Completing work, practicum, and clinical requirements

Many programs need documentation for non-academic requirements for participation in work-integrated learning (WIL) practicum experiences.

Review the Work, practicum, and clinical requirements for your program. If these appear on your 'To Do' list in MyQuest, you must complete these requirements.

Police Information Check (PIC)

Most programs require a clear Police Information Check (PIC) before you can take part in a clinical or work placement. Many programs also require a vulnerable sector check. If you have an unclear PIC, please review the following information FIRST as it may impact your ability to progress in the program.

All PICs must be obtained from your local RCMP or police services. Police checks by third-party or online vendors are not accepted. You are responsible for any costs associated with getting your PIC.

When to get your PIC

It is important to start your PIC process at least 3 months before your To Do List deadline. The Edmonton Police Services or the RCMP can take four to 12 weeks to complete your PIC. PICs are only valid for 90 days after the date of issue.

International students: do not submit a PIC from your home country. Your PIC must be from a local Canadian police agency or RCMP detachment.

How to obtain your PIC

Your PIC must be obtained where you live.

If you live in Edmonton, you will obtain your PIC through Edmonton Police Services online system. When you request your PIC:

  • Be sure to request a vulnerable sector check (VSC). If you are under the age of 18 you will not be eligible to get a VSC with your PIC. Refer to your program's work, practicum, and clinical requirements to confirm.
  • Clearly indicate that you are a practicum student
  • Clearly indicate your program (e.g. Practical Nurse, Health Care Aide, etc.)

If you live in a rural area, you will need to go to your local RCMP detachment. Most RCMP detachments will require ID as well as proof of residency (e.g. utility bill with your name).

When you request your PIC:

  • Be sure to request a vulnerable sector check if needed for your program (and if you are over the age of 18).
  • Clearly indicate that you are a practicum student
  • Clearly indicate your program (e.g. Practical Nurse, Health Care Aide, etc.)

Cost

You are responsible for any costs associated with getting your PIC. PICs can cost between $0-$100.

How to submit

If you obtain a digital PIC (e.g. Edmonton Police Services), you must submit the link and the password along with your student ID number within 30 days of issue (If you try to submit after the 30 days, the link will have expired and you will need to obtain a new one). Screen shots or other modified formats will not be accepted.

Email the PIC to:

If you obtain a paper PIC (e.g. RCMP), NorQuest must see the original.

You may:

1. Drop off your PIC in the secure drop box located at NorQuest College, 10215 108 Street, Edmonton, CELT 8th floor, right outside the elevators. Make a copy for yourself before submitting it.

OR

2. Mail your PIC to:

NorQuest College
ATTENTION: To Do List Documentation
CELT 8th 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.

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 clinical or work placement.

Unclear PICs

If you have an unclear PIC, you may not be able to attend your clinical or work placement. This may affect your ability to complete and therefore graduate from your program. 

In addition, you may not be able to obtain professional licensure and/or employment.

If you have an unclear PIC, you should contact the program area prior to enrolling in the program to ensure that you understand the impact to the completion of your program. In addition, it is important to check with any related professional licensure associations prior to enrolling in the program. (e.g. CLPNA, PBEC, CSA)

If you choose to continue with the program, you will need to follow a different process. This process must be started at least four to six months before your practicum starts. The first step is to obtain your PIC and submit to the College.  Once this is reviewed, you will receive further instructions.

How to submit

If you receive a digital PIC (e.g. Edmonton Police Services), you must submit the link and the password. Screen shots or other modified formats will not be accepted.  Only the link and the password will be accepted. 
 
Email to:

If you order a paper PIC (e.g. RCMP), NorQuest must see the original.

You can:

1. Drop off your PIC in the secure drop box located at NorQuest College, 10215 108 Street, Edmonton, CELT 8th floor, right outside the elevators. Make a copy for yourself before submitting it.

OR
 
2. Mail your PIC to:

NorQuest College
ATTENTION: To Do List Documentation
CELT 8th 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.

Intervention Record Check (IRC)

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 WILtodolist@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 8th 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.

Immunizations

Programs with a work, practicum or clinical placement may require certain immunizations. If you do not obtain the required immunizations by the To Do List deadline, you may not be able to attend practicum.

The process to get immunizations can take up to 6 weeks so it is important to get started on your immunizations as soon as possible. Missing or incomplete immunizations may result in practicum cancellation or delay.

You are responsible for any costs associated with immunizations. Please note that some immunizations may be covered by your health benefits.

Steps 

  1. Review the immunization requirements for your program

  2. Gather your immunizations records

  3. Make an appointment with a health care provider to review your immunizations and determine any immunizations you may be missing.

  4. Make an appointment to obtain any missing immunizations

  5. Once completed, submit all immunization documentation to immunizations@norquest.ca

Gather your immunization records

Search for your immunization records – you may have paper copies or there may be online records.  You may contact 811, a public health centre, your doctor or obtain records online at MyHealthRecords (Alberta).

See Immunizations – Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

It is highly recommended that you set up an account at MyHealthRecords so that any immunizations will be recorded and will be easy to access for future use.

Please note that if you cannot find your immunization records, you may be required to repeat immunizations. Some additional information is available at Immunize Canada.

Getting your immunizations

Book an appointment to have your immunization records reviewed and verified by a health professional to determine which immunizations you may be missing.

You can get your immunizations reviewed at a local community health centre, a private provider, a pharmacist or your physician. 

  1. Click here for a list of Community Health Centres in Alberta.

  2. Some private providers in Edmonton include:

  3. If you live outside the Province of Alberta, contact your local community health centre. This Government of Canada Website also has information for all health authorities for every province and territory in Canada as well as additional information about immunizations.

For your appointment, please bring:

  1. A list of immunizations requirements for your program

  2. Identification, including your Alberta Health Care number (or your provincial health care number if outside of Alberta)

  3. Any immunization records you have

  4. Health Insurance/Benefit Plan information (NorQuest Health benefits do cover some immunizations)

  5. Payment, if required. Please note that prices may vary between providers and can cost up to $500. Some immunizations may be covered by your health benefits.

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

While influenza vaccination is not mandatory, we highly recommend it.

Submitting your immunizations

Ideally, you have a MyHealth account setup where your recent immunization records will be stored. You can then login to your account, click on My Personal Records, Immunizations, Print Immunizations, click on Type of Data, and only select Immunizations, then click Export. This will create a PDF that you can submit.

If you have other paper immunization documents, you may need to scan or take a clear photo of them.  You may also have paper records that do not appear in MyHealth that need to be submitted.

Email your immunization documents to immunizations@norquest.ca

  • Ensure that your first and last names are legible in any 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.

Part A immunizations will be removed from your 'To Do' list once all required immunizations have been verified.

Incomplete or missing immunizations

If you are unable to complete your immunization requirements due to a health, medical or religious reasons, complete the missing immunization form.

Email this form to immunizations@norquest.ca. You must then wait for approval from the agency/site to attend your practicum. This process can take up to three months, so it is important to submit this form as soon as possible.

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 and affect your ability to complete your program. Delays in program progress or costs associated with practicum cancellation are the student’s responsibility.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Some programs need you to complete the WHMIS course.

  1. Go to XBUS 1017 to register at least 8 weeks before your practicum start date.

  2. Complete the online course at least 2 weeks before your To Do List deadline. You will receive your WHMIS certificate by email after you successfully complete the course (please retain this for your records). WHMIS will automatically be removed from your To Do List within 5 business days.

If you obtain your certificate outside of NorQuest, please email a copy of your certificate to Healthtodolist@norquest.ca.

Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR

Some programs require you to have BLS certification. Be sure to enroll in a course as soon as possible so that you can complete the certification by your To Do List deadline. You are responsible for any costs which range from $50-$200.

If this is your first time taking BLS, choose BLS Provider. If you are renewing, choose BLS renewal.  Please note that BLS is only valid for one year. If you are in a 2-year program, you will need to renew in your second year and resubmit your certification.

You can take BLS through NorQuest College by enrolling in XHLT 1200 or you may enroll in one of the many BLS courses offered by Heart and Stroke foundation. Some additional BLS providers in Edmonton are Breath for Life and Reach Training.  Any courses taken must meet the requirements of Heart and Stroke.

If you take your BLS through NorQuest College, it will automatically be removed from your To Do List within 5 business days.

If you take BLS training outside of NorQuest, please email a copy of your certification to Healthtodolist@norquest.ca.

Please retain a copy of your certification for your records.

Human Blood-borne Pathogen Exposure (HBPE)

Some programs need you to complete the HBPE (Human Blood Borne Pathogen) course.

  1. Go to XHLT 1023 to register at least 8 weeks before your practicum start date.

  2. Complete the online course at least 2 weeks before your To Do List deadline. You will receive your HBPE certificate by email after you successfully complete the course (please retain this for your records). HBPE will automatically be removed from your To Do List within 5 business days.

If you obtain your certificate outside of NorQuest, please email a copy of your certificate to Healthtodolist@norquest.ca.

AHS Information & Privacy online learning module (includes Covenant Health)

Complete the AHS Information & Privacy online learning module.

Submit the certificate of completion to Healthtodolist@norquest.ca

HSPNet

Complete the HSPNet consent form. Download & print the form.

Complete the form using your legal name (ie. as per your driver’s license) and manually sign the form (digital signatures are not accepted).

Scan or take a picture of the completed form and send to Healthtodolist@norquest.ca

It’s Your Move

Some programs need you to complete an injury prevention course such as It’s Your Move prior to attending practicum/clinical placement.

Your program area will provide specific information on how to obtain this certification.

N95 mask fit testing

Some programs require you to have an N95 Mask Fit Test current within two years. Be sure to book fit testing as soon as possible so that you can complete the fit test by your To Do List deadline.  You are responsible for any costs which range from $0-$100.

Booking an appointment

You may get your N95 Mask Fit Test by booking with NorQuest

OR

You can book with an external provider in your local community that provides qualitative fit testing and the mask size matches one of the following sizes:

  • 1860/1860s
  • 1870+
  • KC 46727/46827

Submitting your N95 certificate

If you complete your mask fit test at NorQuest College, it will automatically be removed from your 'To Do' list within 5 business days. You do not have to submit your documentation.

If you complete it outside of NorQuest, email a copy of your documentation to Healthtodolist@norquest.ca

Please retain a copy of your Fit Test for your records. Please note that if you lose your Fit Test documentation or it expires, you will need to retest at your own expense.