Health Requirements
Students enrolled in the LPN to B.S.N. program must submit a complete physical assessment by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant prior to enrolling in clinical courses.
In addition to meeting any general immunization requirements applicable to admission, students also must also provide appropriate proof of immunity as follows:
- Blood titers for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella
- Immunization records or blood titers for hepatitis B
- A two-step TB skin test administered within the last year or a negative chest x-ray within three months
- A tetanus shot administered within the past 10 years
Clinical affiliates require all clinical students participate in the mandatory influenza vaccine immunization program. Failure to participate in this immunization program will prohibit students from attending clinical courses. Clinical affiliates also may require students provide proof of individual health insurance or be an eligible dependent or beneficiary of another person’s accident and health insurance policy. Students not able to meet this requirement may find it difficult to complete the required clinical rotation(s) and/or progress in the program.
A negative 12-panel, pre-clinical urine toxicology screening for the following is also required.
- Amphetamines
- Barbituates
- Benzodiazepine
- Cannabinoids
- Cocaine
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
- Tramadol
If emergency medical treatment is required while on campus or while participating in the clinical experience, the cost of treatment will be the responsibility of the student receiving the medical attention/treatment.
Upon readmission, reinstatement, or returning from a Leave of Absence, a student must repeat the drug screening outlined above prior to participating in any clinical rotations. If during the course of study students are suspected of drug use, they may be asked to provide an updated urine toxicology screening. The cost associated with these repeat drug screenings will be borne by the student.
A negative drug screen is required to progress in the LPN to B.S.N. program. Students with a positive drug screen will be removed from the program immediately and will not be eligible for re-entry.
By submitting the results of a urine toxicology screening to the College, the student thereby authorizes the College to share those results with any individual clinical facilities that request such information.
Berkeley College’s LPN to B.S.N. program is physically and mentally challenging. During the laboratory and clinical portions of the program, students will be exposed to healthcare situations where there is an increased risk of exposure to strenuous activity, communicable diseases, radiation, and toxic substances.
Due to the increased risk of exposure to a variety of situations and substances that could potentially affect a developing fetus, any student who believes she may be pregnant, has recently given birth, or has recently terminated a pregnancy is strongly encouraged to speak with her healthcare provider immediately to determine whether she is physically capable of remaining in the program and meeting all relevant technical standards outlined in this Handbook. Neither Berkeley College nor its affiliating clinical agencies shall be held responsible for any harm that might occur to a fetus or pregnant student.
Any student who is unable to continue in clinical courses based on the recommendation of her/his healthcare provider will be afforded the opportunity, once medically cleared, to return to the program pending course availability.