Health and Human Services program requirements

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

• First aid and CPR training
• Immunizations
• Criminal record and vulnerable sector checks
• Child abuse registry search

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

Placement Pass

Placement Pass is a portal that is used by 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 Placement Pass.

View the NSCC Student Information Placement Pass presentation for more details. (PDF 1MB)

First aid and CPR training

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

• Hairstyling, Esthetics and Spa Therapies, Funeral and Allied Health Services and Funeral Arranging and Directing require CPR - A level and Emergency First Aid (Basic)
• Dental Assisting requires Standard First Aid (Intermediate) and CPR Level C with BLS/HCP
• 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.

*As of Feb 26, 2024, NSCC students are not required to submit proof of COVID-19 primary series immunization as part of your Health and Human Services program requirements. Some placement partners may require immunizations not listed as a part of your program requirements such as Influenza and COVID-19.

NSCC Placement Requirements 

NSCC Programs	NSCC Placement Requirements
Documentation for the following programs to be submitted to Placement Pass: • Continuing Care • Practical Nursing • Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant • Therapeutic Recreation	• All Immunizations • Criminal Record Check • Vulnerable Sector Check • Child Abuse Registry Check
Documentation for the following programs to be submitted to Placement Pass: • Dental Assisting • Funeral and Allied Health Services • Funeral Arranging and Directing • Medical Laboratory Technology	• All Immunizations • Criminal Record Check • Vulnerable Sector Check
Documentation for the following programs to be submitted to Placement Pass: • Health Information Management	• All Immunizations except for TB and Hep B • Criminal Record Check
Documentation for the following programs to be submitted to Placement Pass: • Pharmacy Technician	• All Immunizations • Criminal Record Check (must be through myBackCheck to meet regulator requirements)
Documentation for the following programs to be submitted directly to the placement partner: • Child and Youth Care	• Criminal Record Check • Vulnerable Sector Check • Child Abuse Registry Check 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
If required, documentation for the following programs to be submitted directly to the placement partner: • Behavioural Interventions • Criminal Justice • Disability Supports and Services • Disability Support Professional • Mental Health Recovery and Promotion • 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)
Documentation for the following programs is not required: • Hairstyling • 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 (except for Continuing Care which is three months 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 Register check

Child Abuse Register checks are required for all students in the Continuing Care, Practical Nursing, Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant, Therapeutic Recreation and Child and Youth Care programs. If students in other programs attend placements where they interact directly with children, a Child Abuse Register check is required. These programs may include but are not limited to Behavioural Interventions, Disability Support Professional, and Social Services.

Complete a Child Abuse Register check

• To obtain a Child Abuse Register check in Nova Scotia, apply online through the Government of Nova Scotia Child Abuse Register application page.
• There is no cost to complete a Child Abuse Register check.
• Results of your check will be sent to you by email.

Checks should be completed no earlier than 1 month prior to the start of your program (except for Continuing Care which is 3 months prior to the start of your program) as it needs to be current at the time of review.