Skip to Main Content
A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENT ATSU PORTAL LOGIN ATSU LIBRARY CONTACT
at still university Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy: Master's and Doctorate

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

The COVID-19 vaccine and boosters and personal protective equipment currently available in the United States are highly effective at preventing COVID-19, and the vaccine and boosters prevent serious illness even in those who do get COVID-19.  To best ensure the safety of A.T. Still University (ATSU) students, this COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment and Vaccine Policy requires all students enrolled in ATSU programs to be vaccinated and wear masks in clinical settings.  

Policy Requirements

All ATSU students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) are required to wear face masks when in the clinical setting.  Clinical settings at ATSU include simulation labs, osteopathic manipulation labs, and any other group activity where there is a patient or a simulated patient. 

For purposes of this Policy, the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health’s St. Louis Dental Center is considered a clinical setting and masks are required at all times.

All ATSU residential students are required to be fully vaccinated (which includes any recommended boosters).  This vaccination requirement applies to all residential students attending ATSU. This requirement does not apply to programs that are fully online.

This vaccination requirement applies equally to those who have already had COVID-19. 

Any vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. is acceptable.  The full number of doses of the relevant vaccine plus the vaccine booster must be completed for compliance with this Policy.

Proof of full vaccination, including a vaccine booster for those eligible, is required and must be submitted to the dean or clinical affairs office of the respective school/college.

Additional vaccine or booster requirements may be imposed based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

Students may request an exemption from the requirement to be fully vaccinated for medical or religious reasons per the following process:

  • Students who are not able to be fully vaccinated for a medical reason may seek a medical exemption. The process to request a medical exemption will require the student or employee to provide supporting documentation from a health care provider.
  • Students may seek a religious exemption and will be required to provide sufficient information to support the request. 

Any student granted an exemption will be required to sign an ATSU Immunization Exemption Risk Acknowledgement and Additional Disclosures and Requirements form.

Exemption Request forms are available in the respective school/college dean or clinical affairs office.

Students who have not received the vaccine and booster and have not received an exemption may be subject to disciplinary actions or other requirements or restrictions to support community health.

Students who have already been approved for a medical or religious exemption do not have to reapply to be exempt from the booster requirement or further COVID-19 vaccine requirements.