Urine Drug Screening Requirement
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing adheres to mandatory urine drug screening for students in clinical rotations to comply with regulations set by our clinical partners, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and UPMC.
Effective Fall 2023, all students must submit a urine drug screening before the start of their clinical term.
The UPMC urine drug screen is required for all students before the start of clinical rotations. Once completed, it is valid for the duration of the student's clinical education. Those drugs to be included in the 5-panel drug screening are:
- amphetamines
- cocaine
- marijuana
- opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP) *Please be sure your screening includes PCP, often standard 5-Panel screens exclude this drug
If a student is assigned to an AHN or alternate facility, the Clinical Management Office (CMO) will notify the student to undergo an additional 9-panel drug test. This screening is time sensitive and must be completed within 30 days of the clinical rotation start date. Those drugs to be included in the 9-Panel drug screening are:
- cocaine
- opiates
- amphetamine
- barbiturates
- oxycodone
- benzodiazepines
- methamphetamine
- methadone
- phencyclidine (PCP)
*Please be sure your screening includes PCP, often standard 9-Panel screens exclude this drug
Students are responsible for the cost of their drug tests. These requirements are mandatory and were established by each medical facility. If a urine drug test yields positive results, the clinical agency will conduct a further evaluation.
For more information, please refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below.
Any additional questions may be directed to Clinical Management Office at CMONursing@pitt.edu.
On-Campus Testing Option
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Appointments are required and limited. Current students, who have paid their student health fee, have access to the portal, while incoming students must wait until the start of the term.
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Schedule appointments online through Pitt Medicat and click on the Oakland Campus Student Health Services Portal.
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Do not call Student Health to make an appointment.
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Appointment times:
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Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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Thursday: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Cost: $50, payable by credit card at the Front Desk on the day of service. If not paid at the time of service, the charge will be billed to your student account.
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Results will be sent via secure message within 24 hours for you to upload to Exxat.
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The $50 charge applies only to onsite urine drug screens.
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Complete the information in this Qualtrics survey: Urine Drug Screen Script Request.
The script is only valid in Western Pennsylvania. If you reside outside of Western Pennsylvania, please contact your local healthcare provide or urgent care.
UPMC and Allegheny Health Network have both changed their mandatory clinical requirements ahead of the Fall 2023 term. Students must now submit a urine drug screening for those mandatory clinical requirements.
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Students are responsible for the cost of their tests. Students will need to pay out of pocket or submit the cost of the screening to their insurance for payment.
Effective 10/28/2024: AHN expects student to be tested no earlier than 30 days (1 month) before the start of their clinical term.
UPMC expects students to get tested before the start of their clinical term.
No. If a student is an employee/volunteer at UPMC, they must complete a new drug screen and provide those results to the School of Nursing by uploading to EXXAT. A drug screen certificate/letter from UPMC does not meet the requirement.
If a student is assigned clinicals at a UPMC facility, they will undergo a 5-panel screen for: Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana, Opiates, and PCP.
If a student is assigned clinicals at AHN facility, they will undergo a 9-panel screen for: Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, Phencyclidine, Barbiturates, Oxycodone, Benzodiazepines, Methamphetamine, and Methadone.
Students can use any agency for the drug test and are encouraged to select their providers carefully. The Clinical Management Office can help you navigate this process.
Some testing centers may require a script from a health provider.
Pitt Student Health Services (SHS) has established 1) On-Campus Testing Options and 2) a protocol for requesting scripts for the Urine Drug Screen (UDS), UPMC 5 and/or AHN 9. Please note, if you are an incoming student, you will not have access to Student Health Services until after the term begins. Please plan accordingly to avoid delays with compliance ahead of your clinical rotation.
You can schedule an on-campus appointment through Pitt Medicat and click on the Oakland Campus Student Health Services Portal.
Request scripts for Quest Diagnostics by completing this form.
Please follow these instructions. The ONLY method for requesting scripts from SHS is to fill out the form with your PeopleSoft ID number, first and last name, date of birth, and choose which script(s) you are requesting. Do not directly contact Student Health Services (SHS).
Students are responsible for accessing their results and posting the drug screen test results in EXXAT.
Results vary per testing agency. Students are encouraged to start the drug screening process as soon as possible. No students will be permitted into clinical until requirements are met.
Positive drug screens will be shared with the clinical agency who will conduct further evaluation.
If the urine drug screen is positive due to a doctor prescribed medication, please also upload a signed letter of medical necessity from your health care provider.
Medical marijuana cards are handled on a case-by-case basis by AHN and UPMC.
Students are required to be tested once as part of their program, unless otherwise noted.
No. Since the tests are different, students will have to complete separate screenings to fulfill the clinical requirement if assigned to both sites.