Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Elms College policy requires the all pre-licensure students to submit medical documentation in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and Massachusetts Immunization Law 105 CMR 220.600:

Elms College policy and Massachusetts Department of Public Health dictates that students are required to submit the following documentation to satisfy immunization requirements for college (postsecondary institutions):

1. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): 1 dose within 10 years. A TD (Tetanus, Diphtheria may be accepted if it has been greater than or equal to 10 years since the last Tdap AND record of prior Tdap is submitted as well.
2. Hepatitis B: Complete series of Hepatitis vaccination (2 or 3 doses based on dates of administration) or laboratory evidence of positive immunity.
3. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Series of 2 doses at least 28 days apart or laboratory evidence of positive immunity to ALL 3 diseases (must have specific immunity for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). Birth in the U.S. before 1957 is acceptable only for non-health science students.
4. Varicella: Series of 2 doses at least 28 days apart and/or laboratory evidence of positive immunity. Physician verified history of chickenpox is acceptable only for non-health science students. Birth in the U.S. before 1980 is acceptable only for non-health science students.
5. Meningococcal (MenACWY, formerly MCV4): 1 dose within 5 years or a signed MDPH Meningococcal Information and Waiver Form provided by Elms College.
6. Full COVID-19 vaccination

Exemptions
Students may apply for a medical or religious vaccination exemption through the Elms College Health Center. The Health Center and/or Health Advisory Board reviews all applications, and students receive notification in writing if their application is approved. All exemption approvals remain in the student’s medical file for one year from the date written, and must be renewed annually. An Elms College approved medication exemption does not automatically grant exemption for any off campus facilities.

Students enrolled in the Elms Nursing Program are required to complete a series of clinical rotations in various health care facilities that require student immunization. The college has no control over whether or not the facility will accept the college approved medical or religious exemption. Students who are not fully immunized per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and Massachusetts Immunization Law 105 CMR 220.600 are not guaranteed clinical placements.

Other Requirements:

• National and state criminal background check (CORI/SORI)
• Drug screening (11 Panel)
• Annual TB screening
• Finger-printing if required by the clinical placement (e.g. schools)
• CPR (American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers)

Course offerings are updated on a rolling basis and can be discussed with your program director or faculty advisor.

• Baystate Medical Center
• Baystate Noble Hospital
• Baystate Wing Hospital
• Berkshire Medical Center
• Cooley Dickinson Hospital
• Mercy Medical Center (THONE)
• Veteran’s Affairs (Leeds)
• Local Public Schools
• Local Senior Centers
• Local Public Health Departments
• Behavioral Health Network
• Center for Human Development
• Friends of the Homeless
• Encompass Health
• Fallon Place
• Genesis Health
• Hampden County House of Corrections
• Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen
• It Takes a Village
• Mental Health Association
• Square One
• Western MA Eldercare

Course offerings are updated on a rolling basis and can be discussed with your program director or faculty advisor.