Occupational Health Clearance
Applicants to our Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Education courses will need to complete an Occupational Health Clearance (or check) before enrolling on the course.
What is an Occupational Health check?
An Occupational Health (OH) check is a health assessment that helps ensure you are fit to study on your chosen course, particularly if it includes practical elements such as placements, clinical work, or working with vulnerable people.
The purpose of the check is not to prevent you from studying, but to:
- make sure you can safely take part in your course and any placements
- identify if you may need any support or reasonable adjustments
- ensure that you meet any health requirements set by professional bodies (where relevant)
Your information is handled confidentially by OHWorks, the University’s Occupational Health provider. The University is only given information about any support or adjustments you may need, not your detailed medical history.
What is involved in the check?
The Occupational Health check usually starts with an online health questionnaire, which you will be asked to complete once you have accepted your place on the course.
Health Questionnaire
You will be asked to provide information about:
- your general health and medical history
- any ongoing health conditions or disabilities
- any medications you are taking
- your vaccination history (particularly for healthcare-related courses)
It’s important that you complete this honestly and accurately, as this helps ensure you receive the right advice and support.
Follow-up (if required)
For many students, the questionnaire is all that is needed. However, depending on your answers, you may be:
- contacted by an Occupational Health clinician for further information
- invited to attend an appointment (usually by phone or video call)
- asked to attend a clinic for vaccinations or blood tests
This is a normal part of the process and simply ensures that everything is reviewed properly.
What is the process?
Step 1 - Invitation
You will receive an email from BCU with instructions on how to access and complete your health questionnaire online.
Step 2 - Complete the Questionnaire
You complete the questionnaire through a secure online portal. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid delays with your course start.
Step 3 - Clinical Review
An Occupational Health clinician will review your questionnaire. This is done by a qualified healthcare professional.
Step 4 - Further Action (if needed)
If required, you may:
- be contacted for more information
- be invited to an appointment
- be asked to attend a vaccination or screening clinic
Step 5 - Outcome
Once your assessment is complete, OHWorks will confirm whether:
- you are cleared to start your course, or
- any support or adjustments may be needed
- any relevant information on your clearance will be contained on a Fit Certificate you will receive automatically and will be shared directly with BCU
The University will only receive information relevant to your ability to study or attend placement — not detailed medical information.
How long does it take?
- Completing the questionnaire usually takes 10–20 minutes
- Most students are reviewed within 48 hours of submission, depending on demand
- If further steps are needed (e.g. appointments or vaccinations), the clearance process may take longer
To avoid delays, it’s important to:
- complete the questionnaire as soon as you receive it
- respond promptly to any follow-up emails or calls
Who carries out the check?
Your Occupational Health check is carried out by OHWorks, an external Occupational Health provider working on behalf of the University.
OHWorks specialises in supporting students and staff in higher education and healthcare settings, ensuring that assessments are:
- confidential
- fair and supportive
- focused on helping you succeed in your course
Need help?
If you have any questions or would prefer to discuss your health information in confidence, you can contact OHWorks directly:
Email: bcu@ohworks.co.uk
Tel: 01227 286288