HEALTH RECORDS/IMMUNIZATIONS/TITER REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH RECORDS/IMMUNIZATIONS/TITER REQUIREMENTS

(for the Surgical Technology Program)

In addition to the requirements of the New York State Public Health Laws, ALL Surgical Technology students have the following requirements:

  • Physical – Students must submit the SUNY Niagara Physician’s Physical for Clinical Rotations form to the SUNY Niagara Wellness Center, at least 1 month prior to clinical rotations to avoid any delay or restriction regarding your attendance for clinical rotations, and stay current for 1 year.
    • Please allow 5 business days for your forms to be processed.
    • Faxed physical forms are NOT accepted.
    • Please be sure the physician has addressed all questions and signed all required areas.
    • If your physician identifies a health problem/issue, we may ask for additional information.
    • Note: Your Health Care Provider must qualify you to attend clinical with no restrictions.
  • Two-step Tuberculosis Skin Testing (TST):
    • Required with the initial physical.
    • The second TST is to be given 7-21 days after the first one (NOT before 7 days).
    • TST is then updated annually.
    • Required information: date given, date read, and the result in mm.
    • For positive skin tests: A chest x-ray and/or a physician’s statement indicating no signs or symptoms of Tuberculosis disease are required.
    • No further TSTs are to be done after a positive skin test.
  • Diphtheria Tetanus (NOT Tetanus Toxoid):
    • Proof of vaccination within the last 10 years.
    • Tdap is requested as a one-time update, rather than TD, if not already received.
  • Seasonal Flu Vaccination:
    • Proof of current Seasonal Flu Vaccination is required during NYSDOH Stated Flu season.
    • Submit documentation with:
      • Date given
      • Place given
      • Person administering
      • Manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date of the vaccine
    • Submit to the SUNY Niagara Wellness Center and provide a copy to Surgical Technology faculty.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination:
    • NOT required at this time.
    • However, admission and readmission into the Surgical Technology program MAY require it if clinical sites mandate COVID-19 vaccination.
    • If required:
      • Single-dose (J&J) or two-dose (Pfizer/Moderna) series, plus two weeks post-final dose.
      • Booster requirements:
        • Pfizer: 5 months after the final dose.
        • Moderna: 6 months after the final dose.
        • J&J: 2 months after the final dose.
    • Subject to change based on current guidelines.
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination:
    • STRONGLY recommended.
    • Review the Hepatitis Vaccine Information document provided with the SUNY Niagara Physician’s Physical for Clinical Rotations form before making an informed decision.
  • Health Status Changes:
    • If your health status changes during the program (surgery, pregnancy, injury, etc.), you must submit a medical clearance stating you may:
      • “Attend clinical with NO restrictions”
    • Upload this documentation in your Platinum Planner.
  • Immunization Information:
    • You can view your immunization information on file by going to:
      • Banner Web → Enter Secure Area → Enter User ID (Student ID) → Enter PIN
      • Log In → Personal Information → Immunization Data Display
    • Note: Compliance refers to Public Health Laws – NOT Clinical Compliance.
  • Clinical Clearance:
    • STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN CLEARANCE FOR CLINICAL ROTATIONS by one of the Registered Nurses in the Wellness Center after ALL requirements have been satisfied.
    • Submission of the materials does NOT imply clearance.

CPR/BLS REQUIREMENTS

  • Students must have a current, valid certification of training in Basic Life Support (CPR).
  • The Basic Life Support (BLS) certification must include:
    • Resuscitation (one-man, two-man, child, infant)
    • Airway management
    • Automatic defibrillator
    • Bag-mask technique
    • The procedure MUST be demonstrated to a CPR instructor.
  • Acceptable Courses for the Surgical Technology Program:
    • American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS Provider)
    • American Red Cross: CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
    • National Safety Council: Basic Life Support (BLS for the Health Care Provider)
  • Certification Requirements:
    • Certification must be current and validated by Surgical Technology faculty.
    • A copy of the valid card must be submitted to the Surgical Technology faculty by the deadline established in each course.
    • Failure to meet the deadline for submission of valid CPR/BLS will result in exclusion from the clinical area.
Gemma Fournier


Program Contact

  • Name: Gemma Fournier, CST, RN, MSN, FAST
  • Title: Program Coordinator
  • Phone: 716-614-6417
  • Email: fournier@niagaracc.suny.edu
  • Location: CA-108
  • Division Office Phone: 716-614-5940
Gemma Fournier