The Master of Genetic Counselor Studies (MGCS) program is committed to ensuring all Genetic Counseling (GC) students are compliant with national and state recommendations for healthcare professionals, as well as additional/specific requirements mandated by the school’s clinical affiliates. All GC students are required to be in full adherence to the program’s compliance requirements while enrolled in the MGCS program as an essential part of their professional responsibility for patient safety.
Records and documentation will be tracked with the program's clinical education database, Exxat. Students will receive access to their Exxat account when on boarding with the MGCS program and will be responsible for providing all required documents. When accessing Exxat for the first time, students will pay a one time fee of $50 for their two years in the program. Any additional cost for immunizations and background checks will be the responsibility of the student. The cost of drug screening is covered by the program.
Note: Some clinical sites may require additional immunizations, trainings, and screenings. It is the student's responsibility to comply with all clinical site requirements.
Health & Immunizations
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Document two (2) doses of the vaccine after age 12 months OR
- Provide antibody titer results documenting immunity.
- If titer is negative, student must repeat the series of vaccinations. Repeat titer is not required.
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, student must repeat the series of vaccinations. Repeat titer is not required.
- History of disease is accepted.
Hepatitis B
- Document three (3) or two (2) dose series 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 & Booster
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)
- Documentation must include the name of the manufacturer and date of vaccination.
- Completed and signed COVID-19 Vaccine waiver of declination is accepted.
Influenza
Annual flu vaccinations are required.
- Documented flu vaccination for current flu season OR
- Completed and signed flu vaccine declination.
TB Test
Annual screening for tuberculosis is required. The initial test is time sensitive and MUST be completed between April 1 and July 1, 2025. Tests prior to April 1, 2025 will be disapproved.
- A negative PPD skin test within 6 months of clinical experience OR
- Negative QuantiFERON Gold test.
- If PPD or blood test is positive, must show proof of negative chest x-ray.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
Certifications & Trainings
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.
Mandated Reporter Training
All students are required to complete the Mandated Reporter Training through UW annually to understand when and how to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
- Upload certificate of completion OR
- Screenshot showing completion.
CITI Human Subjects Protection Course
All students must complete the CITI Human Subjects Protection course every 3 years to receive core training in human subjects research, including the historical development of human subject protections, ethical issues, and current regulatory and guidance information.
- Upload certificate of completion OR
- Screenshot showing completion
HealthLink Training
All students must complete the HealthLink basic training when on boarding for clinical rotations.
- Upload certificate of completion OR
- Screenshot showing completion
Medical Terminology Quiz
All students must complete and pass a medical terminology.
- Upload final quiz results
Note: Links for all trainings will be provided to students at time of on boarding.
Verification & Screenings
All screenings are accessed and initiated in Exxat and completed by Universal. Results will be uploaded to Exxat by Universal for the student.
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.
Wisconsin BID Form
Students must complete the Wisconsin Background Information Disclosure (BID) form when on boarding to the GC program. This is only required once.
- Upload completed form to Exxat for review.
Urine Drug Screen ($29)
A 10-panel urine drug screen is required for all students. The program covers the cost of drug screening.
- 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.
Insurance
Health Insurance
All GC 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
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Students who are not in compliance by given deadlines, or who fall out of compliance during the semester, are not allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Students may return to clinical settings once cleared by the MGCS program. Students may only return to clinical settings after the appropriate immunization or training has been completed and documentation submitted.
