Effective: 05/20/2026
Concorde does not use criminal background history as a basis for admission decisions. This approach is applied consistently across programs and locations, including in states where laws restrict the use of criminal history in the admissions process. However, students may be required to complete a background check during their program to participate in required program activities.
Students should be aware that criminal charges (past, present, or pending) or convictions may affect their ability to participate in required clinical, externship, patient care, or related program components. In some cases, this may prevent a student from progressing in or completing the program.
Students should consider how criminal background information may impact these requirements prior to enrollment. Students are also required to report new criminal charges or convictions that occur during enrollment and may be required to complete an additional background check at their own expense to evaluate the potential impact on continued program participation.
Some programs include clinical, externship, or patient care components. Participation in these components may require a criminal background check.
Additional criminal background checks may be required during a student’s enrollment based on program, clinical, externship, or regulatory requirements. Students are also required to report to the Academic Dean any new criminal charges or convictions that occur during enrollment. Failure to report such information may affect a student’s ability to meet program requirements and continue in the program. Students may also be required to complete an additional background check at their own expense to evaluate the potential impact on continued program participation.
Requirements vary depending on:
- program structure
- clinical or externship site requirements
- licensing, regulatory, or legal standards established by external entities
These requirements are determined by external entities and may change over time.
Students who are unable to meet these requirements may:
- be unable to participate in required program components
- be unable to be assigned to a clinical or externship site
- be unable to complete the program
- be unable to obtain licensure, certification, or employment
Concorde does not guarantee:
- clinical or externship placement
- licensure or certification eligibility
- employment outcomes
Students are responsible for tuition and fees incurred according to the terms of their enrollment agreement and the policies outlined in the School’s catalog.
Certain outside agencies may have additional requirements that impact a student’s ability to complete a program or participate in required program components. These requirements may include, but are not limited to, submission of fingerprints for background checks, pre-clinical or pre-licensure eligibility determinations, or additional documentation or approval processes required by licensing boards or regulatory agencies.
Students are responsible for complying with all applicable program and external requirements. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent participation in clinical or externship components and may affect a student’s ability to complete the program or obtain licensure.
Prospective and enrolled students should independently evaluate how a criminal background may impact their ability to meet program requirements, obtain licensure or certification, and secure employment. Clinical, externship, and employment are not guaranteed, and these external decisions may be based on criteria established by third parties that differ from those applied within this educational program.
Students who have concerns regarding how a criminal background may impact their ability to complete program requirements may elect to obtain a background check at any time at their own expense.
A newly enrolled student who receives background check results which results in concerns regarding how such results may impact their ability to meet program requirements may elect to cancel their enrollment within 7 calendar days of the initial program start (within the standard cancellation period) without incurring tuition charges. Charges for books, equipment, or uniforms are subject to cancellation and refund rules outlined in the catalog.
Timing and Responsibility (Fee):
- Timing is dependent upon when students reach coursework that includes patient care, clinical rotations, or externship.
- Cost varies by type of report required and ranges from $47 to $75. Prices are subject to change and paid to the third-party provider.
- For the Criminal Background Check Program-Based Timing and Responsibility Table refer to Consumer Information at https://www.concorde.edu/admissions/resources/consumer-information-guide.
Students are responsible for making informed decisions about enrollment and program participation based on how their background may affect these requirements and their ability to complete the program and pursue employment in the field.