Background Checks

Background Checks

All accepted applicants to the Dental Assisting, Early Childhood, Elementary Teacher Education, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Gunsmithing, Law Enforcement Academy, Medical Assistant Professional, Nursing, Nurse Aide and Rocky Mountain Line Tech programs at Trinidad State College are required to complete a criminal background check.

The Nursing, EMS, and Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant Professional programs also require drug screening as part of the admissions process

Instructions for completing required background check and/or drug screening will be included with your acceptance letter.  Your acceptance is conditional and will depend on the results of your background check and drug screening (if required). If an accepted applicant or student tests positive for an illegal or un-prescribed drug, that individual will be denied admission or terminated from their program. Testing positive for marijuana will be considered a failed drug test and students may be denied or removed from the program.

Separate criminal background checks and urine drug screens may be required by clinical sites prior to placement. Students denied by a clinical site that is a required component of their program will be dismissed from the program and their registration withdrawn from courses related to that program.  If the student tests positive for an illegal or un-prescribed drug, the student will be denied admission or terminated from any health sciences program even if a denied placement was not required to meet program competencies.

Successful reports of criminal background checks and urine drug screens do not assure eligibility for specific clinical site placement, program completion, and/or eligibility to sit for professional licensure/board examinations.

You should remember that licensing boards for certain professions may deny, suspend, or revoke a license or may deny an individual the opportunity to sit for an examination if it is determined that an applicant has a criminal history or has been convicted of, or pleads guilty, or pleads nolo contendere or the like to a felony or other serious crime.

Successful completion of a program of study at Trinidad State College does not guarantee licensure, the opportunity to sit for a licensure examination, certification or employment in the relevant occupation.

Students may be automatically denied admission or, if enrolled, dismissed from the program if they have not been truthful or have provided inaccurate information on the application or on any other form or submission. Students who have questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Vice President of Academic Affairs, at 719-846-5559.

PLEASE NOTE:
TSC will only accept criminal background checks and drug screens performed by a college approved vendor.  Criminal background checks are completed online and must be paid for by the student.