Criminal Background & Drug Testing

Background Checks

The Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program does not require a criminal background check prior to matriculating into the program and will not have access to criminal background data submitted to CASPA for programs outside the state of California. However, applicants should review the following:

• An admitted learner’s ability to complete the program successfully and gain the appropriate licensure could be negatively impacted by their criminal history.
• Supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE) are a critical part of the program’s requirements for graduation. Many clinical sites will not place a learner on a clinical rotation unless they have successfully passed a criminal background check. Background check results that limit the program’s ability to secure
SCPEs may prevent a student from progressing or graduating from the program.
• As a part of the licensing process, many states require that graduates undergo a comprehensive background investigation. This process requires graduates of the program to disclose all past criminal convictions, even if they have been set aside or expunged. Criminal background checks, including LiveScan, are required for state licensure in California. The California Physician Assistant Board, other state medical boards, and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in the licensure application may consider a criminal conviction history. Applicants and matriculants should consult with these entities before matriculation to ensure they will be eligible for licensure upon completion of their degree.

Drug Testing

The Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program does not require drug testing prior to matriculating into the program. However, applicants should review the following:

• Supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE) are a critical part of the program’s requirements for graduation. Many clinical sites will not place a learner on a clinical rotation unless they have successfully passed drug testing. Drug testing results that limit the program’s ability to secure SCPEs may prevent a student from progressing or graduating from the program.
• As a part of the licensing and credentialing process, many state boards, healthcare systems, and thirdparty payers require that graduates undergo a comprehensive drug testing. To satisfy the requirements of affiliated clinical partners both internal and external to the university, learners in the Program may be subjected to programmed drug testing throughout the didactic and clinical curriculum at their expense.