A criminal background check and/or drug screen must be obtained from a vendor approved by the College of Health Professions, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, or the University of Arkansas System. Results of the background check/drug screen must be deemed satisfactory as a condition of the student’s admission or continuation in the program.
Scope of Background Checks
Background checks typically include the following criteria and cover the past seven years:
- Social Security Number verification
- Criminal search, including felonies, Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors (seven years)
- Violent Sexual Offender and Predator Registry search
- Office of the Inspector General List of Excluded Individuals/Entities
- General Services Administration List of Parties Excluded from Federal Programs
- U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, List of Specially Designated Nationals
- Applicable State Exclusion List
Note: The time period and the types of searches are subject to change without notice. Changes will be approved by the College of Health Professions Executive Committee.
Timing of the Background Checks
An applicant offered admission must obtain a background check and drug screen prior to enrollment into a certificate or degree program. Background checks must be completed no more than six months before matriculation.
Cost of Background Checks
The applicant or student will pay the cost of required background checks and drug screens.
Period of Validity
A background check is honored for the duration of enrollment if the student is continuously enrolled. Students may be asked to complete a drug screen “for cause” at any time during enrollment.
A student who has a break in enrollment is required to complete a new background check and drug screen. A break in enrollment is defined as non-enrollment of at least one semester in the approved curriculum of the certificate or degree program. An officially approved leave of absence is not considered a break in enrollment. Please refer to the UAMS Catalog for additional information on Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screenings.