In order to protect the patients, the affiliated clinical sites, the athletic training students and the university, the MSU Billings Athletic Training Program (ATP) has criminal background check policy.  All students must complete and pass a criminal background check prior to full admittance into the program however a student does not need to have a criminal background check as part of initial application process. 

*ALL students MUST complete a background check prior to full admittance into the ATEP and before placement in a clinical education experience with an affiliated clinical site.  Incoming first year students must have completed their background check in time for placement at an affiliated site no later than August 1 of their first year. 

Process of Requesting a Criminal Background Check

Once provisionally accepted into the ATEP, the student will receive information from the ATEP regarding placing an order.  The student will be required to contact the vendor (Certified Background) to begin the online process.  The cost will be approximately $55.  For international students the background check may cost up to and over $150.  The cost of the background check is a student expense. 

The Criminal Background Check will include the following criteria:

Package: Standard (Health)

Price Paid to Certified Background
Montana Statewide Criminal Search
Residency History
All counties outside MT – previous 7 years
Nationwide Criminal Database with Sex Offender
Nationwide Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Search

Storage of Criminal Background

The storage of a student’s criminal background information will be stored with the vendor, Certified Background, and will be considered confidential and will not be released to a third party (affiliated clinical site).  If an affiliated clinical site does request this information, the student will need to contact Certified Background to release their information to that affiliated clinical site. 

If there is a Record on the Criminal Background Check

Once the ATP has received the Criminal Background Check report and there is a record of a misdemeanor (arrest, indictment, conviction, etc.) indicated in your background check, the ATP Director will request that the student completes the Disclosure of Information Form (see below).  This form is an opportunity for the student to explain the circumstances of the arrest, indictment or conviction as well as any court action.  The disclosure form must be completed by the student and turned into the ATP Director for review.  Throughout the process of review, the student will be notified of his or her status. 

Normal Procedure for Review of a Record on the Criminal Background Check

Misdemeanor

Step 1:  The self-disclosure form will be reviewed by the Program Director and Health and Human Performance (HHP) Department Chair.  These individuals will recommend either for or against granting the student admission or they may recommend proceeding through the College of Health Professions and Science Petition and Appeals Committee.  If the Program Director and HHP Department Chair recommend proceeding, Step 2 is initiated.  Depending on the report on the criminal record, the review of a record may begin and end with Step 1. 

Step 2 (if necessary):   The College of Health Professions and Science (CHPS) Petition and Appeals Committee will review the background check information and the self-disclosure form.  At this Step the student will be requested to submit court records for review. 

Step 3 (if necessary):  Lastly, the background check information, self-disclosure form and court records will be reviewed by the Dean of the CHPS.  The decision by the Dean is final, unless a formal appeal is requested.

Felony

If there is a record of a felony criminal charge, the disclosure form will be sent directly to the Montana State University Billings officials and reviewed by the Athletic Training Education Program Director and Registrar on a case-by case basis.  
*It must be noted that a record of a felony may prohibit an individual from full acceptance into the ATP and/or obtaining certification and licensure as an athletic trainer. 

Appeal Procedure

If for any reason a student believes any information provided in the background check is not accurate, or not satisfied with the decision after the review of a criminal record as outline above, the student has the right to initiate an appeal for which the ATEP has established a process.

Appeals Process:

Step 1:  Student may request a meeting with Program Director and Health and Human Performance (HHP) Department Chair.  If unsatisfied with the outcome at step one, the student

Step 2 (if necessary):  If unsatisfied with the outcome at step 1, the student may request a meeting with the College of Health Professions and Science (CHPS) Petition and Appeals Committee.

Step 3 (if necessary):  Lastly, if unsatisfied with the outcomes in steps 1 and 2, the student may request a meeting with Dean of CHPS.  This step in the appeals process is the final decision.