PNC520 Consolidation

June 29, 2026

Students enrolled in PNC520 Consolidation should be aware that clinical placement agencies may have additional health and safety requirements beyond standard Clinical Preparedness requirements. These requirements are established by the placement agencies and are mandatory for students assigned to those sites.

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

• Some placement agencies, particularly long-term care (LTC) facilities, require a 2-step Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) as part of their onboarding process.

• While Clinical Preparedness requirements may require only a 1-step TB skin test, students assigned to these agencies must meet the placement agency's TB screening requirements before starting placement.

• If your healthcare provider does not offer a 2-step TB skin test, you may complete the testing through another qualified healthcare provider or clinic.

• Depending on the placement agency, alternative documentation (e.g., a chest X-ray and a physician's note confirming you are free of signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis) may be accepted in lieu of a 2-step TB skin test. Acceptance of alternative documentation is determined solely by the placement agency and may vary from site to site.

Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS)

• Placement agencies may require a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) issued within a specified timeframe (e.g., within six months of the placement start date).

• Students are responsible for ensuring that their VSS meets the validity requirements of their assigned placement agency. If an updated VSS is required by the placement agency, students must obtain and submit the new screening before the agency's deadline.

Student Responsibility

• Once you have been assigned to a placement, you will have access to your placement agency's onboarding requirements.

• It is your responsibility to review and complete all agency-specific requirements by the deadlines provided.

• If you require clarification or assistance, please contact your Clinical Coordinator or Clinical Placement Officer.

• Failure to meet the placement agency's requirements may result in a delay or inability to participate in your clinical placement.

Note: Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing cannot waive, modify, or override requirements established by placement agencies. Students are responsible for meeting both the school's Clinical Preparedness requirements and any additional requirements of their assigned placement agency.

1. My doctor does not recommend another 2-step TB skin test or chest X-ray. What should I do?

Answer: If your physician does not recommend repeating a 2-step TB skin test or obtaining another chest X-ray, you may choose to consult another qualified healthcare provider for a second opinion or to complete the required testing. If you are unable to do so, we will make every effort to identify an alternative placement that accepts your existing documentation. However, please note that sourcing an alternative placement cannot be guaranteed and is subject to placement availability and the placement agency's requirements.

2. I only have a 1-step TB skin test completed within six months prior to the start of my clinical placement. Can I still participate in clinical?

Answer: Yes. However, please note that acceptance of a 1-step TB skin test depends on the placement agency. Some agencies will accept it, while others require a 2-step TB skin test. If your assigned placement requires additional documentation, we will work with you to explore available options. 

3. My chest X-ray is still valid (e.g., completed within the last 1–2 years). Can I still participate in clinical placement?

Answer: Yes. You may still be eligible to participate in clinical placement. However, acceptance of your chest X-ray documentation depends on the requirements of your assigned placement agency. If your assigned placement requires additional documentation, we will work with you to explore available options. 

3. Where can I find my placement agency's onboarding requirements?

Answer: We are actively working on making placement agency requirements available through HSPnet and a dedicated student resource site. In the meantime, agency-specific requirements will be communicated once your placement has been confirmed. Please review all onboarding instructions carefully and complete the required documentation by the agency's deadlines.

Note: Final acceptance of alternative documentation is determined by the placement agency. The Clinical Placement Office will work with students to explore available options whenever possible.