College of Health Sciences

All students are required to purchase a professional liability insurance policy and needs to be effective for the entire clinical/internship.

HPSO is a widely used provider for health science students.

The Health Provider’s Service Organization (HPSO) offers professional liability insurance and risk management information to a wide array of healthcare and counseling professionals.

• Get a quote
• Select Individual “start here”
• Select STUDENT
• Enter your state of residence
• Type your Profession/Area of study
• Enter your anticipated graduation date
• Estimated cost for annual policy is between $40 – 60

PA State Police clearances can be obtained using the link below:

 https://epatch.pa.gov/home

Select “Submit a New Record Check” (do not select the volunteer option)
Select Individual Request

Once this step is completed, information regarding the individual for which you are performing a background check will be gathered. Each background check performed will cost $ 22.00 dollars. After entering the background checks, you will be required to enter a valid credit card, which will be charged $22.00 dollars for each individual on which you are performing a background check.

To check on a clearance request, if there is a delay:
PATCH Helpdesk: 1-888-783-7972 (PA Criminal Record Check)

https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home

Select Create Individual Account (for any returning users, you can select the individual login)

Cost is $13 by credit/debit

Call 717-783-6211 to check on your application. The office is open 9-11am and 1-4pm.

The electronic fingerprinting provider for the State of PA is IdentoGo. The closest fingerprinting site in West Chester is 1239 W Chester Pike Ste B. For additional locations please visit: https://www.identogo.com/locations/pennsylvania. The application fee is $24.20 for the fingerprint service and to secure an unofficial copy of the FBI results Criminal History Record.

*** You must check with your field practicum location for the proper Service Code PRIOR to registering online *** It is important that you have access to a printer when enrolling***

Department of Human Services volunteer code is 1KG6ZJ

• Students must register prior to going to the fingerprinting site. Register online at https://uenroll.identogo.com Or by phone: 1-844-321-2101

• After registration is complete, you will receive an email with a link to your registration form - PRINT THIS.
• Take the registration form that you printed out, along with a photo ID, and Credit Card or Money Order to the fingerprinting location.

Shortly after fingerprints have been taken and a result can be provided, students will receive an email. If any result has a record associated with it, those results will not be electronically available and can only be transmitted by US Mail.

Accessing the results electronically - it is important that you download it, save it and print it for future needs. There will be no second access to this electronic result.

If you have not received your results within 10-15 business days or have any further concerns after fingerprints have been submitted, please contact the Dept. of Human Services at 877-371-5422.

Students who are required to submit Health Screening & Immunizations documentation may need to provide documents listing the date of immunization items below. These are a list of common requested immunizations and health screenings items. Students can contact their family provider to obtain their health & immunization summary.

• (3 dates) Hep B

• (2 dates) MMR
• (2 dates) Varicella
• Tdap (within last 10 years)
• TB/PPD
• Annual Flu shot

• COVID-19
• Physical Exam

Student Health Services provides a wide range of clinical care and can administer certain immunizations sites may require such as: Hepatitis B, Flu Shot, Physical Exam, as well as TB tests.

They are located on the ground floor of Commonwealth Hall. All students who have paid the Student Health Services fee are eligible to use services. Students will pay an additional fee for these services, and all charges will be applied to the student’s bill and payment can be made at the Bursar's office.

Please refer to the Student Health Services website to view a complete list of services provided, applicable fees, and to schedule an appointment .

Student should confirm with their clinical-internship site regarding the type of drug screening required. American Data Bank offers students a 10-panel drug screening for $35. This is an external, third-party service and is not associated with WCU.

• Setting up account with American DataBank
• Directions for purchasing a drug screening package

If a student is placed outside of Pennsylvania, clearances must be obtained in accordance with the state law of the placement location.

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/Out-of-State-Clearances.aspx

State of New Jersey Criminal History

• An individual may obtain a criminal history record check via electronic live scan at one of the approved sites. The New Jersey State Police uses the live scan fingerprinting services provided by MorphoTrust USA, a private company under contract with the State of New Jersey. To be fingerprinted, you are required to contact MorphoTrust USA to schedule a time and place to have your fingerprints captured. The fee for this service is $40.66. For more information visit their website. https://nj.gov/njsp/criminal-history-records/

State of Delaware Criminal History

• In the state of Delaware a Criminal History Background Check is obtained through fingerprints. You must provide photo Identification, such as a valid driver’s license or State ID (from any state). You do not need a social security card or a birth certificate. The fee for a State of Delaware Criminal Background Check is $52.00.

The fee for a State and Federal Criminal Background Check (must be mandated by law) is $65.00. Appointments are required. For more information visit their website. https://dsp.delaware.gov/obtaining-a-certified-criminal-history/

Students needing to be certified in CPR/BLS for Health Providers must register for an in person/hands on course.  The certification must not expire before the clinical/internship ends. The following are some available approved options:

• Undergrad students can earn CPR & AED certification in SMD 271 or Basic Life Support (typically required for healthcare professionals) in SMD 204.  (check RamPortal for availability)
• Health & Safety Institute (HSI)
• Good Fellowship

Regardless of the type of affiliation agreement on file with the University (standard or non-standard), please use the attestation form below. Students attest they understand the responsibilities of their internship/practicum/clinical experience and agree to comply with all ongoing requirements for placement by WCU and the site. 

• Agreement Attestation

• • WCU Student Attestation

*Some clinical-internship sites require students sign an additional site exhibit/confidentiality attestation. Students will be notified if a site exhibit/confidentiality attestation is required for the placement, and will be provided a copy for completion.

Students in our Public Health (graduate & undergraduate), Nutrition, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science and Communication Sciences & Disorders programs will be submitting clinical-internship requirements for approval through CastleBranch. Below are some helpful resources for getting started with your CastleBranch student account. 

• CastleBranch Student Account Set Up
• Student CastleBranch Support FAQ