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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Pre-practicum requirements

2024-2025 Due Dates

Program Deadline for verification
Collaborative Nursing Year 1 November 18, 2024
Collaborative Nursing Year 2-4 July 29, 2024*
RPN-to-BScN Year 1-2 March 25, 2024*
RPN-to-BScN Year 3 (Final year) July 29, 2024*

* Documentation must cover you for the entirety of the clinical (practicum) courses.

Students must receive a PASS status from Synergy by the stated deadline.  Anyone not showing a PASS status once the deadline has passed will be considered late. 

Verified by Synergy has a 3-5 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.

To be eligible to participate in practicum, students must meet specific requirements for practice, both medical (e.g., immunizations) and non-medical (e.g., vulnerable sector check), as outlined within the contractual agreements established with our placement partners*.  These requirements form an integral component of a student’s Professional Suitability as outlined in the Academic Calendar.  Failure to submit all requirements by the stated deadline will result in the student beginning the term on a Collaborative Success Plan (CSP) based on professionalism and accountability. Should the student be late or fail to submit pre-practicum requirements in subsequent years of their program, they will be subject to the Professional Suitability Policy (undergraduate). Students are responsible for all costs associated with meeting pre-practicum requirements. 

The Faculty of Health Sciences will be utilizing Synergy Gateway Verified for the verification of all pre-practicum (pre-placement) documentation (including but not limited to the completion of immunizations and required modules) for all students in the Nursing Program and Med Lab Programs.

Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Act, SO 2002, c. 8, Sch. O. and will be collected, protected, used, disclosed, and retained in compliance with Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31. This information will be used to administer pre-practicum requirements in order to facilitate student placement. 

Information uploaded to the platform will be retained by Synergy for one year after the termination of their account. Students will be able to access their information for one year after they have left their program.  A reminder to students that you are ultimately responsible for maintaining your pre-practicum requirements and keeping original copies of your documentation should they be requested by your placement site.

Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to:  Ontario Tech University Access and Privacy Office, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, 905.721.8668, ext. 6705, email: accessandprivacy@ontariotechu.ca

Please keep all receipts for income tax purposes. These costs can include:

  • Service fees for Verified, our documentation collection, and ERV verification partner.
  • Costs to complete mandatory immunizations, lab tests, Vulnerable Sector Check, and certifications.

*Prerequisites for practicum vary by site and students may be required to complete additional requirements above and beyond those outlined here.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they meet the criteria of the assigned practicum site.  Any additional requirements will be available in HSPnet once your placement assignment has been released.  Please ensure you check HSPnet regularly.  With limited practicum opportunities available, changes based on ineligibility will not be considered. 

 

  • Immunization

    Students are required to complete the Ontario Tech immunization forms.

    For students who are entering their second year of study but still need to complete their first-year practicum course:

    If you HAVE previously submitted your Entry Immunization Form and all other requirements and were cleared to proceed to practicum, please follow the RETURNING STUDENT information and deadlines.

    If you HAVE NOT previously submitted your Entry Immunization Form and all other requirements, please follow the ENTRY STUDENT information and deadlines.

    If you are unsure which forms to complete, please contact nursingprogram@ontariotechu.ca

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    To help protect the health and safety of patients/clients, as well as the students participating in placement, all students enrolled in the nursing program must provide proof of immunization for the following:

    • Tuberculosis (TB) Surveillance
    • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio
    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (serology required to document immunity)
    • Hepatitis B (serology required to document immunity)
    • COVID (minimum 2 doses)
    • Influenza (flu shot) *not mandatory, but highly recommended.

     Serology refers to bloodwork ordered by the Health Care Provider that will provide laboratory evidence of immunity for a specific communicable disease.

    TB Surveillance

    All students with unknown TB status must provide evidence of a baseline 2 step TB skin test in the first year of their program.  Annual TB testing is a requirement for students who have previously tested negative.  A negative TB test is valid for 12 months. 

    If you have tested positive for TB in the past, the student must provide proof of chest x-ray (completed within the preceding 12 months) at the start of their program with documentation from the Health Care Provider (HCP) indicating no signs or symptoms of active TB are present.  In every subsequent year of the program, a documented assessment by the HCP indicating no signs or symptoms of active TB is sufficient.  A chest x-ray is not required every year. 

    Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio

    Students will be asked to provide the dates of vaccination for each of the indicated communicable diseases.  Tetanus vaccination is valid for 10 years.  Maintaining up to date vaccinations is required.  A single dose of the Tdap (Adacel vaccine) is recommended if not previously received as an adult or adolescent. Primary immunization against polio is sufficient.

    Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chicken Pox)

    Students will be asked to provide the dates of vaccination for each of the indicated communicable diseases and demonstrate immunity through provided serology.

    MMR

    Students must provide proof of receiving 2 doses of the MMR vaccine and evidence of immunity through serology.  If serology shows inadequate immunity after the initial series, a booster can be initiated by the HCP. 

    Varicella

     A history of chicken pox is NO LONGER sufficient evidence of immunity.  If immunity is not present, students may require booster doses.  Please note:  if 2 doses of varicella vaccine are required, there must be a minimum of 4 - 6 weeks between doses so students should plan accordingly. 

    Hepatitis B

    Students must provide documented immunization of a complete series of Hepatitis B, including evidence of immunity through serology.  If serology shows inadequate immunity after the initial series, a booster series can be initiated by the HCP. 

    Influenza

    The influenza (flu) vaccination is not mandatory but strongly recommended.  In the event of an influenza outbreak, students without sufficient documentation of the vaccine may be asked to leave the clinical area, thus jeopardizing their successful completion of the practicum course.  The influenza vaccine (flu shot) is generally not available until October and takes two weeks to become effective. 

    Note: Influenza vaccination is listed as a mandatory requirement for some practicum partners.  If you are a placed at a facility that indicates the flu shot is mandatory, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination PRIOR to placement. It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you meet the criteria of your practicum site.  With limited practicum opportunities available, changes based on ineligibility will not be considered. 

    COVID

    Most of our placement partners still require student learners to be vaccinated for COVID 19.  However, the number of vaccinations required vary by site, with some sites requiring students to have their initial 2 dose vaccination plus applicable boosters.  Once your practicum assignment has been posted in HSPnet, please review all information related to the sites COVID vaccination requirements, policies, and directives.  It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you meet the criteria of your practicum site.  With limited practicum opportunities available, changes based on ineligibility will not be considered. 

    REMINDER:  You must be 14 days POST the last required dose (2nd vaccine or booster) to be considered vaccinated.  To avoid a delay or cancellation of practicum, please ensure you plan accordingly if you require an immunization or booster(s) prior to practicum start. 

    Students requiring religious or medical accommodation as it relates to COVID vaccination for nursing practicum, must register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS).  If the accommodation has been approved by SAS, the accommodation request will then be subject to a site-specific review and assessment.   There is no guarantee that the placement site will accept the accommodation for placement.   Seeking accommodation should be initiated well in advance of the practicum start as the approval process can take several weeks.  Please contact nursingprogram@ontariotechu.ca for more information on next steps. 

  • Obtaining a Vulnerable Sector Check

    Obtaining a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

    All students in the Collaborative BScN and Post-RPN-to-BScN programs are required to complete an annual vulnerable sector check (VSC). The check is valid for one year from the date of issue and must cover the entire academic year. These must be obtained from the student’s local (permanent address) police service; any costs associated with the check are the responsibility of the student. Many police services offer a discounted rate for students/volunteers. If your local police service is not listed below, please check with them directly. Should you require any information from the program, please email nursingprogram@ontariotechu.ca with your request.

    Students residing in Durham Region:

    Durham Region Police Service (DRPS) requires a letter from students to qualify for the volunteer (lower) rate. Students can download the letter for DRPS here.  This is a secure link that requires students banner ID and network password to access. 

    For more information, visit the DRPS  Record Checks web page. 

    Students residing in Toronto:

    Please review the Applying for a VSC - Toronto Police Service document for information on how to apply and to obtain the "Agency Code" required for online applications. 

    Please click here to download the Toronto Police Service (TPS) Vulnerable Sector Check application form is applying in person or through the mail.

    Students residing in York Region:

    Students can find information regarding the York Regional Police (YRP) process and application for a VSC   here .

    Students must provide a letter from the school with their application. Students can download the letter for YRP  here.

    Students residing in areas serviced by the Ontario Provincial Police:

    As of June 13, 2022, the OPP have moved record check applications online. Students will still require a letter from the university to submit with their application. Please email the following information to  nursingprogram@ontariotechu.ca 

    1. FULL NAME
    2. DATE OF BIRTH
    3. FULL ADDRESS, including POSTAL CODE

    Once we receive this information, a letter will be completed for you and sent back via email. 

    Please visit their website for more information on the VSC application process.

    Minors (under the age of 18):

    Please note: Under the Police Record Check Reform Act, police services will no longer be providing criminal record checks for people under the age of 18. If you are a minor (under the age of 18), you and your parent/guardian will need to complete the Interim Offence Declaration for Minors. 

    Students will have 8 weeks from their 18 th birthday to submit a VSC via Verified by Synergy with no additional fee.  We strongly encourage students to apply for their VSC as soon as possible once they turn 18.

    International students

    For practicum in Ontario, students are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) completed from a local police service.  A VSC covers a wider range of information than a criminal record check, as it pertains to vulnerable persons as well as sexual offences.    We cannot accept any other criminal reference document completed outside of Ontario. 

    Students may apply for a VSC from the region within Ontario they will be living in during their studies (e.g., Durham, York, Toronto etc.), by providing proof of address (e.g., utility bill, driver’s license etc.).  Please review the above sections specific to the region you will be living in during your studies for application information.    We strongly encourage students to complete this well in advance of the deadline as processing times for a VSC may be long.

    Other police services 

    Many police services offer a discounted rate for students/volunteers. If your local police service is not listed here, please check with them directly. Should you require any information from the program, please email nursingprogram@ontariotechu.ca with your request. 

  • CPR Certification

    CPR certification information

    All students in the Collaborative BScN and Post-RPN-to-BScN programs must show proof of a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. The level required for the nursing programs is BASIC LIFE SAVING (BLS) for Health Care Provider (HCP). Different companies refer to this by various names - BLS, HCP, BLS Provider etc. Please ensure you are receiving the training for healthcare.  Level HCP CPR certification/re-certification.

    As per our legal agreements with our practicum partners, CPR certification must be done on an annual basis and be valid for the entire duration of practicum(s). Regardless of expiry date listed on your certificate, the program considers the certification valid for one year from the date of issue.

    Please note the following:

    • Online CPR courses will NOT be accepted.
    • First Aid is strongly recommended but not required
    • CPR certification must be valid in Canada. If you are completing certification in another country, it is the student’s responsibility to check with the Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada to confirm your respective certification is equivalent/accepted in Canada.

    Recommended providers of CPR certification:

  • Mask Fit

    N95 Mask Fit Testing information

    Mask fit tests are valid for two years from the date of testing. Ontario Tech University provides on-campus mask fit testing for BScN Collaborative students in Years 1 and 3 of the program. The cost of the test is included in the ancillary fees for students enrolled in the Collaborative BScN program. Testing will be arranged by the Nursing Program office each year in the Fall semester. Eligible students will receive an email in their ontariotechu.net account containing information about dates and how to register for testing.

    Students in the Post-RPN-to-BScN programs have 2 options for meeting the mask fit testing requirement:

    1. Provide proof of testing received through an employer. Please ensure your testing is valid for the entire duration of the respective placement.
    2. Arrange your own mask fit testing through a provider (recommended providers listed below). Any cost associated with the testing are the responsibility of the student. 

    Important: It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Nursing Program office of any change in facial structure (e.g., weight gain/loss) and arrange for their own re-test.

    Recommended mask fit testing providers below. Please note that if students are sourcing their own mask fit test through the companies listed below, students are responsible for any costs incurred:

  • Training & Additional Forms

    Additional forms

    The below forms will be completed and submitted ONCE in your first year and remain valid for the duration of your program.

    Other required training

    As per ministry and placement partner requirements, the following training must be completed prior to attending practicum. Students must provide proof of completion certificates as part of their pre-practicum requirements. 

    Please note: New students will be unable to access the AODA modules until September of their respective start in the program.

    *Students will need to set up an account to access the modules. Please keep your login/password somewhere safe as you will need to use it each year.

  • CNO Registration

    Proof of CNO Registration **RPN to BScN Bridge student ONLY**

    RPN to BScN students must hold a current certificate of competence with no restrictions from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to participate in the program. 

    In each year of their program, students must provide proof of their CNO registration renewal as part of their returning student requirements.  Please provide the receipt issued for CNO registration renewal, with the date clearly indicated, as proof of having met this requirement. 

  • Co-op Work Permit

    Co-op work permit (International students only)

    A co-op work permit is a mandatory document for international students during your co-op/internship/practicum period. The document is mandatory for international students to use during their practicum period. 

    Important: You will need to do a medical exam. You must see a physician on Canada’s list of Panel Physicians to complete your medical exam. If you submit your medical results as part of your application package will speed up the processing of your application. If you have completed a medical exam in the past it is valid for 12 months from the day you get it.

    Once you have received your co-op work permit ensure you provide it to the International Office website by using this Google form.

    You can refer to the International Office website to learn more about the co-op work permit. For additional information, you can contact your International Student Advisor.


    The following document provides more information:

  • Verified by Synergy

    Verified by Synergy

    Synergy Gateway is a leading provider of healthcare and compliance solutions for universities and colleges across Canada.

    To be eligible for practicum placements, students will be required to complete an Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV) service in the Synergy Gateway Verified application. 

    Please Note: Students who are unable to meet the stated deadlines run the risk of being de-registered from their theory/practicum courses and would be eligible to register the next time the respective course is offered. 

    There are service fees for Verified (in addition to fees for immunizations, lab tests, and certifications):

    • Initial Clearance Review - $50.50 +HST
    • Missed Review - $50.50 +HST
    • Follow-up Review $10.00 +HST

    We strongly encourage you to review your documentation PRIOR to your scheduled appointment to ensure you have ALL the required elements to avoid additional charges.

     

    How to access your Verified account

    • Students will receive log-in credentials to access their Verified account directly to their school email account (firstname.lastname@ontariotechu.net) from “Synergy Help Desk”. Please check spam and junk mail folders if you do not see it in your inbox.
    • You will be required to create a new password upon logging into Verified.
    • Review the Video User Guides and Student Guidebook to learn how to use the Verified platform.

    Please visit www.synergyhelps.com should you have any issues.