Welcome to the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions. We wish you success in both the academic and practical aspects of your course of study. VCU policy does not require students to undergo criminal background checks, drug screenings, credit checks or the like as a condition of acceptance or enrollment. However, clinical experiences or field internships may be an integral part of your academic program. Many of the clinical affiliates with which the University contracts to provide such clinical experiences do require criminal background checks, health screenings or drug screens as a condition of allowing students to participate in the clinical experience. Some affiliates may also require credit checks, Department of Motor Vehicles records check, review of professional disciplinary records, registry searches of certain types of sex offenders and/or verification of Social Security Numbers or legal residency.

Students assigned to a clinical rotation or internship at a clinical facility are personally responsible for completing the required checks or screening and assuring that results are obtained by the facility that asks for them. Students also will be required to bear the costs of such tests. It will be the decision of the clinical affiliate whether the student will be allowed to participate in the clinical activities. Virginia Commonwealth University does not assume any responsibility for obtaining or evaluating the results of a criminal background check, drug screen or other check, maintaining the records of results or for delivering them to clinical sites. Students may not request to be assigned only to those sites that do not require such checks. Students who refuse to undergo a criminal background check or drug screen or other required check may not be able to be placed at another facility and consequently may not be able to complete program requirements and graduate. The University will make reasonable efforts to place all enrolled students in clinical training.

Students are also reminded that licensing boards for certain occupations and professions may deny, suspend or revoke a license, or may deny the opportunity to sit for an examination, if an applicant has a criminal history or is convicted or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or other serious crime. Students should consult the licensing board of their intended profession for further information. Successful completion of a program of study at VCU’s College of Health Professions does not guarantee licensure, the opportunity to sit for a licensure examination, certification or employment in the relevant occupation.