As a student in the Health Care Genetics Program, you will most likely be required to complete a clinical/internship experience. On occasion, with prior approval, research internships/professional development projects may take place on the Storrs campus.  If you are unable to complete all required clinical/internship experiences you will not graduate from the Program.   All external clinical experiences must be completed at a Program-approved facility. The Program will assist you in finding such clinical placements. Each facility has its own requirements that must be met before accepting a student for a clinical placement.  You are responsible for meeting the facility’s requirements. The Program is not responsible for securing clinical placements for students who are unable to meet a clinical facility’s placement requirements.  

Common clinical requirements include, but are not limited to the following

1. Successfully completing a background screening. Background screenings may include checking state and federal criminal records and sex offender registries.  If your background screening shows that you have a criminal record or are listed as a sex offender, you may not be able to secure a clinical placement.
2. Successfully passing drug screenings. Drug screenings may occur at one or more times during the program. If you test positive for drug use, you may not be able to secure a clinical placement or may be removed from a clinical placement. This includes, but is not limited to, prescribed medical marijuana or opiates.
3. Demonstrating that you are current with a physical examination and immunizations (i.e., tuberculosis, measles, varicella & influenza). A record of previous immunizations is not sufficient to fulfill these requirements. If you are unable to demonstrate, through written documentation, that you are current with your immunizations, you may not be able to secure a clinical placement. It has been UConn’s experience that clinical facilities will not accept a religious exemption form in lieu of proof of immunization and will deny clinical placements to any student who fails to provide such proof. Evidence of immunity and costs associated with testing are your responsibility. Titers may be done through either your family doctor or the University’s student health service.

If you are not able to meet these requirements, you will most likely not be able to complete the program’s clinical experience requirements.

The financial costs of travel, living, health, background, and drug screenings are your responsibility. Programmatic compliance is tracked through an electronic system called Complio, for which registration fees, tracking, and verification financial costs are generally your responsibility.

Fees vary dependent upon number of states and in which states you have once resided.

If you have any questions regarding background checks or drug screenings, please contact the UConn’s Clinical Case Manager at clinicalcasemanager@uconn.edu.

For all other inquires please contact the Program Director, Dr. Judy Brown (judy.brown@uconn.edu|860-486-9146).