Electronic Signatures – Creation and Usage

Electronically Signing a Document using Adobe Reader – Fill & Sign

You will need to print and sign or electronically sign each or your placement assessment documents and logbook pages /  Hour Summary page throughout your placement.

You will need to download and install Adobe Reader for free https://get.adobe.com/reader/. You will need to set it to the default for PDF documents, the install prompts you to do that as part of the process. This will allow you to use Fill & Sign tool to electronically sign your documents.

Click here for step by step instructions on how to Add your signature to a PDF document.

Youtube video instructions:

Fill and Sign PDF Forms

How to Sign PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader

How to create an electronic signature

NOTE: you must use your real signature or an electronic version of your real signature. Typed names or font generated signatures are not accepted as they are not sufficient or verifiable.

Note: option 4 on the below list is not sufficient when processing placement assessments / documentation. Options 1 is sufficient/ideal. Options 2 – 3 are acceptable.

Interns submitting to AHPRA – Option 1 only.

You can create your electronic signature in a few different ways. Here are your options:

  1. Upload an image of your signature. Use a dark pen and sign your signature (bigger than normal) onto a A4 piece of paper. Use your camera on your phone to take a picture of your paper signature (or scan the signature with a scanner app). Email to image / scan to yourself. Open Adobe Reader Fill and Sign and upload the Image then place the signature within your document.
  2. Draw your signature using your finger or a stylus. If you have access to a touchscreen, you can use your finger to create an electronic signature directly in your document. This is particularly helpful for when you’re signing on a mobile device or tablet!
  3. Use your cursor to draw your signature. Using your mouse or your touchpad, you can drag your cursor along the signature line to create a unique electronic signature. This should be similar to your usual personal signature.
  4. OPTION NOT SUFFICIENT OR ACCEPTED: Use your keyboard to type in your signature. This is the easiest way to create your electronic signature. Once you’ve typed in your name, you can select a font that best matches your paper signature. Just typed names are also not accepted.

(source: https://www.hellosign.com/lp/how-do-i-create-an-electronic-signature)

Preview Program to Sign (MAC computers only)

If you are using a Mac computer, you can use Preview program to add a signature.

  • Download the document you want to sign,
  • Right click on the doc in your downloads library
  • Open With – Preview,
  • Click on the ‘Mark Up’ icon,
  • Click on the icon that allows you to add a signature (hover over the icons – see below).

Other Resources

As some online options may not be as secure as Adobe Fill and Sign, student should be aware that if they choose to use any, it is at their own risk: 

  • https://www.digisigner.com/free-electronic-signature/ 
  • https://www.ilovepdf.com/

 

Electronic Signatures must be sufficient

Electronic signatures must be actual signatures not automated versions created by typing in a font version or just a printed name. 

You will need to share a link to your OneDrive Placement folder or email each completed document, in full,  (all pages, not just the signature page) to the relevant person and they will sign electronically then email the full signed document back to you. As it will still be in PDF format, you’ll just then need to name the file correctly and submit accordingly.

Make sure your forms are filled in correctly (all sections completed and signature of student, Supervisor and Agency / School Rep) and PDF’d before submission. You will be advised or sent back any incomplete forms to correct before the form can be finalised. Note: If you Supervisor and Agency Rep are the same person, they need to sign twice where applicable.

NOTE: You must combine all pages of a document into one file / attachment before emailing or uploading for signature. This also relates to your final logbook with the hour summary page (final logbook). Separate attachments per page will not be accepted. They will be emailed back to you for amending /combining which will only cause delays in completing each assessment document.

Any documents that need an electronic signature must be in PDF format only.

If you know your Primary / Individual Supervisor or Group Supervisor advise they do not have an electronic signature they will need to set one up and contact helpdesk@cairnmillar.edu.au for assistance.

If you’re unable to email it for any particular reason and you need to bring in a hard copy. Please contact your Supervisor, Group Supervisor or Placement Coordinator to arrange a time that suits them to come to reception and sign your document. Understand this option may delay the finalisation of your documents. Do not leave hardcopies at reception or with staff.

Any documents that need an electronic signature need to be in PDF format only.

Hard copy documents will not be accepted by reception staff.