Practice Doctorate Program Student Drug Testing

MTSA is a faith-based institution committed to the health and well-being of its students, employees, and the patients served during clinical rotations. As part of this commitment, MTSA maintains a safe, drug-free learning environment and requires all students to participate in drug screening before and throughout their enrollment. 

MTSA contracts with a third-party that maintains sites nationwide to perform chain of custody drug screening. MTSA financially supports mandatory drug screening.

1. Mandatory Initial Drug Screening: All students will be required to have a drug screening prior to enrollment. Students are responsible for paying for drug screens completed prior to enrollment.
2. Mandatory Random Selection Drug Screening: While enrolled at MTSA, each semester a student(s) will be selected to participate in a random drug screening. The choice of student is randomly selected using an internet based random selection process generated by a computer program. Students will be required to have their test completed within 24 hours of notification. Clinical coordinators may be notified to allow students time to go to the closest testing site. MTSA pays for this testing.
3. For Cause Drug Screening: MTSA reserves the right to request for cause drug screening at any time. This screening must be completed within 24 hours of request. MTSA pays for this testing. Any of the following will result in a required drug screen:
   1. Receipt of a "red card" in clinical
   2. Erratic student behavior in classroom/simulation
   3. Behavior outbursts
   4. Calling out at clinical without a physician visit for illness
   5. Other incidents. 
4. Confirmational Drug Screening (Hair Test): A hair test drug screen will be conducted following any failed medical review. This test will be at the student’s own expense.

MTSA acknowledges the increasing availability of products that may contain THC. However, students who test positive for any drug or alcohol, including THC, will be removed from clinical duties and referred to MTSA leadership for evaluation. This meeting is intended to determine whether further support, intervention, and/or disciplinary actions may be needed. 

To resume clinical participation, the student must: 

• Submit weekly drug tests at their own expense until a negative (“clear”) result is obtained 

• Make up any missed clinical time, which may require an extension of the program beyond the original anticipated graduation date 

• Be responsible for any associated fees resulting from program extension 

• Fulfill all other requirements/conditions set forth by the Program Administrator  

Students may not return to clinical rotations until a negative (“clear”) test result is received and all conditions set forth by the Program Administrator have been met. 

If a student is unable to complete their drug screening within 24 hours or provide urine, additional testing may be performed at the student’s added expense. Any test that results in a “non- negative” will require follow up. Any additional retesting will be at the student’s expense.