FIRE 2271 EMT Steps For Completing Clinical Requirements and Drug Test

Welcome to the FIRE 2271 EMT – Summer 2026 Clinical Requirements. This site is your step-by-step guide to completing all required health clearances, documentation and drug testing needed to participate in clinical experiences.

All items must be completed by May 27, 2026, so it’s important to begin early—especially for time-sensitive requirements like immunization titers and insurance approval. Use this page to track each step, understand deadlines, and ensure you’re fully prepared to enter the clinical portion of the program without delays.

Step 1: Health Requirements

Begin this step NOW. Please read the Health Requirements Packet. You have two options for completing your health requirements. You can use your own Healthcare Provider or choose Edward Corporate Health (ECH). (You are encouraged to use your own healthcare provider so that you can use insurance. ECH does not accept insurance). The link to the Health Requirements Packet is located on the EMS/Fire Science Resources webpage.

The Heath Requirements for EMT will be covered in detail on the first day of class. Prior to the first day of class, questions can be directed to emsrequirements@cod.edu. After the first day of class, questions can be directed to the class instructor(s).

NOTE: Please start your health requirements as soon as possible, as you must have immune titers for Hep B, MMR & Varicella. Proof of the vaccine series will not be acceptable. Plan accordingly and start the health requirements as soon as possible.

Summary

QuantiFERON TB Gold Blood Test: You are required to complete the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Blood Test on 8/6/25 or later.
Physical Exam – within the last year
TDAP vaccine
Hepatitis B Immune Titer (blood test)
Varicella Immune Titer (blood test)
MMR – Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella Immune Titer (blood test)
Flu Vaccine
The above vaccinations & titers are required by our clinical sites.
Some clinical sites require COVID vaccination, others do not.

Step 2: In-Person Chart Review

In-Person Chart Review with Edward Occupational Health (EOH) to check above Health Requirements – cost $38

Edward Occupational Health (EOH) serves as our medical reviewer. After you complete all the necessary health requirements, you need to bring all your health records from Step 3 above and be officially cleared by EOH during your Chart Review. Contact Edward Occupational Health (EOH) now to schedule the in-person Chart Review appointment, choosing dates through 5/27/26.

EOH Chart Review Locations

Please call only one of these EOH locations: Leave your full name & call-back phone #. They will return your call within 24 hours.

Naperville (630) 527-7299 (press 2 to schedule an appointment)
Bolingbrook (630) 527-7299 (press 2 to schedule an appointment)
Addison (331) 221-0570 (press 2 to schedule an appointment)
Elmhurst (331) 221-0570 (press 2 to schedule an appointment)

Step 3: Additional Requirements

Insurance Coverage

You will need to have valid insurance that covers you for the entire length of the program. You need to begin researching these options NOW as the approval process can take up to 90 days.

If you need assistance obtaining insurance through the College, please visit https://cod.studentbenefitplans.com/

If you had a “Life Event” change, then you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Please visit https://getcovered.illinois.gov/get-started/specialenrollment/qualifyinglife-events.html to view list of “Life Events” to see if you qualify. Again, please research this NOW. Please contact Debra Gaetano at 877-247-8817 for assistance navigating this option.

If you did not have a “Life Event” change from above, you should start the application process for Medicaid NOW, by visiting Applying for Medicaid. The approval process for Medicaid can take 60 – 90 days, therefore, you need to start this process ASAP. We want you to be aware that you must be approved by Medicaid prior to your clinical start date in order to remain in the program.

Policy for Professional Conduct

This form will be provided by your instructor and reviewed and the first day of class. You must sign and return to them.

Release of Health Information

This form will be provided by your instructor and reviewed on the first day of class. You must sign and return to them.

Release of Liability

Form will be provided by your instructor and reviewed on the first day of class. You must sign and return to them.

DUE DATE: For all requirements above is 5/27/26.

Below Requirements Must Be Completed Four Weeks Prior to Clinical Start

Step 4: Drug Test – Complete between 5/27/26 & 6/27/26 through CastleBranch.com

The drug test Package Code is: CB39dt Drug tests must be completed in the 30 day window.

After payment is submitted, go to your “To Do List”
Under Drug Test, select “(+)” symbol “Take Your Drug Test”
Open “Download File” and print the “Drug Screen Registration” Form.
Refer to the bottom of the form to find the nearest Lab location
PLAN AHEAD – results can take up to seven business days to process
Bring the Drug Screen Registration Form & Government issued photo ID with you to your drug test
Take the 10-panel urine screen (If you take the drug test earlier than instructed to do so, you will need to re-pay and re-take the drug test).

Once you place the order & pay, please go to your “To Do List” in your Castle Branch account and print the “Chain of Custody” form. You will then need to go to the Quest Diagnostic Lab location listed on the bottom of the Chain of Custody form and take the 10-panel urine drug test. If you take Page 3 of 3 the drug test prior to 05/27/26, you will need to re-pay and re-take the drug test.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Positive results for Marijuana will NOT be accepted as marijuana is not federally regulated. This means that if you receive a ‘positive’ result for Marijuana, you will not be able to move forward in the program as the clinical sites require a ‘clear’ drug test. FYI, marijuana can remain in your system for at least 4-8 weeks. Please note that even if you have a prescription for medical marijuana, it will still not be accepted. This policy is also stated in our Policy for Professional Conduct.

If you receive a “dilute negative” result, this means that your urine was too diluted to obtain an accurate result, and you need to re-pay and take a new drug test. Please be cognizant of how much liquid you drink. It is best to try to schedule the test first thing in the morning when the sample will be most concentrated, if possible.

For questions, please email emsrequirements@cod.edu.