The Florida International University College of Medicine requires a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and a drug screening program (DSP) for controlled substances as a prerequisite for entering the first year of medical school.  This action was instituted because of the obligation of our College of Medicine to patients and to society to train and grant medical degrees only to individuals who have demonstrated behaviors that are in keeping with the professionalism expected of all physicians and students.  It should also be noted that other colleges at Florida International University currently have a DSP in operation. 

Applicant Background Check

The AAMC facilitated CBC will be accomplished by Certiphi Screening, Inc. The AAMC will not charge an additional fee for a CBC unless the applicant pre-orders a report for personal reasons. Information on this AAMC facilitated CBC is available online at http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/faq/background.htm .

The Florida International University College of Medicine will require the AAMC facilitated CBC on all applicants who receive acceptance to our College of Medicine. The results of this CBC will be necessary before the applicant can begin his/her 1st year of medical school training. Findings of documented felonies or worse will be grounds for cancellation of the applicant's acceptance into medical school. Findings of documented misdemeanors will be considered on a case basis but could be grounds for cancellation of the applicant's acceptance into medical school.

Florida International University College of Medicine enrolled students who are charged with misdemeanors or felonies will be reviewed by the Evaluation and Promotion Committee.

Applicant Drug Testing

The College of Medicine requires a 10 panel screen plus alcohol on all applicants admitted into the College prior to the beginning of 1st year classes. The 10 panel screen will include amphetamines, cocaine metabolites, marijuana metabolite, opiates, phencyclidine plus propoxyphene, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, and methaqualone, plus alcohol.

The cost for the drug screen is in the range of $39 and will be paid by the applicant.

A 10 panel screen plus alcohol has been developed by American DataBank, 820 16th Street, 8th Floor, Denver, CO 80202, telephone 1-800-200-0853). Additional information is available online at http://www.americandatabank.com/drugscreening.htm .