Criminal Background Check and Drug Testing

Successful completion of a criminal background check is required prior to acceptance into the clinical portion of curriculum and must be completed prior to acceptance into the PTA program. The cost is borne by the student.

Background Check

1. Drug testing and criminal background checks are required by clinical affiliates.
2. Prior to the final acceptance interview, applicants are required to have a Level II FDLE/FBI & AHCA Criminal Background Check on file.

The student must be aware that they may not be accepted by clinical facilities to complete clinical practicums due to criminal history found during the Background check. Failure to complete all clinical practicums will prevent the student from successfully completing the PTA program requirements for graduation. Furthermore, students with a criminal history may be refused by the Board of Physical Therapy as a candidate for examination for licensure. Please refer to Florida Statue 456.0635 for more information which can be found on the following website- http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2012/456.0635.

Drug Testing

The DCE will be immediately informed of any student who appears to be impaired or under the influence of drugs/alcohol during clinical experiences. There will be zero tolerance of students working under the influence of alcohol or any other illicit drugs. Students must realize that some clinical affiliates routinely conduct random drug testing of employees, including students. Therefore, the student should anticipate random drug testing at all clinical affiliates.

If a student tests positive for drugs and/or alcohol, the student will be immediately removed from the clinical experience resulting in an Incomplete or Failure (“F”) of the internship with the potential for Dismissal from the PTA program.