Criminal background check

Prior to clinical experience courses, background checks are conducted for IL, MO, and every state in which the student has resided or worked since the age of 18 years. Paperwork and fees for criminal background checks will be provided at program orientation meetings. Lab fees cover costs for IL & MO background checks. Students who have resided or worked in states other than IL and MO are responsible for the additional fees for those states. Students who do not submit completed paperwork and the correct fee for the criminal background check will not be allowed to continue to attend class until all necessary forms and fees are collected. A history of certain criminal convictions will prohibit students from participation in the clinical portion of the program. A complete list of disqualifying offenses/convictions can be found at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website: http://www.idph.state.il.us/nar/  . Fines, probation, or conditional discharge are convictions and will appear on a criminal history check. If you are unsure as to whether an arrest resulted in a conviction, contact the county in which you were arrested and speak to a representative in the Circuit Clerk, State's Attorney office, or your attorney.

To participate in the clinical portion of the program, admitted students with criminal convictions will be required to present an IDPH waiver for the offense. Students must begin the waiver application process PRIOR to notification of acceptance into the program. It usually takes an average of 8-12 weeks to receive a waiver determination from IDPH. Applicants should be aware that obtaining a waiver does not guarantee program admission, that not every clinical facility accepts the IDPH waiver, and therefore is not a guarantee that sufficient clinical facilities are available to complete the required clinical curriculum. It is certain that without the waiver, the clinical sites will not permit direct patient contact and program completion is not possible.

Applicants should also be aware that less than half of those who apply for an IDPH waiver receive one. Each waiver application is reviewed on an individual basis. In general, a waiver is not granted in the following circumstances: 1. The crime committed involved an elderly or disabled person; 2. There are more than 2 similar crimes; 3. The crime involves murder, sexual assault, aggravated battery, armed robbery, exploitation of a child, child pornography or kidnapping; or 4. The offense occurred less than 2 years ago.

Students may call 217-785-5133 to request a waiver application from IDPH. Students who have concerns regarding the above regulations are encouraged to discuss the matter with the program coordinator or coordinator's assistant as soon as possible.

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