Clinical Placement FAQ
Clinical Placements and Vaccine Requirments FAQ
Western students pursuing degrees or certificates in health fields must meet college and clinical location requirements as outlined in program descriptions, including physical fitness examinations, immunizations and knowledge of CPR. These requirements are based on best practices, student health, and clinical demands.
Western recognizes some students feel conflicted about vaccine requirements and we have prepared this FAQ to help students understand how their choices regarding the vaccine may affect their studies. We urge all students, especially those students with vaccine hesitancy to base their decisions on information from peer reviewed research from established medical and public health sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) also provides guidance to Nursing education programs with regards to student vaccination status and providing clinical experiences.
No. Western understands immunizations are a personal choice and the college cannot force anyone to receive an immunization. However, clinical sites may mandate vaccines and Western must abide by the policies of each specific clinical location. Ultimately, the choice to receive vaccine is yours, but your vaccination status may have an impact on your ability to complete your course/program requirements.
Each clinical agency sets its own requirements for employees and affiliated learners, such as nursing students.
Currently, all major clinical partner sites in Western’s service area recommend COVID-19 vaccination. Student must report COVID-19 vaccination status (vaccinated or unvaccinated).
The Cooperative Education Agreements between Western’s health programs and our clinical partner agencies detail the terms under which each site will provide on-site educational experiences. These agreements account for regulatory requirements, accreditation expectations, and other guidelines, and the sites have been approved as meeting specific educational and clinical regulations. These agreements include provisions requiring students to adhere to agency policies relevant to their clinical experiences. Clinical partner policy is not under Western’s remit nor can Western determine clinical site policies.
No. Only students in courses with clinical requirements (nursing, nurse assistant, and phlebotomy) must show proof of vaccination.
If you are in a course with a clinical component, you must meet the guidelines of the specific clinical site. Students who do not meet vaccine requirements will not be able to participate in the clinical rotation and will not meet course objectives. Consequences for not meeting clinical objectives are covered in your student handbook or course syllabus.
Placement at clinical sites is based on several factors including student location, academic requirements, partner site teaching capabilities and student volume. Western cannot and will not shop placement sites for non-vaccinated students.
- Get the vaccines necessary to meet requirements.
- Withdraw from your course of study—Academic Advising in Mustang Central can help you find new opportunities at Western.
Consequences of not meeting program standards such as your grades and academic progress will be based on policy found in your program student handbook.
Refunds and grades are based on Western policies found in your student handbook. Not receiving a vaccine or exemption is not grounds for special circumstances.
The terms and conditions placed on all financial aid you are receiving will govern how those benefits are managed if you leave your current program or change your course of study.