nursing student checking blood pressure

Policies and Procedures

All health career students must agree to follow the policies and procedures outlined below.

Program Information Disclaimer

This information is published for that purpose only; however, the information in the admission/registration packet is not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and the Program. The Program reserves the right to change, at any time, without notice, graduation requirements, fees and other charges, curriculum, course structure and content, and other such matters as may be within its control, notwithstanding any information set forth in this Program information packet in accordance with College of DuPage policies and procedures.

Nursing and Health Science Division Policy for Professional Conduct

Students are responsible for adhering to the Policy for Professional Conduct.

Statement on Transportation

Students are responsible for finding their own transportation to and from the College of DuPage and the clinical site (if applicable). Student should expect to drive within a 50 mile radius of the college to their clinical site.

Essential Functions/ Technical Standards for Acceptance

Refer to the Essential Functions listed in the Health Requirement Packet for a full list.

Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment

The College is committed to providing a safe, tolerant, and inclusive educational and employment environment. Please see College of DuPage Policy Manual Section 3.10 – Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment for complete details.

Student Diversity

Visit the InterCultural Student Initiatives website for additional information.

Student Email Policy

College of DuPage sends all official communications to students through their official COD email (dupage.edu). Students have the option to forward these communications to a personal email account. Please view the student email policy for complete details.

Statement of Health

(not applicable to the Clinical Laboratory Science, Long-Term Care Administration, Operating Room Patient Care Technician & Physician Office Coding & Billing programs)

Please see the health requirement packet for details. Students must follow the program admission/registration packet for specific instructions regarding health requirements. All health requirements are completed at the student’s expense. If students do not submit the necessary paperwork, do not obtain the required examinations and vaccinations, and/or are unable to obtain clearance to participate in all the program’s clinical activities, without restrictions and/or precautions, they may be considered ineligible for the program and can be withdrawn from the program courses in which they are registered.

Statement on Drug Testing/Criminal Background Check

(not applicable to the Clinical Laboratory Science, Long-Term Care Administration, Operating Room Patient Care Technician & Physician Office Coding & Billing programs)

A drug test and criminal background check are required prior to starting a clinical rotation. Several clinical affiliates may also require finger printing. The costs of these requirements are the responsibility of the student. Students must follow the program admission/registration packet for specific instructions.

Mandatory Drug Testing: Policy and Procedures

(not applicable to the Clinical Laboratory Science, Long-Term Care Administration, Operating Room Patient Care Technician & Physician Office Coding & Billing programs)

Drug testing (performed at the student’s expense) will precede clinical experience in all cases, and will be required prior to admission in some programs. Positive results on a drug screen or misrepresentation regarding drug use will lead to immediate dismissal from, or non-admittance to the particular program(s). When a student is dismissed from or not admitted to a program for a positive drug screen, he/she may reapply to the same program or to any other College of DuPage health programs after one year has elapsed. Please review the Policy for Professional Conduct for more information and details.

If your drug test results in a negative dilute, you will be required to re-take the drug test (performed at the student’s expense). If a student wishes to dispute the results of a positive drug test, only the original specimen will be re-tested (performed at the student’s expense).

Criminal Background Check Information

(not applicable to the Clinical Laboratory Science, Long-Term Care Administration, Operating Room Patient Care Technician & Physician Office Coding & Billing programs)

All students are required to undergo a criminal background check in order to participate in the programs clinical rotations. A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying conditions as defined by Federal and State law will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of the program. A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying conditions as defined by Illinois State Law (225ILCS46/25) and 77 Ill Adm. Code 955 Section 955.160 will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of this program, thus preventing the student from obtaining mandated certification and/or licensure.

NOTE: You may have been convicted and not sent to jail. People are often fined or given probation or conditional discharge rather than jail time, but these are still considered convictions. If you are unsure as to whether an arrest resulted in a conviction, contact the county in which you were arrested and speak to a representative in the Circuit Clerk’s office, State’s Attorney’s office or your attorney.

Statement on Medical Care and Health Insurance

(not applicable to the Clinical Laboratory Science, Long-Term Care Administration, Operating Room Patient Care Technician & Physician Office Coding & Billing programs)

Students are responsible for their own medical care and health insurance while in the program. Students must possess comprehensive health care insurance in order to train at the clinical affiliate. The student is responsible for any costs that may be incurred related to personal injuries he/she may acquire while performing activities at the clinical affiliate. The affiliating clinical facility and/or College of DuPage cannot be held liable for such injuries. Visit the Student Health Insurance website for additional details. Students are required to provide evidence of current health insurance coverage. Please follow specific guidelines as instructed for submitting proof of insurance.

Statement on Medical Malpractice Insurance

(not applicable to the Clinical Laboratory Science, Long-Term Care Administration, Operating Room Patient Care Technician & Physician Office Coding & Billing programs)

Malpractice insurance is required and is included in the clinical education tuition costs on an annual basis. That is, the cost of the insurance is included with the tuition costs. Students must be officially registered and listed on the instructor's class roster to be covered by the malpractice insurance.

Citizenship/Visa Status

If you are not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S., and if you have any questions or concerns regarding your eligibility to participate in health sciences programs, contact the International Student Office, SSC 2225, (630) 942-3328, email: intlstdt@cod.edu. For additional details regarding Health Career residency, review the College of DuPage Residency Verification Form.