Background Screening
Criminal Background Screening
Criminal background screening is completed on all students prior to admission to the nursing program by the Texas Board of Nursing. If the screening is clear of any reportable events, the student will receive a “Blue Card” or a letter from the Board of Nursing indicating that the student is cleared. A student will not be allowed to attend courses without presenting a Blue Card or a letter from the Board of Nursing. The Blue Card or letter will be maintained in the Office.
Students are expected to review the information here.
If a Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Declaratory Order event occurs during the time the student is enrolled in the program, the student will notify the Program Director within 48 hours of the event. The BON uses a 360-degree wrap around. That means that any offenses committed after the initial Criminal Background Screen will be communicated directly to the Board and may be acted upon by the BON which may prevent a student from being eligible to take the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN®).
An additional background screening is required by the clinical agencies. This screen is different from the BON screening and involves arrests, warrants, past employments and licenses and is completed by Castle Branch. Any issues must be resolved prior to admission through Castle Branch.
Castle Branch Account (Aspen)
All students must have a Castle Branch account prior to admission. Castle Branch is a vendor which tracks the background screening required by clinical agencies, immunization, CPR, forms required by the nursing program. Students are notified electronically when renewals are needed.
This user-friendly portal guides you through program and package selection to quickly place your order and create your secure account.
After you complete your order and create your account, you can log in to your account to monitor your order status, view your results, respond to alerts, and complete your requirements. You will return to your account by logging into Castle Branch and entering your username (email used during order placement) and your secure password.
Drug Screening
Drug Screening is required by the clinical agencies where students are receiving their clinical experience. Aspen has a designated company for the drug screen and will not accept results from any company other than the one designated by the University. The student is responsible for the cost which is due the time of the testing. Drug testing must occur within 30 days prior to the start of the semester.
Any student that has an interrupted enrollment will be required to complete a drug screening prior to readmission to the nursing program. An interruption in enrollment is defined as a break in rotations and/or not being enrolled in a nursing course for one or more semesters.
Additionally, any student suspected to be under the influence of if a controlled substance, drug and/or alcohol while in the practicum or simulation area will be drug tested. The student will be removed from the area, and escorted to a sent to a designated drug testing lab. No stops will be allowed. Additionally, students may be drug test randomly.
A positive drug screen is any instance in which a drug screening report shows a positive test for one or more of the drugs on the panel for which there is no lawful prescription.
A student who has a positive drug screen for which there is no lawful prescription will not be given placement in any clinical facility and/or will be dismissed from the program.
Professional Liability Insurance
All nursing students enrolled in a professional nursing program, including participating in practicum courses at required clinical sites are afforded coverage by the Aspen University Licensed Professional Liability insurance policy for all aspects of the nursing program but not including employment outside the requirements of the program.
Health Insurance
At the beginning of each semester in the nursing program, students must show evidence of personal health insurance that includes coverage for needle-stick injury.
Health Requirements
Good physical and mental health is essential for study and practice in professional nursing. The nursing faculty has the responsibility for admitting and retaining only those students who demonstrate qualities of physical and mental health generally considered essential for professional nursing practice. The Texas Board of Nursing requires the reporting of the following mental health problems: Schizophrenia or psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. Students diagnosed with any of the problems listed need to report to the Texas Board of Nursing their diagnosis.