Some of our study programmes require the submission of a self-declaration form before participation in supervised professional training. This applies to nursing, paramedic sciences, social education programmes, and certain further education programmes.
Before you can start your supervised professional training, you must complete a form about stays abroad and tuberculosis and MRSA tests (MRSA = Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The form must be submitted to Nord University no later than one month before the start of your first supervised professional training.
Nord University must be informed if you are exposed to a risk of infection during your studies. It is your responsibility to monitor whether you are exposed to a risk of infection, and to contact the university for follow-up of any infection.
All students who are going to participate in supervised professional training abroad must submit a MRSA test before departure. A new MRSA test must be taken upon returning home and submitted before the start of supervised professional training in Norway (with the exception of supervised professional training completed in Scandinavia).
The Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FSH) reimburses expenses for up to two MRSA tests for FSH students who go on foreign exchanges.To prevent the spread of MRSA, you must also take a MRSA test if you:
- Have previously been diagnosed with MRSA, but have not subsequently had three negative control tests
- During the last 12 months have:
- been diagnosed with MRSA, even if subsequent control tests have been negative, or
- lived in the same household as an MRSA-positive person, or
- had close contact with MRSA positive people without wearing protective equipment. - During the last 12 months, have been in countries outside the Nordic region and have:
- been admitted to a health institution, or
- received extensive examination or treatment in health services, including dental treatment, or
- worked as a health worker, or
- stayed in an orphanage or refugee camp. - Have clinical symptoms of skin/wound infection, chronic skin conditions or have had medical equipment inserted through the skin or mucous membranes, and during the last 12 months, have stayed in countries outside the Nordic region for more than 6 consecutive weeks.
The MRSA test must not be more than 14 days old at the start of supervised professional training. Examination, treatment and control of suspected MRSA infection are free of charge in Norway.
- Have previously been diagnosed with MRSA, but have not subsequently had three negative control tests
To prevent transmission of infection, you must take a tuberculosis test if you:
1. Have visited countries with a high occurrence of tuberculosis for more than three months during the last three years.
2. Have been exposed to tuberculosis infection at work or during your spare time. This point allows for compulsory examination in the event of justifiable suspicion in cases other than those mentioned above.
The countries that have a high occurrence of tuberculosis will change from time to time. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health publishes an overview of:
- Countries with a high and very high occurrence of tuberculosis
- Guidelines stating which groups are required to undergo tuberculosis testing
The tuberculosis examination is taken as an X-ray of the lungs, a skin sample and/or blood test. Examination, treatment and control of tuberculosis are free of charge in Norway. You can get more information by contacting your GP or the infection control section at one of the country's hospitals.
Positive MRSA test
If you are considered to be infectious with antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, you must not have patient contact during supervised professional training at a health institution. Three negative control tests must be submitted before supervised professional training involving patient contact can begin. Notification of occupational injury/illness must be sent to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) if infection is contracted during teaching/supervised professional training, also if illness or infection is detected after returning from supervised professional training abroad.
MRSA infection may cause delays to studies, treatment-resistant MRSA may lead to studies being discontinued. It may then be possible for students to exercise their rights with the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (sickness grant) and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (Work Assessment Allowance).
Students who have been diagnosed with MRSA must contact the course/programme of study coordinator at Nord University as soon as possible for advice and guidance.
Positive tuberculosis test
Follow-up depends on whether the test shows latent or active tuberculosis. Treatment of latent tuberculosis (for those who are infected but not ill) normally takes 3 months. Read more about this on the Section for Infection Control's website at Nordland Hospital. People who have latent tuberculosis and/or receive preventive treatment cannot infect others with tuberculosis. Students who receive preventive treatment can normally complete their supervised professional training.
The self-declaration form is to be completed online, click on the link in the blue infobox on the right. The form must be submitted no later than one month before the start of the first period of supervised professional training or when necessary during the study period.
Test results
If an MRSA test is required (see Compulsory MRSA testing above), test results must be submitted no later than one month before the start of supervised professional training, and as soon as possible after returning from training abroad. This does not apply to supervised professional training in Scandinavia. Test results must be uploaded and submitted to Nord University via the online form.
Please contact the course/programme coordinator if you have any questions or need guidance.
Send an application for reimbursement including documented expenses to Nord University, Postboks 1490, 8049 Bodø. Please contact the course/programme coordinator if you have any questions.