Background Check Policy for Applicants and Students
Policy Scope
This policy applies to all University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), College of Allied Health Professions (CAHP) students.
Policy Statement
CAHP complies with the UNMC Background Check Policy.
Applicability & Exceptions
CAHP requires background checks on all newly admitted students with the following exceptions.
- Students admitted to fully on-line programs and who will not access UNMC facilities in person or will not enroll in clinical course work (or equivalent) at a facility that requires a background check.
- Non-degree/certificate seeking students except for those students participating in clinical course work (or equivalent) at a facility that requires a background check.
- International students who have a valid student visa permitting them to study at UNMC and have never lived in the US and/or US territories or attended an educational institution within the US and/or US territories.
- Students participating in intercampus enrollment at UNMC.
- Current Nebraska Medicine or UNMC employees or graduate students who have completed a background check within the past two years. Some CAHP programs may require a background check regardless of employee/graduate student status. Please verify programmatic requirements.
A student who has a break in enrollment of at least two semesters in the approved curriculum of a certificate or degree program may be required to complete a new background check at the discretion of the student’s Program Director. An approved leave of absence does not constitute a break in enrollment for the purpose of this policy.
Identification of Vendors
All background checks will be performed by vendors approved by CAHP. The types of checks required will be those checks covered by the standard CAHP vendor-approved list. Clinical affiliation agreements may require additional checks not included on the standard vendor-approved list. Any additional checks should be requested by the program or student and paid for by the student or site.
Allocation of Cost
Accepted applicants and enrolled students must pay the costs associated with procuring a background check.
Frequency
- Newly admitted students without an exception are required to submit a background check. Students who decline to do so will be ineligible for admission or progression.
- Students may need to submit additional and/or repeated background checks depending on program and clinical placement requirements.
Review of Background Checks
CAHP has the discretion to determine what constitutes an adverse finding in the background check that may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the program. If a determination of an adverse finding is made, CAHP will determine if such an adverse finding will result in denial of admission or dismissal from the CAHP. This determination cannot be appealed.
CAHP reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission or progression or to place monitoring requirements on any student whose background investigation reveals a history of conduct that:
- is reasonably determined to increase the risk of harm to patients or individuals on UNMC premises; or
- was not accurately disclosed in response to a direct question regarding criminal history on any application for admission in connection with the program; or
- is inconsistent with the high standard of ethical conduct required of all members of the academic community; or
- is otherwise unbefitting a member of the academic community or would preclude completion of required educational activities.
Failure to Submit a Background Check
Any student who fails to adhere to the background check deadline set by CAHP may be suspended from all classes, which include the following, but are not limited to: Clinical rotations, laboratory sessions, fieldwork placements and research activities until clearance documentation is provided in accordance with CAHP procedures.
Additional/Subsequent Criminal and Civil Matters
All students must report to CAHP within 30 days any new charges against them involving criminal activity including but not limited to theft, assault, and illegal drug/alcohol activity other than minor traffic violations. The student must also report if they have been a defendant in a civil suit. When this occurs or is discovered while a student is in attendance at UNMC, disciplinary action may be taken, including dismissal and will be addressed through the university’s academic or disciplinary policies. Failure to report new charges within 30 days may result in disciplinary action including dismissal.
Background Check Record Maintenance
Background check reports and other submitted information are confidential and may only be reviewed by University of Nebraska Medical Center officials and affiliated clinical facilities in accordance with the Family Educational Records and Privacy Act (FERPA). Records will be maintained according to state statute requirements. Students should request and secure a copy of their background check results from the vendor.
Effective Date
The provisions of this Policy apply to cases in which formal charges are brought after the date on which this Policy was approved by the CAHP Leadership Council. Amendments to this Policy apply to cases in which formal charges are brought after the date that the amendment takes effect.
Periodic Review
The CAHP Academic Standing and Progression Policy will be reviewed at least every three (3) years.
References
Effective Date: 2025-2026 Academic Year
Revised Date: 8/5/2025
Policy Process Applied: Standard
Policy Review Cycle: Three-Year
Responsible Administrator: CAHP Dean for Academic & Student Affairs
Responsible Offices: CAHP Office of Enrollment Management & Academic Affairs
Policy Contact: cahpadmissions@unmc.edu