Clinical Information

Clearances

The PA Child Abuse History (ACT 33), PA Criminal Record Check (ACT 34), and the FBI Fingerprint Criminal History (ACT 73) clearances MUST be obtained for SOPHOMORE year and renewed prior to the start of SENIOR year.  However, some facilities may still require yearly renewal of all clearances.  Many community health settings require current clearances, and hence require annual renewal of the clearances. Students are responsible for any costs incurred to obtain these clearances.. 

Please be aware that it can take up to 12 weeks to obtain these clearances.  You are advised to apply in plenty of time prior to the beginning of the fall term.  (Recommended application date July 15) 

Please note the following information:

HIPAA Certificate

The HIPAA module should be completed in the Introduction to Professional Nursing in the spring term of freshman year.  If not completed during class, the courses must be completed on the students own time to be eligible to participate in clinical.  Please click on the link below and log in. Download a copy of the certificate verifying that the module has been completed and return a copy to the Student Affairs & Alumni Relations office. The certificates are completed and submitted once every four years.  You can sign up at: 

https://cme.hs.pitt.edu/ISER/servlet/IteachControllerServlet?actiontotake=loadmodule&moduleid=13921 and take the following training.

HIPAA - Information Privacy and Security Awareness Training for Physicians, Mid-Level Providers, Dentists, Staff, and Students Who Are Not Employed by UPMC but Who Encounter Protected Health Information in UPMC Facilities. (submit only once at the end of your freshman year).

CPR Requirements

All sophomore, junior, and senior nursing students are to be certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)* before entering the clinical arena. Course validation will be required at the beginning of the term to verify successful completion of such a course.  Please refer to Policy 369 Required Student Documents.

The American Heart Association (AHA) – Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification must be completed before beginning clinical rotations. This course certifies students in adult, infant/child, 2-rescuer CPR, and in the use of the AED. The Basic Life Support course consists of a written test in addition to manual training.  Due to the possible need to perform CPR on an actual patient, an on-line course will not be accepted!  The AHA—BLS Healthcare Provider Course certification is valid for two years.

To find a training center near you, visit the American Heart Association or the Center for Emergency Medicine

*Note: The School of Nursing will NOT accept CPR certifications from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association – Heart Saver Certification