What happens if I can't submit my mandatories by the deadline?
It is imperative that you plan ahead to ensure that your mandatories are completed by the deadline. If you fail to submit your mandatories by the deadline, your participation in the UVM DPT Program and/or clinical education assignment and participation will be at risk. It is important to give yourself plenty of time to complete these requirements.
Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider now
Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider in the month of April or the first week of May at the latest. At this appointment your healthcare provider will document your immunizations on the UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences forms (CNHS) and provide any necessary vaccinations, titers or skin tests. Here’s what you need to bring with you to this appointment:
Immunization Notes
COVID-19 vaccine: DPT students must submit a copy of their Covid-19 vaccine card plus one booster or an approved medical or religious exemption before starting the program. Students with Covid-19 exemptions will receive notification from the college regarding the potential impact on their academic progression and must sign an acknowledgment form. Contact Dr. Paula Smith, Director of Clinical Education at new student orientation with questions. Or, if preferred, email Paula.Smith@med.uvm.edu with questions regarding Covid-19 exemptions.
2-step PPD (TB Skin Test): The 2-step tuberculin skin test takes 10 – 21 days to complete and 4 visits to a healthcare provider. The first PPD test is placed one day and read 48 hours later. The second PPD test is placed one to three weeks after the first test is read and again is read 48 hours after it is placed. This is a total of 4 visits to the healthcare provider. If you choose to have a TB Blood Test in place of the 2-step PPD, only one blood test is required annually and the same deadline dates should be followed.
Many local walk-in clinics and pharmacies provide immunization services. Be sure to bring the appropriate CNHS form(s) with you.
Graduate students become eligible to use the UVM Center for Health & Wellbeing office on campus beginning Aug. 1. Students who do not have health insurance through UVM will need to submit receipts directly to their insurance provider. The UVM health office does not bill private insurance companies. Immunizations received at the Center for Health and Wellbeing will be billed to student UVM accounts.
Step 2: Create an EXXAT account
The DPT program uses an online platform called EXXAT to house student records necessary to participate in clinical education. Look for an email from UniversityofVermont@exxat.com with the subject line: "(your name) - Here's your invite to Exxat's Clinical Education Portal" in March containing a link to create at EXXAT account. Upload CNHS school immunization forms, proof of health insurance, Covid 19 vaccination + 1 booster, and AHA BLS CPR certification to EXXAT by May 31. Additional instructions will be provided.
Step 3: Complete HIPAA/OSHA training
HIPAA/OSHA training modules will be provided to students in May. This training takes approximately 2 hours to complete and is required annually. Complete this training by May 31.
Step 4: Submit mandatories documentation to EXXAT
Submit DPT program requirements (immunization records on school forms) to your EXXAT account by May 31.
Step 5: Join the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in May (not before)
Create a student APTA account using the link below and join the Vermont chapter or your home state chapter and the Research section. To create an electronic membership card click on ‘my membership’ within your APTA profile, select your state chapter and scroll below to join the research section at no additional cost. (Submit a copy of your electronic membership card to your EXXAT account by 5/31)
Step 6: American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR Certification due to EXXAT by 9/30
Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification by American Heart Association (AHA) is a DPT program requirement. This CPR certification is widely accepted by healthcare providers and clinical education partners. Students who do not currently have AHA BLS CPR certification may obtain this certification on campus at a reduced price ($55) in September through UVM Department of Emergency Management's CAT E-Care course. Course information will be provided to students at the start of the fall semester.
Additional notes
Students will be participating in 3 full-time Clinical Education (CE) Experiences and 3 part-time Integrated Clinical Experiences throughout the curriculum.
DPT mandatories satisfy most clinical education facility student requirements however hospitals typically require additional site specific documentation. Be prepared in the event a site you are assigned to requires any additional requirements (e.g. drug test, additional background screening, on-site orientation in advance of the start date, an interview, notarized document, etc.). These items may cause students to incur additional fees/expenses.