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.
ParaMed
ParaMed is a Nova Scotia Community College partner organization that is authorized to review and confirm placement clearance.
Prior to your submission deadline, you will be required to upload copies of all supporting documentation to ParaMed. A training session on how to access your ParaMed account and complete your submission will be offered as part of your orientation during your first week of classes.
First aid and CPR training
Most programs require students to complete CPR and first aid certification before beginning their program.
- Cosmetology and Esthetics and Spa Therapies require CPR - A level and emergency first aid
- Law and Security complete CPR and first aid as part of the required Medical First Responder course
- All other programs require CPR - C level and standard first aid
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 | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
• Continuing Care |
• All Immunizations |
Year 1, September 30th - collected by ParaMed Year 1 January 31st for Practical Nursing (January starts) |
|
• Dental Assisting - Level II |
• All Immunizations |
Year 1, September 30th - collected by ParaMed |
|
• Health Information Management (HIM) |
• All Immunizations (HIM does not require TB or Hep B) |
Year 1, January 31st - collected by ParaMed |
|
• Child and Youth Care |
• Covid-19 Immunization |
Year 1, September 30th (Information on process for collection will be provided by Academic Chair) |
|
• Addictions Community Outreach |
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 |
Timeline dependent upon individual placement partner requests and requirements. |
|
• Cosmetology |
Although not required of your program we encourage you to maintain up to date immunization status. |
N/A |
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.
You will receive information on how to access ParaMed, and upload copies of your supporting documentation, once you begin your program.
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
A current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check, and in specific programs, a child abuse registry search, are required to complete work placements for some programs. 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.
Students are responsible for obtaining these records and having them available to be reviewed by the placement partner prior to the start of the placement. The placement partner will determine the student’s eligibility for the placement.
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
A child abuse registry check is required for work placements where students interact directly with children. These programs include, but may not be limited to, Behavioural Interventions, Continuing Care, Child and Youth Care, Community Recreation, Practical Nursing 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.