Starting your career as a health care professional
Undertaking the compliance process is the first step towards starting your career in health. It is something that every health care professional must do, in accordance with relevant national organisations and State and Territory regulatory and legislative guidelines.
PEP allows you to put theory into practice in a real health care setting, sometimes from your very first year.
The compliance process is there to protect you and the people you care for. It ensures that you are safe to practice and helps to ensure that you will remain safe in practice.
What does that mean? The University of Tasmania and our partners have a duty of care to ensure the safety of students, staff and the people you care for. There are a number of legislative and regulatory requirements you need to meet to undertake PEP.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) - Student Registration
Students who are enrolled in courses that lead to registration as a health practitioner in an approved program of study will be registered as a student by the University of Tasmania with Ahpra. Students will remain registered for the duration of their course, or until they are no longer enrolled. For more information see the Ahpra student registration page.
Psychology Students - Please Note:
The Psychology Board of Australia does not register students. Students enrolled in an approved program of study that leads to registration with the Psychology Board of Australia need to apply for provisional registration.
Information for students under 18
Any student under the age of 18 years enrolled in Programs that include PEP must have the written consent of their parent or guardian when completing the Safety in Practice Agreement to undertake PEP.
What is required for compliance?
The following items must be completed before you can enter a health care environment:
Start with the "Safety in Practice Agreement Form (PDF 2.4 MB) " and complete the requirements within (other requirements and forms are hyperlinked). Once complete - upload to InPlace via the link to the right.
Safety in Practice Agreement Form
| Form | Submit to |
|---|---|
| InPlace |
Completing the Safety in Practice Agreement Form Electronically
The College of Health and Medicine accepts an electronically completed and signed Safety in Practice (SiP) Agreement as an alternative to printing.
If you wish to complete the SiP Agreement electronically you will need to use appropriate software, such as the Fill & Sign feature of the Adobe Acrobat Reader software (Windows & Mac) or the Adobe Fill & Sign mobile apps (iOS & Android).
Please note that all details in your completed SiP Agreement must be easy to read, with your Signature drawn freehand, and the file saved as a PDF.
Health Assessment
If you answered "Yes" to any question in Section 9 of your Safety In Practice Agreement Form you are required to complete a Health Assessment. PLEASE NOTE: All Bachelor of Paramedicine Tasmania students are required to complete the Health Assessment Form (All Bachelor of Paramedicine Tasmania Students) (PDF 212.4 KB).
| Form | Submit to |
|---|---|
| InPlace |
National Police Record Check Certificate
| Form | Submit to |
|---|---|
How to obtain a National Police Certificate (PDF 117.1 KB) Under the National Law, students enrolled in an approved program of study or undertaking clinical training must notify AHPRA through the local office within seven days of becoming aware that:
NPC results are only available to download for three months due to ACIC compliance requirements. After this period, the status may display as ‘completed’ rather than ‘no disclosable outcomes.’ Students are required to download and retain their NPC within three months of completion to ensure the correct wording is visible. * International Students In addition to the requirements above, international students and students who have been a citizen of or have resided in another country since turning 18 years of age must submit a National Police Certificate (or equivalent that has been translated into English) from the country of birth or country of residence. | PEP Coordinator |
Immunisation Record (infectious disease and immunisation status)
* Mandatory
Working with Vulnerable People (Children) Registration
| Form | Submit to |
|---|---|
How to Obtain Working with Vulnerable People (Children) Registration (PDF 148.7 KB) | InPlace |
Note: Working with Vulnerable People (Children) Registration is not required for the Laboratory Medicine program.
Safeguarding Children Training Module
Training Module Information
Students undertaking a placement in Tasmania only
The Tasmanian Department of Health (DoH) is committed to creating a culture where Children and Young People feel safe, supported, and empowered. Safeguarding Children training is a mandatory requirement for all DoH employees and students on placement to complete. In accordance with this requirement, the DoH requires all UTAS students who undertake placement within Tasmanian Government facilities to undertake a foundational safeguarding children training module. This module will be available to UTAS students from 16th March 2023 via the HLO portal https://dhhs.sproutlabs.com.au. This site allows students to create an account using a personal or work email address. The module will take approximately 35 minutes to complete. Once completed the student will be required to upload a certificate of completion to InPlace for verification.
| Directions | Submit to |
|---|---|
Upload the above certificate to InPlace via the link in the right-hand cell. | InPlace |
Codes of Professional and Ethical Conduct
| Organisation | Code |
|---|---|
| Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) | Code of Conduct |
| Australian Health Pratitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) | Shared Code of Conduct |
| Environmental Health Australia | Code of Conduct |
| Exercise and Sports Science Australia | Code of Conduct (PDF) |
| Laboratory Medicine - Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists | Code of Conduct |
| Medicine - Medical Board of Australia | Code of Conduct |
| Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia | Code of Conduct |
| Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia | Registered Nurse Standards for Practice |
| Nutrition - Dietitians Australia | Code of Conduct (PDF) |
| Occupational Therapy Australia | Code of Ethics |
| Paramedicine Board of Australia | Code of Conduct (interim) |
| Pharmacy Board of Australia | Code of Conduct |
| Physiotherapy | Code of Conduct |
| Psychology Board of Australia | Code of Conduct |
| Speech Pathology |
Additional program requirements
Enviromental Health
| Activity | Form |
|---|---|
| White Card | Prior to your final placement a white card (or general construction induction card) is required for students on placement as it is likely they will visit construction/work sites. Students are required to cover any costs associated with acquiring this card and must present it when required (in advance of going on placement). |
| Uniform | Students are required to purchase safety footwear (steel toe and ankle protection). Safety hats/gloves/reflective vests and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will normally be provided by the Council. |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Exercise Science
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid Certificate Requirements | ES First Aid Certificate Requirements (PDF 61.0 KB) | InPlace |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Laboratory Medicine
Note: Working with Vulnerable People (Children) Registration is not required for the Laboratory Medicine program.
New South Wales requirements
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Point Identification Checklist | 100 Point Identification Checklist (PDF 567.3 KB) | InPlace |
| Privacy Undertaking for Employee or Contractor | Privacy Undertaking for Employee or Contractor (PDF 553.2 KB) | InPlace |
Further information regarding NSW Health ClinConnect Verification is available: Student Compliance (HETI website).
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Medicine
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid Certificate Requirements | Student First Aid Certificate Requirements (PDF 182.7 KB) | InPlace |
| Personal Consent Form | Personal Consent Form (PDF 135.2 KB) Download file to your computer and open with PDF Reader. Note: If you use a browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc... the image upload and signature fields might not work. | InPlace |
Calvary Healthcare Organisations
Students placed within Calvary Healthcare Organisations will need to provide evidence of pre-placement requirements (PDF 418KB) to Calvary staff, prior to undertaking placement. Please ensure you have your Mandatory Requirements (as per the attached link) documents ready for sighting by Calvary staff prior to/ or on day one of placement. Calvary staff may contact students with further information prior to placement regarding additional Training Certificates (as per the attached link) via their UTAS email address.
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Medical Radiation Science
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid and CPR Requirements | First Aid and CPR Requirements (PDF 84.9 KB) | InPlace |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Nursing and Midwifery
Tasmania
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
|
Hand Hygiene* *Many healthcare organisations require evidence of Hand Hygiene competency. Competency must be renewed every 12 months. | Hand Hygiene Australia | Healthcare Organisation |
Calvary Healthcare Organisations
Students placed within Calvary Healthcare Organisations will need to provide evidence of pre-placement requirements (PDF 417.8 KB) to Calvary staff, prior to undertaking placement. Please ensure you have your Mandatory Requirements (as per the attached link) documents ready for sighting by Calvary staff prior to/ or on day one of placement. Calvary staff may contact students with further information prior to placement regarding additional Training Certificates (as per the attached link) via their UTAS email address.
New South Wales - Bachelor of Nursing
In addition to meeting University of Tasmania compliance requirements, all students undertaking Professional Experience Placement in NSW will also need to meet NSW Health compliance requirements. There also maybe additional compliance requirements to be completed by private partners closer to placement.
Further information regarding NSW Health ClinConnect Verification is available: Student Compliance (HETI website).
Nursing & Midwifery, and Child & Family Health
| Activity | Form |
|---|---|
NSW Health Undertaking/Declaration This form must be completed prior to attending a placement within NSW Health. Its purpose is to confirm that applicants understand and agree to comply with the NSW Health Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases (OASV) Policy Directive, including providing evidence of required immunisations as outlined in Appendix 1 (Evidence of Protection). | |
NSW Health Code of Conduct NSW Health Code of Conduct (PD2015_049) Students must read and agree to abide by the NSW Health Code of Conduct. |
|
P2/N95 Respirator (Mask) Fit Testing
P2/N95 respirator mask fit testing must be completed every 12–18 months, in line with Health Facility requirements. Some facilities require fit testing to be completed annually.To ensure student safety and meet Health Facility compliance standards, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) requires all students to complete a P2/N95 Respirator (Mask) Fit Test prior to attending any clinical placement.
Why Fit Testing Is Required
Fit testing confirms that the selected make, model, and size of a P2/N95 respirator forms an effective seal and provides the intended level of respiratory protection. Students who have not successfully completed fit testing may be unable to attend placement, which will result in placement cancellation and impact PEP progression.
Frequency of Fit Testing
Fit testing must be completed:
- Annually and no longer than every 18 months
- Prior to placement if the student has not previously been fit tested
- If the respirator make, model, style, or size changes
- If there are significant changes to facial characteristics (e.g. facialsurgery, dentures, significant weight change)
Fit Testing Options
UTAS organises on campus P2/N95 respirator fit testing once per year. Students will be advised of dates and booking details via their UTAS email.
Students may also arrange fit testing independently with an external or private provider if preferred or if campus sessions are fully booked. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the provider issues valid documentation.
Fit testing completed by your employer is also acceptable, provided the certificate includes:
- Your full name
- The date the fit test was performed
- The make and model of the respirator(s) tested
UTAS Recommended Provider
Uploading Evidence to InPlace
Once fit testing is completed, evidence of successful completion must be uploaded to InPlace for verification prior to placement commencement. Students must retain a copy of their fit test certificate, as Health Facilities may request it on arrival.
Failure to upload valid documentation to InPlace will result in placement cancellation and referral for pathway advice.
Tasmania and New South Wales - Bachelor of Nursing
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
|
Additional (makeup) PEP hours application form *Only to be completed as directed by your Fieldwork Coordinator | InPlace | |
Mandatory Training Requirements
| Manual Handling BLS-MHFR + MHFA Requirements (PDF 263.2 KB) | InPlace |
Midwifery
| Details | Resource Link |
|---|---|
| International Code of Ethics (International Confederation of Midwives) | View |
| Code of Practice | View |
Opportunity Placement - Northern Territory
| Form/Details | Submit To |
|---|---|
Vaccine Preventable Disease Immunisation Certification Form Category A (DOCX 86.6 KB) This form must be completed with a nurse immuniser or general practitioner prior to the placement. The UTAS nurse immuniser will assist you in completing this form. Please upload this form to InPlace for verification once completed. | Inplace |
Students must read and sign this form which outlines your responsibilities while on placement in the Northern Territory. Upload your completed form to InPlace for verification. | Inplace |
Northern Territory Health requires students to have a Northern Territory specific National Police Check (NPC) issued within six months of placement commencement. Upload your NT Police Check to InPlace for verification. | Inplace |
Working with Children Clearance Students must apply for a Northern Territory WWCC Ochre Card and upload this to InPlace for verification. | Inplace |
Students are required to complete the Hand Hygiene Certificate and upload to InPlace for verification. | Inplace |
Opportunity Placement - Queensland
| Form/Details | Submit To |
|---|---|
Student Minimum Pre-Placement Requirements (PDF 217.1 KB) Download the Student Minimum Pre-Placement Requirements document. Complete all required sections of the form and upload to InPlace for review. Follow instructions on form closely - you are required to email the completed form (after review on InPlace) to the email listed on the form. | Inplace |
Fill in your details in the student deed poll and upload to InPlace for review and signing by the PEP team. Follow instructions on form closely – you are required to email the completed form (after review on InPlace) to the email listed on the form. | Inplace |
Download and complete the student orientation checklist. The UTAS nurse immuniser will assist you in completing the vaccination/infection prevention section if required. Please upload the completed form to InPlace for review. | Inplace |
Working with children check (blue card) Students must upload their Working with children check (blue card) and enter their WWCC number for verification by the PEP team. | Inplace |
Students must complete the Queensland Health TB Risk Assessment Questionnaire. Upload the completed form to InPlace and it will be reviewed by the UTAS nurse immuniser. | Inplace |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Nutrition
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid Certificate Requirements | First Aid Certificate Requirements - Nutrition (PDF 74.0 KB) | InPlace |
| Food Safe Certificate | Online Food Safety Certificate | InPlace |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Occupational Therapy
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid & CPR certificate requirements | First Aid & CPR certificate requirements (PDF 320.6 KB) | InPlace |
| Manual Handling Certificate | Manual Handling for the Health Industry (PDF 337.5 KB) | InPlace |
|
Hand Hygiene* *Many healthcare organisations require evidence of Hand Hygiene competency. Competency must be renewed every 12 months. | Hand Hygiene Australia | Healthcare Organisation |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Paramedicine
Tasmania
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| Health Assessment Form (All Bachelor of Paramedicine Tasmania Students) | Health Assessment Form (All Bachelor of Paramedicine Tasmania Students) (PDF 278.0 KB) | InPlace |
| First Aid Certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate Requirements | First Aid Certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate Requirements (PDF 248.0 KB) | InPlace |
| Paramedic Confidentiality Statement | Paramedic Confidentiality Statement (PDF 90.6 KB) | InPlace |
| Personal Consent Form | Paramedicine Personal Consent Form (PDF 53.2 KB) | InPlace |
New South Wales
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid Certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate Requirements | InPlace | |
| Blood Borne Virus Student Declaration Form | Blood Borne Virus Student Declaration Form | InPlace |
NSW Health Undertaking/Declaration Form This form must be completed prior to attending a placement within NSW Health. Its purpose is to confirm that applicants understand and agree to comply with the NSW Health Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases (OASV) Policy Directive, including providing evidence of required immunisations as outlined in Appendix 1 (Evidence of Protection). | NSW Health Undertaking/Declaration Form | |
NSW Health Code of Conduct Students must read and agree to abide by the NSW Health Code of Conduct. | ||
P2/N95 Respirator (Mask) Fit TestingP2/N95 respirator mask fit testing must be completed every 12–18 months, in line with Health Facility requirements. Some facilities require fit testing to be completed annually. To ensure student safety and meet Health Facility compliance standards, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) requires all students to complete a P2/N95 Respirator (Mask) Fit Test prior to attending any clinical placement. Why Fit Testing Is RequiredFit testing confirms that the selected make, model, and size of a P2/N95 respirator forms an effective seal and provides the intended level of respiratory protection. Students who have not successfully completed fit testing may be unable to attend placement, which will result in placement cancellation and impact PEP progression. Frequency of Fit TestingFit testing must be completed:
Fit Testing OptionsUTAS organises on campus P2/N95 respirator fit testing once per year. Students will be advised of dates and booking details via their UTAS email. Students may also arrange fit testing independently with an external or private provider if preferred or if campus sessions are fully booked. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the provider issues valid documentation.
UTAS Recommended ProviderUploading Evidence to InPlaceOnce fit testing is completed, evidence of successful completion must be uploaded to InPlace for verification prior to placement commencement. Students must retain a copy of their fit test certificate, as Health Facilities may request it on arrival. Failure to upload valid documentation to InPlace will result in placement cancellation and referral for pathway advice. | ||
In addition to meeting University of Tasmania compliance requirements, all students undertaking Professional Experience Placement in NSW will also need to meet NSW Health compliance requirements. There also may be additional compliance requirements to be completed by private partners closer to placement.
Three short videos to assist students to meet NSW Health safety in practice requirements are available at Student Compliance (HETI website).
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Pharmacy
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) | PDL Student and Intern PII Flyer (PDF 1.2 MB) | InPlace |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Physiotherapy
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid & CPR certificate requirements | First Aid & CPR certificate requirements (PDF 320.6 KB) | InPlace |
| Manual Handling Certificate | Manual Handling for the Health Industry (PDF 337.5 KB) | InPlace |
|
Hand Hygiene* *Many healthcare organisations require evidence of Hand Hygiene competency. Competency must be renewed every 12 months. | Hand Hygiene Australia | Healthcare Organisation |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Psychology
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| AHPRA provisional registration | Psychology Board of Australia provisional registration page | InPlace |
*Please note – if you are completing a supervised practice pathway to general registration as a psychologist you will have to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and then upload evidence of current registration to InPlace – as per the link above.
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Speech Pathology
| Activity | Form | Submit to |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid & CPR certificate requirements | First Aid & CPR certificate requirements (PDF 60.6 KB) | InPlace |
|
Hand Hygiene* *Many healthcare organisations require evidence of Hand Hygiene competency. Competency must be renewed every 12 months. | Hand Hygiene Australia | Healthcare Organisation |
Please refer to your course specific inherent requirements.
Why is the compliance process important?
The compliance process ensures protection of the people you provide care to, work alongside and protection of yourself.
If you do not meet the compliance criteria, you will not be able to enter the health care environment.
When are compliance documents due?
You must complete compliance documents before census date of the first semester of your course (or earlier if advised by your Program). Why? National Criminal History, Working with Vulnerable People (Children) Registration, medical, physical and psychological disclosures may inhibit your eligibility to participate in courses where there is a PEP component. It is better to ensure your eligibility before you make a financial and academic investment.
All documentation requirements must be completed in accordance with the Safety in Practice Compliance and Risk Assessment Process ( PDF 179.9 KB )
What can I do if I’m concerned about compliance?
You are encouraged to talk to the University of Tasmania's College of Health and Medicine PEP Safety in Practice Manager, Mike Plakalovic before you even enrol if you have any concerns about compliance.
Michael.Plakalovic@utas.edu.au
Who can I talk to?
If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact your course specific PEP Team.
Contact Michelle Phillips - Director Health Partnerships if you have any questions that cannot be answered by the PEP team in the course you are studying.
