Special Clearances: Health Professions Students

As a new USC student in a health professions program, there are several health clearance requirements you must meet in order to begin your studies at USC.

You will receive a health clearance packet based on requirements of your specific academic program either via mail or email. Below are the health clearance requirements for the health professional programs at USC’s Health Sciences Campus. All requirements must be fulfilled before your first day of classes.

Health Professions Degree Programs Clearance Packet (for Occupational Therapy, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nurse Anesthesia, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Dentistry (Advance), Dentistry DDS-DH, Speech-Language Pathology)

Visiting Students should complete a separate packet for their requirements.

If you have questions or have not received your health clearance packet, email studenthealth@usc.edu with program name and student ID number in the subject line.

Please note:  As of 10/2/24, the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health issued an order for the duration of the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, which runs November 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025. All health care personnel (HCP) working in licensed health care facilities in LA County are required to receive both an annual influenza and the most current COVID-19 vaccine. For any exemptions, complete the Religious Exemption form or Medical Exemption form.

Students in clinical programs can expect to be instructed to meet these requirements, please check in with your program director for instructions and deadlines.

Eric Cohen Student Health Center: Care for USC Students

Presentation by Dr. Summer Zapata, Counseling and Mental Health Services; Dr. Kimberly Tilley, co-medical director; and Bobby Cong, program administrator

Mask Fit Test

Some clinical sites may require a “Respirator Protection Fit Testing” as part of your health clearance. You can make an appointment at Eric Cohen Student Health Center for Mask Fit Testing. Mask Fit Testing is only available at Eric Cohen (Health Sciences Campus). There is a $20 fee for this service.

Once you have an appointment, please make sure to follow these pre-appointment instructions as follows. Failure to do so may result in rescheduling your appointment:

  1. Complete the medical questionnaire found in your patient portal, MySHR.
  2. Expect to be in your appointment for at least 1-hour.
  3. Please refrain from eating and/or drinking 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
  4. For persons with facial hair, wearers MUST BE clean shaven to get a good fit with a respirator.