Getting license in Florida with a felony drug charge?

U.S.A. Florida

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Any success stories out there? I am currently working on getting it sealed / expunged, if that makes a difference. Where did you run into problems.. getting into nursing school, sitting for your boards, getting a job? etc.. Or were you flat out rejected? Any input is appreciated. If you were rejected, did you consider moving to a different state as an option?

ooooh a felony. Sorry to tell ya this but Florida is one of the tougher states to get licensed in. Do you really think you can get this sealed? Again, Florida is a tough state to get this kind of arrest/conviction behind you. But not impossible.

What would help is to know the exact FL statue law you were charged with. Once you know that, you can look/research on the Board of Nursing website to determine your chances of getting licensed.

Depending on what the charge(s) were, how long ago and what you have since done with your life since will be deciding factors to be licensed. The BON spells out a lot of this, including the which applicants must appear before the board at one of their meetings. These happen every other month. But I'm getting ahead of myself, you need to get into nursing school first.

I actually got in to nursing school! And just received a letter in the mail stating that they reviewed my criminal background check and have determined that I may continue with my studies in their program. No guarantees that I will be able to get licensed at the end of the program, though.

I went to go speak with a lawyer. After reviewing my documents she informed me that my case was dropped! On the pre-admission papers it states that no one shall be granted a license in Florida if they have plead nolo-contendre (no contest) or guilty to any of the statutes in chapters ... (I don't remember them all) regardless of adjudication withheld. We looked up the statutes and my charge is in fact one of them but since my case was dropped, I actually may have a chance here. I am just going to take it one step at a time. If anything, I may have to move to a different state after my studies here.

Are you saying you were simply charged and not convicted? That will make a big difference.

Are you saying you were simply charged and not convicted? That will make a big difference.

In a nutshell, yes. I was arrested for possession of controlled substances. I completed a year long drug court program that Florida has and upon successful completion had my charge dropped. So I am very happy about this news.. something I did not previously know.

It isn't even charged any longer. It becomes charges dropped. You only usually get one of those so count your blessings and lessons learned.

Dear Smile, I am in the same exact boat such as yourself. In 2012 I had my felony drug charges dismissed from the PTI program. I have been able to obtain my c.n.a and get a job in a facility. I'm nervous about finding a school that will accept me with my background. please can you tell me where you went. I've been a cna for so long and really want to be able to go to nursing school. thanks.

I go to Broward College. Best of luck to you! Any news? Please keep me updated.

Specializes in LTC, Med Surg, Renal Care.

You can get it sealed and/or expunged. You wasn't convicted that makes a big difference in Florida. Only convictions can't get expunged. Good luck!!

You can get it sealed and/or expunged. You wasn't convicted that makes a big difference in Florida. Only convictions can't get expunged. Good luck!!

Thank you!

Well what would be the point of getting it sealed? That only blocks it to the public. Any board of nursing or hiring hospital is more than likely going to have access to it. Just a thought. I guess going through the hassle of getting it sealed might show you put forth some effort to accept the responsibility, but you're still going to have to check yes/no in that little box that asks if you've ever been arrested or convicted (forms differ) and you're still going to have to explain yourself to the hospital or state since they will see it on your background check.

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