Getting Started
- Who does Immunization apply to?
- Are there other immunization requirements if I'm enrolling in a Health or Human Services program at NCTC?
- What do I have to do?
- What if I can't find my shot record?
- Where can I get the shots?
- Are there other diseases that adults need shots for that are not part of the law?
- How can I receive information about Northland Community & Technical College?
- What kind of information will I receive?
- What is reciprocity and how does it work?
- How can I get a form and what do I do with it?
- Where should I send the reciprocity application?
Q: Who does Immunization apply to?
When you enroll in college in Minnesota , you will need to show that you've been vaccinated against five major vaccine-preventable diseases:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
The Minnesota college immunization law applies to anyone who was born after 1956. Students who graduated from a Minnesota high school in 1997 or later are exempt from these requirements under the law (because they will already have met them as a high school student).
Q: Are there other immunization requirements if I'm enrolling in a Health or Human Services program at NCTC?
A: Students enrolled in a Health and Human Services Program (HHSP) at Northland Community & Technical College (NCTC) participate in clinical training as an essential element of their studies. Such clinical training includes the performance of direct patient care and participation in clinical experiences at affiliated hospitals and other healthcare institutions (affiliated healthcare providers).
To protect the health of students, patients, employees and others, and to comply with standards established by the affiliated healthcare providers, the College requires all students enrolled in a HHSP to provide dates of current immunization against certain vaccine preventable diseases, and date and results of current tuberculosis (TB) screening before the student is eligible to participate in clinical training, unless an exception applies. If you have additonal questions on please contact the program advisor of the program you persuing.
Q: What do I have to do?
A: Under Minnesota law, you have to submit a complete immunization record to your college, or meet one of the legal exemptions. You might be automatically exempt if you graduated from high school in Minnesota since 1997 or you previously were enrolled in another college in Minnesota.
Q: What if I can't find my shot record?
A: Try to remember where you were immunized and see if your doctor or clinic still has the records. Your parents may be able to help. A former high school district may still have your records. --For additional immunization information MN residents should contact: MN Public Health (651) 215-5800. ND residents, ND public Health Immunization Information, (701) 328-1665.
If you still can't find your records, you will have to repeat the shots. Be sure to keep a record.
Q: Where can I get the shots?
A: Your own physician can provide what you need. If you don't have a physician --or you don't have health insurance-- you may be able to get the shots through a community clinic.
- MN Polk County Health - (218) 281-3385
- MN Pennington County Health - (218) 681-0876
- ND Grand Forks Public Health - (701) 787-8100
Q: Are there other diseases that adults need shots for that are not part of the law?
A: Yes. For example, many adults may need shots for hepatitis B -- a highly contagious disease that infects the liver and can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and even death. Be sure to check with your doctor to see what additional shots you might need.
For additional immunization information contact: MN Public Health (651) 215-5800, or ND Public Health Immunization Information (701) 328-1665. In additional to these resources, the Minnesota Department of Health has a general brochure about the college immunization law written for the student, and a sample college immunization record.
Minnesota Department of Health Immunization Laws
Q: How can I receive information about the college?
A: By calling EGF at 1-800-451-3441 or TRF at 1-800-959-6282, filling out our online information request form, or stop by one of the campuses. You will be asked for some general information such as your full name, address, phone number, , what major you're interested in, and what semester you would like to start.
Q: What kind of information will I receive?
A: A general packet of information will include an application for admission, enrollment checklist, immunization form, accuplacer assessment information, laptop specifications (if applicable), and curriculum/cost sheets in a specific program. Let us know if there is additional information such as a catalog, financial aid, reciprocity, housing lists, math review guide, Veteran information or any other information that may interest you.
Q: What is reciprocity and how does it work?
A: Reciprocity is an agreement that reduces non-resident tuition prices and eliminates non-resident admissions barriers for residents of a state different from the institution that they attend.
Minnesota has ongoing reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin , North Dakota , South Dakota , Iowa , and Manitoba .
*Note: North Dakota residents are now able to go online to fill out a ND reciprocity application.
Q: How can I get a form and what do I do with it?
A: First, apply for admission to the participating reciprocity college or university. Second, apply for reciprocity online or fill out a paper application. New applications are available each April for the following academic year. Your best insurance for receiving the reciprocity tuition price at the time of registration is to apply during the spring or summer before classes start in the fall. If there is a break or a laps in your education you will need to resubmit a reciprocity application to your home state.
Residents of other reciprocity states should contact one of the following agencies:
Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board
Reciprocity Program
P.O. Box 7885
Madison , WI 53707
Phone:(608) 267-2209
E-mail: HEABmail@heab.state.wi.us
North Dakota University System State Capitol
600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept 215
Bismarck , ND 58505-0230
Phone: (701) 328-4113
E-mail: ndus.office@ndus.nodak.edu
South Dakota Board of Regents
Reciprocity Program
Box 2201
Brookings , SD 57007
Phone: (605) 688-4497 or 1-800-952-3541
E-mail: joella_anderson@sdstate.edu
Q: Where should I send the reciprocity application?
A: Paper applications should be mailed to the appropriate higher education agency in your home state (see above). Do not mail the application directly to the college or university unless otherwise specified.
*Note: North Dakota residents are now able to go online to fill out a ND reciprocity application.
