Completing work, practicum, and clinical requirements

Most programs need a clear Police Information Check before you can take part in a clinical or work placement. You are responsible for any costs associated with getting your PIC.

When to get your PIC

It is important to start your PIC process early. The Edmonton Police Service and/or the RCMP can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to complete your record check.

• Students in Health programs: you should get your PIC as soon as you enter the program, and you must submit it to NorQuest within 90 days of its issue date.
• Students in Community Studies programs: you should contact your program area for more information.
• International students: do not submit a PIC from your home country. Your PIC must be from a local Canadian police agency or RCMP detachment.

Police checks by third-party or online vendors are not accepted.

How to request your PIC

When you request your PIC, be sure to state:

• if your program needs a Vulnerable Sector Check. Refer to your program's work, practicum, and clinical requirements to confirm.
• you are going on a student practicum with a health-care organization if you have the option. For students in Health programs, the role for which you are requesting a PIC must state “Student Placement with a health-care organization". Otherwise you will need to provide a new PIC with the correct role stated.
• the role for which you need the PIC. For example, if you already work in the health industry (i.e. food service, laundry, service attendant, etc.), make sure the role on your PIC is specific to your program/practicum area. If the role on your PIC does not match the level needed for your program area, you may need to re-do your PIC.

If you live in Edmonton or a nearby community, you can apply for a PIC and Vulnerable Sector Check online through Edmonton Police Service. They will email your completed PIC to you.

If you live outside of the Edmonton area, you can usually apply for a PIC (and Vulnerable Sector Check) through your local police service or RCMP branch.

How to submit your PIC

If you receive a digital PIC from the Edmonton Police Service, email it to HCStodolist@norquest.ca.

If you receive a paper PIC document, you can scan and email it to HCStodolist@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: Checklist Documentation
CELT 8^th Floor
10215 108 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 1L6

Make a copy for yourself before submitting it. Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that we can return your PIC to you.

We will notify you when your PIC is received and marked complete on your ‘To Do’ list. We will mail your PIC to the address on your self-addressed envelope.

After you submit your PIC, you must report any changes (e.g. criminal convictions or charges) to your program area immediately. Any change to your PIC may affect your ability to attend your WIL experience.

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. If you have a criminal record, you should FHCS.pics@norquest.ca to start the PIC review process.

An unclear PIC does not mean you cannot progress in your program. But, you will need to discuss this with the program area and potential practicum agencies. You should start this process at least four to six months before the start of each practicum. Email FHCS.pics@norquest.ca for more instruction.

If your program needs an Intervention Record Check, you must submit it to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

The IRC must meet the criteria specified by your practicum sponsor. Your WIL experience faculty advisor will discuss your placement and what you need to do.

When to get your IRC

An IRC can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to complete. Make sure that you request your IRC with enough time to submit it by your due date, but do not request your IRC too early.

Your IRC must be:

• dated within six months of the start date of your clinical or WIL experience (practicum) placement.
• submitted to NorQuest College within 90 days of when it is issued.

How to request your IRC

If you live in the Edmonton area, contact the Edmonton Region Intervention Record Checks Office.

COVID-19 update: The Edmonton Region IRC office is not 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. Mail the application 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.

If you live outside the Edmonton area, contact your local provincial Children's Services office for details on getting your IRC. View information about Children's Services offices within Alberta.

How to submit your IRC

Once you get your IRC, scan and email it to HCStodolist@norquest.ca. This item will be marked as conditionally completed on your ‘To Do’ list. Then mail the original IRC to:

NorQuest College
ATTENTION: Checklist Documentation
CELT 8^th Floor
10215 108 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 1L6

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. We will notify you when we receive your IRC and marked as completed on your ‘To Do’ list. We will shred your IRC after 30 days if you do not include a stamped envelope.

Programs with a work, practicum, or clinical placement need up-to-date immunization records. The process of getting your immunization records can take several weeks to get an appointment and to review. We encourage you to take these steps immediately once you have reserved your seat in your program to avoid delays in your studies from any additional time needed for outstanding vaccinations.

You are responsible for any costs of getting your immunizations.

Steps to complete your immunization requirements

1. Review the immunization requirements and determine what immunizations you need for your program.
2. Get your records of immunization. Contact 811, a public health centre, or doctor’s office. See Records & Assessments – Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
3. Book an appointment to have your immunization records reviewed and verified by a health professional.
   • If you live in Edmonton or a nearby community we recommend booking with one of the following providers. Please note that prices may vary between providers: 
     • Atlas Immunization
     • TwinBrook Pharmacy
     • The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy #365
     • Mint Health + Drugs (Meridian location)
   • You may also opt to have the record of immunization form completed at a public health centre. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this service may not be offered at all locations. This may delay your ability to get your form completed in time.
   • You may also choose to have a family physician complete your record of immunization form. (Your physician’s office may charge for this documentation).
   • If you live outside the Edmonton region contact your local public health centre or family physician.
   • Can't book with your public health centre or one of the above mentioned providers? You may also book with a private travel health clinic. But, they may not be able to provide all the immunizations you need.
4. For your appointment, bring:
   • copies of all your previous immunization records
   • your immunization requirements
   • your record of immunization. The health care professional reviewing your records must complete this.
5. Email your completed record of immunization form to immunizations@norquest.ca. We will not accept individual health records.
   • Ensure that your first and last names are readable in your scanned document or pictures.
   • Your email must include your student ID and the program for which you are submitting.
   • Send your email from your NorQuest email account.
   • Failure to follow these instructions may result in a delay/rejection of your documents.
   • Part A immunizations will then be removed from your 'To Do' list.
6. If you are unable to complete your immunization requirements due to a health or medical reason, complete the missing immunization form. Email it to immunizations@norquest.ca. You must then wait for approval from the practicum site to attend your practicum. The agency/site has the right to refuse the student depending on the missing immunization.

Notes:

You are responsible for ensuring your immunizations are reviewed and removed from your 'To Do' list before your practicum and program deadlines. Several programs need this item completed at least 60 days before the start of practicum.

For questions about TB testing, see the Questions & information about TB testing.

Review Records & Assessments – frequently asked questions for any other questions you may have about the immunization process.

While influenza vaccination is not mandatory, we recommend it.

The external agency (practicum site) reserves the right to refuse placements to any student who is not fully vaccinated. This may result in a practicum cancellation or delay. Delays in program progress or costs associated with practicum cancellation are your responsibility.

Some programs need you to complete the WHMIS course.

1. Go to XBUS 1017 to register.

2. 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.

3. You will receive your WHMIS card by email after you complete the course.

4. Email a copy of your card to HCStodolist@norquest.ca.

Some programs need you to have BLS/CPR certification. Once your training course is complete, email a copy of your certification to HCStodolist@norquest.ca.

You can take your BLS/CPR course through any of the organizations below. Make sure that the course you take is an in-person or blended course that is approved by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. All components of blended courses must be completed and submitted by your 'To Do' list's deadlines. Online only, interim, and Level C CPR courses not designed for health-care professionals are not accepted.

If you submit certification of the BLS Provider Renewal Prerequisite Challenge, you still must complete the BLS renewal course. Submitting the challenge test is incomplete.

If you are new to BLS

Register for a BLS training course from one of these providers:

1. NorQuest College

2. Heart and Stroke Foundation (or BLS Blended 120)

3. Breath for Life

4. Reach Training

If you need to renew your BLS certificate

Register for a BLS renewal training course from one of these providers:

1. Heart and Stroke

2. Breath for Life

3. Reach Training

Email HCStodolist@norquest.ca if you have questions about getting your BLS/CPR certification or renewal.

Some programs need you to have HBPE training.

1. Go to XHLT 1023 to register.

2. Complete the online course.

3. You will receive your HBPE certificate by email after you complete the course.

4. Email a copy of your certificate to HCStodolist@norquest.ca.

Before starting a WIL experience, 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. Email a copy of the signed agreement to HCStodolist@norquest.ca.

Before starting a WIL experience (practicum), students who have placements with AHS or Covenant Health must review the HSPNet information sheet. Sign the consent form, and email a copy of the signed form to HCStodolist@norquest.ca.

Some programs need you to complete an injury prevention course such as It’s Your Move (XHLT 1070). You must get a certificate of completion before the start of your practicum. Email a copy of your certificate to HCStodolist@norquest.ca.

If you are completing a practicum outside of Alberta, submit a certificate of equivalent training. This should include back care, safe mobility practice, etc.

Students with practicum placements must have N95 mask fit testing that is current within two years. Check your program’s requirements to see if you need a mask fitting for practicum before booking.

• For first-time mask fit testing, book your appointment here. Repeat fittings due to expiry or weight change (+/- 10 pounds) must be completed through an external vendor.
• Students can have one booking per program duration.
• Students must complete the needed paperwork and follow the instructions before and during their N95 mask fit test:
  • mask fit instructions
  • qualitative fit test record
• Email maskfittest@norquest.ca at least 24 hours before your appointment if you are unable to make it. Unexcused absences will count as a first-time fitting and re-bookings are not allowed.

If you complete your mask fit test at NorQuest College, it will be removed from your 'To Do' list. You do not have to submit your documentation. If you complete it outside of NorQuest, email a copy of your documentation to HCStodolist@norquest.ca.

COVID-19 update:

If you complete a mask fitting at an external site, ensure your mask size matches one of the following sizes:

• 1860/1860s
• 1870+
• KC 46727/46827

N95 mask fit testing is mandatory at all practicum sites. Students who are not fitted with an appropriate mask size before their placement starts risk having their practicum delayed or canceled.