Minnesota State Law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients, residents or clients in a healthcare facility or other organizations have a background study conducted by the state Department of Human Services (DHS). An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient/client contact as a result of the background study will not be permitted to participate in clinical rotations, fieldwork, practicums or internships. Failure to participate in a clinical rotation, etc. required by the academic program could result in ineligibility to qualify for a degree in that program. Students are responsible for maintaining a copy of their background study clearance and providing it to their clinical site if requested.  The State of Minnesota charges a $44.00 fee for the online application plus an additional $10.50 for fingerprinting. All students completing a clinical rotation, etc. in Minnesota must complete a background study application through St. Catherine University even if they have completed a background study through another entity, such as their place of employment. The Minnesota DHS background study will be valid throughout the student's time in the program and does not need to be renewed. 

In addition, some clinical partners require an additional background study the type of background study and cost will vary and students will be notified in advance of their start date. 

Students completing clinical rotations, etc. outside of the state of Minnesota will be required to complete an additional alternate background study. the type of background study and cost will vary depending on the site location and the requirements of the clinical partner.