Download: SLP Program Immunization and Health Form
Prior to beginning the SLP program, students must have personal health documentation on file in the Speech-Language Pathology office. The BW SLP program has partnered with CastleBranch, a background check and compliance management company to coordinate fingerprinting, medical information and CPR. Go to the Baldwin Wallace University CastleBranch portal to begin this process.
When you enroll in the SLP program, your health documentation must include proof of the following:
- Appropriate immunizations, or written validation of titers establishing immunity for:
- MMR (rubeola aka: measles, mumps and rubella)
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
- Chicken Pox (varicella)
- Hepatitis B
- Completion of a physical examination within one year prior to admission to the program, confirming a health status that qualifies the person to work directly with patients (refer to BW Technical Standards for Speech-Language Pathology Students).
Tuberculin Skin Testing
The two-step Mantoux Tb skin test is required to be completed by the student's healthcare provider. This is an annual requirement of the affiliating clinical agencies and will need to be repeated by the student during the program prior to expiration with documentation provided to the SLP program. Students who have a medical history of a false positive, allergy to the Mantoux test, BCG vaccination or are a converter are required to undergo Tb QuantiFERON testing (interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA]) for Tb infection through their provider, annually.
Annual Influenza Vaccination
After enrolling in the SLP program, students must have an annual influenza vaccination administered during influenza season (October through March). The student must provide written validation to the SLP program that the vaccination has been received before the student will be permitted to continue in the clinical area beyond fall semester.
COVID-19
Please note: Clinical affiliates have the right to add/change immunization policies at any time throughout the duration of the program. SLP students will be subject to COVID-19 vaccination policies established through clinical affiliation agreements. Students are strongly encouraged to complete vaccination for COVID-19. Without proof of successful vaccination, participation in clinical placements cannot be guaranteed.
Clinical Experience
As a guest of the healthcare facilities that provide clinical experiences, students are subject to the policies of the facility, which include meeting the above standards for immunizations and the ability to work directly with patients (BW Technical Standards for Speech-Language Pathology Students). Because clinical experience is an essential element of the SLP program, the inability to work in direct patient care will result in the student not continuing in the program.