Associate Degree and Vocational Nursing Policy, Standard and Timing for Drug Screening and Background Checks

Students will follow the guidance and policies of the program when submitting documentation.

This policy applies to all students applying for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing Option for the Articulating Student, and the Vocational Nursing programs and is at the student’s own expense.

All drug screen tests and background checks as required by the programs must be conducted, and verification of negative results received after acceptance but prior to enrollment in the program to which the student is applying.

Enrollments are contingent upon declaratory order outcomes should a positive background check or self-disclosure of a positive criminal history occur. The programs will honor drug screen, program specific background check and physical for the duration of the student’s enrollment in the program if the participating student has not had a break in enrollment from the CTC Department of Health Sciences. (A break in enrollment is defined as nonattendance of one full 16-week semester or more.) FBI background checks completed through MorphoTrust do not need to be repeated.

Submit Texas Board of Nursing documentation of actual results of a negative criminal background check through MorphoTrust screening services to the CTC Department of Health Sciences designee. Background checks are to be completed no more than 90 days prior to the program start date. The eligibility determination takes a minimum of 3-6 months. Disclosure of a positive criminal background will prohibit registration. The student will be advised to petition TBON for an eligibility determination. The prospective student for the CTC DHS will not be considered for admission until the Declaratory Order outcomes are received by the Chair, DHS from the prospective student/TBON. Declaratory Orders that are unresolved 30 days prior to the first day of classes will result in the student being removed from the enrollment list.

During progression through the program, students must inform the CTC DHS Nursing Programs Director, and/or designee of any mental or physical condition, illness, injury, surgery, pregnancy, etc. that would result in a change of the physical limitations status. Safety is a priority for the patient and health and well-being of students and faculty. Failure to inform the program may result in immediate withdrawal from the course or program. Medical care which results in student absence must include the physician’s return to class/clinical/lab documentation following illness, injury, surgery, pregnancy, or as required by faculty. Documentation must be faxed directly from the healthcare provider to the CTC DHS.

Negative 11-panel Drug Screen must be completed no more than 45 days prior to the program start date. Results must be faxed directly to the CTC DHS.