Experience Programs Information for Prospective Students

Entering Requirements

Immunization / Testing / Physical Exam

The UGA College of Pharmacy requires all incoming students to upload evidence into CORE (secure database) of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), current Tetanus vaccination (including Tdap), and evidence of immunity against Hepatitis B and Varicella Zoster (chicken pox). Students must also be tested for tuberculosis exposure using an IGRA test (QuantiFERON-TB GOLD or TSPOT-TB) or a 2 step tuberculin skin test (NOTE:  IGRA test is preferred). In the case of a positive IGRA test or tuberculin skin test, proof must be provided for the following items: positive TB test result, current chest x-ray report (within 3 years), and a physician statement on the need for prophylactic treatment. If prescribed treatment has been completed, documentation of this will also be needed.

The physical exam must be completed within the past 12 months and be documented on our form below, unless it is completed at the UGA Student Health Center where students will be instead be given a letter on letterhead with the UGA College of Pharmacy certification statement included (Note: Be sure to inform the UGA Student Health Center the physical is for the College of Pharmacy).

A description of specific requirements and the completion date for these items is available at the following link:  Orientation Information: Experience Programs

Additional links which will be helpful in assembling materials are the following:

Note: The University of Georgia also has separate requirements that must be completed before class registration is allowed. These university requirements are outlined at the following link: https://healthcenter.uga.edu/info/forms/

Students should be aware that student health information cannot be shared between University facilities (e.g. College of Pharmacy, University Health Service, Registrar’s office), so vaccination information must be sent individually to the respective units. Since vaccination requirements differ between UGA and the UGA College of Pharmacy, it is imperative that close attention is paid to the requirements for each entity.

Questions regarding the entering student vaccination requirements should be directed to:
Ms. Pattie Holly
Program Specialist II,Division of Experience Programs
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
250 W. Green Street, RC Wilson Bldg. Rm. 265P
Athens, Georgia 30602-2351
Ph: (706) 542-8755 Fax: (706) 542-6022
Internet: pholly@uga.edu

CPR
Students are required to maintain American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certification throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Incoming students will need to provide evidence of certification by the first day of fall semester classes. Opportunities to complete classes at the College of Pharmacy free of charge will be available in mid-August. Information on these courses offerings will be sent out to individuals with confirmed acceptance. Students may seek out classes on their own as well. Suitable courses must include a live practice component and must be American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR.

Mandatory Student Health Insurance
Since the College of Pharmacy has a mandatory requirement that students maintain health insurance coverage throughout the curriculum, students are required by the Board of Regents to be automatically enrolled under the Mandatory UGA Health Insurance plan. Upon registering for classes, students will be automatically enrolled within the program and the premium will appear as an additional fee on your student account. This fee, however, is not covered through the HOPE scholarship. Students can apply for waivers through the approved health insurance vendor to opt out of the program. These waivers must be reapplied for each semester students are enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Students will be emailed over the summer to provide additional information about the health insurance process and plan. For additional information about the insurance, please refer to the web link listed above.

Pharmacy Malpractice Insurance
Throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy program, students are required to have pharmacy malpractice insurance which will cover participation in all approved college related experiences. This insurance coverage is provided to enrolled students through a blanket policy negotiated by the College of Pharmacy. Students throughout the professional years of the curriculum will be assessed an $11.00 annual charge on their student account each fall.

Pharmacy Database Charge
Throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy programs, students will utilize a database program that will be used to track compliance with immunizations as well as complete assignments and evaluations for the experiential portion of the curriculum. An annual fee assessment will be made each Fall on student accounts for all enrolled students to cover the cost of the database (much like a lab fee). Although the annual fee varies yearly, the amount is approximately 90 dollars.

Other items – Once the Pharmacy Program Begins
Once classes begin, students will be required to obtain and maintain a State of Georgia pharmacy intern license. Throughout the program, students must provide evidence of current immunizations, tuberculosis testing, physical, American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certification, and intern licensure. Note: Annual influenza immunizations will also be required after enrollment beginning in the fall semester of the first year, however, it is not required as part of the initial enrollment vaccinations. Yearly completion on HIPAA and OSHA training will also be required. Lastly, students will be responsible for all costs associated with site clearance processes. Students may be required to submit to background checks (in general: assessing felony / misdemeanor charges for a period of 7 years) and drug screens as required by institutions in which they are assigned to complete experiential training. Repeat background checks and drug screens may be required throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy program based upon site policies. Students may be prevented from completing training at a site if the site deems the results of clearance items to be unacceptable. In addition some institutions require students to complete other requirements including orientations (on site and/or web-based), health forms, confidentiality statements, and computer access forms.


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