Published
If the board of nursing will not approve you to be a nurse based on the background, a reputable school won't admit you. I don't know the specifics in your state. Call the board of nursing in your state. A theft conviction can disqualify you, an arrest with charges dropped may or may not as they are very concerned with protection of vulnerable patients. Call the board.
smc26448
36 Posts
I'm a 24 year old college sophomore who has been taking nursing pre reqs at a community college, and interested in transferring to nursing school next year (GMU nursing program).
My concern is regarding the background check. I'm wondering whether a 5 year old petit larceny arrest (no conviction) from when I was 18 disqualify me from acceptance into a nursing program. The conviction was dismissed upon completion of a diversion program since it was my first and only offense. I don't see anything on the GMU website regarding prior convictions and the nursing program, only that a background check is required. I've sent several detailed emails to them and other nursing schools and haven't gotten a reply. I even called a few places and am promised that a director or counselor will contact me but that never happens!!
So my questions are- Will this charge disqualify me from a nursing program? I know each school is different but has anyone with any criminal background had luck getting accepted into a program??? And assuming this issue does not completely disqualify me from the program, will getting licensed and subsequently being hired somewhere be possible? I would be very appreciative of any insight, personal experience, or even if you know anyone whose dealt with similar circumstances as myself. Should i give up on my dream and pursue a different major?? Thank you so much!! Have a great day.
Note: I live in Virginia