Externship Application Resources

Increasing numbers of externship programs require applicants to have completed at least one recent screening service, such as fingerprinting, criminal background check, or drug screening. Proof of HIPAA/OSHA training may also be requested.

Core students were required to be fingerprinted before I2C and MS-3 clerkships. Fingerprints underwent a rather detailed FBI database checking for offenses, such as drug, assault, battery, sexual misconduct, firearms, national security, etc. DUI’s, however, have not been an issue. Before submitting an application, Core students should ask if May 2014 (date of fingerprinting) is within the program’s acceptable time frame.

SELECT students were required to complete a required 10-Panel urine drug screen before Prologue 3 and MS-3 clerkships.   

Fingerprinting and/or Criminal Background Check

If a program requires a detailed criminal background check, students should ask the program coordinator how detailed of a search is needed since there are various levels at different costs. In the past, students have used SentryLink (http://www.sentrylink.com/). MCOM does not endorse SentryLink, it is simply offered as a low-cost suggestion (around $20).

Drug Screening

The Tampa campus Student Affairs has arranged for any MCOM MD student to obtain and pay $30 at the time of service for a 10-Panel drug screening at MedExpress Urgent Care (13210 N. Bruce B. Downs Blvd; 813‐977‐2777). Bring your MCOM ID and verify the cost has not changed before proceeding. Results will be made available to you within 24-48 hours.

The Allentown campus Student Affairs has arranged for SELECT students to obtain and pay at the time of service for a 10-Panel drug screening at the following locations:

HIPAA/OSHA

Obtain proof of your HIPAA/OSHA training at https://learn.health.usf.edu/login/index.php.

Immunizations

SELECT (Allentown) instructions

Core (Tampa) instructions

Medical Health Administration (MHA) would like to assist you in completing your externship application(s) in an efficient manner.  WE CANNOT REVIEW EXTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS ON A WALK-IN BASIS DUE TO STAFFING CONSTRAINTS!  Please follow the processes outlined below to expedite your application(s) review:

• You have received a separate, individual email with a copy of your immunization record report that includes all information on-file in the MHA office. 
• Review and compare to the requirements for the facility where you are applying.  The requirements in some facilities may differ from the USF Requirements and you may need to have additional testing done such as antibody titers.
• Complete any additional requirements (if applicable), including lab testing, TB screening, and/or fit-testing and obtain a copy of the verifications. The MHA office can only provide TB screening, flu shots and fit testing.  There is no charge to you for these services through the MHA office.  Contact the MHA office to schedule an appointment if needed. All other immunizations and/or titers can be obtained through Student Health Services or your PCP.
• Complete all of the on-line Safety training modules (5 Total) located on the USF LEARN website https://learn.health.usf.edu/login/index.php.  Log in, click on “USF Health Training” and then “Role Based Training”.  The 5 required training modules are located in the “Safety: Back to Basics” folder.  Make sure you complete all 5 modules.
• Set-up an appointment with the Medical Health Administration (MHA) office if you will be applying for an externship that requires a signature verifying that you meet all immunization requirements. Let us know how many applications you will have so we can allot enough time to complete the review(s). REMEMBER, WE CANNOT REVIEW EXTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS ON A WALK-IN BASIS DUE TO STAFFING CONSTRAINTS! 
• Complete the Externship application immunization form(s) using your USF immunization report emailed to you and bring the completed forms to your appointment.
• MHA staff will update your USF record (if applicable), review, stamp and sign your applications for externships at the time of your appointment.
• SELECT students may contact Carol Guanowsky

Process to Follow for Fit-Testing for N-95 Respirator:  If your externship institution requires an updated fit-test:

NOTE:  Students with facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the mask and the face cannot be fit-tested (OSHA regulation). 

• Complete, sign and date the Medical Clearance Questionnaire: Medical Evaluation Questionaire For Fit-Testing- Med Student 2015-2016.pdf
• Email, fax or drop off the Medical Clearance Form to the MHA office.  MHA staff will review and sign the clearance form if there are no contraindications.  Once you have completed the Medical Clearance Form and the MHA staff have signed it, you can schedule the fit testing.
• Contact the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) office to schedule your fit-testing.  Copy of directions to the EH&S office: Directions to EHS bldg .pdf   They will not accept “walk-ins”.  You MUST bring the copy of the signed Medical Clearance Form with you!
  • Wilson Bull (office) 813-974-0869; (email)  wbull@usf.edu