2025-2026 Training Modules NOW AVAILABLE!
The following information is for all new and returning students at the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, modality, or location. Before starting your semester, you must review and complete the requirements outlined in the Clinical Placement Onboarding section.
July, 24, 2024
The following information is for all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location. Before the start of your semester, the following requirements must be reviewed and completed.
Training Modules for 2024/2025 - Now available. Due 9/1
“Non-emergency” Standards for COVID-19 Vaccination
Student Data Questionnaire - Due 8/1
Clinical Compliance with Castlebranch and Complio - Due 8/1 with the exception of the Training Modules which are due 9/1
Student Handbook - Now available. Due 8/1
Clinical Assignment Links - Due 8/1 for Pre-licensure students only
Additional Information
Please complete the SON Clinical Training 2024-2025 Canvas Courses as soon as possible if you have not already done so in order to be placed.
Returning Students: If you have already completed these courses, you do not need to do so again unless it is an annual requirement. If you have not completed them, please do so ASAP.
New Students: Follow the instructions on this page: SON Clinical Training 2024-2025 Canvas Courses.
APU does not require COVID vaccination or boosters for our students; however, students who provide services in our clinical partner facilities must follow the facility’s health and onboarding requirements. Students are not guaranteed clinical placements when they do not meet our clinical partners' needs.
The SON does not guarantee your ability to make up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, please get in touch with your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
There are new "non-emergency" standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Cal/OSHA: COVID-19 is covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. This means that Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS-CoV) is mandatory for all students and faculty in a clinical setting.
New Students: Using your APU email account, please complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire.
Returning Students: If you see the 'You've already responded' alert, please click 'Edit your response' (see below) and complete the questionnaire again. Since your previous submission is retained, you can update the information that has changed. You still need to submit this form every semester so that we have the latest information from you.
Students participating in clinical activities must complete and/or update CastleBranch or Complio (San Diego only) requirements.
Returning students (Fall 2023 and prior): Ensure all data is up-to-date and accurate (i.e. if your TB test results have expired--you must upload new data; new vaccine info, etc.). Please see this article if you have questions. You have different package codes from the new students. (Does not apply for San Diego students)
New Students (Spring 2024 and beyond): Please follow the instructions in this article. Your package codes are different from the ones for returning students. Contact your program manager if you have any questions. (Does not apply for San Diego students)
Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS CoV): Make sure to upload the certificate from Canvas after you complete the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS CoV) course into CastleBranch/Complio. You do not need to pay $5 from the COVID-19 NDPH Training website to do so.
Implicit Bias: You do not need to upload the Implicit Bias Canvas certificate into CastleBranch or Complio. Completing the course is sufficient.
See the Experiential Learning page for more information.
Review all relevant SON Handbooks located on the SON Student Website. Once you review the handbook, you may upload the Handbooks Acknowledgement Form to your Castlebranch/Complio account.
For prelicensure students, your program administrators may assign you to a clinical group once clinical facility confirmations are received from our clinical partners. Once you are notified of your clinical placement site, your next step is to self-enroll in your program's clinical onboarding Canvas course and follow the directions for getting the onboarding paperwork for your assigned facility. Please find the self-enroll links for your program below:
IMPORTANT: You have 5 business days to complete the clinical onboarding paperwork once you are notified of your clinical placement.
For prelicensure students in San Diego, clinical requirements will be assigned to you within Complio and explained in more detail by your Program Manager, Renee Dierking rdierking@apu.edu.
Some hospitals will charge a per-student fee for the onboarding paperwork and clearance to their facility (e.g. Providence, MyClinicalExchange, Pronto Wellness, etc.). The student is not responsible for paying the fee. An invoice is sent to the School of Nursing for processing.
Most clinical facilities provide students with the appropriate PPE required during their clinical rotation or preceptorship. However, if the clinical facility requires you to bring your own N95 masks, the SON will continue to offer free N95 fit testing and one N95 mask for each clinical day/rotation. If you need additional PPE, please complete the SON Request PPE Form.
Pre-licensure Students: Email SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu.
Advanced Practice Students: Email didactic faculty or program director.
DNP Students: Email DNP Clinical Residency Coordinator or Program Manager.
November 8, 2023
The following information is for all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location. Before the start of your semester, the following requirements must be reviewed and completed.
Training Modules for 2023/2024
“Non-emergency” Standards for COVID-19 Vaccination
Student Data Questionnaire
Clinical Compliance with Castlebranch and Complio
Student Handbook
Clinical Assignment Links
Additional Information
Please complete the SON Clinical Training 2023-2024 Canvas Courses as soon as possible if you have not already done so in order to be placed.
Returning Students: If you have already completed these courses, you do not need to do so again. If you have not completed them, please do so ASAP.
New Students: Follow the instructions on this page: SON Clinical Training 2023-2024 Canvas Courses.
APU does not require COVID vaccination or boosters for our students; however, students who provide services in our clinical partner facilities must follow the facility’s health and onboarding requirements. Students are not guaranteed clinical placements when they do not meet our clinical partners' needs.
The SON does not guarantee your ability to make up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, please get in touch with your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
There are new "non-emergency" standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Cal/OSHA: COVID-19 is covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. This means that Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS-CoV) is mandatory for all students and faculty in a clinical setting.
New Students: Using your APU email account, please complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire.
Returning Students: If you see the 'You've already responded' alert, please click 'Edit your response' (see below) and complete the questionnaire again. Since your previous submission is retained, you can update the information that has changed. You still need to submit this form every semester so that we have the latest information from you.
Students participating in clinical activities must complete and/or update CastleBranch or Complio (San Diego only) requirements.
Returning students (Fall 2023 and prior): Ensure all data is up-to-date and accurate (i.e. if your TB test results have expired--you must upload new data; new vaccine info, etc.). Please see this article if you have questions. You have different package codes from the new students. (Does not apply for San Diego students)
New Students (Spring 2024 and beyond): Please follow the instructions in this article. Your package codes are different from the ones for returning students. Contact your program manager if you have any questions. (Does not apply for San Diego students)
Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS CoV): Make sure to upload the certificate from Canvas after you complete the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS CoV) course into CastleBranch/Complio. You do not need to pay $5 from the COVID-19 NDPH Training website to do so.
Implicit Bias: You do not need to upload the Implicit Bias Canvas certificate into CastleBranch or Complio. Completing the course is sufficient.
See the Experiential Learning page for more information.
Review all relevant SON Handbooks located on the SON Student Website. Once you review the handbook, you may upload the Handbooks Acknowledgement Form to your Castlebranch/Complio account.
For prelicensure students, your program administrators may assign you to a clinical group once clinical facility confirmations are received from our clinical partners. Once you are notified of your clinical placement site, your next step is to self-enroll in your program's clinical onboarding Canvas course and follow the directions for getting the onboarding paperwork for your assigned facility. Please find the self-enroll links for your program below:
IMPORTANT: You have 5 business days to complete the clinical onboarding paperwork once you are notified of your clinical placement.
For prelicensure students in San Diego, clinical requirements will be assigned to you within Complio and explained in more detail by your Program Manager, Renee Dierking rdierking@apu.edu.
Some hospitals will charge a per-student fee for the onboarding paperwork and clearance to their facility (e.g. Providence, MyClinicalExchange, Pronto Wellness, etc.). The student is not responsible for paying the fee. An invoice is sent to the School of Nursing for processing.
Most clinical facilities provide students with the appropriate PPE required during their clinical rotation or preceptorship. However, if the clinical facility requires you to bring your own N95 masks, the SON will continue to offer free N95 fit testing and one N95 mask for each clinical day/rotation. If you need additional PPE, please complete the SON Request PPE Form.
Pre-licensure Students: Email SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu.
Advanced Practice Students: Email didactic faculty or program director.
DNP Students: Email DNP Clinical Residency Coordinator or Program Manager.
November 8, 2023
The following information is for all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location. Before the start of your semester, the following requirements must be reviewed and completed.
Training Modules for 2023/2024
“Non-emergency” Standards for COVID-19 Vaccination
Student Data Questionnaire
Clinical Compliance with Castlebranch and Complio
Student Handbook
Clinical Assignment Links
Additional Information
Please complete the SON Clinical Training 2023-2024 Canvas Courses as soon as possible if you have not already done so in order to be placed.
Returning Students: If you have already completed these courses, you do not need to do so again. If you have not completed them, please do so ASAP.
New Students: Follow the instructions on this page: SON Clinical Training 2023-2024 Canvas Courses.
APU does not require COVID vaccination or boosters for our students; however, students who provide services in our clinical partner facilities must follow the facility’s health and onboarding requirements. Students are not guaranteed clinical placements when they do not meet our clinical partners' needs.
The SON does not guarantee your ability to make up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, please get in touch with your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
There are new "non-emergency" standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Cal/OSHA: COVID-19 is covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. This means that Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS-CoV) is mandatory for all students and faculty in a clinical setting.
New Students: Using your APU email account, please complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire.
Returning Students: If you see the 'You've already responded' alert, please click 'Edit your response' (see below) and complete the questionnaire again. Since your previous submission is retained, you can update the information that has changed. You still need to submit this form every semester so that we have the latest information from you.
Students participating in clinical activities must complete and/or update CastleBranch or Complio (San Diego only) requirements.
Returning students (Fall 2023 and prior): Ensure all data is up-to-date and accurate (i.e. if your TB test results have expired--you must upload new data; new vaccine info, etc.). Please see this article if you have questions. You have different package codes from the new students. (Does not apply for San Diego students)
New Students (Spring 2024): Please follow the instructions in this article. Your package codes are different from the ones for returning students. Contact your program manager if you have any questions. (Does not apply for San Diego students)
Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS CoV): Make sure to upload the certificate from Canvas after you complete the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS CoV) course into CastleBranch/Complio. You do not need to pay $5 from the COVID-19 NDPH Training website to do so.
Implicit Bias: You do not need to upload the Implicit Bias Canvas certificate into CastleBranch or Complio. Completing the course is sufficient.
See the Experiential Learning page for more information.
Review all relevant SON Handbooks located on the SON Student Website. Once you review the handbook, you may upload the Handbooks Acknowledgement Form to your Castlebranch/Complio account.
For prelicensure students, your program administrators may assign you to a clinical group once clinical facility confirmations are received from our clinical partners. Once you are notified of your clinical placement site, your next step is to self-enroll in your program's clinical onboarding Canvas course and follow the directions for getting the onboarding paperwork for your assigned facility. Please find the self-enroll links for your program below:
IMPORTANT: You have 5 business days to complete the clinical onboarding paperwork once you are notified of your clinical placement.
For prelicensure students in San Diego, clinical requirements will be assigned to you within Complio and explained in more detail by your Program Manager, Renee Dierking rdierking@apu.edu.
Some hospitals will charge a per-student fee for the onboarding paperwork and clearance to their facility (e.g. Providence, MyClinicalExchange, Pronto Wellness, etc.). The student is not responsible for paying the fee. An invoice is sent to the School of Nursing for processing.
Most clinical facilities provide students with the appropriate PPE required during their clinical rotation or preceptorship. However, if the clinical facility requires you to bring your own N95 masks, the SON will continue to offer free N95 fit testing and one N95 mask for each clinical day/rotation. If you need additional PPE, please complete the SON Request PPE Form.
Pre-licensure Students: Email SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu.
Advanced Practice Students: Email didactic faculty or program director.
DNP Students: Email DNP Clinical Residency Coordinator or Program Manager.
August 7, 2023
The following information is for all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location. Before the start of your semester, the following requirements must be reviewed and completed.
Fall Training Modules for 2023/2024
“Non-emergency” Standards for COVID-19 Vaccination
Student Data Questionnaire
Clinical Compliance with Castlebranch and Complio
Student Handbook
Clinical Assignment Links
Additional Information
We have updated the required Fall Training for 2023/2024. Please complete these as soon as possible so you can be placed quickly. The deadline is September 1, 2023
APU does not require COVID vaccination or boosters for our students; however, students who provide services in our clinical partner facilities must follow the facility’s health and onboarding requirements. Students are not guaranteed clinical placements when they do not meet our clinical partners' needs.
The SON does not guarantee your ability to make up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, please get in touch with your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
There are new "non-emergency" standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Cal/OSHA: COVID-19 is covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. This means that Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (including SARS-CoV) is mandatory for all students and faculty in a clinical setting.
Using your APU email account, please complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire. If you see the 'You've already responded' alert, please click 'Edit your response' (see below) and complete the questionnaire again. Since your previous submission is retained, you can update the information that has changed.
Students participating in clinical activities must complete and/or update CastleBranch or Complio (San Diego only) requirements. Returning students should ensure all data is up-to-date and accurate (i.e. if your TB test results have expired--you must upload new data; new vaccine info, etc.)
CastleBranch and Complio are updating the requirements for Fall 2023. Complete as many of the requirements as you can. Once the new requirements are added, you will be notified to go in and update those requirements.
The following are no longer required: PPE Confirmation of Participation, COVID-19 certificates, and COVID-19 Booster
Make sure to upload the certificate from Canvas after you complete the Transmissible Diseases (including SARS CoV) course into CastleBranch/Complio. You do not need to pay $5 from the COVID-19 NDPH Training website to do so.
You do not need to upload the Implicit Bias Canvas certificate into CastleBranch. Completing the course is sufficient.
Review all relevant SON Handbooks located on the SON Student Website. Once you review the handbook, you may upload the Handbooks Acknowledgement Form to your Castlebranch/Complio account.
For prelicensure students, your program administrators may assign you to a clinical group once clinical facility confirmations are received from our clinical partners. Once you are notified of your clinical placement site, your next step is to self-enroll in your program's clinical onboarding Canvas course and follow the directions for getting the onboarding paperwork for your assigned facility. Please find the self-enroll links for your program below:
IMPORTANT: You have 5 business days to complete the clinical onboarding paperwork once you are notified of your clinical placement.
For prelicensure students in San Diego, clinical requirements will be assigned to you within Complio and explained in more detail by your Program Manager, Renee Dierking rdierking@apu.edu.
Some hospitals will charge a per-student fee for the onboarding paperwork and clearance to their facility (e.g. Providence, MyClinicalExchange, Pronto Wellness, etc.). The student is not responsible for paying the fee. An invoice is sent to the School of Nursing for processing.
Most clinical facilities provide students with the appropriate PPE required during their clinical rotation or preceptorship. However, if the clinical facility requires you to bring your own N95 masks, the SON will continue to offer free N95 fit testing and one N95 mask for each clinical day/rotation. If you need additional PPE, please complete the SON Request PPE Form.
Pre-licensure Students: Email SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu.
Advanced Practice Students: Email didactic faculty or program director.
DNP Students: Email DNP Clinical Residency Coordinator or Program Manager.
January 26, 2023
What is CougarLock?
2-Step Authentication
Provides a extra account security
Protects your account from hacking and phishing
CougarLock is APU’s 2-Step Authentication. It adds an extra layer of security to your APU Account, helping protect your data.
Your APU Account is a valuable resource that gives you access not only to your personal information & email, but also to other APU resources. To help protect your account, APU is rolling out CougarLock to all APU accounts, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. CougarLock is a Multi-Factor Authentication process that adds an extra layer of security to your account. In addition to your APU NetID and password, CougarLock also requires a 6-digit code generated by your smartphone. This means that even if someone gets your NetID & password, they won’t be able to log into your account.
Enrolling is easy and only takes a few minutes. While all accounts will be automatically enrolled over the summer, we are giving away prizes through the rest of the Spring 2023 semester for students & alumni who self-enroll. Sign up today to protect your account and win some amazing prizes!
Click here to read CougarLock FAQ.
April 10, 2023
The following information is for all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location. Before the start of your semester, there are requirements regarding health data, attestation, and liability that must be completed.
SON students collaborate with faculty and our clinical partners to participate in the learning experience and provide patient care in various settings for patients at all developmental stages. Our SON students and faculty must employ measures to protect themselves and employ evidence-based practices to prevent exposure to COVID-19 or the transmission of COVID-19 to classmates, faculty, other healthcare professionals, and the patients encountered in the classroom, clinical, and skills lab settings.
APU does not require COVID vaccination or boosters for our students; however, most of our community partners (mainly hospitals) do. Students who provide services in our clinical partner facilities must follow the facility’s health and onboarding requirements. Students are not guaranteed clinical placements when they do not meet our clinical partners' requirements.
The following processes are required for all students in the Summer 2023 semester and must be completed or submitted before the start of the semester. If this documentation is incomplete, students participating in a clinical course will not be able to participate in their clinical assignments.
The SON does not guarantee your ability to make-up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, please contact your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
Using your APU email account, complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire and Attestation. If you see the 'You've already responded' alert, please click 'Edit your response' (see below) and complete the questionnaire again. Since your previous submission is retained, you can update the information that has changed.
Submit your vaccine status or any changes to your vaccine status to MyCougar Health. For university documentation to demonstrate vaccination, please submit an image of your vaccine card or other healthcare document showing vaccination status (including booster shots) to the MyCougar Health Portal. APU uses this database to ensure adherence to student policies.
Students participating in clinical activities must Complete and/or update CastleBranch or Complio (San Diego only) requirements. Returning students should ensure all data is up-to-date and accurate (i.e. if your TB test results have expired--you must upload new data; new vaccine info, etc.) Review the CastleBranch Self-Checklist or Complio Self-Checklist (San Diego only)
Complete and upload Canvas SON Training Modules certificates:
Bloodborne Pathogens, HIPAA, COVID, PPE Training, and Culturally Competent Nursing Care
The Culturally Competent Nursing Care (module) must be completed by pre-licensure students only. Aerosol and Assaultive Behavior modules are site-specific and required only if the clinical site requires these modules.
The link will be available on the SON Student Website on the above date. All certificates are annual requirements completed before the beginning of the semester. Completion certificates are uploaded to your CastleBranch or Complio account.
Review all relevant SON Handbooks located on the SON Student Website. Once you review the handbook, you may upload the Handbooks Acknowledgement Form to your Castlebranch/Complio account.
For prelicensure students, your program administrators will assign you to a clinical group once clinical facility confirmations are received from our clinical partners. Once you are notified of your clinical placement site, your next step is to self-enroll in your program's clinical onboarding Canvas course and follow the directions for getting the onboarding paperwork for your assigned facility. Please find the self-enroll links for your program below:
IMPORTANT: Once you are notified of your clinical placement, you have 5 business days to complete the clinical onboarding paperwork.
For prelicensure students in San Diego, clinical requirements will be assigned to you within Complio and explained in more detail by your Program Manager, Renee Dierking.
Some hospitals will charge a per-student fee for the onboarding paperwork and clearance to their facility (e.g. Providence, MyClinicalExchange, Pronto Wellness, etc.). An invoice is sent to the School of Nursing for processing.
Many clinical facilities provide students with the appropriate PPE required during their clinical rotation or preceptorship. However, if the clinical facility requires you to bring your own N95 masks, the SON will continue to offer free N95 fit testing and one N95 mask for each clinical day/rotation. If you need additional PPE, please complete the SON Request PPE Form.
Pre-licensure Students: email SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu
Advanced Practice Students: Email didactic faculty or program director
DNP Students: email DNP Clinical Residency Coordinator or Program Manager
September 22, 2022
Please watch the School of Nursing's Interim Dean, Dr. Renee Pozza's video message to you. September 22, 2022. Dr. Pozza also mentions the SON Academic Divisions and the organizational chart
January 26, 2023
What is CougarLock?
2-Step Authentication
Provides a extra account security
Protects your account from hacking and phishing
CougarLock is APU’s 2-Step Authentication. It adds an extra layer of security to your APU Account, helping protect your data.
Your APU Account is a valuable resource that gives you access not only to your personal information & email, but also to other APU resources. To help protect your account, APU is rolling out CougarLock to all APU accounts, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. CougarLock is a Multi-Factor Authentication process that adds an extra layer of security to your account. In addition to your APU NetID and password, CougarLock also requires a 6-digit code generated by your smartphone. This means that even if someone gets your NetID & password, they won’t be able to log into your account.
Enrolling is easy and only takes a few minutes. While all accounts will be automatically enrolled over the summer, we are giving away prizes through the rest of the Spring 2023 semester for students & alumni who self-enroll. Sign up today to protect your account and win some amazing prizes!
Click here to read CougarLock FAQ.
April 10, 2023
The following information is for all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location. Before the start of your semester, there are requirements regarding health data, attestation, and liability that must be completed.
SON students collaborate with faculty and our clinical partners to participate in the learning experience and provide patient care in various settings for patients at all developmental stages. Our SON students and faculty must employ measures to protect themselves and employ evidence-based practices to prevent exposure to COVID-19 or the transmission of COVID-19 to classmates, faculty, other healthcare professionals, and the patients encountered in the classroom, clinical, and skills lab settings.
APU does not require COVID vaccination or boosters for our students; however, most of our community partners (mainly hospitals) do. Students who provide services in our clinical partner facilities must follow the facility’s health and onboarding requirements. Students are not guaranteed clinical placements when they do not meet our clinical partners' requirements.
The following processes are required for all students in the Summer 2023 semester and must be completed or submitted before the start of the semester. If this documentation is incomplete, students participating in a clinical course will not be able to participate in their clinical assignments.
The SON does not guarantee your ability to make-up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, please contact your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
Using your APU email account, complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire and Attestation. If you see the 'You've already responded' alert, please click 'Edit your response' (see below) and complete the questionnaire again. Since your previous submission is retained, you can update the information that has changed.
Submit your vaccine status or any changes to your vaccine status to MyCougar Health. For university documentation to demonstrate vaccination, please submit an image of your vaccine card or other healthcare document showing vaccination status (including booster shots) to the MyCougar Health Portal. APU uses this database to ensure adherence to student policies.
Students participating in clinical activities must Complete and/or update CastleBranch or Complio (San Diego only) requirements. Returning students should ensure all data is up-to-date and accurate (i.e. if your TB test results have expired--you must upload new data; new vaccine info, etc.) Review the CastleBranch Self-Checklist or Complio Self-Checklist (San Diego only)
Complete and upload Canvas SON Training Modules certificates:
Bloodborne Pathogens, HIPAA, COVID, PPE Training, and Culturally Competent Nursing Care
The Culturally Competent Nursing Care (module) must be completed by pre-licensure students only. Aerosol and Assaultive Behavior modules are site-specific and required only if the clinical site requires these modules.
The link will be available on the SON Student Website on the above date. All certificates are annual requirements completed before the beginning of the semester. Completion certificates are uploaded to your CastleBranch or Complio account.
Review all relevant SON Handbooks located on the SON Student Website. Once you review the handbook, you may upload the Handbooks Acknowledgement Form to your Castlebranch/Complio account.
For prelicensure students, your program administrators will assign you to a clinical group once clinical facility confirmations are received from our clinical partners. Once you are notified of your clinical placement site, your next step is to self-enroll in your program's clinical onboarding Canvas course and follow the directions for getting the onboarding paperwork for your assigned facility. Please find the self-enroll links for your program below:
IMPORTANT: Once you are notified of your clinical placement, you have 5 business days to complete the clinical onboarding paperwork.
For prelicensure students in San Diego, clinical requirements will be assigned to you within Complio and explained in more detail by your Program Manager, Renee Dierking.
Some hospitals will charge a per-student fee for the onboarding paperwork and clearance to their facility (e.g. Providence, MyClinicalExchange, Pronto Wellness, etc.). An invoice is sent to the School of Nursing for processing.
Many clinical facilities provide students with the appropriate PPE required during their clinical rotation or preceptorship. However, if the clinical facility requires you to bring your own N95 masks, the SON will continue to offer free N95 fit testing and one N95 mask for each clinical day/rotation. If you need additional PPE, please complete the SON Request PPE Form.
Pre-licensure Students: email SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu
Advanced Practice Students: Email didactic faculty or program director
DNP Students: email DNP Clinical Residency Coordinator or Program Manager
Updated July 14, 2022
Please review the Order of the State Public Health Officer Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
In addition to the above Order, the State of California’s mandate issued on 12/22/21 requires all Health Care Workers to receive a COVID 3rd dose or “booster” by March 1, 2022.
Healthcare Personnel (HCP) refers to all paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, including body substances (e.g., blood, tissue, and specific body fluids); contaminated medical supplies, devices, and equipment; contaminated environmental surfaces; or contaminated air. HCP include, but are not limited to, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, contractual staff not employed by the healthcare facility.
The COVID vaccine series AND COVID vaccine booster(s) are needed to be considered “fully vaccinated”. See the CDC guidelines for who can get the vaccine and boosters, when to get a vaccine and booster, and which vaccine and booster to get. Students not yet eligible for boosters must be in compliance no later than 15 days after the recommended eligibility for receiving the booster dose.
Azusa Pacific University does not require COVID-19 vaccination. However, pursuant to the mandates by CDPH, our clinical partners are requiring that students attending their clinical sites are fully vaccinated with required boosters. Therefore, SON students planning to register and attend classes in Fall 2022, and participate in clinical activities that require placement in a healthcare facility (i.e., UNRS 107/212), are required to submit proof of “full vaccination” for COVID-19. This submission is done by a) completing the SON Data Questionnaire and Attestation form, b) submitting vaccine status to My Cougar health, and c) uploading documents into Castlebranch/Complio, as described earlier in this posting.
For all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location, there are requirements regarding health data, attestation and liability that must be completed prior to the start of your academic year. SON students collaborate with faculty and our clinical partners to participate in the learning experience and provide patient care in a variety of settings for patients at all developmental stages. It is essential that our SON students and faculty employ measures to protect themselves, and employ evidence-based practices to prevent exposure to COVID-19 or transmission of COVID-19 to classmates, faculty, other healthcare professionals, and the patients that will be encountered in classroom, clinical and skills lab settings.
For those participating in clinical experiences, the SON follows all requirements of our clinical partners/facilities in regards to the vaccination status of their workers (including students) who provide services in their health care facility.* (See COVID-19 Vaccination Update below). Clinical placements are not guaranteed for students who do not meet the onboarding requirements of our clinical partners.
The following processes are required for ALL students in the Fall 2022 semester and must be completed or submitted prior to the start of the semester.
Students participating in a clinical course will not be able to participate in their clinical assignments if this documentation is not complete. The SON does not guarantee your ability to make-up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, please contact your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
Step 1: For the Fall semester, all students complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire and Attestation, and the Waiver of Liability HelloSign documentation both due by July 29, 2022.
Complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire and Attestation
If you see the 'You've already responded' alert, please click 'Edit your response' (see below) and complete the questionnaire again. Since your previous submission is retained, you can simply update the information that has changed.
Please ensure that you are logged into your APU email address when completing the form.
Complete the SON Participant's Assumption of Risk, Release and Waiver of Liability, and Indemnity Agreement. See Release of Liability FAQ. This document is completed annually and must be signed for Fall 2022, even if you have already signed this document in previous semesters.
Step 2: Submit Vaccine Status to MyCougar Health
For university documentation to demonstrate vaccination, please submit an image of your vaccine card or other healthcare document showing vaccination status (including booster shots) to the MyCougar Health Portal. This database is used by APU to ensure adherence to student policies.
Step 3: For students participating in Clinical Activities, complete CastleBranch or Complio (San Diego only) requirements by
Enter your CastleBranch or Complio Account.
Review the CastleBranch Self-Checklist or Complio Self-Checklist (San Diego only) to ensure you have correctly completed all required documentation by July 22, 2022 (except for training module certificates).
Available for 2022-23 academic year by August 1, 2022---Complete and upload Canvas SON Training Modules certificates: (a) Bloodborne Pathogens, (b) HIPAA, (c) COVID, (d) PPE Training, and e) Culturally Competent Nursing Care by August 29, 2022. The link will be available on the SON Student Website on the date indicated above.
All certificates are annual requirements completed prior to the beginning of the semester.
Completion certificates are uploaded to your CastleBranch or Complio account.
Step 4: Review SON Policies and Information About Your Clinical Placements (if applicable)
For prelicensure students, your program administrators will assign you to a clinical group once clinical facility confirmations are received from our clinical partners.
Once you are notified of your clinical placement site, your NEXT STEP is to self-enroll in the clinical onboarding Canvas course for your program and follow the directions for getting the onboarding paperwork for your assigned facility. Please find the self-enroll links for your program below:
Once you are notified of your clinical placement, you have 5 business days to complete the clinical onboarding paperwork.
For prelicensure students in San Diego, clinical requirements will be assigned to you within Complio and will be explained in more detail by your Program Manager.
A few of our hospitals charge a per-student fee ($20-75) for the onboarding paperwork and clearance to their facility (e.g. Providence, MyClinicalExchange, Pronto Wellness). This will be billed to the School of Nursing and is covered by your nursing fee.
Review the 2022-2023 SON Student Handbook, the Experiential Learning Handbook for Prelicensure Programs, and your Department/Program Guidelines for academic and clinical policies and procedures. These handbooks are located on the SON Student Website and are available after August 1. The Handbooks Acknowledgement Form can be uploaded to your Castlebranch/Complio account after the 2022-2023 Handbook has been published.
Many clinical facilities are providing students with the appropriate PPE required during their clinical rotation or preceptorship. However, if you are required to bring your own N95 masks, the SON will continue to offer free N95 fit testing as well as one N95 mask for each clinical day/rotation. Additional PPE requests can be made by going to the SON Student Website > Request PPE
The SON Clinical Placement Team looks forward to supporting your success. If you have any questions, please contact SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu
Updated July 14, 2022
Dear School of Nursing Students,
Welcome back to the School of Nursing and the Fall 2022 semester which is quickly approaching. Many of you are completing Summer 2022 terms and I hope you are planning for a vacation during August. The School of Nursing is planning and preparing for your Fall semester and we look forward to seeing you on campus.
Our Dean, Dr. Aja Tulleners-Lesh announced at the spring Research Symposium that she will be leaving the Dean position July 1, 2022. She has returned to a faculty position and is Director of the Institute of Health Research for the SON. She has been an amazing leader, committed to faculty, staff and students to advance the nursing profession. Under her leadership the school developed many new programs and pathways to advance nursing education, expanded to Regional Centers, started study away semester programs and international health opportunities, and collaborated with many key clinical practice partners. We are very grateful for her strategic thinking and visionary leadership.
The new leadership team, lead by Dr. Renee Pozza, interim Dean, is working on reorganization into a structure of Divisions within the School of Nursing: Undergraduate and Graduate with departments/programs under the Division structure. These Divisions will be led by 2 new Associate Deans beginning Fall 2022. They will work alongside the department chairs and program staff to provide the resources needed for students and faculty as you progress in your academic journey. It is our hope that the new leadership structure and Divisions will create efficiency and allow for the consolidation of services, ultimately to improve the student experience within the School of Nursing.
The following lists the key leaders in the School of Nursing. Please reach out to these individuals as needed.
Interim Dean: Dr. Renee Pozza
Director of Operations: Jeff Postlmayr
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Division: Dr. Lori Silao
Associate Dean of Graduate Division: Dr. Aurelia Macabasco-O’Connell
Department Chairs:
Dr. Valerie Joy Smith, Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Dr. Eurina Cha, Upper Division BSN Department: LVN to BSN and BSN Transfer
Dr. Meaghan Ellis, Entry Level Masters
Dr. Elsa Murdoch, RN to BSN
Dr. Tina Escobedo, MSN Advanced Practice
Dr. Linda Searle-Leach, Healthcare Administration and Leadership
Dr. Jenna Reyes, MSN Nursing Education
Dr. Marissa Brash, Masters in Public Health
Dr. Aurelia Macabasco-O’Connell, Doctoral Departments
We wish you all the best and look forward to a successful Fall 2022 semester. God bless you.
Dr. Renee Pozza, Interim Dean and Professor
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 )
This is a reminder to students to get their flu vaccine by October 15, 2021.
STEP ONE Get your 2021 flu vaccine at your local healthcare provider or any CVS Pharmacy.
STEP TWO Enter your new flu vaccine status into Castlebranch or Complio by October 15th.
STEP THREE Have your vaccine card ready to show at your clinical site, if needed.
Please email SONhealth@apu.edu if you have any questions.
For all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location, there are requirements regarding health data, attestation and liability that must be completed prior to the start of your academic year. SON students collaborate with faculty and our clinical partners to participate in the learning experience and provide patient care in a variety of settings for patients at all developmental stages. It is essential that our SON students and faculty employ measures to protect themselves, and employ evidence-based practices to prevent exposure to COVID-19 or transmission of COVID-19 to classmates, faculty, other healthcare professionals, and the patients that will be encountered in classroom, clinical and skills lab settings.
For those participating in clinical experiences, the SON follows all requirements of our clinical partners/facilities in regards to the vaccination status of their workers (including students) who provide services in their health care facility.* Clinical placements are not guaranteed for students who do not meet the onboarding requirements of our clinical partners.
The following processes are required for ALL students in the Summer 2022 semester and must be completed or submitted prior to the start of the semester.
Students participating in a clinical course will not be able to participate in their clinical assignments if this documentation is not complete. The SON does not guarantee your ability to make-up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, please contact your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
Step 1: All students complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire and Attestation, and the Waiver of Liability HelloSign documentation by May 1, 2022.
Complete the SON Student Data Questionnaire and Attestation
If you see the “You’ve already responded” prompt, YOU MUST CLICK “Edit your response” and go through the questionnaire again, ensuring that all of your information is up to date. Please ensure that you click “Submit” at the end of the questionnaire to ensure your response is updated.
If you have not already done so this academic year (2021-2022), complete the SON Participant's Assumption of Risk, Release and Waiver of Liability, and Indemnity Agreement. See Release of Liability FAQ. This document is completed annually and does not need to be signed again if you submitted this in Fall 2021 or in Spring 2022.
Step 2: Submit Vaccine Status to MyCougar Health
For university documentation to demonstrate vaccination, please submit an image of your vaccine card or other healthcare document showing vaccination status (including booster shots) to the MyCougar Health Portal. This database is used by APU to ensure adherence to student policies.
Step 3: For students participating in Clinical Activities, complete CastleBranch or Complio requirements
Enter your CastleBranch or Complio Account.
Review the CastleBranch Self-Checklist or Complio Self-Checklist to ensure you have correctly completed all required documentation.
Complete and upload Canvas SON Training Modules certificates: (a) Bloodborne Pathogens, (b) HIPAA, (c) COVID, and (d) PPE Training.
All three certificates are annual requirements completed at the beginning of the Fall semester, and for new students, prior to the beginning of your first semester in the SON.
Completion certificates are uploaded to your CastleBranch or Complio account.
Step 4: Review SON Policies and Information About Your Clinical Placements (if applicable)
For prelicensure students, your program administrators will assign you to a clinical group, once clinical facility confirmations are received from our clinical partners.
Once you are notified of your clinical placement site, your NEXT STEP is to enroll in the clinical onboarding Canvas course for your program and follow the directions for getting the onboarding paperwork for your assigned facility.
** Wednesday, May 18, 1:09 PM: The technical issue has been resolved. Students should now be able to view the Clinical Site information in
Canvas. Please direct any further inquiries to SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu. Thank you. **
Upper Division Transfer (UDTP) students: https://canvas.apu.edu/enroll/468BE8
Entry Level Master’s (ELM) students: https://canvas.apu.edu/enroll/WPPDRP
You have 5 business days to complete the clinical onboarding paperwork.
For SON UG Students in San Diego, clinical site information and requirements are located within Complio and will be explained in more detail by your Program Manager.
A few of our hospitals charge a per-student fee ($20-75) for the onboarding paperwork and clearance to their facility (e.g. Castlebranch, MyClinicalExchange, Pronto Wellness). This will be billed to you directly.
Review the 2021-2022 SON Student Handbook, the Experiential Learning Handbook for Prelicensure Programs, and your Department/Program Guidelines for academic and clinical policies and procedures. In addition, specific information regarding clinical activities during the pandemic may be found in the 2021-22 SON Student Handbook addendum.
Most clinical facilities are providing students with the appropriate PPE required during their clinical rotation or preceptorship. However, if you are required to bring your own N95 masks, the SON will continue to offer free N95 fit testing as well as one N95 mask for each clinical day/rotation. Additional PPE requests can be made by going to the SON Student Website > Request PPE
The SON Clinical Placement Team looks forward to supporting your success. If you have any questions, please contact SONclinicalplacement@apu.edu
*Order of the State Public Health Officer Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
Click here to read our Booster Q & A.
Booster Update
The State of California’s mandate issued on 12/22/21 requires all Health Care Workers to receive a COVID 3rd dose or “booster”.
Healthcare Personnel (HCP) refers to all paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, including body substances (e.g., blood, tissue, and specific body fluids); contaminated medical supplies, devices, and equipment; contaminated environmental surfaces; or contaminated air. HCP include, but are not limited to, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, contractual staff not employed by the healthcare facility.
Thus, a COVID vaccine booster will be needed to be considered “fully vaccinated”. See the CDC guidelines for who can get a booster, when to get a booster, and which booster to get.
It is highly recommended that SON students in clinical courses who are eligible to obtain a booster, do so immediately to ensure full vaccination status prior to the start of spring clinicals.
If you are not eligible for a COVID booster, the expectation is that you will obtain a booster immediately upon eligibility. You can expect that facilities will not permit your attendance if you do not get the booster when eligible.
To date, the SON has been notified by the following facilities that the booster will be required for eligible students, to be considered “fully vaccinated”:
UCSD – required by January 21
Huntington Memorial – prior to start of clinical
Verdugo Hills – prior to start of clinical
We expect more facilities to notify us of their requirements.
You MUST update your booster status in the following three ways. Failure to do so may delay your clinical placement.
Update your SON Student Data Questionnaire and Attestation
Upload your booster information on CastleBranch/Complio
Update your MyCougar Health Portal
If you are unable to be assigned to a clinical facility to complete your course requirements, or if your placement is delayed due to your vaccination status (including booster requirements) you may miss required clinical course hours. The SON does not guarantee your ability to make-up these hours within the current semester, and you may receive an incomplete grade for the course or be asked to withdraw from the course at this time. Should this occur, you will work with your Department Chair to establish a new progression plan for your academic pathway.
SON Student Data Questionnaire and Attestation Update:
For all new and returning students in the School of Nursing (SON), regardless of program, program modality, or location, there are requirements regarding health data, attestation and liability that must be completed prior to the start of the Spring semester.
All students must complete these requirements. Students in clinical courses will NOT be able to start their placements if these requirements are not complete.
Note the attestation requirements are required to be completed before the start of each semester. Liability forms are completed once an academic year.
Go to the SON Student Website to complete the requirements for all new and returning students (see below).
Clinical Placement Team
School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University