Background Checks in PT School

Will you have to get a background check in PT school, or as part of the application process? As it turns out, you just might. If not, you may have to get one before starting certain clinicals or jobs. Here, you can see a list of states that require background checks for licensure.

While I have yet to go through this process myself, it is fairly common, especially if you’ll be working with children.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) notes, “DPT programs may require criminal background checks and/or drug tests in order to verify an individual’s suitability to participate in experiential education rotations, to confirm a student’s eligibility for licensure, and to ensure patient safety. Contact your designated DPT programs directly for specific policies.”

PTCAS changed the language for the 2022-2023 cycle to include signing something that specifies, “I understand that while PTCAS does not require me to provide my criminal history as a part of my application, nor does PTCAS require me to complete a criminal background check, the DPT program(s) to which I am applying may ask questions specific to their program and/or require me to undergo a criminal background check prior to or after matriculation.”

They add, “In response to the increase of ‘Ban the Box’ laws being passed by individual states, the question ‘Have you ever been convicted of a felony?’ as well as the subsequent question asking for details if the answer provided was ‘Yes’ will be removed from the application. Programs interested in asking this question, or questions around misdemeanor convictions, may do so in the program materials section (Quadrant 4 of the application) by adding custom questions, as applicable laws and institutional policies allow.”

So, while PTCAS as a whole no longer asks these questions, individual PT schools may still choose to gather this information, and many do.

Some programs do background checks directly through PTCAS using a system called Certiphi Screening Inc after an applicant is accepted. In this case, you’ll get an email stating you’ve been conditionally accepted to a PT school if you pass the background check. Oddly, you might not be informed which PT school is requiring the screen. The background check will typically be completed within a week and the results will be released to you first. You will then have about 10 days to decide whether the results can be released to the PT school that requested the check. This type of search doesn’t include juvenile records, but does include several other county, state, and federal criminal records. It also may require you to pay an additional fee.

Other programs may require background checks through other companies, require them before students begin clinical rotations, or not require them at all.

What about if you already have a criminal record?

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) notes that one in three adults has a criminal background. Still, this is likely to come up in either the application process or when you’re getting licensed to work as a PT. FSBPT offers additional resources here.

According to the APTA, “DPT programs may ask applicants to disclose any previous felony or misdemeanor convictions as part of the application process. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from enrolling in a DPT program; however, failure to disclose any past or pending charges may be grounds for dismissal.” Again, many states will also ask this of you as you’re applying for your physical therapy license before you can work as a physical therapist.

I’ve heard of applicants with records getting accepted into PT schools, so this alone isn’t reason not to apply. Of course, everyone’s situation is different, so it may be helpful to contact individual programs and also to check on your specific situation with a lawyer.