Criminal History

[p2dak25]

In March 2008 I received the charge of Simple Possession of Marijuana. For the rest of 2008 I served my probation and finished it.

In 2009 to 2013 I was in the Active Duty Army. I was just discharged with Honorable and did not get into any trouble while I served.

I am now out and getting ready to apply to Nursing school.

My question is; do i stand a chance at getting in? Or am I just wasting my time? I would hate for my youth stupidity to stop me from doing something I really have a passion for.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Short answer: it's possible.

Long answer: it won't be easy. Schools have the right to accept/reject applicants based on their criminal history, and a past drug conviction doesn't exactly make you shine as an applicant. I would contact the school(s) you are interested in applying to and see what they have to say.

I would also look into whether you can have the charges expunged from your record. Expunged charges will help improve your chances getting into school and in the job hunt. Expunged charges will still have to be disclosed to the BON though. Talk to a lawyer to see if expungement is an option.