I have a criminal record, can I still get into nursing school

[jennijful]

I have been pre-nursing classes for three years at my local community college. I am ready to apply to get into the nursing program. I have a 3.8 GPA, and I have been working at a hospital as a phlebotomist for 11 years. I applied at another hospital and got hired, but when they pulled my background it showed I had some bad checks from 17 years ago and the recended my job offer. Anyway, I contacted the DOA at the school and she said that I can apply to the nursing program, if I dont have a violent offense, but when I called the board of nursing they told me that they didnt know if they accepted nursing students with a record and that I would have to submit the application and see what happens. I dont want to go through all the trouble of nursing school and then cant be certified becouse of my record. I also contacted my local soliciotor office and they said the charges cant be expunded becouse there are more than one. Please give me some advice!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

These are questions we can't answer - best to contact an administrative law attorney in your state.

Moving to nursing licensure with criminal history forum.

[carrie_c]

I don't know what state you are in, but I am in TN and I also had a charge for a bad check from about 7 years ago. I also had a shoplifting conviction. I was worried about getting my RN license, but the BON issued my license earlier this month. So yes, it is possible. Since it's been so long ago, especially, I think you should be fine. The best thing to do is just to be honest with the BON when you apply for your license. I had to have certified copies of the judgements from the courts, proof that I had completed all court requirements, and a letter explaining the charges and why I did it. I was honest with everything up front, and I just basically wrote in the letter that I was young and very stupid, and how I had changed my life. Good luck!