Approved March 2026
To ensure that students in professional programs in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions uphold the professional standards, integrity, and behavior expectations of their discipline, all students are required to obtain a satisfactory national background check and drug screen.
Prior to professional coursework, clinical/field placement, or internship/practicum, students must undergo a national criminal background check through the College’s approved service provider. Information regarding criminal offense or conviction gathered as a result of a background investigation may result in denial of admission, dismissal or other action as determined by the program or Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions. This includes, but is not limited to:
Students are required to meet all applicable program standards, clinical/field placement requirements, state or national licensing/credentialing regulations, and the College’s professional expectations. In addition to the initial background screening, students are required to immediately disclose to their Program Chair any new acts, charges, arrests, convictions, pleas, or offenses that occur after the date of their initial background check and throughout the duration of their enrollment. Failure to disclose such events may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program. The College reserves the right to evaluate any reported or discovered incident to determine its impact on the student’s eligibility for continued enrollment, clinical placement, or professional progression. As part of this evaluation, the College may require additional background screening. The College will then review all disclosed or discovered information in accordance with applicable program standards, clinical/field placement requirements, state or national licensing/credentialing regulations, and the College’s professional expectations.
Prior to professional coursework, clinical/field placement, or internship/practicum, students must undergo a drug screen. Drug screens conducted through the College’s approved service provider are 10 panel drug screens (Amphetamines, Barbiturate, Cocaine, Cannabinoids, Methaqualone, Opiates, Phencyclidine, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, and Propoxyphene). Drug screens other than those conducted through the College’s approved service provider must be a minimum of 10 panel and have been done within 3 months prior to professional coursework, clinical/field placement, or internship. Drug screens with any positive final results may result in the denial of admission, dismissal or other action as determined by the program or Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions. Students with positive drug screen testing are ineligible to apply to any program in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions for a period of one year from the date of last drug screen.
Academic programs within the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions follow the University’s policies on drug and alcohol abuse as outlined in the Student Handbook and in the University Handbook.
In response to the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendment of 1989, (Public Law 101-226), the University has established policies to maintain an environment free of illicit drugs and illegal use of alcohol. The University prohibits the illegal manufacture, possession, use and/or distribution of drug and alcohol by students, employees, and visitors on University owned or leased property or as a part of any “university activity” as that term is defined by the University.
In the event of conduct or occurrence which involves unsatisfactory performance or behavior but not limited to, a good faith belief of impairment because of alcohol consumption or substance abuse by a student, a clinical facility or faculty will give immediate notice to the Dean of the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions. All parties involved will cooperate with each other in making a prompt investigation of the facts and/or circumstances of such conduct or occurrence. The investigation and any disciplinary action involving the student is at the discretion of the University and must follow and comply with the appropriate policies and procedures of the University.
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