This webpage is used to provide the Richland Community College Healthcare Profession Students with up-to-date information and resources regarding the additional requirements in relation to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please continue to check back for updates. 

 

FOR THE 2023 SPRING SEMESTER ALL HEALTHCARE PROFESSION STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RESUBMIT VACCINE EXEMPTION REQUESTS. THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL.

 

Healthcare Profession Students:

Consistent with the Interim Final Rule published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (Revised OCT 26, 2022), applicable executive orders, and clinical site policies, all Richland students and faculty who attend clinical experiences must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved medical or religious exemption. Individuals not compliant CANNOT participate in clinical experiences.

Ongoing Requirement:

Health Profession students will continue to have additional requirements in regards to COVID (and other vaccines). RCC continues to follow federal, state, and local regulations in regards to stopping the spread of COVID-19. Students who wish to seek an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine must complete a form for either Religious or Medical Exemption (forms below). Please complete the form, answer all questions, sign, and return to espanber@richland.edu or return in person to SHIELD Testing Center during regular testing hours.

Exemption Forms:

  • Students are required to be fully vaccinated to participate in on-site clinicals, or request an exemption with one of the forms below.
  • Individuals with an exemption will be required to participate in weekly testing. Understand that this is, in no way, a punishment or discrimination against you or your beliefs.
  • Submission of an exemption form does not guarantee approval. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis for authenticity and proper procedure.

Religious Exemption Request Form

Medical Exemption Request Form

Remember:

All students need to submit a report positive cases & direct close exposures, and proof of vaccination when applicable.

  • Testing weekly is not optional. In submitting your exemption, you have agreed to this.
  • On campus SHIELD Testing is available in room W167, but testing may be completed anywhere.
  • A PCR test is the only acceptable test, this means “rapid” or “at home” tests will not count for your weekly tests.
  • Tests should not be taken on back-to-back days, for example: Mon and Tuesday tests, Tuesday and Wednesday, and so on.

CDC General Guidance:

CDC Vaccine Page

CDC Healthcare Guidance

 

Please feel free to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have to akerley@richland.edu