part of its effort to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to participate fully in the Graduate Nursing Program, the faculty has outlined essential functions of students in the program. The Graduate Nursing Program requires cognitive, affective, communications and psychomotor functions.

Specific Health Policies

  • Students with disabilities: The School of Nursing subscribes to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112) as amended (PL 92-156) and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal opportunity for qualified persons with disabilities in educational programs.
  • Pregnancy is recognized as a special health need. Early notification of the faculty is recommended so that consideration for appropriate clinical rotation can be planned. The Graduate Nursing Program is guided by the student's physician and the policies of the agency in which she is working.
  • Any nursing student who believes his/her health impairment will impact his/her ability to complete the Essential Functions of the Graduate Nursing Program should follow the procedure listed below to request accommodations and seek clearance (please note that any student who is hospitalized or experiences a surgical procedure must engage in this process).
  • Changes in health status may occur over the course of the nursing program. Health issues that have the potential to impact the student's ability to perform the Essential Functions should follow the procedure listed below to request medical clearance and/or accommodations.
  • The student should contact the Disability Services Office for an intake appointment to discuss the need for accommodations in relation to the Essential Functions.
  • If accommodations are required, the student should submit documentation to the Disability Services Office from the appropriate licensed professional specifically addressing the limitations in relation to the essential functions and the recommended accommodations.
  • The Disability Services staff will work in collaboration with the Graduate Nursing Program to determine whether the students eligible to return to the program with or without accommodations.

Students who need disability accommodations should submit an application packet with supporting documentation from a qualified professional to the Office of Educational Support – Disability Resources Center (DRC). Upon careful review of the documentation and discussion with the student, the Coordinator of the Disability Resource Center will arrange reasonable physical and academic accommodations. The Disability Resource Center is located in Room 220 of the Student Center. Students with disabilities are invited to contact Dr. Phillip Clay (phillip.clay@kysu.edu) in the DRC at 502-597-5076 for information on eligibility, required documentation, and available services.

Upon admission, a student who discloses a properly certified disability will receive a reasonable accommodation. However, in order to perform safe patient care, students must meet core performance standards and functional abilities for admission and progression. Students are responsible for updating their enrollment status and assuring ADA accommodations documentation is on file at the School of Nursing.