Work-integrated Learning Placement Requirements
Requirements Before You Start Your Work Experience
To help prepare you for success in your chosen career, part of your experiences as a Red Deer Polytechnic student may involve work experiences that help give you a head start in your profession.
The information below outlines various requirements that RDP students must meet before beginning a placement.
Health Programs
Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to meeting standards of practice by ensuring that students attain and maintain required certifications and meet recommended immunization standards.
IMPORTANT: Students and Faculty - Thoroughly read the following statement regarding immunizations before proceeding.
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) students enrolled in Health Science programs, and their instructors, are expected to be immunized against all vaccine-preventable illnesses, as it can affect the ability to be guaranteed a practicum placement if a suitable placement cannot be found that does not require immunization.
Although Alberta Health Services (AHS) has removed the mandatory requirement for immunizations, there are practicum partners still requiring students and instructors to be immunized against certain diseases. RDP is obligated to ensure that students and instructors comply with each partner’s requirements.
If an outbreak is declared that affects their area of placement, RDP students and instructors will be required to leave the site if they cannot provide evidence of immunity to the affected disease. Depending on the nature of the exposure, this exclusion could be up to 25 days.
Interruption of a practicum placement can jeopardize program completion.
The information below provides detailed information about the mandatory health and safety requirements for students who have received Official Admission to a Health program. Failure to submit the required documents within the specified time frames will affect your progression in your chosen program.
Any charges incurred while obtaining the required submissions are the sole responsibility of the student.
Please continue to monitor this webpage for updated information throughout the duration of your study in your program.
Submitting Documents
- Your login credentials:
- Your username is your RDP email address.
- Your password is the same password you use to log in to MyRDP
- Submit all necessary documents to RDP by using the appropriate links below.
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Health & Safety Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms:
2. First Year – Health & Safety Requirements & Certifications
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: May 31 of First Year
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (apply for this as soon as possible, no later than 60 days before submission due date.)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (checks older than 90 days are not accepted. It is recommended you apply at least 30-45 days in advance of the submission due date.)
To ensure your certification expiry dates are optimized for your practicums, pay particular attention to the time frames indicated.
- Heart and Stroke Foundation - Basic Life Support (BLS) (must be dated April or May)
- Respiratory Fit Test (must not be dated before April 20)
3. Second, Third, Fourth Year - Certifications
These certifications must not expire less than 20 days before or during any practicum. This may mean recertifying before the expiry date listed on your certificate.
Submit your certifications through the link below.
Submit Initial Requirements Documents, Vulnerable Sector Check & Certifications
Health Care Aide (HCA) Certificate
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms:
2. Health & Safety Requirements & Certifications
SUBMISSION DUE DATES
Fall Intake: September 30
Winter Intake: January 31
Spring Intake: May 31
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (apply for this as soon as possible, no later than 60 days before submission due date)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (checks older than 90 days are not accepted. It is recommended you apply at least 30-45 days in advance of the submission due date)
- Respiratory Fit Test (must be valid for the duration of your program)
- OPTIONAL: Heart and Stroke Foundation - Basic Life Support (BLS)
Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) Certificate
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms
2. Health & Safety Requirements
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: February 28
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (apply for this as soon as possible, no later than 60 days before submission due date)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (checks older than 90 days are not accepted. It is recommended you apply at least 30-45 days in advance of the submission due date)
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certificate
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms
2. Health & Safety Requirements
SUBMISSION DUE DATE
Fall Intake (September Start): October 31
Winter Intake (January Start): June 30
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (apply for this as soon as possible, no later than 60 days before submission due date)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (checks older than 90 days are not accepted. It is recommended you apply at least 30-45 days in advance of the submission due date.)
- Respiratory Fit Test (must be valid for the duration of your program)
Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant (OPTA) Diploma
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms
- HSPnet Consent Form (and Description)
- FOIP Consent to Release Personal Information (and Description)
2. Second Year - Health & Safety Requirements
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: February 28 of the Second Year
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (apply for this as soon as possible, no later than 60 days before submission due date)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (checks older than 90 days are not accepted. It is recommended you apply at least 30-45 days in advance of the submission date)
- Respiratory Fit Test (must be valid for the duration of your program)
Pharmacy Technician (PHTD) Diploma
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms
2. Second Year - Health & Safety Requirements & Certifications
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: February 28 of Second Year
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (apply for this as soon as possible, no later than 60 days before the submission window)
- Criminal Record Check (apply for this 30-45 days before the submission window; do not obtain more than 90 days before your submission)
- Respiratory Fit Test
Practical Nurse Diploma
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms
2. First Year - Health & Safety Requirements & Certifications
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: November 30 of First Year
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (apply for this as soon as possible, no later than 60 days before the submission window)
- Criminal Record Check (apply for this 30-45 days before the submission window; do not obtain more than 90 days before your submission)
To ensure your certification expiry dates are optimized for your practicums, pay particular attention to the time frames indicated.
- Heart and Stroke Foundation - Basic Life Support (BLS) (must be dated October or November)
- Respiratory Fit Test (must not be dated before October 20)
Note for part-time students: BLS and Fit Test certifications are not due until November 30 of your second year in the PN Program
3. Second Year (& Third Year Part-Time) - Certifications
Due/Submission Window (In Second Year of Program)
The following certifications must not expire less than 20 days before or during any practicum. This may mean recertifying before the expiry date listed on your certificate. Submit your certifications in the link below.
Social Work Diploma
Non-academic Requirements
The following provides details on the standard non-academic placement requirements you may need to complete and submit before your practicum placement in both first and second years.
NOTE: Depending on the site that you are matched with, you may be required to provide additional documents and/or certifications not listed below.
More information will be sent to your RDP email outlining:
- Which requirement(s) you are to submit
- Where and When to submit your requirements
Click on the linked document for detailed information.
- HSPnet Consent Form (Description)
- FOIP Consent to Release Personal Information (Description)
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Vulnerable Sector Check (mandatory for all placements; checks older than 90 days before practicum start date are not accepted)
- Child Intervention Record Check (mandatory for all placements; checks older than 90 days before practicum start date are not accepted)
- Immunizations (in preparation, we recommend collecting this information now, as it could take several months to obtain)
Once notified to proceed, submit Immunization Records below.
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PNTP) Transition Program
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms
2. Health & Safety Requirements
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: February 28, after program start
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (in preparation, we recommend collecting this information now, as it could take several months to obtain)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (mandatory for all placements; checks older than 90 days prior to practicum start date are not accepted)
3. Certifications
The following certifications must not expire less than 20 days before your first 3rd Year BScN practicum start date or during any practicum. This may mean recertifying before the expiry date listed on your certificate
Submit your certifications through the link below.
Unit Clerk Extension Certificate
Non-academic Requirements
- All requirements below are mandatory.
- Check the timing guidelines carefully; some requirements take longer to complete. We’ve also suggested the best times to renew your certifications to stay up to date.
- Click on the linked document for detailed requirement information
- Accepted formats for all documents: PDF, JPG or a screenshot
- Email submissions are not accepted.
Failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
1. DUE IMMEDIATELY: Submit as soon as you are admitted/registered for your program; other requirements cannot be processed without these forms
2. Health & Safety Requirements
SUBMISSION DUE DATES
Fall Intake: September 30
Winter Intake: January 31
Spring Intake: May 31
- AHS Security & Confidentiality
- AHS Respectful Workplaces & Prevention of Harassment and Violence Policy Course
- Immunizations (in preparation, we recommend collecting this information now, as it could take several months to obtain)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (mandatory for all placements; checks older than 90 days prior to practicum start date are not accepted)
Faculty Health & Safety Requirements
Faculty Documents & Certifications
Faculty Immunizations
COVID-19 Vaccinations
RDP students enrolled in Health programs are strongly encouraged to be immunized against COVID-19, as it can affect your ability to be guaranteed a practicum placement.
Although Alberta Health Services (AHS) has removed the mandatory requirement for COVID-19 immunization, other clinical partners still require students to be fully immunized. RDP is obligated to ensure that students comply with each partner’s requirements.
In particular, Health Care Aide, Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Science Nursing practicum placements occur with various clinical partners who still require students to be fully immunized against COVID-19.
Without COVID-19 immunization, RDP cannot guarantee Health Care Aide, Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Science Nursing students a practicum placement. This will result in either a delay or an inability to complete your program.