4.6 N95 Mask Fit Testing

All students who are entering Patient Care Phase (PCP) clerkships in Spring Quarter are required to complete N95 fit testing and pre-requisites. MSTP students are required to complete the medical clearance requirement but are exempt from the N95 online training and in-person fit testing. 

All MS2 students entering PCP clerkships must complete the UW School of Medicine’s respiratory barrier protection program (including online training, medical clearance, and respirator fit testing) to ensure student and patient safety in clinical settings, including those associated with clerkships, clinical electives, service-learning opportunities, etc. Students are responsible for all expenses related to compliance with this requirement and students on financial aid may request an adjustment to their aid budget to cover the costs. 

Students may be required to wear a respirator for tasks, such as entering isolation rooms and other activities, involving close contact with potentially infected persons. These are part of standard practices for infection control as recommended by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Washington State Hospital Association. These standard practices also help meet the School of Medicine’s obligations for clinical onboarding and credentialing under its WWAMI clinical affiliate agreements, UW Administrative Policy Statement 10.4, and UW Respiratory Protection Program. 

The actual in-person N95 respirator fit test cannot take place until after completing the online training and medical clearance process prerequisites.