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All EICC health care programs include clinical experiences at facilities that may mandate COVID-19 vaccines for their employees and clinical students. Currently some of our clinical partners are not accepting any exemption requests, severely limiting our ability to place unvaccinated students. For these reasons, we cannot guarantee that a student would be able to fulfill their clinical requirements without being vaccinated, even with a medical or religious exemption. Due to this requirement, students may not be able to complete their program because course requirements cannot be met.
If you choose to request an exemption, please contact the Healthcare Site Coordinator immediately so we can determine if a site will accept the exemption. Please note this process can take several weeks to complete. Filing for an exemption does not mean the request will be approved, and again does not guarantee that you will be able to complete your required clinical hours.
If you file for an exemption and are denied, or you are placed at the institution where exemptions are not accepted, you will be unable to complete required clinical hours until an alternate clinical opportunity becomes available if possible. You may continue to participate in lecture and lab courses. However, unless an alternate clinical opportunity becomes available, you may need to withdrawal from the course. This withdrawal will result in a delay in your progression within the program, as well as require re-enrollment and repeat of the associated course/courses and clinical experiences if an opening occurs. Please note, placement availability at alternate sites is limited and we cannot guarantee an opening will occur.
Becoming a health care professional in today’s environment is a noble and exciting choice. You are choosing a profession in which you have the opportunity and ability to make a difference in the lives of others daily. With that comes the responsibility of also ensuring the safety and security of those same lives. Please understand that the current mandates by health care employers may impact not only your ability to complete your clinical placement, but also your ability to get a job in your chosen field.
EICC continues to strongly encourage all students, especially those entering health care areas, to be vaccinated. Vaccination not only increases the protection of oneself, but also the safety and protection of those around you.
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