Before You Apply
Overview
Before you start your program, review the following considerations and notices that will be required of you in order to participate in a Health Sciences program.
On This Page
Disclosures
Previous Program/Good Standing Procedure, Academic Misconduct Disclosure
Applicants previously enrolled in a health-related program but did not complete it, must be in good standing with their former program prior to application to any Health Sciences Program. Previous Program/Good Standing documentation will be required before any final decision is made regarding acceptance to the program. Applicants not in good standing, or otherwise unable to return to their previous program, may be ineligible for selection.
Additionally, applicants must declare any reported academic dishonesty or misconduct incidents at an educational institution. A panel comprising of Health Sciences faculty, staff and administrators will review incidents of academic dishonesty or misconduct to determine eligibility to participate in a Health Sciences Program. Failure to disclose incidents of academic dishonesty or misconduct will result in the application to program being voided.
Advisories
Because all clinical affiliates require immunizations, all students must demonstrate immunity for a variety of pathogens in order to participate in clinical education. Pregnant and immunocompromised individuals are advised their immune status may be altered. This may affect being able to fulfill program entry or participation requirements. Any applicant who has been selected to the program that is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is immunocompromised must advise the Health Sciences Counseling Office for further information and/or requirements. Individuals who are pregnant or immunocompromised should seek expert advice from their health care provider so that they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to infectious diseases in the health care field. A statement from the student's health care provider, noting that the student may proceed through the program with "no limitations", will be required of all pregnant or immunocompromised students.
The Program's operational and procedural guidelines for students are found in the Student Handbook. A copy, including the pregnancy policy, is available for review in the Health Sciences Administration Office located in W building, room 201.
All students enrolled in a Health Sciences Program with clinical components must receive an annual flu vaccination.
The use of latex/latex based products may exist in health care universal precautions and in environments such as, but not limited to: classrooms and training labs, hospitals, nursing care facilities, laboratories, clinical areas and medical/dental offices. Individuals with latex allergies should seek expert advice from their health care provider so that they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to latex in the health care field.
The Health Science Programs may have clinical experiences that expose the student to blood borne pathogens via contact with bodily fluids including, but not limited to, blood and saliva. Students accepted into these programs will be expected to adhere to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for the use of Standard Precautions. The CDC defines standard precautions as "a set of precautions designed to prevent the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and other blood borne pathogens when providing first aid or health care." Under standard precautions, blood and certain body fluids are considered potentially infectious for HIV, HBV, and other blood borne pathogens. Students will be expected to adhere to hand hygiene protocols and consistent use of personal protective equipment including masks, gloves and eyewear.
If an exposure incident occurs, the student will be guided through the 'Accident Incident Reporting Protocol' by their assigned faculty. If medical follow-up is necessary, the student will file with their primary insurance first. If there is out of pocket cost to the student, the student will work with the College Safety Officer to file for reimbursement request through the Student Accident Program.
SF Health Science Programs recognize only current American Heart Association Basic Lifesaver for Health care Professionals BLS/CPR certification (2 person, infant/child). Certification is required by the beginning of the program and cannot expire prior to graduation. BLS/CPR instruction must be from an instructor-lead course. Online BLS/CPR certification or training will not be accepted. Students are encouraged to have health insurance by the beginning of the program.
Financial Aid Consultation
Students who are receiving financial aid and have accumulated more than 45 credit hours in coursework prior to entrance to the program must consult with the SF Financial Aid Office prior to accepting a position in the program in order to determine funding eligibility. For more information regarding ways to pay for the program, please visit the Financial Aid Office's web page, Ways to Pay.
Background Screenings
All Health Sciences Program Participants
Upon acceptance to any Health Science program, a Level 2 national background screening and a drug test will be conducted. Students must be free of offenses that could potentially disqualify them from working in a healthcare environment, as listed in Florida Statutes, Chapter 435.04 Level 2 Screening Standards. This includes being the subject of an active protection order, active probation or pending case status. Under Florida Statutes, certain offenses may preclude an individual from receiving licensure for up to 15 years. Drug testing results will be used to determine eligibility for the program. Screening procedures and additional disqualifying offenses are listed below.
Students selected to a degree or certificate program will receive instructions on how to complete the background screenings and drug testing at the time they receive their admissions documents.
The expanded screening is electronic and does not require fingerprinting. It is completed on-line through an outside vendor. This screening covers identity verification, Fraud and Abuse Control Information (FACIS), professional licensure verification, and non-criminal background checks as mandated by clinical affiliates.
Students will complete the drug testing requirement at a facility arranged by Santa Fe College Health Science Programs. Test results will be sent directly to the student's program administrator or designee. A 'positive' test result may disqualify a student from proceeding into the program.
Students will have an opportunity to discuss their background screening and drug testing results with the program administrator prior to a final decision being made regarding admission to the program. Background screenings are conducted at the time of admission for degree and certificate programs. Applicants to the Nursing Assisting program will complete background screenings at the time of the admissions due to the short duration of the program and clinical start dates.
Not all offenses are disqualifying. If your report(s) lists a potentially disqualifying offense, the Health Sciences Advisement Office will contact you in order to request your permission for a more in-depth review. Additional documentation may be required before a student can continue in the admission process or is allowed to remain in a program. Due to requirements mandated by agreements with clinical agencies, students must meet all placement standards (academic and clinical) in order to participate in Health Science Programs.
*Note: Persons with unresolved offenses, on probation, or have active protection orders against them, may be ineligible to be placed in a clinical environment.
Select Nursing Program Participants
Students who complete a nursing program and wish to take state exams for nursing licensure are subject to additional background screenings. All applications indicating an arrest record by the candidate are individually reviewed by the compliance section at the Board of Nursing office. It may be necessary for the applicant to appear before the Board at a regularly scheduled meeting. Determination of applicants permitted to sit for the state licensure exam is made by the Florida Board of Nursing. All applications are checked through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Health and Rehabilitation Service Abuse Registry. For more information, applicants may write or call or email the Florida Department of Health, Florida Board of Nursing.
Any questions? Contact the Health Sciences Advisement Office at 352-395-5650.