N95 Mask Fit Testing

As part of the clinical compliance process, all undergraduate nursing students are required to complete an annual N95 hospital-grade respirator fit test. While students may not always need to wear an N95 during clinicals, most of our clinical sites require students to be fit-tested in case it becomes necessary.

Compliance: You will not be allowed to attend clinicals if you have not completed fit testing by the end of the first week of classes.

Fit Test Expiration: If you have been fit-tested before, please note that fit tests expire after one year. Carefully review the instructions below to determine if you need to be fitted again.

Instructions for fit testing, depending on the semester are listed below.

Fall 2025 Clinical Students

Follow the appropriate instructions in option A, B, C, D, or E below based on your situation. Remember that fit tests expire after 1 year, so even if you have been previously fitted, you may need to do it again. Hint: New accel students, you're probably C or E.

A. If you were fit tested between December 15, 2024, and today at USM

No action is needed since you are already in compliance.

B. If you were fit-tested at your workplace between December 15, 2024, and today AND you already submitted proof of that fit test to Netty or Stacey

No action is needed since you are already in compliance.

C. If you were fit-tested at your workplace between December 15, 2024, and today AND you have NOT already submitted proof of that fit test to Netty or Stacey

You may submit proof of that workplace fit test here.
The document must have your full name, the date of the fit test, and the mask you were fitted to.
We can only accept fits for the following masks:
1. - 3M 1860
  - 3M 1860S
  - 3M 1870+
  - 3M 9205+
  - 3M 1820
  - a form that notes you are assigned to use a PAPR
We will review the test, and if we cannot accept it for some reason, we will let you know.

D. If you were fit-tested at USM BEFORE December 9, 2024, you will need a new fit test (yours either has expired or will expire before the end of fall)

Download and complete the Re-Fit OSHA Short Form. Save it to your computer first, then type in your answers.
Submit the Re-Fit form here.
Email Netty Provost to schedule an appointment to be fitted. Appointments will be scheduled in late April and early May. (only after completing steps 1 and 2).

E. If none of the above apply, then you will need a fit test at USM - Steps 1-4 must be completed by July 1st, 2025.

1. 1. 1. Complete the First-Time Fit OSHA Form.
    2. Submit the First-Time Fit OSHA form here.
      1. Your form will be reviewed by Dr. Brenda Petersen, FNP, RN, Associate Dean of Nursing, for medical clearance. If you have questions about the medical portion of the form, please contact her. brenda.petersen@maine.edu
    3. Review the Respirator Training PowerPoint.
    4. Complete the Respirator Training Google Quiz. You must earn a 13/13 on the quiz. If your score at the end is not 13/13 retake the quiz until that score is achieved.
    5. Watch your email in early August for a list of walk-in fit testing sessions that we will hold on the Portland Campus. This is where we will physically fit you to your mask, but we can't do that without steps 1-4 being completed.

Report abuse