Criminal Background Check

All applicants must submit to a criminal background check (CBC) as part of the acceptance process into the LVN Program.  The cost of the CBC is an applicant responsibility.  The CBC may only be performed by an external vendor designated by the Nursing Department.

Student eligibility for participation in clinical activities in affiliated clinical agencies is based upon the results of the CBC.  Inability to participate in clinical activities in any affiliated clinical agency will prohibit admission to any program option.

Immunizations

All students enrolled in health-related courses, including nursing students, which will involve direct patient contact must meet the following Texas Department of State Health (DSHS) immunization requirements:

• One dose of a tetanus-diptheria toxoid (Td) is required within the last ten years. The booster dose may be in the form of a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis containing vaccine (Tdap).
• Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show, prior to patient contact, acceptable evidence of vaccination of two doses of measles-containing vaccine administered since January 1, 1968 (preferably MMR vaccine).
• Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show, prior to patient contact, acceptable evidence of vaccination of one dose of mumps vaccine.
• Students must show, prior to patient contact, acceptable evidence of one dose of rubella vaccine.
• Students are required to receive a complete series of hepatitis B vaccine prior to the start of direct patient care or show serologic confirmation of immunity to hepatitis B virus.
• Students are required to have received one dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the students’ first birthday or, if the first dose was administered on or after the student’s thirteenth birthday, two doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine are required.

(Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter B, Rule 97.64; amended to be effective May 25, 2010)

TB Skin Test

All students must present documentation of a negative tuberculin skin test (PPD) administered within one year of beginning clinical activities involving direct patient care or present evidence of a negative chest x-ray for tuberculosis (TB) obtained within one year of beginning clinical activities, if the TB skin test is positive.  Tuberculosis skin tests must be repeated yearly while students are enrolled in the nursing program.

Flu Vaccine

Students are required to recieve an annual or seasonal flu vaccination. Flu season generally begins in the fall (September/October) and runs through mid- to late- spring.

CPR Certification

All students in the ADN Program must be certified throughout program enrollment in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Providers in accordance with standards set by the American Heart Association.