Many programs require documentation for non-academic requirements for participation in work-integrated learning (WIL) practicum experiences. If these appear on your ‘To Do’ list in MyQuest, you must complete these requirements.
Most programs require a clear Police Information Check (PIC) before you can participate in a clinical or work placement. If you are 18 years of age or older, your PIC may also need to include a vulnerable sector check. You are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining your PIC.
When to request your PIC
Your PIC must be submitted to NorQuest within 90 days of when it is issued.
The Edmonton Police Service and/or the RCMP can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to complete your record check. Ensure that you request your PIC with enough time to submit it by your due date.
How to request your PIC
When you request your PIC, be sure to indicate if your program requires a vulnerable sector check. If applicable, it may help to mention that you are going on a student practicum with a healthcare organization.
Edmonton residents and residents of nearby communities can apply for a PIC (and vulnerable sector check) online through Edmonton Police Services. Your completed PIC will be emailed to you.
Students who live outside of the Edmonton area can usually apply for a PIC (and vulnerable sector check) through their local police service or local branch of the RCMP.
How to submit your PIC
If you receive a digital PIC from the Edmonton Police Service, submit it by email to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
If you receive a paper PIC document, you can scan and email it to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca to have this item marked as conditionally completed on your ‘To Do’ list. You must then mail the original PIC to:
NorQuest College ATTENTION: Faculty of Health and Community Studies - Checklist Documentation 10215 108 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5J 1L6
Make a copy for yourself before submitting, and provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that your PIC can be returned to you.
You will be notified when your PIC is received and marked as completed on your ‘To Do’ list. We will mail your PIC to the address on your self-addressed envelope.
For students whose PIC is not clear
If you have a criminal record, this may affect your clinical placement, program completion, professional licensure, and employment prospects. Prospective students who have a criminal record should email FHCStodolist@norquest.ca to request a discussion with the program chair before applying for admission.
After you submit your PIC, you must report any changes to your PIC information (e.g. criminal convictions or charges) to your program chair or associate chair immediately. Any change to your Police Information Check may affect your ability to attend WIL experience (practicum).
The IRC must meet the criteria specified by your WIL experience (practicum) sponsor. Your WIL experience (practicum) faculty advisor will discuss your placement and what is required.
When to request your IRC
Your IRC must be:
dated within six months of the start date of your clinical or WIL experience (practicum) placement. Do not request your IRC too early. However, the IRC can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to complete. Ensure that you request your IRC with enough time to submit it by your due date.
submitted to NorQuest College within 90 days of when it is issued.
How to request your IRC
Students from the Edmonton area contact the Edmonton Region Intervention Record Checks Office.
COVID-19 Update: The Edmonton Region IRC office is not currently open for in-person service. Call 780.427.1471 to request an application form be mailed to you. The completed application form must include two copies of ID, one of which must be photo ID. The application is to be mailed to:
Alberta Children’s Services Edmonton Region Intervention Record Checks, 6th Floor 9820 106 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5K 2J6
Once processed, your completed IRC will be mailed to you.
Students who live outside the Edmonton area should contact their local provincial Children’s Services office for details on obtaining IRCs. View information about Children’s Services offices within Alberta.
How to submit your IRC
Once you obtain your IRC, scan and email it to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca. This item will be marked as conditionally completed on your ‘To Do’ list. Then mail the original IRC to:
Make a copy for yourself before submitting.
If you would like to have your original IRC returned to you, provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope. You will be notified when your IRC is received and marked as completed on your ‘To Do’ list. Your IRC will be shredded after 30 days if no return-stamped envelope is included.
Programs with a work, practicum, or clinical placement may require up-to-date immunization records. The process of obtaining your immunization records can take time. To avoid delays in your studies, we strongly encourage you to take these steps immediately once you have reserved your seat in your program.
You are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining immunizations.
Determine what immunizations you need
Refer to the immunization requirements to determine which immunizations your program requires. There are two parts to immunization requirements. Part A must be completed and removed from your checklist to participate in your clinical practice. Part A includes your first dose of each required immunization. Part B is not required for clinical placement, but may be needed for future employment.
Obtain records for any immunizations you have received in the past
If you have received immunizations in Alberta, you can set up a MyHealth Records account to access your immunization records. If you do not have all your records in your MyHealth Records account, see below for other ways to obtain your records.
If you received immunizations at NorQuest College, call 780.644.6155 to request a copy of your records.
If you received immunizations in school from grades 1-9 in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or St. Albert, call Alberta Health Services at 780.413.7985.
Check with the local public health unit closest to the school that you attended from grades 1-9 if you remember getting immunizations at school.
If you have worked as a nurse or volunteered at a hospital or nursing home, the occupational health office where you worked would keep copies of the immunizations you received there.
Ask your parents. If you received immunizations as a child, your parents would have been given an immunization book.
Immunize Canada has contact information for health authorities in every Canadian province and territory. Visit immunize.ca for more information.
Check with your doctor’s office for your immunization records.
Complete your immunizations
COVID-19 Update: Some information below has changed due to the closure of the AHS Immunization Business Unit and other local health units. Follow these directions carefully. If you have any questions, contact the Centre for Growth and Harmony at wellness@norquest.ca.
Once you have obtained your past immunization records, review them to see if you are missing any required immunizations. If you need to receive additional immunizations, follow the steps below to obtain what you require. Wherever you receive your immunizations:
take a copy of your past immunization record, the immunization requirements form, and your NorQuest College acceptance letter with you to your appointment.
be aware that you will have to pay for this service.
during your appointment, the nurse can advise you of the number of additional visits and costs to complete all the immunizations you need.
Where to obtain your immunizations
If you live in Edmonton or a surrounding community: Make an online appointment with Atlas Immunizations or phone them at 780.465.5150.
If you live in Calgary or a surrounding community: Make an online appointment with Shots to Go Travel and Immunization Clinic or phone them at 403.705.7468.
If you live outside the Edmonton or Calgary areas: Contact your local public health unit.
Submit your completed immunization record
Once your immunizations have been completed, submit your “Record of Immunization” by taking a clear picture of it and emailing the picture to wellness@norquest.ca. Your immunization records are confidential. Submit them by email to the wellness@norquest.ca email address.
Include your student ID number, program, and WIL experience (practicum) start date in the body of the email.
A nurse at NorQuest will review your immunization form to make sure all immunizations have been completed. This process can take up to four weeks, so be sure you submit your immunization records well in advance of your clinical or practicum. If you are waiting for chest X-ray results or bloodwork results in the mail, it is your responsibility to submit these records to the Centre for Growth and Harmony as soon as you receive them.
If you have previously attended NorQuest and submitted immunization records, contact the Centre for Growth and Harmony to confirm that your immunizations are still valid. AHS requires a tuberculosis test to be completed within one year of your program start date, and chest X-rays are valid only if they are completed within six months of your program start date. If you have any questions about your immunization requirements, contact the Centre for Growth and Harmony at wellness@norquest.ca or 780.644.6155.
Some programs require you to complete the WHMIS course. To complete this requirement:
Go to XBUS 1017 to register.
Complete the online course. All WHMIS courses start on the first day of every month and end on the seventh day. You have seven days to complete the online course.
You will receive your WHMIS card by email after you complete the course.
Submit a copy of your card by email to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
Some programs require you to have BLS/CPR certification. You must complete the BLS Provider certification (previously known as BLS/CPR for Health Providers). Once your training course is complete, submit a copy of your certification by email to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
If you are new to BLS
Register for a BLS training course from one of the following providers:
NorQuest College
Heart and Stroke
Breath for Life
Reach Training
If you need to renew your BLS certificate
Register for a BLS renewal training course from one of the providers listed above.
If you have questions about obtaining your BLS/CPR certification or renewal, contact FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
Some programs require you to have HBPE training. To register for the HBPE course:
Go to XHLT 1023 to register.
Complete the online course.
You will receive your HBPE certificate by email after you complete the course.
Submit a copy of your certificate by email to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
Prior to the start of WIL experience (practicum), students who have placements with AHS or Covenant Health must complete the AHS Information & Privacy online learning module.
Once you have completed the module, sign the Confidentiality & User Agreement, and submit a copy of the signed agreement to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
Prior to the start of WIL experience (practicum), students who have placements with AHS or Covenant Health must review the HSPNet information sheet, sign the consent form, and submit a copy of the signed form to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
Some programs require you to complete an injury prevention course such as It’s Your Move (XHLT 1070) prior to the start of WIL experience (practicum). You must obtain a certificate of completion within one year of the WIL experience (practicum) start date. Submit a copy of your certificate by email to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
Students with clinical placements must have N95 mask fit testing that is current within two years. Students who are required to complete N95 mask fit testing prior to the beginning of their WIL experience (practicum) will be contacted by their program as to the time, date and location of the testing. If you are in the Health Care Aide, Hospital Unit Clerk or Practical Nurse programs, your mask fit test costs are included in your program fees.
Students in other programs are responsible for costs associated with mask fit testing. Once testing is complete, submit a copy of your documentation to FHCStodolist@norquest.ca.
COVID-19 Update:
As of November 19, 2020 all students in AHS or Covenant Health placements are now requiring students to be fitted for the following N95 mask fit testing sizes:
If you do not fit the above sizes, the following KC sizes are also acceptable; however, if you are fitted for a KC-size mask, you must email FHCStodolist@norquest.ca at least two weeks prior to your clinical starting to ensure that it is available at your site.
Students who have not been fit tested may have their placements suspended.