Does Brookdale Senior Living Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Drug Test Type and Process

After you accept a conditional offer, Brookdale typically sends you to a third-party clinic — applicants most often name Concentra — for a standard urine drug screen. The test is usually a 5-panel or expanded panel checking for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP; nursing and licensed roles may see a broader panel. The screen runs alongside a background check and, for licensed staff, verification of your certification or license. Employees report the full onboarding can take a few weeks because of the background and reference checks. Once hired, routine random testing is uncommon; additional screens are generally tied to a workplace accident or reasonable suspicion of impairment, consistent with Brookdale's drug-free workplace policy and the safety-sensitive nature of resident care.

Marijuana Policy

As a healthcare and elder-care employer, Brookdale has historically included marijuana in its pre-employment drug screen, and a positive result can jeopardize an offer even in states where cannabis is legal. Many roles involve direct, hands-on resident care, so employers in this sector tend to keep THC on the panel regardless of state legalization. That said, marijuana workplace protections are expanding — states such as New York, New Jersey, and California limit or bar adverse action based solely on off-duty use or an inactive-metabolite positive — and Brookdale's practice can vary by state and community. Applicants have reported differing experiences by region. If you have a medical marijuana card or use cannabis off duty, ask the hiring team how the local community handles THC results before your test.

Tips for Applicants

Expect a drug screen and background check as standard steps, and complete the screen promptly once you receive the referral, since delays can hold up your start date. Brookdale hires steadily for caregiver and CNA roles and offers training programs, making elder care an accessible field for people rebuilding their careers — but a felony or certain healthcare-related offenses can matter more here than in retail because of state licensing and resident-protection rules. Be upfront about your history; a record is not always disqualifying, especially for non-licensed support roles. If you have a medical marijuana card, bring documentation and ask about the policy early. Apply through Brookdale's official careers site and confirm the specific testing and background requirements for your role and state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Brookdale Senior Living drug test new employees?

Generally yes. Brookdale's careers materials describe offers as contingent on a background investigation and a pre-employment drug screen, and applicants for caregiver, CNA, and nursing roles commonly report a urine test, often at Concentra, before starting.

Does Brookdale Senior Living drug test for weed?

Typically yes. As a healthcare employer, Brookdale has historically included marijuana in its pre-employment panel, and a positive can affect your offer even where cannabis is legal. Handling varies by state — some states limit action on off-duty use — so ask your local community about its policy.

Where does Brookdale send you for a drug test?

Applicants most often report being sent to Concentra or a similar third-party occupational-health clinic for a urine drug screen. You will usually receive a referral after accepting a conditional job offer.

Does Brookdale do random drug tests after hire?

Random testing is not standard. Post-hire testing is generally limited to post-accident and reasonable-suspicion situations under Brookdale's drug-free workplace policy, though practices can vary by community and state.

Can I work at Brookdale with a felony?

It depends on the offense, the role, and state healthcare licensing rules. Non-licensed support positions may be more accessible than clinical roles, but certain offenses can disqualify you from resident-care work. Be honest on your application; a record is not always an automatic bar.

How long does Brookdale's hiring process take?

Onboarding can take a few weeks because the drug screen runs alongside a background check, reference checks, and — for nurses and CNAs — license or certification verification. Completing your drug screen quickly helps avoid delays.