Tuberculosis Test Requirement

Northern Illinois University student teachers are required to show proof of freedom from the communicable disease tuberculosis (TB) before beginning student teaching.

The University Health Service offers TB testing free of charge for students currently taking classes on campus who have been assessed service fees. Students taking off campus classes can get their Tb testing done for a $25 eligibility fee.

Health Services will provide the student with a card verifying freedom from tuberculosis. The card is valid for one year. (They should have the TB test done not more than one year prior to the beginning date of student teaching.) The test can also be taken through the Public Health Department or through a private physician. Because multiple types of TB tests are available, the student needs to check with the University Health Center for the specific type of TB test required in Section 105: 5/24-5 of the School Code of Illinois for new teachers.

Individual certification programs may require proof of freedom from tuberculosis (TB test) before a student is allowed to participate in any earlier clinical experience as well as prior to the student-teaching experience.