Medical Requirements:

A documented health examination is required prior to the beginning of classes.

Environmental Exposure
Providers in anesthesia are advised that studies completed over the past several years indicate that personnel who are chronically exposed to waste anesthetic gases may be at increased risk of certain adverse health problems, including spontaneous abortion. Dorsch, J. A., & Dorsch, S. E. (1999). Understanding anesthesia equipment (4th ed.). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.

Immunizations
Each student must be in good physical and mental health, free of communicable disease when involved in patient care, and have a medical questionnaire and physician's certificate on file at the University prior to enrollment with proof of tuberculin testing (negative) and immunization against the diseases noted below.

A student who contracts a communicable disease shall notify the Director or Associate Director as soon as possible after learning of same and shall be suspended immediately and indefinitely until the student is free from infection.

Schedule for Immunizations
Immunization needed/Schedule of immunization

Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td)/Must have had one dose within past ten years.

Measles/Those born since January 1, 1957, must have two doses since 12 months of age. The two doses must be at least 30 days apart.

Mumps/Those born since January 1, 1957, must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.

Rubella/At least one dose since 12 months of age.

Hepatitis B/A complete series or proof of immunity is strongly encouraged prior to beginning direct patient care.

For more information, see the website www.tdh.state.tx.us/immunize/ or telephone the Texas School of Health, Immunization Division, 1-800-252-9152.

Health Insurance
Students must carry health insurance throughout the program. Although TCU offers a major medical insurance plan for students to purchase, students are advised to evaluate several plans before selection. Proof of coverage is required. Students are not hospital employees and are not covered by Worker's Compensation.

Statement on Drug and Alcohol Abuse
The following policy is in accordance with the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs' Statement on admissions inquiries regarding drug and alcohol use.

1. Applicants will be asked if they are currently using illegal drugs, abusing prescription drugs, or engaging in intemperate alcohol use at the time of application. An affirmative answer is grounds for denial of admission.
2. After acceptance into the School of Nurse Anesthesia but prior to enrollment, the student will be asked about prior illegal drug usage, abuse of prescription drugs, and prior intemperate alcohol use. Past users will be monitored, including but not limited to drug testing. Failure to comply with this policy or failure of a drug screen will result in dismissal from the program. The University or clinical training facility pays for the drug testing.
3. All students will be required to submit to random or scheduled drug testing at any point in their training based on the decision of the University or clinical training site. Failure to comply with this policy or failure of a drug screen will result in immediate dismissal from the program. The University or clinical training facility pays for the drug testing.
4. In the event of a failed drug screen, the University or clinical training site will provide information about rehabilitation. The University or the clinical training site will not incur any expense in this matter.
In Texas, referrals are made to:
Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (T-PAPN)
7600 Burnet Road, Suite 440
Austin, Texas 78757-1292
Telephone: 1-800-288-5528
5. Following successful completion of a drug rehabilitation program, students may apply for reinstatement in the program. Readmission is not automatic; cases are individually considered.
6. Criminal background checks will be required for insurance coverage prior to entering Phase II. Students with concerns or questions should contact the Director before beginning the program. Prior conviction(s) may result in denial of admission to Phase II.

TOP