Student Health Program
In order to achieve the objectives of the educational program, the student must be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. The Student Health Program is designed to maintain optimal wellness of the student through education, prevention and treatment of illness. The health program is outlined in the student handbook. It is managed by the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing in conjunction with Physician Group – Family Medicine. The program includes provisions for pre-entrance immunizations/requirements, annual/periodic health screening, immunizations, as well as policies related to student health management. Detailed instructions regarding health requirements for students beginning nursing courses are provided to students at an information session in spring semester.
**Results of the pre-entrance physical and immunizations will be reviewed by LVPG Family Medicine. Further assessment may be required. Results may affect entry into the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing.
Medical Insurance Coverage
Students are required to have adequate and current health insurance coverage prior to beginning and during enrollment in nursing courses (second and third year of the program) at the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing.
A valid copy of the Declaration of Insurance or insurance card must be submitted annually.
Juniors—submit with pre-entrance immunizations and physical examination form by the required date.
Seniors—submit prior to beginning of each new academic year (August).
Failure to renew and submit valid proof of current coverage by the designated deadlines will prevent the student from attending class and clinical practice and could result in dismissal from the school.
Physical and Mental Requirements
The applicant must demonstrate the physical and mental health necessary to meet the requirements of the nursing program.
Must be able to speak and understand the English language and communicate in an understandable manner.
Must be able to read and write the English language in an understandable manner.
Must be able to move, walk, sit and stand intermittently and for extended periods in the clinical and classroom setting.
Must be able to bend and lift up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the program requirements can be met.
Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
Must be able to cope with emotional and mental stress.
Must possess or be able to learn the manual dexterity required to carry out the functions necessary to meet the objectives of the program.
Drug Screen/Testing
All students beginning the second year of the program will be tested prior to beginning nursing courses. Students will be notified to report for testing by an authorized representative of Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill S. Jackson Street campus. Continuation into nursing courses is contingent upon a negative drug screen/test. Medical marijuana use is not permitted. Anyone with a medical marijuana card must rescind it.
Student Vaccination/Immunization Policy
The student must provide evidence of being in good health prior to beginning the second-year nursing component of the program. Health examination forms and requirements for immunizations will be sent to the student. The student must have the following immunizations or evidence of immunity:
Immunization Requirements for Nursing Students
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
All new students will be required to receive baseline TB screening using two-step Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or IGRA (ie. QuantiFERON Gold or T-spot).
For new students without prior two-step TST documentation using PPD, the first TST will need to be administered and read within 2-3 days. If the first-step TST result is negative, the second-step TST will need to be administered 1-3 weeks after the first TST result was read.
New students with documentation of a prior two-step TST will require only one-step testing (updated TST must be less than three months old).
Individuals with a previously documented positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or positive IGRA will be exempt from Tuberculin Skin Testing. A current chest x-ray (within six months) will be required to confirm no active disease.
MEASLES
Documented administration of two doses of live measles virus vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity will be required.
MUMPS
Documented administration of two doses of live mumps virus vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity will be required.
RUBELLA (GERMAN MEASLES)
Documented administration of one dose of live rubella virus vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity will be required (administration of one dose of live Rubella or MMR vaccine must occur on or after first birthday).
VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX)
Documented administration of two doses of varicella vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity will be required (administration of vaccines must occur on or after first birthday).
TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH)
Documented administration of one dose of Tdap vaccine will be required (must have been received between ages 11-64).
HEPATITIS B
Documented administration of a completed (3) dose Hepatitis B vaccine series or if documentation is not available testing for positive (+) Hepatitis B surface antibody will be required. (Documentation of at least one vaccine must be submitted prior to starting the program).
INFLUENZA (FLU)
Documentation of annual influenza (flu) vaccination or an approved exemption (medical/religious) will be required during flu season.
COVID-19
Documentation of COVID-19 immunization is required.
The forms, completed and signed by a licensed health care provider (nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, physician) must be submitted to the LVPG Family Medicine Coordinator six weeks prior to beginning the second year of the program. The results are reviewed by the LVPG Family Medicine Coordinator and become part of the applicant’s permanent record. All records must be completed before entrance into the second year of the program.