Annual Health Requirements

Please note: If health requirements are not completed, the student will not be able to attend class, lab or clinical.

Bellin College offers enrolled students routine services, such as yearly TB skin tests and influenza (flu) vaccination. Flu vaccines are administered free of charge at Bellin College each fall. Students assume responsibility for any other health costs that are not a part of the routine student health services. Such costs might include health problems present prior to admission to the college, long-term illnesses, surgical treatment, prescription medications, dental and eye care, illness, or injury. Costs of hospitalization or physician care beyond those covered by insurance are the responsibility of the student and/or the student’s family. Additional vaccination or titers, such as QuantiFERON Gold blood testing for tuberculosis is the student’s responsibility to obtain and cover the associated costs.

Tuberculosis Testing

Students will adhere to the standards for communicable disease prevention for tuberculosis and follow the health requirements set by the Wisconsin Healthcare Alliance and agencies in which Bellin holds clinical affiliation agreements. The Wisconsin Administrative Code states that all persons having direct contact with hospital patients must be assessed for the presence of active pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis skin test (TST): Initial 2 step TB skin tests and annual 1 step TB renewal is required.  Skin tests will be offered at both Bellin College locations. Intradermal injection of 0.1ml of tuberculin Purified Protein derivative (PPD) into the inner surface of the forearm by a trained health care provider.

1. Baseline TB screening using a two-step TST or single blood assay test IGRA (QuantiFERON Gold or T-Spot).

2. It is a requirement of all applicants to have two (2) TB tests within the first two weeks of classes starting. The 2-step TB screening involves receiving the test, then returning to have it read within a specific time. The second step involves the process repeated one (1) to three (3) weeks after the 1st TB skin test. Once enrolled as a Bellin College student, annual screening is mandatory.

2. If the student converts (positive skin test) on her/his annual health assessment or has had a past positive TB skin test, a baseline chest x-ray is required, and the student must follow-up with her/his health care provider for treatment. If a student is positive for active TB disease, the student must participate in an active treatment plan to be reviewed annually. A written statement is required from the treating health care provider regarding clinical status/restrictions. The student is not eligible to participate in clinical practicum until their healthcare provider determines the student is not communicable. Students must complete an annual  health symptom TB specific questionnaire. This is available on Viewpoint.

3. TST will be offered at no expense to students from Bellin College’s Health and Wellness team.

4. It is the responsibility of the students to attend the Bellin College provided TST sessions during scheduled times. If they are unable, individuals will be responsible for reaching out to the Health and Wellness Coordinator to schedule.

5. Student Affairs, will maintain a list of qualified TB screeners. These are the only healthcare professionals that may read the skin test.

6. TST readers are trained following the guidelines of the CDC.

7. Students will be encouraged to take a photo of the form for their personal records.

Influenza (flu) Immunization

Bellin College’s policy is to protect the health of students, staff, and the community. The College endorses universal flu vaccination and follows the guidelines provided by the Bellin Health System.

• The influenza (flu) vaccine will be provided free of charge to all Bellin College students through its annual flu clinic.

• To be compliant, students must receive the influenza vaccine by the annual participation deadline of December 1. (This date is subject to change based on flu activity and vaccine availability.)

• Students are mandated to sign a Bellin College consent to receive the influenza vaccine at the College.

• Students immunized at a location outside of Bellin College, such as a private physician office, pharmacy, or public clinic, must provide proof. Acceptable forms of proof are a physician’s note or immunization record which includes date of vaccination.

• If a student chooses to decline the flu vaccine, they must complete the declination form.