Criminal History Background Check

** The Criminal History Background check is to be completed only after being accepted to the MEDEX Northwest program and is not a part of the initial application process. **

For many Years, MEDEX has been requiring background checks of those individual who have been accepted for admission to the MEDEX program. The background checks have previously been conducted by the Washington State Patrol, which furnishes a background checks for just Washington state. However, over the last few years hospitals and clinics throughout our service region (WWAMI) have been requiring an increased level of scrutiny of individuals working in health care fields and caring for patients. They are increasingly asking for background information beyond the borders of Washington and for yearly background checks.

As a result, the University of Washington, School of Medicine has linked with a company to provide a more comprehensive background check than can be provided by the Washington State Patrol. MEDEX Northwest has followed the School of Medicine's lead and will now require all newly admitted students to apply for a background check through this same company. In addition, all students entering the second year of the program will again be asked to complete the background check for a second time. The cost to the student is approximately $75 each year to be paid when applying for the background check. The entire process can be completed on-line each year. We will provide more information and directions at the appropriate time for each yearly background check.