Health Sciences

Health Sciences Programs

Application to the college and application to the health sciences programs are separate procedures. Admission to the following programs is selective:  health information technology, LPN/paramedic/veterans to RN advanced placement, massage therapy, medical assisting, medical coding, medical laboratory technician, nursing (RN), paramedic, phlebotomy, physical therapist assistant, physician assistant, practical nursing, radiologic technology and surgical technology. Consult the Admissions and Enrollment Development office or the School of Health Sciences for information on eligibility requirements and selection procedures, www.aacc.edu/about/schools-of-study/health-sciences/.

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening

All health sciences students who are offered admission and/or clinical placement will be required to submit to a complete criminal background check and urine drug screen. All student applicants’ final acceptance in the program shall be contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and of a urine drug screen.*

All letters of acceptance shall state that the acceptance is conditional and contingent on submission to a criminal background check and urine drug screen - as may be required by the program - that results in satisfactory reports. If an accepted student tests positive for an illegal or un-prescribed drug, the student shall be denied admission or terminated from any health sciences program.

Separate, additional criminal background checks and urine drug screens may be required by clinical sites prior to placements. Students with an unsuccessful background check or urine screening who are denied by a clinical site that is required to meet program competencies shall be dismissed from the program and their registrations shall be withdrawn from courses related to the program of study. If the student tests positive for an illegal or un-prescribed drug, the student shall 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.

Students are reminded that licensing boards for certain health care occupations and professions may deny, suspend, or revoke a license or may deny the individual the opportunity to sit for an examination even if the individual has completed all program course work 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 health sciences program of study at Anne Arundel Community College does not guarantee licensure, the opportunity to sit for a licensure examination, certification or employment in the relevant health care 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 the Health Sciences Admissions Office at healthsciencesadmissions@aacc.edu.

* Notwithstanding the statements herein regarding urine drug screens, as of September 2010, only certain programs will be requiring drug screening. AACC shall inform students which programs presently require them. However, AACC, at any time, has the right, upon notice, to require any and all students in any and all programs to comply with drug screening.