraduate
Deadline: clinical/special requirements are due prior to registration for internship.
Volunteer Hours
Complete a total of 100 certified hours of approved volunteer work at least 50 hours completed prior to enrolling in HDFS 383 and the balance completed prior to enrolling in HDFS 491. Volunteer hours can be completed in the following way:
- 70 in one agency and 30 in another = 100 or
- 60 in one agency and 40 in another = 100 or
- 50 in one site and 50 in another = 100 or
- 30 in one site, 30 in the second site, and 40 in the third site = 100.
Immunizations/Vaccinations
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccinations are required. COVID-19 vaccinations need to be up to date with CDC recommendations.
Criminal Background Check
- 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.
- Criminal background check must be completed 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.
Coordinator
Contact Jane Rose Njue, jnjue@niu.edu
Deadline: requirements must be completed prior to enrollment in HDFS 490
Immunizations/Vaccinations
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccinations are required. COVID-19 vaccinations need to be up to date with CDC recommendations.
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 xray and clearance form from a physician.
Criminal Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check.
First Aid and CPR
Certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Physical Exam
Physical exam within the last six months.
Other
- Three letters of reference
- Completion of 50 hours of approved community service in a child development agency (completed after admission to program and prior to admission to HDFS 490)
- Proof of Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies' Gateway registration
Area Coordinator
Contact Scott Sibley, dscottsibley@niu.edu
Deadline: requirements are due prior to the start of supervised field work.
Immunizations/Vaccinations
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccinations are required. COVID-19 vaccinations need to be up to date with CDC recommendations.
Certain internship affiliates may require subsequent background checks or other requirements such as drug screens, and proof of certain immunizations at your expense.
Criminal Background Check
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.
Drug Screen
Certain internship affiliates may require subsequent background checks or other requirements such as drug screens, and proof of certain immunizations at your expense.
Other
Successful completion of 1 credit pre-practicum seminar (GERO 467a)
Internship Coordinator
Contact Thomas Pavkov, tpavkov@niu.edu
Graduate
Deadline: clinical/special requirements must be completed prior to starting HDFS 639.
Criminal Background Check
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.
Drug Screen
Certain internship affiliates may require drug screens.
Immunizations/Vaccinations
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccinations are required. COVID-19 vaccinations need to be up to date with CDC recommendations.
Certain internship affiliates may require proof of certain immunizations at your expense.
Director of the Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
Contact DeAnna Harris-McKoy, dharrismckoy@niu.edu.
Contact Us
Family and Consumer Sciences
118 Wirtz Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1543
facs@niu.edu
