University of Western States has implemented background checks.
There are a number of reasons why the university requires background checks. We want to ensure the safety of our students, employees and patients. The university also understands that clinical experiences are an essential element in a number of our programs. Students who cannot participate in clinical experiences due to criminal or other adverse activities revealed in a background check are unable to fulfill the requirements for graduation. If a student has a felony conviction, they may not be able to sit for the board certification exams for their specialty. They also may not be able to attain a state licensure. Contact the licensing body of the jurisdiction they intend to practice in for further information. Because of these requirements for licensure, we also do not want students incurring debt and then be unable to practice.
General FAQs
When will I need to complete the background check?
Students who are conditionally accepted will be required to satisfactorily complete the background check process. The process needs to be complete prior to registering for the second term of courses. You will be allowed to register to take classes for the first term. If the process is not satisfactorily completed by the end of term one, a registration hold will be placed on the student’s account.
What information will I need to provide for the background check?
You will need to provide your full social security number, date of birth and seven years of address history. If you reside outside of the United States you will not be required to provide a social security number.
Will I have to pay the fee for the background check?
No, the university will pay for background check fees.
How long does it take to get the results of the background check?
Students should receive the results in 2-4 business days.
What happens if there is incorrect information on my background check?
Information about how to dispute incorrect information will be on the consumer copy of the report. The consumer copy will be provided to you once the background check has completed.
What is the process if there is an issue in my background check findings?
Assigned university officials will review all background checks that have a finding that may impact the applicant’s ability to participate in their educational program. All findings will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The applicant will be informed of the outcomes of the review.
What are the potential consequences if I have a criminal incident on my background check?
Background checks with serious findings will be reviewed by a panel of university officials. Applicants will have the opportunity to provide an explanation of the circumstances. This explanation in combination with the background check findings will be used to render a final decision. In certain circumstances, applicants may be unable to enroll in a program, or may be dismissed, based on their prior criminal history and the information provided to the panel.
Will I have to repeat this process at other points in the program?
Depending on the program and external practicum site standards, students might be subject to additional screenings including another background check and/or fingerprinting. Students who experience a break in enrollment of two or more terms will be required to complete another background check. Students who apply to additional programs will be required to complete an additional background check associated with the application to that program if there has been a break in enrollment of two or more terms. If a student is concurrently enrolled, and the program does not have an external requirement for further screening, the student will only need to have one background check completed by the university. Students are required by the background check policy to inform the university in writing of any arrests, charges, indictments or convictions that are made after the initial background check is complete.
Do other health sciences universities require background checks?
Yes, it is an increasingly standard requirement in higher education, especially in health sciences programs, to institute a background check process.
What happens if I do not complete the background check?
Students will have to satisfactorily complete the background check or they will have a hold placed on their registration for the upcoming quarter.
Who will have access to my background check report and information?
A small, select committee will be reviewing the background check information. We are very aware of the privacy concerns of our applicants and the background check information falls under our internal privacy policy.
What do I do if I have a technical issue while submitting my background check?
Please reach out to [email protected] with any technical issues.
International Student FAQs
Will Canadian and other international students be subject to background checks?
Yes.
Is there a different process for Canadian or international applicants?
The process is the same for applicants outside the U.S. except they will not be asked for their social security number. There are some countries or provinces that may require additional information, but you will be informed if that is the case.
Contact Us
Questions or comments?
Please contact Sarah Schoettler Woll, assistant director of admissions, operations and technology.
