How soon you will be drug tested after admission?

[The ER Biker]

I was wondering how fast you can be drug tested at UTA after admission?

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

If they have a random policy, they can do it whenever they want. Stay away from illegal drugs :) If you have a prescription for a medication that may show up, you should be fine- just have the prescription in your name, current, and be willing to bring it in to show them if they ask

[Vershonda]

Usually right before clinicals start. About a week or two depending on the class size. Like the post above stay away from illegal drugs!!!!"

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Whenever they feel like it.

What difference does it make?

[The ER Biker]

Obviously it does make difference to some, otherwise they would not ask the question.

[Clovery]

My school requires it be done within 10 days of the date the acceptance letter was mailed. I don't think any school is going to give you much notice... it kind of defeats the purpose if they allow you a month or so to go get tested.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Obviously it does make difference to some, otherwise they would not ask the question.

Here's the thing. With drugs like pot, it can take up to 3 months to leave your system, depending on amount/frequency of usage; uppers/narcs? Those generally clear sooner and more predictably. Booze - the general "rule" is one drink per hour clears (but it's different depending on gender and weight).

If you show up positive, you may not have to worry about school testing you for drugs. You'll be on your tail in the parking lot. Some people take the chance- and that's their right . I wouldn't risk it.

[Sanuk]

Couple of things: don't be offended by the responses you get when you join a nursing forum and your first post is about drug testing; if you have a substance abuse problem, perhaps nursing is not the career path for you; and maybe not the wisest course to put the specific school you're going to on a forum asking about drug testing. Just food for thought.

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

I was wondering how fast you can be drug tested at UTA after admission?

I'm sure they aren't going to give you a date. Our school is random throughout the semester.

Obviously it does make difference to some, otherwise they would not ask the question.

Are you asking because you have an addiction problem? I would suggest getting help before attempting a nursing program.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

School never did. They could random you if they ever wanted/needed to though.

Work did first week.

[mangopeach]

Depends on the program.

At my school it was up to us to schedule our drug test. They told us the earlier the better but nothing was written in stone. We just had to make sure it was done in time to start clinicals.

[ChelseaLynn1623]

We were drug tested the very first day of our program. No warning or anything.