Background Check

In late Spring, you will receive an email prompting you to complete a background check. 

The background questionnaire takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and we recommend that you double check the information you provide for accuracy to make sure there is no delay in processing your background investigation. A credit card is required at the time of processing.

To remain in active consideration for student placement, you must complete the background questionnaire within 14 days.

Compass Modules

These modules will be available in Compass in late Spring and must be complete by June 8 in order to be eligible obtain an OHSU ID badge.  Immediately after receiving your OHSU login information, please login to Compass and complete the following modules:

• Information Privacy and Security Essentials
• Respect at the University (RAU)
• Integrity Foundations

Pre-entrance Immunizations

Before starting your OHSU program, you will need to meet all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization guidelines for health care workers. Please complete by June 8.

• Submit the completed Immunization Status Form and email it to Student Health and Wellness (SHW) at shwcompliance@ohsu.edu.  
• Visit the SHW website for more details and resources.

Badge Photo

Badge Photo Process:

• You will receive an email in your OHSU email account with an individualized link, inviting you to upload a photo to CloudCard in late spring. CloudCard will automatically size, orient, and clean up the background of the photo.
• The link you receive will be specific to you and should not be shared.
• Any photo submitted that does not meet passport requirements (full face, shoulders up, no sunglasses, no filters, etc.) will be denied and you will be asked to submit a new photo. The software will let you know if it is likely your photo will be denied.
• Once a photo is received, your record is put in queue to be printed and will not be adjusted even if a different picture is submitted later. Be sure the first picture submitted is the one you want on your badge.
• You must submit your photo by the deadline by June 8.

Authorization Release Form

Complete the Authorization Release Form and upload it to your Student Folder. This form is used to share program-specific information and for media release purposes as listed on the form.

Pre-Matriculation Survey

Complete the survey here before February 16. It aids in buddy assignments, event planning, and ID badge ordering.

Drug Testing

Incoming PA students are required to complete a drug test at an authorized collection site in the spring. The process for completing the drug test is changing this year and more information will follow. 

Verify OHSU email/network account & Student Self-Service

You will receive instructions to log into your OHSU email and network account in the spring. Complete the steps outlined and verify you are able to log into Student Self-Service.

BLS Certification

Upload a current BLS Certification valid through June 2026 or later to your Student File. Update any certification expiring before this date before June 23, 2025.

Refer to the BLS Requirement Overview for more information. 

Plagiarism Tutorial and Test

Complete the plagiarism tutorial pass the certification test.

Upload your certificate to your Student File before June 23.

Summer Term Registration

Registration for the Summer 2025 term begins in Spring. A complete list of courses and registration instructions will be made available in spring.

Additional Compass Modules

Complete these Compass modules before June 23. These will be assigned in spring. 

• Emergency Preparedness at Work and Home
• Annual Competency in Basic Principles of Infection Prevention

Pre-Matriculation Curriculum

The pre-matriculation course will be accessible via Sakai in late Spring, covering medical terminology, anatomy, and basic science. Aim to spend about four hours weekly over four weeks before the summer term to cover high-priority content. Completing medical terminology can exempt you from the related exam in the first week of the summer term.

Laptop/Smartphones

Both a laptop and smartphone are mandatory for coursework and exams. Both PCs and Macs are acceptable. Please see the specifications sheet for details.

You will also receive an iPad in the first week of school.

Medical Equipment

Pre-order medical equipment as per the upcoming requirements and order form. If ordering through the program vendor, submit before June 1. 

Please refer to the medical equipment requirements (coming soon) and the medical equipment order form (coming soon).  

Textbooks/eBooks

Access to most required books is available for free through the OHSU Biomedical Information and Communication Center Library. Avoid purchasing additional books until you're familiar with these resources.

The only required textbook for the didactic year is “McCance. Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children (9^th Ed).” It is recommended that they also get “Hoppenfeld. Physical Examination of the Spine and Extremities” for the Physical Diagnosis course, but it is not required. All other texts for the summer will be available free online through the library or other sources.

A complete booklist for the summer and fall will be provided in June, with an orientation to help you understand the best and most cost-effective resources.