Holland College Sick Note & Exam Deferral Guide
Holland College is PEI's primary polytechnic institution with campuses in Charlottetown, Summerside, and Georgetown. With programs in trades, technology, health sciences, and business, students frequently need medical documentation for missed assessments.
Holland College Medical Documentation Policy
When you need a sick note:
- Missed midterm or final exam
- Missed lab session (especially in health sciences, trades, and culinary programs)
- Missed clinical placement shift (nursing, paramedicine, ECE programs)
- Assignment extension request (instructor discretion)
- Missed mandatory attendance day (some programs have strict attendance requirements)
What the note must include:
- Date of the medical consultation
- Confirmation that you were/are unfit for academic duties
- Expected duration of absence
- Physician or nurse practitioner signature and credentials
- Does NOT need to include your specific diagnosis (Holland College cannot require this)
Program-Specific Requirements
| Program Area | Attendance Policy | Note Required After | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing (PN/BScN) | 100% clinical attendance | 1 missed clinical day | Must clear fitness-to-practice before return |
| Paramedicine | 100% clinical/lab | 1 missed session | Fitness assessment may be required |
| Trades (Electrical, Plumbing, etc.) | 80% minimum | 2 consecutive days | Shop safety clearance on return |
| Culinary Arts | 90% minimum | 1 missed kitchen day | Food safety clearance |
| Business/IT | Varies by instructor | Exam/test only | Most flexible policies |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 80% minimum | 2 consecutive days | Practicum has stricter rules |
| ECE | 90% minimum | 1 missed placement | Vulnerable sector considerations |
The Clinical Placement Challenge
Health sciences students at Holland College face unique challenges:
- Clinical placements are at Health PEI facilities (QEH, PCH, community health centres)
- Missing a clinical day often means repeating the entire rotation if you can't make it up
- Some rotations only run once per year, meaning a missed day could delay graduation by 12 months
- A sick note is essential to avoid academic penalty and secure a makeup opportunity
How to Submit Your Sick Note
Step 1: Notify your instructor immediately (email or phone before your class/clinical starts)
Step 2: Obtain medical documentation within 3 business days of your absence
Step 3: Submit to:
- Your program coordinator (for clinical absences)
- Your instructor (for class/lab absences)
- Student Services (for exam deferrals)
Step 4: Complete the Academic Consideration Request form (available on MyHC portal)
The PEI Student Healthcare Problem
Holland College students face significant barriers to getting sick notes:
- No on-campus health clinic at Holland College (unlike UPEI which has Student Health)
- Charlottetown walk-in clinics fill up by mid-morning
- Students without a family doctor (common for out-of-province students) have no regular physician
- International students face additional barriers (unfamiliarity with PEI healthcare system)
- Summerside campus students have even fewer walk-in options
Cost Comparison for Holland College Students
| Option | Cost | Wait Time | Available When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in clinic (Charlottetown) | $30-$45 | 2-4 hours | Weekdays 8:30-4:30 | Often full by 10 AM |
| Walk-in clinic (Summerside) | $25-$40 | 2-3 hours | Weekdays 9-4 | Limited capacity |
| QEH Emergency | $25-$50 | 4-8 hours | 24/7 | Not recommended for notes only |
| UPEI Student Health | $0 | 1-3 hours | Limited hours | Only for UPEI students, not HC |
| MedLetter | $49 | 0 wait | 24/7 online | Same-day delivery |
Exam Deferral Process at Holland College
1. Contact your instructor within 24 hours of the missed exam
2. Submit medical documentation within 3 business days
3. Complete the deferral request form on MyHC
4. Wait for approval from your program coordinator (typically 2-5 business days)
5. Write the deferred exam at the scheduled makeup date (usually within 2 weeks)
Important: Holland College does NOT accept self-declaration for exam deferrals. You MUST have a medical note from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.
International Students at Holland College
PEI attracts international students to Holland College programs. Key considerations:
- You are covered by the PEI International Student Health Plan (not PEI Medicare)
- Walk-in clinic visits are covered but sick note fees are NOT
- Language barriers can make walk-in visits more stressful
- MedLetter's online process eliminates language and transportation barriers
- Your note will be in English (which Holland College requires)
Tips for Holland College Students
1. Don't wait until you're sick to figure out your options. Know where walk-in clinics are and their hours before you need them.
2. Email your instructor immediately when you're sick, even before you have the note. This shows good faith.
3. Keep copies of all medical notes in case of disputes or if you need to appeal.
4. Check your program handbook for specific attendance policies. Some programs are stricter than the general college policy.
5. If you're in a clinical program, understand that one missed day can have cascading effects on your graduation timeline.
Related: [PEI Sick Leave Rights](/blog/pei-sick-leave-rights-employment-standards-2026) | [Can Employer Require Sick Note PEI](/blog/can-employer-require-sick-note-pei) | [Sick Note Cost PEI 2026](/blog/sick-note-cost-pei-2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Canada?
Yes. Licensed Canadian physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by employers across all provinces.
How much does an online sick note cost?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. No hidden fees, no clinic wait times.
Will my employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Canadian provincial medical colleges recognize virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.