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Dr. Kiran C. Patel
College of Osteopathic 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 Osteopathic 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.

Group of NSU students talking outside of campus

Background Checks

Accepted applicants and students are required to authorize Health Professions to obtain level one background checks. Incoming students must complete the online background check documentation prior to orientation.

Once you've confirmed your enrollment for the upcoming semester, you'll be sent information and a PIN number to your personal email. This pin number will grant you access to the website to start the background check process. If you haven't received your program code and background check PIN number, contact the Office of Admissions for assistance at 1-800-356-0026, ext. 7181 or (954) 262-7181.

  • 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:

  • Employment verification, including reasons for separation and eligibility for re-employment 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 of Level 1
  • Participation with FDLE and VECHS program to provide:
    • State and national criminal history record check, in conjunction with Federal Bureau of Investigation through fingerprinting

Drug Screening

NSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine does not require students to undergo a drug screening before entering. However, a drug screening may be requested at any point during the student's program. For convenience, drug-screening services are available through Florida Toxicology or Castle Branch.

Scientist dripping liquid into test tubes

Immunizations and Physical Exam

Students entering the College of Osteopathic Medicine will use the same company who processes our background checks, Castle Branch, to process medical forms.

Questions regarding the mandatory immunization and physical examination forms can be directed to Castle Branch 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 www.discover.castlebranch.com/, incoming students will create a profile to upload the Immunization and Physical Examination forms to the Castle Branch website.
  • All Immunization and Physical Examination records must be uploaded by November 1 for the fall term and by March 1 for the winter term.
  • COM Student Affairs will monitor Castle Branch for students to upload proof of completing the entire immunization requirement.
  • Castle Branch will send weekly 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 Castle Branch, 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.