Congratulations on your admission to the Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. We are excited you have chosen to pursue your education at one of the highest ranked nursing schools in the state. We are invested in your success - as such, please use the information below to complete the school's on-boarding/pre-enrollment process. If you have questions, please contact the CSON Student Affairs Office.
Please note that this information is for students newly admitted to the school. Applicants are free to view the information below, but are not allowed to initiate any processes or receive services before an official offer of admissions is delivered. Many items are timed and attempting to satisfy requirements in advance of admission may result in additional expenses to the student.
New Student Checklist
Board of Nursing
Background Clearance Immunizations Criminal Background Check Drug Screen Scholarships Account Holds Frequently Asked Questions
Background Clearance Immunizations Criminal Background Check Drug Screen Scholarships Account Holds Frequently Asked Questions
New Student Checklist
| Item | Details | Complete by |
|---|---|---|
| After Admissions | ||
| ID Management (Network Access Verification) & IT Verification (Information Resources User Acknowledgement) |
All students are required to complete the identity vetting process by providing a government issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport). This process is required to grant students access to the myUTH system as well as your university email. Additionally new students must complete the Information Resources User Acknowledgement (also referred to as IT Verification) Form. This process will be reflected as an IDM hold on your account. This hold will not interfere with your ability to register, however, many communications are sent only to your student email so it is recommended to complete this step as quickly as possible. You can satisfy this hold/present documents in one of three ways: 1) Request an online meeting to present your government ID and to have the IT Verification document reviewed. To do this, upload the IT Verification(Information Resource User Acknowledgement Form) and select a meeting day/ timeframe using the CSON IDM Hold Virtual Appointment Request System. A member of the CSON Student Affairs staff will send an invitation to a five minute meeting to review your form and identification documents. Please note that the ID Management/Network Verification form is not required if this option is selected and the IT Verification form does not require notary. 2) Mail the completed IT Verification Form(Information Resource User Acknowledgement Form) and a notarized Identity Management/Network Verification Form to the following address: Cizik School of Nursing, Attention Student Affairs Office, 6901 Bertner Ave - Room 220, Houston, TX 77030. 3) Present documents in-person to the Student Affairs Office. Please note that once your ID Management hold is removed, your applyUTH account will be deactivated and system access will migrate to myUTH. |
Within ten days of accepting the offer of admission |
| Request Access to your student email account | Many official communications are sent to only your student email account. Please activate your account and check it regularly for important updates regarding the pre-enrollment process. To obtain access, please contact the Student Help Desk at 713.486.4848. | 48-72 hours after having your IDM hold removed |
| Enter Immunization Information into E*Value or EXXAT and MyUTH | E*Value or EXXAT are the systems used by CSON to communicate compliance with our clinical partners; Student Health Service System (myUTH) is required by the UTHealth. | 30 days prior to the start of the semester |
| Criminal Background Verification | Required for enrollment at the School as well as placement facilities. Please view the information online to determine the soonest this requirement can be fulfilled. If the background check is not completed within the time frames listed, the student will be required to repeat the verification at their expense. | Must be cleared 30 days prior to the start of the semester |
| Drug Screen | Required for enrollment at the School as well as placement facilities. Please view the information online to determine the soonest this requirement can be fulfilled. If the drug screen is not completed within the time frames listed, the student will be required to repeat the screen at their expense. | 30 days prior to the start of the semester |
| Student Insurance Waiver | Proof of insurance is required for all students opting out of the student health insurance plan. If the waiver process is not completed before registration begins, a 'student insurance hold' will be placed on your file, You can remove the hold through the myUTH system. | Prior to the first day of course registration |
| Degree Plan Agreement (MSN only) | This document will be mailed to you with the name of your assigned advisor. It must be signed and returned to your academic advisor. | Prior to the first day of classes |
| MyUTH Planner (for DNP, MSN and Post-Master's Students Only) | Click here for instruction on how to complete the Planner. | Prior to course registration |
| Residency Questionnaire |
All students are required to submit the Core Residency Questionnaire form to determine Texas residency for in-state tuition purposes. |
Before course registration |
| After Registration | ||
| University Systems Access | After your ID Management Hold is cleared, a request can be submitted to access to Canvas (the online classroom software).To obtain access, please contact the Student Help Desk at 713.500.4848. | At least 15 days prior to the start of the term |
| ID Badge | An ID Badge is required to be worn by students at all times while on campus and performing clinical course responsibilities. | At least 15 days prior to the start of the term |
| ID Badge Activation | Use the information on the back of your badge to complete the ID Badge Activation Form. This will allow entry into the building. | At least 15 days prior to the start of the terms. |
| Before the Start of Classes | ||
| Orientation Videos and Required Readings | Click here to access the orientation videos and readings. When complete submit the video viewing confirmation. | Within 15 days prior to the start of the term |
| Student Privacy Notice | Only required if you are opting out. Click here to download the form. | |
| New Student Acknowledgement Form | Click here to complete this online form. | Prior to the start of the term. |
| Within the first two week of class | ||
| Required Reading | All students are required to read The Brewsters (not yet available for Spring 2023 admits) | By the second week of classes |
Board of Nursing - Background Clearance
Audience
The information is intended for all Cizik SON Pacesetter BSN students.
Requirement
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) requires all new Pacesetter BSN nursing students to obtain a DPS/FBI background clearance to take the NCLEX for licensure upon completion of the program.
Procedure
- The Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs sends a roster of new students to the BON.
- Typically, within ten (10) business days, the BON issues a confirmation email to the Assistant Dean that the student information has been entered in the BON system and students on the roster can initiate the clearance process.
- IdentoGo sends instructions to new students via email to schedule fingerprinting. Please note that the BON process can take several weeks/months depending on the situation and students are advised to submit their fingerprints as early as possible.
- IdentoGo electronically submits the fingerprint scan to DPS to initiate the background check and transmit results directly to the BON.
- When the results are received, the BON will do one of the following:
o Mail a blue postcard directly to those students who have a clear background check; OR
- Correspond with students who have a rejected fingerprint scan and request another scan; OR
- Correspond with students who have a positive background check and request they petition for a declaratory order (DO).; OR
- Correspond with students that the Operations Team cannot approve their DO petition and they must pay a $150 review fee and their file will be transferred to the Enforcement Team.
Documentation of Clearance
- Students must obtain BON clearance prior to enrollment in their first semester.
- Students must provide Student Affairs Office a copy of their blue postcard or their letter of clearance from the DO process by the established deadline.
- Students will also be required to provide this documentation when registering for the NCLEX at the completion of the program.
Repeat Clearance
Students may be required by the SON or BON to repeat a background check if any offenses occur while in the program.
Immunization Clearance
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Before proceeding, please note:
- It is important to ensure that all immunizations are started and completed within the time frames listed below. Starting the process too early, or too soon could result in course registration delays.
- Immunization documentation must be uploaded separately for the University in myUTH and for Cizik School of Nursing in either E*Value or EXXAT based on which nursing program. New students in the following programs will use E*Value – Pacesetter, RN-BSN, Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership, Emergency/Trauma – will upload immunization documentation in E*Value. New students in the following programs will use EXXAT – MSN FNP, PhD, all DNP tracks, and Post-graduate NP tracks.
- Access to the myUTH Immunization portal will be granted 48 hours after accepting the offer of admission.
- Access to E*Value or EXXAT will be granted generally two weeks after accepting the offer. You will receive an email when access has been made available.
- At this time, the COVID-19 vaccination is not required to enroll at UTHealth, however vaccination is strongly encouraged. In some instances, clinical sites and preceptors may require the vaccination to participate in clinical activities. If you are notified that a site requires the COVID-19 vaccination, you will be able to upload the information into E*Value or EXXAT. More information regarding vaccination availability for CSON students is available through the intranet (must have IDM hold removed to access).
All students are required to submit immunization verification to the University as well as to the School who uses the information to communicate compliance with clinical facilities. Full compliance with this process is required to register for courses.To meet the immunization requirement, your complete records must be uploaded into E*Value or EXXAT (maintained by the CSON Compliance Team), and your Immunization Portal which can be accessed through myUTH (maintained by UTHealth Student Health Services).
| Immunization | Minimum Requirement | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tetanus/Diptheria/Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) | One dose within the past ten years. | ||
| Measles (Rubeola) | Two (2) doses of measles vaccine if born after January 1, 1957 administered on or after your first birthday and at least 30 days apart; or lab report of positive rubeola titer | ||
| Mumps | Two (2) doses of mumps vaccine if born on or after January 1, 1957 or lab report of positive mumps titer | ||
| German Measles | One dose of rubella vaccine administered on or after first birthday and immunity to rubella by presenting a lab report of positive rubella titer | ||
| PPD (TB) Skin Test or *IGRA Tuberculosis Blood Test (QuantiFERON®-TB Gold or T SPOT® - TB) | Within the past 12 months, even for those who have received BCG vaccine as a child. If PPD skin test or IGRA is positive, a chest x-ray documenting no active tuberculosis must be submitted and/or a physician signed clearance letter indicating no active tuberculosis. | ||
| Hepatitis B Series | Three-dose series(second dose in one month and a third dose six months after first dose), Two dose series (second dose in one month after first dose if taking the Heplisav-B series) | ||
| Varicella (Chicken Pox) | Two-dose series(second dose in one month after first dose) or a physician-validated history of the disease. | ||
| Meningococcal (Meningitis) | Documentation of one dose of meningitis vaccine if you will be younger than 22 prior to the beginning of classes. The vaccine must be administered within five (5) years and at least ten (10) days prior to enrollment. Students 22 and older are NOT required to have meningitis immunization. This is only required for the university (MyUTH process), not the school (E*Value or EXXAT). | ||
| CSON also requires the following titers, vaccinations, and screenings regardless of documented vaccines: | |||
| Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titer | Lab report of positive titer | ||
| Varicella Titer | Lab report of positive Varicella Titer | ||
| Rubella Titer | Lab report of positive Rubella Titer | ||
| Flu Shot | Within current flu season only | ||
| Hepatitis C screening (blood test) | Lab report of Hepatitis C antibody screening | ||
Exceptions permitted by law are for the following:
1) Students who can provide proof that a health care provider has determined that it would be a health risk for the student to have the vaccine,
or
2) Students who use the Exemption Form issued by the Texas Department of State Health. Clinical affiliate may not allow students in clinical without meeting all immunization/screening/health requirements.
Criminal Background Check
Criminal Background checks are required to ensure the safety of patients treated by students in the clinical education program. The reports are typically completed within 3-5 business days; however, you must submit your order in sufficient time for the report to be reviewed by the program coordinator or associated clinical site prior to starting the rotation. The background check is conducted by PreCheck, Inc., a firm specializing in the healthcare industry.All students must successfully clear the background check.
There is an estimated $50.00 fee* (plus applicable taxes) to be collected by PreCheck, Inc. This process can be started on the following deadlines and should be received no later 30 days prior to the start of the term :
| Admission Term | To be completed on or after |
| Fall | June 1 |
| Spring | October 1 |
| Summer | March 1 |
How to submit a background request
Step #1 - Submit the request through Precheck.
Step #2 - Confirm the school name matches: Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
Step #3 - Select your program from the drop down menu, and then select 'background check'.
Step #4 - Log in with your username and password. If you do not have an existing profile, please create a new account.
Step #5 - Enter the required information, provide authorization, and continue to enter payment information.
Step #6 - If you need further assistance, please contact PreCheck at StudentCheck@PreCheck.com.
*Please note the fee information may change at any time. The information listed is an estimated cost.
Drug Screening
The School has contracted with Surscan to administer drug screens which all student must successfully clear. There is a roughly $50.00* fee (plus applicable taxes) to be collected by Surscan. This process can be started on the following deadlines and should be submitted 30 days prior to the start of the semester:
| Admission Term | To be completed on or after |
| Fall | June 1 |
| Spring | October 1 |
| Summer | March 1 |
How to submit for a drug screen
Step #1 - Logon and register with Surscan
Step #2 - Complete the registration information, enter the School's code "UTHSC" and pay the fee by clicking on the 'register' link. Please keep in mind that the student's information must be listed in the student registration section. If a person other than the student is paying the fee, that information should be listed in the billing section which is the last section on the site.
Step #3 -You will be contacted by Surscan to schedule an appointment.
Step #4 - Results will be automatically delivered to the School.
*Please note the fee information may change at any time. The information listed is an estimated cost.
Scholarships
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New students are encouraged to submit the scholarship application as soon as possible. For convenience, CSON students submit one application to be considered for all of the scholarships for which they are eligible. For an application to be considered complete, all sections of the application including the personal statement must be submitted. The Scholarship Committee meets on a periodic basis to review applications of students who have been admitted to the school. More information regarding the scholarship process is available online.
Account Holds
The following information will assist you in understand account holds that you may see in your applyUTH or myUTH accounts.
| Code | Name of Hold | Reason it has been placed | How to resolve the hold |
| NAD | Nursing Admissions Hold | Required to insure that School's immunization and certification documents are received and properly entered into E*Value or EXXAT. NAD holds also exist to reflect compliance with the criminal background check and drug screen requirements. | View the E*Value or EXXAT website to ensure you have met the requirements; Inquiries regarding the criminal background check and the drug screen results can be directed to the Student Affairs Office. |
| IDM | Identification Management Hold | All new students are required to show proof of a government ID to enroll. | ID Management Holds can be resolved via virtual appointment, in-person or via postal mail. Please reference the New Student Checklist for details. |
| NAV | Nursing Advisor Hold | This hold may appear if there are issued with the courses outlined in the planer | Contact your advisor to schedule a meeting. Only your advisor can remove the hold |
| RAD | Registrar's Office Admissions Hold | Please refer to your admissions documents needed that were a condition of your acceptance | Submit the needed documents to the Registrar's Office. If you have questions, please call the Registrar's Office at 713.500.3388 |
| RIM | Immunization and Health Form Hold | All students must submit their immunizations through Evalue and myUTH. This hold reflects that that myUTH information has not been uploaded or is incomplete | If you have uploaded documents contact Student Health Services to provide additional information. |
| CHI | Health Insurance Certification Hold | You will need to resolve the Health Insurance Certification Hold before you are cleared to register for courses. |
You can access the information via applyUTH or myUTH. Click on >Task Tile >To Do Lists>Health Insurance Certification From there you can either purchase insurance or enter your insurance information. |
| AG | Beginning of Term Activity Guide Hold | Required to verify or update your personal information prior to enrollment each semester. |
You can access the information via applyUTH or MyUTH Click on: Task tile>To Do Lists> Activity Guide |
| RRF | Residency Questions Form Hold | The Core Residency Question form is needed to determine residency for tuition purposes. This form is available through the Registrar's Office. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Q: Where can I access course registration materials such as the class syllabus?
A: This information is available in Canvas, but is typically not available until a few days prior to the start of the semester. If you do not have access to Canvas, please contact the Help Desk at 713.486.4848.
Q: I still have holds so I cannot register? Will there be classes available for me?
A: Yes, you will be able to get the courses you need, however, it is imperative to get your holds cleared so you avoid registering during late registration where you will incur late fees.
Criminal Background
Q: What does PreCheck do with my information:
A: Your information will only be used for the services ordered. Your credit will not be investigated and your name will not be given out to any businesses.
Q: I selected the wrong school, program or incorrect information?
A: Please email StudentCheck@PreCheck.com with the details.
Q: Do i get a copy of the background report?
A: Yes, go to www.mystudentcheck.com, log in, and select 'Check Status'.
Q: I was denied entry into a program because of information on the report, who can I contact?
A: Call PreCheck's Adverse Action hotline at 800-203-1654
Getting Around Campus
Q: Where can I park?
A: There are variety of pay lots within the Texas Medical Center. The charges vary by lot, but estimated needing between $5-20. The School cannot validate for parking. Garage 2 located on 1151 East Holcombe Boulevard is the closest to the School. If a lot states 'contract' it is designated for TMC employees only. Student parking permits are available if you will be on-campus regularly. More information regarding parking is available through Auxiliary Services.
Q: After I park, how do I get to campus?
A: If you parked in one of the UTHealth Student Parking Lots, look for the UTHealth Shuttle. They run fairly regularly and you can download an app which will tell you where to meet the shuttle and the time it will arrive. Remember that you must have your student ID badge available and visible to ride the shuttle. From the student parking lot the shuttle will drop you off directly in front of the school; to return to the student parking lot, you should catch the shuttle in front of the School of Public Health (located just south of CSON).
Q: Is on-campus housing available?
A: UTHealth does have designated on-campus housing, however many times there is a waitlist to get approved. More information about campus housing is available online.
Q: What are the hours of operation for the Cizik Student Affairs Office?
A: The office is open from Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the exception of Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. when the office is closed for staff meeting.
Orientation Dates
New student orientation is required for most programs. Detailed information will be delivered by email. The dates below are for students admitted for the Spring 2023 term.
- Pacesetter BSN
-
Date: TBA Time: TBA
- RN to BSN
-
Date: TBA Time: TBA
- MSN and Post-Master's
-
Date: TBA Time: TBA
- BSN-DNP & DNP
-
December 9 Time: TBA
- PhD
-
Date: TBA Time: TBA
- Nurse Anesthesia
-
Date: TBA Time: TBA
Contact Us
-
UTHealth Office of the Registrar
UCT 2250
PO Box 20036
Houston, TX 77225-0036
Registrar's Office FAQ -
Student Affairs Office
Cizik School of Nursing
6901 Bertner Ave
Houston, Texas 77030
713-500-2025 -
CSON E*Value Team
713-500-4325
Registration
Please note that applyUTH access will migrate to myUTH after your ID Management hold has been removed.
Spring 2023 Registration
Registration opens on November 16 and closes on January 6; late registration period is January 9 through January 13.
How to Register
You will find specific instructions on how to register for courses in the myUTH portal. You can access MyUTH at or from the Registrar’s Office .
Degree Programs
- Undergraduate
- Pacesetter BSN
- RN-Bridge (for ADN-prepared RNs)
- RN to BSN
- RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN and Post-Graduate
- Adult/Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Emergency/Trauma Care (Post-Graduate only)
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership
- Psychiatric Mental Health
- BSN to DNP
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nurse Practitioner
- Doctoral and Post-Graduate (Advanced Practice)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Post-Graduate (Advanced Practice)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
