Prior to final acceptance, those individuals offered a seat in the University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Studies on-campus or Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid* programs, will be required to complete a criminal background check, health assessment and drug screen. Matriculation as a student in the program is conditional upon these results. Failure to complete this process and submission of documents on or before the deadline given will result in forfeiture of your seat. If a student declines to undergo this process, or if findings of a grievous nature are revealed, the offer of admission will be revoked. During enrollment, repeat background checks, health and drug screens will be required. If a student declines to undergo a background check, health assessment or drug screen while enrolled in the program or if findings of a grievous nature are revealed, this will be grounds for dismissal from the program.
This program requires the student to complete portions of their education (e.g. clinical preceptorship, practicum) at facilities external to the University to meet requirements for graduation. Many of these external facilities require screening measures such as, but not limited to, background check, child abuse clearance, health appraisal, fingerprint-based background check and/or drug test prior to placement at the facility. The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student which can, in turn, result in an inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony or felonious or illegal act may prevent the student from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice in the field.