Maricopa Community Colleges

Healthcare Education : Other Student Information

Fingerprint Clearance Card Information

All students enrolled in any of the Allied Health or Nursing programs at the Maricopa Community Colleges must have a Fingerprint Clearance Card to continue in their program courses. Fingerprint clearance is required to work and care for children, the elderly and any vulnerable adult. Our contracts with clinical agencies are including this fingerprint requirement. All students must complete this requirement in order to attend any of the health programs.

Step by Step Guide for obtaining your fingerprint clearance card:

  1. Obtain a fingerprint application packet from your college advisor or from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (602.223.2279)
  2. Schedule your fingerprinting to be conducted by one of the participating agencies
  3. Submit your completed application to obtain your fingerpring clearance card per the directions on the DPS packet
*Please refer to FAQ's listed below for further details

Other Information:
If you are unable to receive the fingerprint clearance card, you will not be able to enroll/continue in the allied health courses.
Proof of fingerprint clearance from the FBI generally takes 4-6 weeks, and may take up to 8 weeks. At that time, you will receive a 'drivers license' size Fingerprint Clearance Card.
The fingerprint clearance card is valid for six years. The card cannot expire before you graduate and a copy must be provided to your Program Director for their records.
You will need to provide proper identification in order to be fingerprinted. Acceptable forms of identification include: Drivers license, State issued ID card, Passport, or Resident Alien card. (School ID is not acceptable).
The fingerprint clearance card required for all health programs at the Maricopa Community Colleges will not meet the requirements for certification or licensure through the Arizona State Board of Nursing and may not meet the requirements of other professional organizations. Contact the appropriate health professions licensing board for details.

For specific questions regarding Fingerprint Clearance Card eligibility, please contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety at 602.223.2279 or visit their website at http://www.dps.state.az.us/reports/fingerprint/default.asp

FAQ's (back to top)

Q: How can I obtain an application package? The application package for either an initial or renewal Fingerprint Clearance Card is the same.
A: You may obtain an application package directly from DPS by either calling (602) 223-2279 or faxing your request to (602) 223-2947
   
Q: How long will it take to obtain my Fingerprint Clearance Card?
A: For persons who have no state or federal criminal record, processing time is approximately four to six weeks from the date the department receives a completed application package. For those persons who have either a state or federal criminal record, processing time may take up to eight weeks.
   
Q: Does the Department of Public Safety fingerprint applicants for a Fingerprint Clearance Card?
A: No. An applicant can contact their local law enforcement agency to find out if they take applicant fingerprints or they may contact a private fingerprinting service (refer to the list of participating agencies provided on this website link)
   
Q: What will my fingerprints be used for?
A: Your fingerprints will be used to obtain both a state and federal criminal records check.
   
Q: What is the fee to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card?
A: The current fee is $65.00 for a person working as a volunteer with minors, the elderly or the disabled. The fee for all others is $69.00. Maricopa Community College students should submit their application as a volunteer.
   
Q: What forms of payments are accepted?
A: The department may only accept Cashier's Checks, Money Orders or a check drawn on a licensed business account and made payable to the Department of Public Safety. State agencies may also elect to submit a State Companion Action Transfer form.
   
Q: I lost my Fingerprint Clearance Card. How can I obtain a replacement?
A: An application for a replacement card may be obtained by calling (602) 223-2279 or faxing your request to (602) 223-2947. A $5.00 fee will be charged per replacement card.
   
Q: Where can I find out what would preclude me from obtaining a clearance card?
A: Precluding offenses may be found in A.R.S.41-1758.03, subsections B and C .

 

Need help filling out your clearance card or application? See the samples below.

Fingerprint Card Sample
Fingerprint Application Sample