Policies & Instructions

Prior to your internship or fieldwork placement, you may be required by the placement site to undergo a criminal background check.  You will be informed by your placement coordinator or course instructor if you need a background check, and what specific type of background check is needed for the facility.  Criminal background checks will be obtained at your own expense.

The requirement for a criminal background check comes from the placement site. Towson University’s College of Health Professions does not require any student to undergo a criminal background investigation, with the exception of student placements in any on-campus clinic, for example at the Institute for Well-Being.  Most field placements occur in off-campus facilities and organizations. 

If your placement is in a school system, either public or private, please contact the College of Education’s Center for Professional Practice (CPP) for instructions on how to obtain your criminal background check. You can contact the CPP by calling 410-704-2567.

If your placement is not in an educational setting, you will need to make your own arrangements to obtain your criminal background check. Some placements will require fingerprinting and/or drug screening in addition to a background check.  It is your responsibility to confirm the requirements of your site.

 Not sure what type of check to have? See the Student Guide Flowchart for help. 

You may go to any of the numerous private companies that provide criminal background checks.  Towson University’s College of Health Professions works with several companies that you may utilize in order to obtain your background check.  These companies have no signed contract with Towson University but provide a portal for our students to make the process as efficient and inexpensive as possible.

Note: Many hospitals and health care organizations have chosen to adopt the policies and procedures recommended by the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA).  These facilities may require students to use a specific company called Castle Branch to obtain their background checks.  Other facilities accept criminal background checks from any company.

The results of the background check will be shared only between you and your placement site. Towson University will not have access to the results of your criminal background check.

Revised 05/2016