Will Rheumatoid Arthritis disqualify me from RN program @ NGCSU

[tulipmae]

I was recently accepted into the RN program at North Georgia College. One of the stipulations of admissions into the program is to complete a physical exam/titers and to list any chronic conditions. I am afraid that having rheumatoid arthritis will disqualify me from entering the program. I have had RA for 17 years, but it is under control with medication--rarely any flare-ups. Should I just not mention it to the doctor who is doing the physical? I worked really hard to get into the program and i don't want RA to crush my dreams...

Thanks...

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

I was recently accepted into the RN program at North Georgia College. One of the stipulations of admissions into the program is to complete a physical exam/titers and to list any chronic conditions. I am afraid that having rheumatoid arthritis will disqualify me from entering the program. I have had RA for 17 years, but it is under control with medication--rarely any flare-ups. Should I just not mention it to the doctor who is doing the physical? I worked really hard to get into the program and i don't want RA to crush my dreams...

Thanks...

They cannot disqualify you as long as you can meet the requirements of the program.

Period.

No if's, and's or but's.

They do have to make reasonable accomodations.

[prudence09]

You cannot be denied enrollment because of any disability. It is illegal to deny anyone education based on a disability. RA is nothing I would be worried about. I actually have a metal rod in my left femur that has been there for 5 years from a previous car accident. I mentioned it when I got my physical for nursing school and guess what I just graduated Sat. Another thing is that they have already accepted you. They cannot turn you out because you have RA.

[tulipmae]

Thanks for the replies. Although I have already been accepted, it was contingent on completing a "clinical requirement checkoff list" by the deadline--this includes a background check, current cpr license, Liability Insurance and a medical report. That's why I was concerned with having RA but I have no worries now. Thanks again!