The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published standards addressing occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. The standards state there is an occupational hazard for health care workers, especially when dealing with blood-borne pathogens such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The standards require that employers make available the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to employees. The standards cover all employees who come in contact with blood and infectious materials while working. The standards fail to specifically include students working in health care settings.
Students enrolled in the diagnostic medical sonography program may at an assigned clinical education site. The students must be aware that they are at risk of coming in contact with the HBV while obtaining clinical experience. The clinical education sites are complying with the OSHA standard by immunizing their employees against HBV; however, students will need to plan for their own vaccination if they desire this means of protection.
The diagnostic medical sonography program recommends (but at this time does not require) that students take part in a hepatitis B immunization program prior to starting clinical education. Vaccinations may be available through the health department, local hospital, physician or DeWeese Health Center at the Kent campus. The immunization will include three injections and a blood antibody test (with cost paid by student). Evidence of completion of the HBV vaccine series or the completed declination of vaccination form must be uploaded to CastleBranch.
Policy: 2002,revised 2017, 2021
Reviewed 2025