Additional Requirements

Criminal history checks, immunization tracking and drug screening will be provided through an approved organization selected by COCC. Instructions are posted to the right which contain specific directions for initiating the criminal history check, completing the drug screen, and submitting immunization documentation. Program requirements related to CPR/first aid, as well as immunizations, criminal history, and drug screening are listed below. Cost for the criminal history check, drug screening and immunization tracking will be $130.

Immunizations             Criminal History                Drug Screening

Immunizations, TB Testing and CPR/First Aid

All immunizations below are required unless students sign a medical exemption waiver. Practicum sites may not accept students that have not met immunization requirements. Completing the practicum is a requirement for completing the MA certificate. Therefore, if a practicum site cannot be found for a student, the student cannot complete the program.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Must have either a 2 dose (Heplisav-B) or 3 dose (Recombivax HB or Engerix-B) series AND positive titer showing immunity.

Titer: If the titer comes back with a “negative” result you must complete another series of three Hepatitis B vaccines with a titer drawn one month after the series is completed. If the 2nd titer is negative the student will be deemed a non-responder and will require no further Hepatitis B vaccines.

MMR Vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)

Provide official documentation of two Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccinations, at least 4 weeks apart;

-OR-

Series in progress:

• 1st dose before 1st day of class
• 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after the 1st dose and within the first 2 months of term

-OR-

Provide serological testing results showing immunity*.

* MMR serological testing is comprised of 3 components - Measles Titer, Mumps Titer and Rubella Titer. If any one of the components is negative (non-immune), the student must complete the series.

Varicella (Chickenpox):

Provide documentation of 2 doses of Varicella vaccine, 4 weeks apart;      -OR-

Serological evidence [titer]  of immunity  to Varicella;      -OR-

Documentation of the 1st vaccine and documentation of the second dose at least 4 weeks after the first and within the first 2 months of the term

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis:

Provide documentation of a one-time dose of Tdap as an adult age 18 years or greater. Tetanus must be within the past ten years.

Tuberculosis - Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot blood draw (IGRA)

Provide documentation of a blood test (IGRA), either Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot, within the past the past 12 months.

Students with a past positive TB test must provide documentation of the positive TB test and, if not already completed, provide documentation of a baseline chest x-ray prior to the deadline.

Influenza vaccine:

A current influenza vaccination (usually available starting October) is required by the end of fall term.

COVID-19:

While the COVID-19 vaccine is not required for entry into the Medical Assistant program, clinical sites for practicum courses may require the COVID-19 vaccine. Please contact the program director if you have any questions.

Medical Exemption:

If you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a vaccine or any component of a vaccine, you must provide documentation, on letterhead, from your health care provider.

For documentation of immunization exemption for medical reasons:

1. See the Allied Health Department Administrative Assistant. -OR-
2. Download from Verified Credentials website.

The TB screening cannot be waived.

American Heart Association "Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers" is the only CPR card accepted and must be provided by the start of winter term:

 

1. American Heart Association "BLS for Healthcare Providers": Copy of both sides of a signed and current card (valid through the end of spring term).

If you take HHP 252 at COCC, your AHA BLS card will only be available online. Once you complete the course, they will send you a link to obtain your card online. You must print the card and submit it to the Allied Health Administrative Assistant as documentation of your CPR certification.

First Aid Card

Students must provide a copy of a First Aid card by the start of winter term. Please do not present your original card. Cards must be current through the end of spring term.

If you take HHP 252 at COCC, your First Aid card will only be available online. Once you complete the course, they will send you a link to obtain your card online. You must print the card and submit it to the Allied Health Administrative Assistant as documentation of your First Aid certification.

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Criminal History Check

All Medical Assistant Program students who attend clinical and have patient contact as part of their training program, will undergo a criminal history check with Verified Credentials [VCI], the vendor approved by Central Oregon Community College.  Students will be administratively withdrawn from class if the required criminal history check is not initiated with the specified vendor, by the due date indicated on the pre-registration packet. 

Students with crimes on their criminal history check should be aware that facilities accepting students for practicum rotations do so voluntarily.  They may not accept a student with a positive criminal history check, or may only accept students after further evaluation.  Therefore, the program cannot guarantee that students with violations on their criminal history checks will be able to complete the program. Completion of 160 hours of practicum is mandatory for completion of the program.  Students with crimes which do not allow them to attend clinical, will be disqualified from attending the Medical Assistant Program.  Students who believe that their past history may interfere with their ability to complete the program of study or to obtain licensure or certification in their chosen field should contact the appropriate state board or the program director.

Some crimes can be removed by expungement from an individual’s record.  You may be able to find more information about expungement through the Oregon State Bar or Oregon State Police web sites.

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Drug Screening

All Medical Assistant Program students who attend clinical and have patient contact, will undergo a 10-panel drug screen with Verified Credentials [VCI], the vendor approved by Central Oregon Community College. Students will be administratively withdrawn from class if the required urine drug screen is not completed, by the due date indicated in the pre-registration information, with the specified vendor. Students with a positive urine drug screen that will not allow clinical attendance will be disqualified from attending the Medical Assistant Program until the next registration period for the Program.

Students will submit a urine drug screen with the vendor selected by the college on or before the date designated by the Allied Health Department Administrative Assistant.

1. The 10 panel drug screen will include the following drugs
1. Amphetamines [including methamphetamine]
1. A positive drug screen for stimulants used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder [ADD] may be approved only after verification of need with the applicants Health Care Provider. Your provider must send written verification of need, on clinic letterhead, to the Medical Assistant Program Director.
2. Barbiturates
3. Benzodiazepines
1. A positive drug screen for benzodiazepines, used in the treatment of seizure disorders may be approved only after verification of need with the applicants Health Care Provider. Your provider must be send a written verification of need, on letterhead, to the Medical Assistant Program Director.
4. Cocaine
5. Marijuana
6. Methadone
7. Opiates
1. Students taking opiate medications under the supervision of a health care provider may be allowed to attend classroom lecture, only after verification of need with the applicants Health Care Provider and Pharmacy. Your provider must send written verification of need, on clinic letterhead, to the Medical Assistant Program Director.
2. Students taking opiate medications under the supervision of a health care provider will not be allowed to participate in the care of individuals in clinical or in lab. See attendance policy in the Medical Assistant Program Student Handbook.
8. Phencyclidine
2. Students must sign a waiver, at the screening lab, giving the vendor the right to send the results of the drug screen to the Medical Assistant Program Director and, if requested, to the administrators of clinical practicum sites. This will be done at the lab.
3. Students who believe their urine drug screen results are erroneous should contact VCI at 1-800-938-6790.
4. The Medical Assistant Program may rescreen any student, for cause, at the students expense.
1. Concerns that may trigger a rescreen for substance abuse:
1. Performance, behavior, appearance or breath odor may suggest the use of alcohol or other drugs. These behaviors include but are not limited to:
1. A change in a person's behavior such as'
1. inappropriate emotional responses
2. inappropriate response/laughter
3. irritable, restless manner
2. impulsive actions
3. repeated tardiness or absence
4. accidents or near-misses involving patients or equipment
5. diminished work performance
2. A change in a persons apparent cognitive function, such as:
1. slowed thinking
2. immobilization with resulting inability to think or act
3. threats to kill or harm oneself or another person
4. poor judgment regarding safety issues for self, patients, and coworkers.
3. A change in a persons apparent physical symptoms, such as:
1. complaints of blurred vision; dilated or constricted pupils; bloodshot eyes
2. slurred speech breath odors or general odor of alcohol
3. excessive sweating
4. emaciated or unusual weight loss
5. tremor or twitching, especially early morning
6. poor coordination or unstable gait
7. complaints of morning headache; abdominal or muscle cramps; diarrhea
8. severe physical distress; e.g., seizures, chest pain, respiratory distress
4. Violations of law such as:
1. possessing a weapon or hazardous object
2. possessing, using, or transferring any narcotics, hallucinogen, stimulant, sedative or similar drug other than in accordance with a licensed Healthcare Providers order

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