Northern Illinois University
Educator Licensure and Preparation

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

Northwestern Medicine Student Health Center at NIU offers TB testing for a fee. If. candidates have insurance, the test will be billed there first

The Northwestern Medicine Student Health Center will provide you with a card verifying freedom from tuberculosis. The card is valid for one year. (You 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 office for the specific type of TB test required in Section 105: 5/24-5 of the School Code of Illinois for new teachers.

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