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FAQ

Pre-practicum requirements

  • Why do I need to complete pre-practicum requirements?
    Ontario legislation specifies certain surveillance requirements for those entering into health-care practice settings. The Collaborative Program protocol was developed in accordance with the communicable disease surveillance protocols, specified under the Public Hospitals Act, to meet the requirements of our students’ practicum settings. This process is necessary to ensure that our students protect their health and safety, and the health and safety of patients, visitors, employees and other students. Completion of this information is not optional. All sections must be completed as outlined. Our practicum partners have the right to refuse students who have not met all of their pre-practicum requirements. 


    The Nursing Program office does not retain copies of your documents. Keep them safe, as each practicum agency throughout your program has the right to view and/or request copies of them.

  • When should I submit my pre-practicum requirements?

    Please refer to the top of the Pre-practicum requirements page for the most up-to-date deadlines for submission. 

    We strongly encourage students to submit these well before the stated deadline, as failure to do so may result in consequences for late submission and/or withdrawal from the practicum course. 

    Verified by Synergy has a 2-business day turnaround time for verification.  There are approximately 60 appointments available per day for OTU students.  It is the student’s responsibility to book their appointment in advance of the deadline to ensure they can be processed and receive a “PASS” status from Synergy by the stated deadline.  

  • How do I verify my pre-practicum requirements?

    The Faculty of Health Sciences uses Synergy Gateway Verified for the verification of all pre-practicum documentation required for the nursing programs.  Please refer to the “Verified by Synergy” tab in the Pre-practicum requirements section of the website for further instruction. 


    Verified by Synergy has a 2-business day turnaround time for verification.  There are approximately 60 appointments available per day for OTU students.  It is the student’s responsibility to book their appointment in advance of the deadline to ensure they can be processed and receive a “PASS” status from Synergy by the stated deadline.  

  • What happens if I do not verify my documents before the deadline?

    Students who are late in submitting the required pre-practicum elements will start their term on a Collaborative Success Plan (CSP) based on professionalism and accountability.  Please refer to section 8.1 of this handbook for more information. Students who do not comply with the CSP will be considered under the Professional Suitability Policy (undergraduate).   Should a student be late submitting their pre-practicum requirements in subsequent years of their program, they will be considered under the Professional Suitability Policy (undergraduate). 

    Students who fail to hand in ANY pre-practicum requirements OR do not receive a “PASS” from Verified by Synergy within the provided timeframe will either be de-registered and/or will be required to withdraw from their respective NURS Theory and Practicum courses. Student may re-enroll the next time the course is offered according to the student’s program map (and placement site availability).

  • When should I complete my Entry Immunization Form?

    The Entry Immunization Form (EIF) should be initiated as early as possible as appointments with your Health Care Provider (HCP) may take time to arrange and some students may experience difficulties with confirming their immunity.   We recommend initiating communication with your HCP over the summer months (June through August).

  • When should I do my TB test?

    For entry level students, evidence of a two-step tuberculosis (TB) test is required as a baseline; we recommend you complete it between May and August. If you have previously received a two-step test and are proceeding with a one-step, you must provide proof of your previous two-step TB test.

    For returning students, a one-step TB test is required; you must complete it within 12 months of your last test.

  • What happens if I test positive for TB?

    If you have tested positive for TB, you do not need to complete further TB skin tests. However, you must provide:

    • Entry-level students: A copy of a chest X-ray report (CXR) completed within the past two years.
    • Returning students: A copy from your health-care provider indicating no active signs of TB each year.
  • Where can I get my mask fit testing done?
  • How long is my mask fit test valid?

    Mask fit tests are valid for two years from the date of testing. Your test must cover you for the entire duration of the academic year.

  • Where should I apply for my Vunerable Sector Screen?
    Please refer to the “Obtaining a Vulnerable Sector Check” tab in the Pre-practicum requirements section of the website for further instruction.
  • What is a vulnerable sector screen?

    This type of screening is required for individuals intending to work/volunteer with vulnerable persons in Canada. It is a collection of offence information, including convictions, outstanding warrants, charges, judicial orders and sexual offence convictions.

    A vulnerable person is defined as a person who, because of their age, disability or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, are:

    • In a position of dependence on others; or
    • Otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by a person in a position of authority or trust.
  • How do I apply for a criminal reference check with vulnerable sector screen?
  • When should I apply for my vulnerable sector screen?
    Your VSC should be valid for the entire duration of the applicable practicum experiences you are registered for in an academic year.   The VSC application process can take weeks, so we strongly encourage students to apply well in advance of the pre-practicum requirements deadline.   Please check with your local police service regarding processing wait times.
  • My assigned placement site is requesting my Vulnerable Sector Check be run within 6 months of my placement start, do I need to comply?
    Yes, you need to comply. Practicum partners have their own policies regarding criminal reference checks, and the practicum agency decides which students are allowed on site for practicum. Failure to comply with any agency requirement jeopardizes a student's practicum and progression in the program.
  • What level of CPR certification is required?
    Students are required to complete CPR certification for Health Care Providers.  Please double-check with your certification provider to ensure you are completing the course required for Health Care Providers as the name of the certification can be different amongst different companies.   The two most common names are BLS (Basic Life Support) and HCP (Health Care Provider). Please refer to the “CPR Certification” tab in the Pre-practicum requirements section of the website for further instruction.
  • Do I need to do First Aid?

    First Aid is highly recommended but not a mandatory part of the certification process. 

  • My CPR certification states it is valid for three years. Why do I need to re-certify?

    As per our agreements with our practicum partners, CPR certification must be done annually. So while your certification states it is valid for three years, for the purpose of practicum, it is only valid for one year from the date of issue.

  • I cannot attend Orientation. What should I do?
    Any orientation related to practicum, whether it be the assigned site orientation or the practicum course orientation, is mandatory.   Failure to attend a stated orientation may result in the practicum being delayed or cancelled.  Please notify the Nursing Program Office immediately via email if you are unable to attend an assigned orientation.
  • I’m having difficulty completing the IPAC modules, are there any quick tips for use?
    Please refer to the IPAC Tipsheet.

Practicum

  • What kind of practicums will I be participating in during my program?

    Students will be placed in a variety of settings throughout their program. All practicums utilized by the program will help students meet the learning goals and objectives for the respective course.

  • What do I need to wear for practicum?

    In practicum settings that require uniforms, students will be required to wear navy blue scrubs to identify them as one of our  students. Scrubs must be clean and fit properly.

    In practicum settings that do not require uniforms, students must follow the dress code requirements of the specific agency in which they are placed. 

    Students who follow specific dress requirements for cultural or religious reasons are invited to speak directly with their clinical instructor/faculty advisor to ensure their needs are met.

  • What is HSPnet?

    The Health Sciences Placement Network (HSPnet) is a web-based system for managing practicums.

  • How and when will I be notified of my practicum?

    Students can retrieve their practicum confirmation and details via HSPnet once it has been confirmed. Students are responsible for checking HSPnet frequently prior to the start of each term for updated information.

  • Can I arrange my own practicum?

    No, students may not arrange their own practicums. The Nursing Program office has pre-existing relationships with our practicum partners. Our partners will only accept practicums that have been arranged directly with the Nursing Program office.

  • Can I request a specific practicum?

    No, students may not request a specific practicum.

    A variety of factors are considered prior to a student being accepted for practicum, including, but not limited to:

    • availability
    • course goals/objectives
    • experience
    • interview
  • Can I request an international practicum?

    At this time, the program does not participate in international practicum opportunities.

  • I missed the agency orientation; now what?

    Any orientation outlined by a practicum partner is considered mandatory. Practicum partners will not permit students to enter practicum until all orientation/onboarding requirements have been met. Students who miss orientation jeopardize their ability to continue in practicum, and ultimately their progression in the program. The Nursing Program office is not under any obligation to secure a new practicum should the previous one be cancelled due to a missed orientation or failure to complete required training/onboarding.

  • I'm having technical difficulties with the IPAC modules. Are there any trouble shooting tips?

    What typically helps for the use of the modules to run smoothly is to: 

    1. Complete them directly from the PHO site: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/education-and-events/online-learning/ipac-courses
    2. Using internet explorer or google chrome;
    3. Complete only on a laptop or desktop;
    4. Historical trends of higher volume participation activity start Aug – Oct. and again Jan-Feb.;
    5. All questions and concerns should be directed to IPAC@oahpp.ca.