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Health and Human Services program requirements

Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including completion of:

Please review the chart below to see program specific requirements/recommendations.

ParaMed

ParaMed is a Nova Scotia Community College partner organization that is authorized to review and confirm placement clearance. 

Prior to your first placement, you will be required to upload copies of all supporting documentation to ParaMed.

Please review the NSCC Student Information Placement Pass presentation for more details.

First aid and CPR training

Most programs require students to complete CPR and first aid certification before beginning their program.

  • Cosmetology, Esthetics and Spa Therapies, Funeral and Allied Health Services and Funeral Arranging and Directing require CPR - A level and Emergency First Aid (Basic)
  • Law and Security complete CPR and first aid as part of the required Medical First Responder course
  • All other programs require Standard First Aid (intermediate),  CPR Level-C

Documentation indicating that you've completed these requirements will be collected at your campus.

Many of our campuses offer certification throughout the year. Please check your local campus for dates. These programs are also offered through Red Cross (1-877-356-3226) and St. John Ambulance (1-800-565-5056).

Immunizations

Any student completing work experience within Nova Scotia Health and IWK require standard immunizations (dTap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B immunizations and TB screening) prior to commencing work placements. These immunizations are for your protection as well as the clients that you'll be serving. Immunizations can take up to 10 months to complete so we encourage you to begin the process now.

Programs requiring immunization 

NSCC Programs NSCC Placement Requirements

• Continuing Care
• Practical Nursing
• Funeral and Allied Health Services
• Funeral Arranging and Directing

• All Immunizations
• Criminal Record Check
• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Child Abuse Registry Check

• Dental Assisting - Level II

• All Immunizations
• Criminal Record Check
• Vulnerable Sector Check

• Health Information Management (HIM)
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Therapeutic Recreation

• All Immunizations (HIM does not require TB or Hep B)
• Criminal Record Check
• Vulnerable Sector Check (Exception to this: HIM and Pharmacy Tech do not require a Vulnerable Sector Check)

• Addictions Community Outreach
• Behavioural Interventions
• Child and Youth Care
• Community Recreation
• Criminal Justice
• Disability Supports and Services
• Mental Health Recovery and Promotion
• Law and Security
• Social Services

The following are not regular placement requirements but may be requested by some placement partners. Having these completed could create more placement opportunities for you to consider.

• All Immunizations
• Criminal Record Check
• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Child Abuse Registry Checks (may be requested by specific agencies working directly with children)

• Cosmetology
• Esthetics and Spa Therapies

Although not required of your program we encourage you to maintain up to date immunization status.

How to submit proof of immunization

A completed immunization form and Hepatitis B Waiver (PDF 202KB) will be submitted to ParaMed, a partner organization that is authorized to review and confirm placement clearance.

How to get immunized

Immunization vaccines can be accessed through your health care provider.

Please review the Immunization FAQ for more details.

Criminal record and vulnerable sector checks

If your program requires a criminal record check and/or vulnerable sector check, you are responsible for obtaining these records and having them available to be reviewed by the placement partner prior to the start of your placement. The placement partner will determine your eligibility for the placement. A conviction or finding on any of these checks may impact your ability to obtain a work placement or work in your field of study.

How to complete a check

Your local RCMP detachment or police department can perform these checks. Please bring a piece of government issued photo ID with you. Check should be completed no earlier than one month prior to the start of your program, as it needs to be current at the time of review.

If you have a positive record

Individuals with a positive criminal record are encouraged to apply for a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada.

Some professions require licensing to practise; examples include, but are not limited to, Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technician and Medical Laboratory Technology. A positive record may impact your ability to write the required exam and receive licensing. Individuals with a criminal conviction should contact the appropriate licensing body to verify the requirements for a criminal record check prior to beginning their program at NSCC.

Child abuse registry search

Child Abuse Registry Checks are required for all students in the Continuing Care and Practical Nursing programs. If students in other programs attend placements where they interact directly with children, a Child Abuse Registry Check is required. These programs may include but are not limited to Behavioural Interventions, Child and Youth Care, Community Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation.

How to complete a search

  • Download and complete the Nova Scotia Community Services Request for Search Form A (PDF 164KB).
  • Print and mail the form to:
    Child Abuse Register
    Department of Community Services
    P.O. Box 696
    Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2T7
  • Be sure to include a copy of identification (driver's License or government photo ID)
  • You'll receive a letter from Department of Community Services that you can share with your placement organizations.
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