can I get into a nursing program with bad credit?

matilda123 · Sep 19, 2009

the background check is a criminal background check. but, if you have bad credit, you may not qualify for any loans for school.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2009

Your credit should only hinder private student loans and not your background check or even the federal loans unless you have bad student loans. I know someone that has bad credit, IRS tax liens and he got into nursing school and got the federal student loans without a problem.

Natona · Sep 19, 2009

If I got rid of my $43k in credit card debt, I might actually be able to pay the tuition sans a loan.

The program I'm aiming for is at a community college so it's about $121 per credit-around $400 for a 3 credit class. The program brochure states it does a Criminal History Background Check, but that's not the same as a credit check is it? I'm pretty sure I have no outstanding criminal record, never been indicted for a crime.

Since I will have to go to school p/t evenings, it will take me at least 3 years to complete the program, so I'm hoping by then I will have built up my credit some before applying for nursing jobs, which is another concern because I've been reading on here how employers do credit checks now..which is BS, IMO.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2009

No the criminal check isn't the same at all.

Natona · Sep 19, 2009

Well hooray for that! Plus I'm wondering also, if the generally bad finacial times we are going through right now might on the whole kind of lower the curve as to the definition of "financially irresponsible". I mean, what's making my credit card debt so much worse now is that the interest rates have jumped to 26% without my having been late or negligent with the payments (4 cards with Chase banks) & I feel that interest rate is usuary. Since record numbers of people have been filing bankruptcy because of debt, foreclosing on their homes or just walking away from their homes, clearly the poor economy is not affecting me alone so maybe future employers won't judge as harshly on it.

conandcait · Sep 19, 2009

Hey Natona- My mom works for Chase banks in the credit card customer service division. When they "repriced" everyone with that interest rate jump, many people also had their minimum monthly payment raised from 2-3% to 5 %.She gets nonstop phone calls from these people saying that they are unable to pay since thier credit card offer terms have changed due to no fault of their own. :no: You are not alone in the heart ache, if that makes you feel better! Kelli

MermiesGreatGig · Sep 19, 2009

I used to work in HR. Some places of employment may do a credit check. However, there are protection laws for bankruptcy. You cannot be denied employment because of a bankruptcy...provided that you maintain good credit following it. As for school, they shouldn't check your credit at all.

Natona · Sep 19, 2009

This is all very encouraging. I'm so glad I posted this question.

Conandcait- does your mom know if Chase is planning on lowering the rates again anytime soon?

conandcait · Sep 19, 2009

Natona- They have no immediate plans of lowering anything anytime soon because sometime in 2010, the governement is stepping in to put limits on what they can charge as per minimum pymts and interest rates. They are also trying to limit their losses, so they are closing accounts right and left! My mom feels terrible because when people call in to complain and threaten to drop the card, they used to try to retain them- now they are scripted to say " go for it" essentially.