Criminal Background Check Policy

There are various laws, standards, and employer policies that require all employees, volunteers, and students working in or assigned to a clinical site to undergo a criminal background check. Consequently, except for a few clinical sites to which these laws, standards, and policies may not apply, the clinical affiliates of the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program (the “PA Program”) require that a criminal background check be conducted on each PA Program student assigned to the clinical site before the student will be permitted to begin the clinical assignment.

After accepting the offer of admission to the PA Program, students must complete the procedure for obtaining a criminal background check. It is important that a criminal background check be completed as soon as possible because otherwise a clinical assignment may be delayed or denied. Students who have questions about the process for obtaining a criminal background check should email the Admission Administrative Coordinator at paprogram_admissions@pace.edu.

Individuals considering applying to the PA Program should be aware that based on certain criminal convictions clinical affiliates may not accept a student for a clinical assignment or may rescind a previous acceptance. In such an event, and depending on the circumstances, the student may be unable to complete a required clinical experience and consequently the PA Program curriculum requirements. Students who are unable to complete the PA Program curriculum requirements are subject to dismissal from the PA Program.

In addition, certain criminal convictions may result in the denial of the credentials needed to practice. Prospective students who are concerned about a criminal conviction are urged to contact the relevant state and/or federal agencies to inquire whether their criminal record may adversely affect the issuance of the credentials needed to practice as a physician assistant.