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

1. Click on New Volunteer Record Check

2. Read through the information, check off the Volunteer Acknowledgment Section, and select Accept.

3. Accurately complete the Personal Information requested and click Next. (Enter West Chester University for the Volunteer Organization Name)

4. Verify, then click on Proceed.

5. Enter your personal information on the Record Check Request Form again and click Submit this Request.

6. Click Submit.

7.  Wait as the progress bar loads and the site scans for criminal record information. Once this is done loading your clearance is typically available for download instantly. Nothing will be mailed to you.

8. Very Important: Write down the Control Number and the date it was processed.

9. Click on the hyperlink for the Control Number.

10. Click on Certification Form.

11. Print and save this form. If you have issues with printing, you will need the CONTROL NUMBER and the DATE you processed the clearance in order to access it on another computer to print.

12. If your background check status says "Request Under Review" the review process will be completed in approximately 2 - 3 weeks. Please note all the details of your background check including control numbers. The status of these background checks will be updated to either No Record or Record. If the status is updated to No Record, you may print the clearance form (nothing will be mailed to you). If the status is updated to Record, the relevant information will be mailed to you.

To check on a PA Criminal Record 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

1. If registering for the first time, choose Create Individual Account and proceed to step 2. Otherwise, choose Individual Login to Access your Clearances and Create a Clearance Application. Proceed to Step 6. (See FAQ at the top of website if “having trouble logging in”)

2. Read the directions on the next page, and then click Next.

3. Fill in all the information requested (remember the Keystone ID is a username created by the user) including security questions and the security riddle (if the security riddle is unclear go back to the initial website and you should get a new question). Click Finish after completing all fields.

4. You will be provided with a temporary password at the email address provided.

5. When you receive the email go back to the initial webpage and chose Login and if entering for the first time you will be prompted to change your password. (It is important that you write down your username and password for future access!)

6. There will be a series of pages to fill in but remember to select "Volunteer Having Contact with Children" for the Application Purpose of the clearance.

7. When asked about the Certificate Delivery Method, remember to answer Yes, you would like to have a paper copy sent to your home or mailing address.

8. For individuals submitting an application as a Volunteer the application fee will be waived if you have not obtained a volunteer clearance free of charge within the previous 57 months. Otherwise, you must pay for the clearance online ($13 effective July 1, 2018) using either a debit or credit card and then sign electronically.

9. The website states that you will be provided with updates regarding the status of your clearance and will be notified when it is ready to be printed. While the website states that the process is automatic, it has been known to take up to two weeks for the clearance to be generated.

To check on a PA Child Abuse clearance request, if there is a delay:

CWIS Support Center: 1-877-343-0494 (PA Child Abuse)

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. 

*** 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 & Immunization documentation may need to provide documents listing the dates of the immunizations listed below. These are a list of common requested immunizations and health screenings items. Students can contact their family primary care provider to obtain their health & immunization summary.

• Hep B (3 dates)

• MMR (2 dates)
• Varicella (2 dates)
• Tdap (within last 10 years)
• TB/PPD (within last 12 months)
• Annual Flu shot (current seasons vaccine, administered mid-August through May each year)

• COVID-19 (often one dose from any time is accepted unless otherwise stated)
• 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. CastleBranch offers students a 10-panel drug screening. This is an external, third-party service and is not associated with WCU. WCU's Compliance Operations team will issue drug testing information via a CastleBranch evite. Students will then follow the directions provided in the evite to register for the test. Drug test results will be available directly within the student's CastleBranch portal. 

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.

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:

• American Heart Association
• Health & Safety Institute (HSI)
• Good Fellowship
• 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)

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, Nutrition, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, Nursing, Physician's Assistant and Communication Sciences & Disorders programs will be submitting clinical-internship requirements for approval through CastleBranch.  At the link below you will find Resources, FAQs, CB support, and a video on setting up your account. 

• CastleBranch Resources and Information

After your student account has been created, another great resource for assistance with your myCB Account is myCB Chat.  From checking the status of a background check to understanding a document rejection, uploading a requirement, finding results, or navigating drug-test registration, myCB Chat can help you get answers to many common questions right within myCB. It provides support in English, Spanish, and French! 

Of course, some questions may require additional assistance. When you need help beyond what myCB Chat can provide, please contact the User Experience team via email or phone:

Email: userexperience@disahealthcare.com 

Phone: 888-723-4263, selecting Option 1