School of Radiography General Requirements

Health and Medical
Consistent with the policy of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH), all accepted candidates will undergo a criminal background screen and 10-panel drug screen within 30 days of program start at the expense of NMH. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and successfully pass a mandatory criminal background check and drug screen as well as provide proof of the following health and medical information:

• Medical history and a physical exam
• Verified immunization record (MMR & Varicella, TdaP, and Flu)—The seasonal influenza vaccine is required for all health care workers.
• Two-step TB screen
• Verification from a doctor of injury or disability requiring special accommodations
• CPR (Basic Life Support) certification
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Personal medical insurance
  
  

All health-related information will be maintained, is strictly confidential and is necessary in case of illness or injury while at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Drug Screen Results

• Negative Results
  For applicants whose test results are negative, if other portions of the post-offer assessment are acceptable, the student may enroll and begin the program of study.
  
  
• Positive Results
  Applicants with positive results will be advised by the Medical Review Officer (MRO) or designee. The MRO for Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the Medical Director of Corporate Health. The MRO will also determine if the applicant has established a satisfactory explanation for the positive result. If not, the applicant’s acceptance offer will be rescinded, and the student will be denied entry into the program. Final clearance decisions are made by the MRO.
  
  

Background Check
All students must sign a release form authorizing NMH to request and conduct background checks/investigations as allowed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), as part of the onboarding process. Criminal background checks are conducted after a candidate accepts his/her offer to attend an NMH program. Students must pass the criminal background check and be cleared by the NMH Human Resources Department.

If the background check reveals that the individual has been convicted of a crime, the offer of acceptance may be rescinded. Continued enrollment will be evaluated after further investigation by a Human Resources representative.

Technical Standards
Applicants must perform medical procedures with accuracy and precision. The nature of the work is such that speed, safety and accuracy are essential skills. While failure to perform these essential functions may not prevent individuals from practicing in the clinical setting, lack of any or all of these abilities may prove challenging to the work experience and may compromise patient safety or the diagnostic value of procedures.

In order to be considered for admission, applicants must, with or without reasonable accommodation, have the ability to meet the following technical standards for the individual programs. These standards are considered essential functions and skills of the profession.

• School of Radiography Program Technical Standards (pdf)

Pregnancy Policy
Disclosure of pregnancy is voluntary. Following a disclosure, an additional radiation badge will be issued to monitor fetal exposure, with the exception of DMS students. A safe working environment will be coordinated by the program director and radiation safety officer. Options for student continuance in the program may include an altered rotation schedule, enrollment in the didactic portion only until after delivery, or continuation without any alterations to rotation schedules or program activities. Each pregnancy disclosure will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, any declared pregnant student may revoke her declaration at any time (undeclare).

Disability Policy
​It is the policy of the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Clinical Schools not to discriminate against qualified students with disabilities and to comply with all federal, state and local laws applicable to accommodating students with disabilities.

Learn more about our ADA Policy (pdf).