Before You Apply

All clinical affiliates require immunizations. Therefore, students must demonstrate proof of vaccinations through our standard internship form which must be signed, stamped and dated by a health care provider. Failure to provide this document will delay or forfeit the internship component. Required immunizations include: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Tuberculosis.

Many affiliate sites are also requiring proof of COVID vaccination. For specific site policies, please contact Mary El-Semarani at mary.elsemarani@sfcollege.edu.

Any applicant who is pregnant or immunocompromised should seek expert advice from their health care provider, noting that the student may proceed through the program with "no limitations" will be required.

All students enrolled in an Emerging Technologies internship is strongly encouraged to receive an annual flu vaccination. Due to internship site specifications, some sites may decline the internship if you are not vaccinated.

The use of latex/latex based products may exist in health care universal precautions and in environments such as, but not limited to: classrooms and training labs, hospitals, nursing care facilities, laboratories, clinical areas and medical/dental offices. Individuals with latex allergies should seek expert advice from their health care provider so that they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to latex in the health care field.

The Health Science Programs may have clinical experiences that expose the student to blood borne pathogens via contact with bodily fluids including, but not limited to, blood and saliva. Students accepted into these programs will be expected to adhere to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for the use of Standard Precautions. The CDC defines standard precautions as "a set of precautions designed to prevent the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and other blood borne pathogens when providing first aid or health care." Under standard precautions, blood and certain body fluids are considered potentially infectious for HIV, HBV, and other blood borne pathogens. Students will be expected to adhere to hand hygiene protocols and consistent use of personal protective equipment including masks, gloves and eyewear.

If an exposure incident occurs, the student will be guided through the 'Accident Incident Reporting Protocol' by their assigned faculty. If medical follow-up is necessary, the student will file with their primary insurance first. If there is out of pocket cost to the student, the student will work with the College Safety Officer to file for reimbursement request through the Student Accident Program.

Other Requirements

All Emerging Technologies internships also require a Level 2 background screen and Student Check screening. The level 2 screen is done by appointment only on main campus at W - 201. Student check is conducted online. For specifics procedures, please refer to the student handbook. Internship participants will also be required to complete a drug screen within 6 months of their expected start date. All programs require CPR certification and the Clinical Lab Sciences Program requires additional HIV training.

Students will complete the drug testing requirement at a facility arranged by Santa Fe College Health Science Programs. Test results will be sent directly to the student's program administrator or designee. A 'positive' test result may disqualify a student from proceeding into the program. (directly after "within 6 months of their expected start date"

SF Health Science Programs recognize only current American Heart Association Basic Lifesaver for Health care Professionals BLS/CPR certification (2 person, infant/child). Certification is required by the beginning of the program and cannot expire prior to graduation. BLS/CPR instruction must be from an instructor-lead course. Online BLS/CPR certification or training will not be accepted. Students are encouraged to have health insurance by the beginning of the program.

Students selected to a degree or certificate program will receive instructions on how to complete the background screenings and drug testing at the time they receive their admissions documents.

The expanded screening is electronic and does not require fingerprinting. It is completed on-line through an outside vendor. This screening covers identity verification, Fraud and Abuse Control Information (FACIS), professional licensure verification, and non-criminal background checks as mandated by clinical affiliates.

Students will complete the drug testing requirement at a facility arranged by Santa Fe College Health Science Programs. Test results will be sent directly to the student's program administrator or designee. A 'positive' test result may disqualify a student from proceeding into the program.

Students will have an opportunity to discuss their background screening and drug testing results with the program administrator prior to a final decision being made regarding admission to the program. 

Not all offenses are disqualifying. If your report(s) lists a potentially disqualifying offense, the Health Sciences Advisement Office will contact you in order to request your permission for a more in-depth review. Additional documentation may be required before a student can continue in the admission process or is allowed to remain in a program. Due to requirements mandated by agreements with clinical agencies, students must meet all placement standards (academic and clinical) in order to participate in Health Science Programs.

*Note: Persons with unresolved offenses, on probation, or have active protection orders against them, may be ineligible to be placed in a clinical environment.