CMSV 307 Criminal Background Check

Policy Name: Criminal Background Check

Upon acceptance of admission to the College of Mount Saint Vincent Master of Science Physician Assistant Program, students must complete the procedure for obtaining a criminal background check. The procedure for completing this background check will be conducted, via our assigned vendor CastleBranch. The background check is mandatory and must be successfully passed. Prospective students who fail the criminal background check will have their offer of acceptance into the College of Mount Saint Vincent Master of Science Physician Assistant Program rescinded.

The criminal background check procedure must also be initiated prior to the start of the clinical rotation phase of the program. There are various laws, standards, and employer designated policies that require all employees, volunteers, and students assigned to a clinical site to undergo a criminal background check. Consequently, except for a few clinical sites to which these laws, standards, and policies may not apply, the clinical affiliates of the College’s program may also require that a criminal background check be conducted on each student assigned to the specific clinical site before the student will be permitted to begin the clinical assignment. It is important that a criminal background check be completed as soon as possible as failure to institute one in a timely manner may seriously delay or cancel your assigned clinical assignment. It is strongly recommended that any student who is entering a clinical site rotation where a criminal background check is required institute the criminal background check at least 2-weeks prior to their scheduled start date.

Incoming and presently enrolled students in the program who are having difficulty with this process are encouraged to contact the program’s senior administrator.

Please note: Individuals considering applying to the program should be aware that based on certain criminal convictions, clinical affiliates may not accept a student for a clinical assignment or may rescind a previous acceptance. The reasons for rescinding a previous acceptance to a clinical site due to information obtained within a background check are varied and may differ from clinical institution to clinical institution. If such an event were to materialize, and dependent upon on the circumstances, the student may be unable to complete a required clinical experience and consequently the program’s curriculum requirements. Students who are unable to complete the curriculum requirements are subject to dismissal from the program.

In addition, there are certain criminal convictions which may or will result in the denial of the credentials needed to practice as a physician assistant. Prospective students who are concerned about a criminal conviction(s) are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant state and/or federal agencies to inquire whether their criminal record may adversely affect the issuance of the credentials needed to practice as a physician assistant. It is a mandatory requirement that all students who complete a physician assistant program be deemed able to be licensed within the jurisdiction of New York State. Thus, any reporting with regard to a criminal background check that will inhibit the obtaining of a New York State license will be deemed grounds for rescinding of acceptance to the College’s program or dismissal from the program in event of an occurrence that happens prior to graduation.