Caregiver Background Check
Wisconsin CareGiver Background Check Procedures
New Admits
Applicants accepted into the program are required to complete a background check. The information obtained from this background check is used by clinical agencies to determine the students’ eligibility to train within their agency. A background check is required of all applicants regardless of their place of residence.
The initial background check is in effect for four years. If there is any change in the individual’s background while enrolled in the program that results in a change of the caregiver report, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the School of Nursing. Another background check must be completed. Please note that an individual who is deemed ineligible to participate in clinical training based on the results of the check may not be able to complete the requirements for the degree. If an individual remains in the program for more than four years, another background check also is required.
Exemption: International Students who have not lived in the United States prior to attending UW-Madison School of Nursing are exempt from completing the online background check through Verified Credentials but they are required to complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) Form. The information obtained is used by the program's clinical training facilities to determine the individual's eligibility to train within the facility. Please contact the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, Academic Programs – K6/146, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53792-2455; 608-263-5202 to obtain a copy of the BID Form.
How to Complete a Caregiver Background Check
Background checks are conducted by Verified Credentials, Inc., a national background screening company, on behalf of the program via the company's on-line order system. All fees associated with the check are the responsibility of the applicant. Verified Credentials will send the results of the check to the applicant and a confirmation will also be sent to the School of Nursing for review as outlined above. Students should not send a copy of their background check or any correspondence received from Verified Credentials to us.
To order a background check, please go to the following web site: http://scholar.verifiedcredentials.com/?organization=wisc. See Related Links for step-by-step instructions on how to login to the Background Information Center. The order should be placed as soon as possible so that results are available prior to July 1.
Continuing Students
The initial background check will be in effect for four (4) years. If there is any change in the individual's background while enrolled in the program that results in a change of the caregiver report, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the School of Nursing and another full background check is required. Please note that an individual who is deemed ineligible to participate in clinical training based on the results of the check may not be able to complete the requirements for the degree. Likewise, if an individual remains in the program for more than four years, another full background check is required. Refer to instructions on "How to Complete a Caregiver Background Check" provided above.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this requirement, please contact the appropriate School of Nursing Academic Programs Office: Undergraduate Programs – at 608/263-5166, ug_compliance@son.wisc.edu, or Graduate Programs – at 608/263-5180, grad_compliance@son.wisc.edu. Questions or concerns about the Verified Credentials on-line order system should be directed to Verified Credentials at 1-800-473-4934.