Holders of the School Nurse Services Credential shall be authorized to perform the following services:

  • Conduct immunization programs pursuant to California Education Code, Section 49403, of the California Code of Regulations.
  • Assess and evaluate the health and developmental status of pupils.
  • Interpret the health and developmental assessment to parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals directly concerned with the pupil.
  • Design and implement individual student health maintenance plans, incorporating plans directed by a physician.
  • Refer the pupil and parent or guardian to appropriate community resources for necessary services.
  • Maintain communication with parents and all involved community practitioners and agencies to promote needed treatment and secure reports of findings pertinent to educational planning.
  • Interpret medical and nursing findings appropriate to the student’s individualized education program and make recommendations to professional personnel directly involved.
  • Consult with, conduct in-service training for, and serve as a resource person to teachers and administrators.
  • Develop and implement the health education curriculum.
  • Act as a participant in implementing a comprehensive health instruction curriculum for students.
  • Counsel and assist pupils and parents in health-related and school adjustment services.
  • Teach health-related subjects under the supervision of a classroom teacher

Requirements for the Preliminary Credential

Individuals must satisfy all of the following:

  1. Official transcripts showing a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
  2. A photocopy of a valid Registered Nurse License issued by the State of California. If you do not hold the license, contact the Board of Registered Nursing, 1747 North Market Boulevard, Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834, 916-322-3350.
  3. Completed application ( form 41-4), and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41-LS). Out-of-state residents must submit two fingerprint cards in lieu of a Live Scan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet in addition to the application processing fee. Fingerprint cards may be ordered by sending an email to the Commission to Fingerprints@ctc.ca.gov with contact information and the words “Fingerprint Cards” in the subject line.
  4. Application processing fee.

Requirements for the Clear Credential

Individuals must apply through a California college or university with a Commission-approved school nurse program and must satisfy all of the following requirements:

  1. Verify possession of a Preliminary School Nurse Services Credential.
  2. Verify possession of a valid Registered Nurse License issued by the State of California.
  3. Complete two years of successful experience as a school nurse (If the Preliminary School Nurse Credential was issued on or before July 1, 1981, this experience is not required).
  4. Complete a Commission-approved school nurse program and obtain the formal recommendation of the college or university where the program was completed.

Requirements for Renewing the Clear Credential

Individuals must satisfy all of the following:

  1. Verify possession of a valid Registered Nurse License issued by the State of California.
  2. Completed application ( form 41-4).
  3. Application processing fee.

 

Term of the Credential

The preliminary credential is issued for five calendar years and is not renewable. The clear credential is issued for five calendar years and must be renewed with a paper application packet.

Special Teaching Authorization in Health

The Special Teaching Authorization in Health authorizes the holder to teach health classes in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1–12 inclusive, and classes organized primarily for adults.

Requirements for the Special Teaching Authorization in Health

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

  1. Verify possession of a valid California credential that authorizes service as a school nurse.
  2. Verify possession of a valid California Registered Nurse License.
  3. Satisfy the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667, entitled Basic Skills Requirement for additional information.
  4. Complete a Commission-approved professional preparation program for the Special Teaching Authorization and obtain the formal recommendation of the California college or university where the program was completed.

For more information, visit the Commission's website or the Commission-Approved Professional Preparation Programs.

References:

California Education Code, Section 49426 and Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 80050

Other Health Services Credentials

The Commission is authorized to issue credentials to physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, and optometrists. In addition, the Commission may issue Health Services Credentials to clinical psychologists and psychiatric social workers. Please note that these credentials are for service in the mental health field and do not authorize the holder to perform the duties of a school counselor or school social worker. The Commission does not issue Health Services Credentials in audiometry, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.

A clear Health Services Credential will be issued for five years upon verification of the possession of a valid license, certificate, or registration appropriate to the health service to be designated, and issued by the California agency authorized by law to license, certificate, or register persons to practice that health service in California.

Requirements for the Clear Credential

The initial application packet must include all of the following:

  1. A complete set of collegiate transcripts.
  2. A photocopy of the State of California license, certificate, or registration appropriate to the health service.
  3. Completed application ( form 41-4) and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41-LS). Out-of-state residents must submit two fingerprint cards in lieu of a Live Scan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet in addition to the application processing fee. Fingerprint cards may be ordered by sending an email to the Commission to Fingerprints@ctc.ca.gov with contact information and the words
    “Fingerprint Cards” in the subject line.
  4. Application processing fee (see Fee Information leaflet CL-659).

Term of the Credential

Qualified applicants will receive a Clear Health Services Credential issued for five calendar years. This document must be renewed online at www.ctc.ca.gov.

References:

California Education Code, Sections 44873 (Physician); 44875 (Dentist); 44876 (Dental Hygienist); 44878 (Optometrist); and 44874 (Clinical Psychologist and Psychiatric Social Worker) and Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 80051

CL-380  May 2021
Updated August 18, 2023