Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

• Document two (2) doses of the vaccine OR
• Provide antibody titer results documenting immunity for all three (3) components.
• If titer is negative, student will have to repeat the series of vaccinations.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis

• Document one dose of tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine within the last 10 years.
• Tdap vaccine can be given regardless of interval since the last Td dose.
• Td fulfills the requirement only if a prior Tdap has been given.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Document two (2) doses of the vaccine OR
• Provide antibody titer results documenting immunity.
• If titer is negative, you will have to repeat the series of vaccinations.
• History of disease is accepted.

Hepatitis B

• Document three (3) doses of the vaccine OR
• Provide antibody titer results documenting immunity.
• If titer is negative, a second Hepatitis B series is required. Repeat titer is not required.

COVID-19

• Upload documentation of:
  • One dose of J &J COVID-19 vaccine OR
  • Two doses of previously available Pfizer or Moderna vaccines OR
  • One dose of the bivalent/2022-2023 vaccine (regardless of previous vaccination status) OR 
  • Two doses of Novavax Vaccine, (if previously unvaccinated) OR
  • One dose of Pfizer (COMIRNATY) or Moderna (SPIKEVAX) received after 9/11/23 (regardless of previous vaccination status) OR
  • Signed waiver 

COVID-19 Booster

A booster dose is recommended, but not required. 

• Upload documentation of:
  • One dose of J &J COVID-19 vaccine and a booster OR
  • Two doses of previously available Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and a booster OR 
  • One dose of the bivalent/2022-2023 vaccine (regardless of previous vaccination status) OR
  • Two doses of Novavax Vaccine, (if previously unvaccinated) OR
  • One dose of Novavax Vaccine along with primary vaccination of J&J/ Pfizer/Moderna OR
  • One dose of Pfizer (COMIRNATY) or Moderna (SPIKEVAX) received after 9/11/23 (regardless of previous vaccination status)  OR    
  • Signed waiver   

Influenza

Annual flu vaccinations are required.

• Documented flu vaccination for current flu season OR
• Completed and signed flu vaccine declination.
• Pharmacy receipts or prescription are accepted as long as they have the administration date, lot #, and student name.

TB Test

Annual screening for tuberculosis is required. Initial 2-step testing is required as many people with latent TB infections initially test negative on the 1st test, with positive reactions on the 2nd. We require this to comply with CDC recommendations for baseline TB screening for healthcare professionals and it is required by many of our affiliated clinical sites.

When you receive a TB skin test, you will have two visits with your health care provider. One for administering the test, and another two to three days later to read the results. For 2-step testing, this process will be completed a second time, 1-3 weeks after the first test.  

• Initial negative 2-step PPD skin test or negative QuantiFERON Gold test or T-spot administered within the past 12 months.
• If 2 step PPD or blood test is positive, must show proof of negative chest x-ray within the last 12 months.
  
  
• If initial test is negative, then negative 1-step PPD skin test required each year after.
• If initial test is positive, then upload symptom free TB questionnaire administered annually through UHS.
  
  

To request an exemption from the immunization requirement, a student must provide the following:

1. A signed and dated statement explaining their objection on the grounds that administration of one or more of the required immunizing agents conflicts with their religious beliefs unless the Board of Health has declared an emergency or an epidemic of disease. The school will inform the student of the risks to themselves and others of the student’s not being immunized.
2. A signed and dated statement from a licensed physician which states that the student’s physical condition is such that administration of one or more of the required immunizing agents would be detrimental to their health.

If an exemption is approved, the School of Medicine and Public Health cannot guarantee that our affiliated hospitals and clinics will allow the student to participate in patient care at these affiliated sites.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

The BLS course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED.

• Must be completed prior to ACLS certification.
• Upload proof of BLS certification.
• No specific vendor is required.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification

ACLS is an advanced course that builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR, and high-performance team dynamics. 

• Will be completed the semester prior to starting clinical year.
• Upload proof of ACLS certification.
• No specific vendor is required.

HIPAA Training

All students are required to complete an annual HIPAA Privacy and Security Training to ensure they understand how to protect patient information.

• Training completed in Canvas annually.
• Upload proof of completion from grade book.
• Must show student's name.

Safety & Infection Control Training

All students are required to complete an annual Safety and Infection Control Training through UWHealth.

• Upload certificate of completion annually.

Students are required to complete a Criminal Background Check, Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check, and Urine Drug Screen when onboarding with the PA program. All screenings are accessed and initiated in Exxat and completed by Universal. Results will be uploaded to Exxat by Universal for the student. Students are responsible for paying the listed fees to Universal for background checks and drug screenings. These are typically one-time fees unless a clinical site requires an updated background check or drug screening. Fees will be paid directly to Universal when initiating and scheduling the screenings.

Criminal Background Check ($42)

The criminal background check contains a statewide criminal search for the past 7 years.

• Initiate screening in Exxat, a link to complete all required information will be sent to you via email from Universal.
• Follow all prompts in the link until you receive a confirmation number.
• Results will be uploaded within 3-5 business days.

Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check ($22)

The Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check is required for all students regardless of if they have previously resided in Wisconsin. 

• Initiate screening in Exxat, a link to complete all required information will be sent to you via email from Universal.
• Follow all prompts in the link until you receive a confirmation number.
• Results will be uploaded within 3-5 business days.

Urine Drug Screen ($39)

A 10-panel urine drug screen is required for all students.

• Initiate screening in Exxat, a link to complete all required information will be sent to you via email from Universal.
• Follow all prompts in the link until you receive a confirmation number.
• Select clinic where you will provide a urine sample.
• An email containing the clinic address, hours, and an authorization bar code will be sent to the student and must be provided at time of screening.
• Results will be uploaded within 2 weeks.

If on medication, please bring documentation to the testing site. Some, but not all sites, are able to take your prescription information when you provide your sample. Be prepared to receive a phone call from a Medical Review Officer (MRO) to verify information once your drug screen is processed. Failure to speak to the MRO may result in a positive drug screen report.

Health Insurance

All MPAS students are required to maintain active health insurance throughout their time in the program and must provide proof of insurance annually. 

• Upload front and back of card insurance card

Due to frequent health updates and ongoing changes in international vaccination requirements, students expecting to travel internationally for a service-learning or clinical experience are highly encouraged to visit a specialized travel medicine provider or their primary care provider at least 6-9 months prior to their expected travel to obtain vaccinations. It is also encouraged that they review the CDC country-specific recommendations for international travel 6-9 months prior to their trip: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm.