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Dr. Kiran C. Patel
College of Allopathic Medicine

Your Success is Our Priority

You're embarking on a rewarding and challenging journey toward a career in healthcare. Central to your education and practice at Nova Southeastern University's College of Allopathic Medicine is a strong commitment to health and safety.

Accepted applicants and students are required to comply with university regulations pertaining to health and safety that will help ensure a safe and productive learning environment. These standards are detailed below.

students talking on campus

Background Checks

Accepted applicants and students are required to authorize the School of Health Sciences to obtain level one background check. Incoming students must complete the online background check documentation process prior to orientation.

Once you've confirmed your enrollment for the upcoming semester, you'll be sent information on how to process your background check as well as upload your immunization documentation to your NSU email address. If you have not received your instructions or have questions on how to complete the process, please contact the School of Health Sciences Office of Student Affairs for assistance at 954-262-1087 or email shsstudentaffairs@nova.edu. 

  • Social Security Number to verify past residences.
  • Criminal background search based on all previous addresses.
  • The search shall involve all types of criminal offense, including all matters related thereto, extending up to seven (7) years.

Level 1 background check shall also include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Employment verification, including reasons for separation and eligibility for reemployment for each employer.
  • Violent Sex Offender and Predator Registry search.
  • The Office of Inspector General list of excluded individuals/entities.
  • The GSA list of parties excluded from federal programs.
  • Checking the Applicable State Exclusion List, if applicable.

Level 2 Background check includes all information contained in a level 1 check, plus the following:

  • A national fingerprint criminal history record check, facilitated through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Drug Screening

NSU's College of Allopathic Medicine does not require students to undergo a drug screening before entering. However, many programs and clinical sites may require a drug screening before a student begins their rotations.

More information will be provided by the program and the School of Health Sciences Office of Student Affairs.

scientist dripping liquid into test tubes

Immunizations and Physical Exam

Students entering the College of Allopathic Medicine / School of Health Sciences will use the same company who processes our background checks, CastleBranch, to process medical forms.

Questions regarding the mandatory immunization and physical examination forms can be directed to CastleBranch at 888-914-7279.

What to Know

  • All incoming students must have a thorough physical examination prior to the first day of classes. Please review the Immunization Guidelines and have your physician fill out the Physical Exam Form and the Immunization Form.
  • Upon completing the background check form on discover.castlebranch.com, incoming students will create a profile to upload the Immunization and Physical Examination forms to the CastleBranch website.
  • All immunization and physical examination records must be uploaded within 45 calendar days from the start of class.
  • School of Health Sciences Student Affairs will monitor CastleBranch for students to upload proof of completing all immunization requirements.
  • CastleBranch will send reminders via email if students are not compliant with any requirement.
  • DO NOT send original documents. You must keep a copy for your records. If you must send the forms to CastleBranch, send them via certified mail.

Failure to Comply

The University is not required to provide alternate sites for clinical practicum or rotations should immunization be a requirement for placement. Therefore, failure to comply with this policy may result in a student's inability to satisfy the graduation requirements in their program.

Arrangements

Students may request that the University Health Service perform these immunizations. The University Health Service will make appointments in as timely a manner as possible. The appointments, once made, become an obligation of the student and must be kept.