While working in the health field can bring great satisfaction in helping people improve the quality of lives, it also brings risks that are unique to the health field. Students entering health careers, have an increased exposure to various health risks and illnesses, including but not limited to hepatitis, blood borne pathogens, various contagious or infectious diseases, etc. While exposure to increased health risks is inherent in the field, individuals can take actions to minimize those risks. All students in any health career program are required to talk with their doctor prior to participating in medical externships/clinicals to both fully understand the nature of the risk and to be certain they have no health conditions that would place them at greater risk.
Also, students are advised that they can get immunized against contracting certain serious diseases, such as Hepatitis B. It is the student’s responsibility to be immunized prior to obtaining medical externships/clinicals. If the student chooses not to, then the student accepts the responsibility for such preventable risks while participating in such externships/clinicals.
By enrolling in a program that provides clinical training, whether or not externships/clinicals are included, to the extent permitted by law the student hereby agrees to hold the institution , staff and faculty harmless from any injuries, illnesses, adverse medical conditions or other damages resulting from such clinical training or externships. In addition, if the students training involves off site clinical training, such as student externships/clinicals, to the extent permitted by law the student shall also release and indemnify the externship/clinical site and its employees from any and all liability for such injuries, illnesses, adverse medical conditions or other damages resulting from such clinical training or externships. Students are required to conscientiously comply with all precautions and safety procedures to minimize risk of exposure, but even with great care risks remain.