Expelled once at previous institution...chances for nursing school?

[neareast]

I'm in the process of applying to nursing programs, which I've wanted to do for so long.

I'm a male, 3.7 GPA in relevant courses (took them as a non-degree student at a community college), CPR-AED certified, absolutely no criminal background, and have 5 years experience as a Nursing Assistant in a hospital. The problem is that about two years ago I was expelled from college (unrelated liberal arts major) and it was noted on my transcript. Now the time has come to apply to nursing programs and I'm worried that this will come back and haunt me.

How should I approach this problem? Is it a good idea to include a letter explaining the situation in my application? Should I speak with a Dean or Admissions Officer about this first before applying? Or, are things like this handled in a summary fashion - that is, expulsion from previous college = denial of admission?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[MzRN2B]

Normally the expulsion only lasts for so long, but this depends on the school. Are you transferring credit from that institution? If so, you normally have to be in "good standing" with that school in order to get in at another school. That being said, situations like this usually have a time period of one year, but you said that it had been two, so in that regard, you should be okay. As far as getting into nursing school, I would write an addendum that explains what happened, accepting responsibility, and how things have changed since then. Also mentioned that you are now in good standing with that institution and eligible to return if you wanted to(if thats the truth). You could also set up an appointment with the school, if you felt more comfortable speaking in person. I would write, tho, but that's just me.

Good Luck!!

[neareast]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not exactly in "good standing" with that institution, even though it's been two years - I'm perm. expelled (vs. suspended) from the university. I gave a paper I wrote to a student in the same class, although it was a year later, and the student wrote it off as his own - the school interpreted this action as abetting plaigarism, and the institution has "zero tolerance" policy for anything like this; I had no chance (the other student was summarily expelled as well). In any case, do you think this will interfere with nursing program admissions, since I'm not in good standing with the institution? I regret doing what I did, but I had no malicious intent and I still feel that the punishment I received was excessive; I just hope it doesn't follow me all the way to nursing school.

[SilentMind]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not exactly in "good standing" with that institution, even though it's been two years - I'm perm. expelled (vs. suspended) from the university. I gave a paper I wrote to a student in the same class, although it was a year later, and the student wrote it off as his own - the school interpreted this action as abetting plaigarism, and the institution has "zero tolerance" policy for anything like this; I had no chance (the other student was summarily expelled as well). In any case, do you think this will interfere with nursing program admissions, since I'm not in good standing with the institution? I regret doing what I did, but I had no malicious intent and I still feel that the punishment I received was excessive; I just hope it doesn't follow me all the way to nursing school.

It's nice to know there are some universities that actually take it seriously. At my campus, one of my professors had video of one of his students breaking into his office and stealing the exam anwsers. Admin just turned a blind eye to it.

Anyways, I don't think it'll be a big issue, but it may affect your ability to transfer credits. I know if you've been expelled from an actual nursing program, noone will touch you. But it's a different major. It wouldn't hurt to go talk to admission and find out for sure.