Screening Policies

Students must pass a background check, using the program’s approved vendor, prior to matriculation into the program and another background check prior to beginning the clinical education phase of the program. Additional background checks may be required as requested by clinical sites. The program covers the cost of pre-matriculation and pre-clinical background checks.  Any additional background checks will be the financial responsibility of the student. Instructions for requesting the background check and appropriate consent forms are provided to students.  Results of the background check that indicate a criminal conviction may be shared with applicable clinical sites so that they may make a determination about student eligibility. Results that limit the program’s ability to secure clinical experiences may prevent a student from being promoted to the clinical education phase or recommended for graduation. If any false information is given regarding drug use or criminal offenses in any documents relating to their admission or attendance, if findings of a grievous nature are revealed, or if a student declines to undergo a background check while enrolled in the program, this will be grounds for dismissal from the program. Acceptance into and successful completion of the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies program does not imply or guarantee that the student will be able to obtain state licensure upon graduation. The program does not accept responsibility for any student being ineligible for coursework, continued enrollment in the program, or subsequent licensure as a physician assistant for any reason, including failure to pass a background check.

Students of the School of Physician Assistant Studies are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the highest professional and ethical standards. Lipscomb University maintains affiliation agreements with external stakeholders for supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE), many of which require criminal background checks prior to placement. As such, the program requires clinical background checks prior to matriculation and prior to initiation of the clinical year.  

If an incident(s) arises in the interim involving moral turpitude, misdemeanor offenses (other than minor traffic violations), or other felony violations during their tenure in the program, PA students should notify the program within twenty-four hours of the said incident(s) occurring. 

Students should inform the School of Physician Assistant Studies through written notification to the Program Director and Director of Student Affairs. Failure of notification to the PA program within the specified time frame may result in disciplinary action. Similarly, incidents reported to the program shall be reviewed by the Progression & Accountability Council (PAC). Incidents determined to be egregious in number or substance may result in dismissal from the program. 

Students must pass a drug screen, using the program’s approved vendor, prior to matriculation into the program and another background check prior to beginning the clinical education phase of the program. The program covers the cost of the pre-matriculation and pre-clinical year drug screen tests, as well as any required random drug screen testing. Additional drug screen tests requested by clinical sites will remain the financial responsibility of the student.  

There is a possibility that the student will need additional drug screens:

• As requested by certain clinical sites

• Random drug screens: If a student is selected for random screening, the student must complete the screening within 24 hours. If the random drug screening request is received on a Friday, it must be completed by the next business day.

• Suspicion of chemical impairment or abuse

The consequences of chemical impairment are considerable, especially in circumstances in which patient care activities are conducted.  The program regards student misuse or abuse of chemical substances as misconduct subject to disciplinary action and review by the Progression and Accountability Council (PAC). 

Students with substance abuse problems should refer to the Access and/or Referral to Services Addressing Personal Issues Policy. 

Students are required to complete a pre-participation physical prior to matriculation and again prior to the start of clinical rotations. The student must provide the program with an attestation from a licensed healthcare provider on the program-approved form that gives clearance for the student to begin each phase of the program.