Now this is interesting. There are nursing students waiting in line for clinicals. Many of those students have criminal convictions and in my opinion should REALLY consider which state they apply to for initial licensure and whether or not their criminal convictions will damper their employability.
True story. My sister attended massage therapy school and graduated from a program here in Cincinnati. I won't say the name of the program. Its an expensive proprietary school.
To obtain licensure as a massage therapist in Ohio, you have to apply for licensure with the Ohio Medical Board. The Medical Board Application for message therapy licensure reminds me of the Ohio Supreme Court Application for Attorney licensure. The application asks for everything. http://www.med.ohio.gov/mt_about_massage_therapy.htm
Have you ever been a plaintiff or a defendant in a case? WOW! Yes, this includes a divorce. Yes, this includes a foreclosure. Yes, this includes a bankruptcy. Yes, this includes any type of case, litigation, or lawsuit. Yes, this means what its says.
There were several (more than half) of her class who had criminal convictions and the school never mentioned to any prospective student the role criminal convictions play in licensure.
What I am saying? Healthcare is a ripe field, especially nursing. However, if you have criminal convictions consider:
1. Am I eligible for a license in nursing, PT, OT, social work, respiratory therapy, message therapy, etc. because of my criminal convictions?
2. Eligibility is one thing, that's the floor; now look up from the floor to the celing. Based on the current licensure climate in State A before Board Z, what are the chances that I will be issued an unrestricted license vs. a restricted license (probation, fines, etc.)? This may require you to consult with a licensure defense attorney in your jurisdiction.
3. If I am issued a restricted and encumbered license by the State Board, can I find employment in the field with a restricted license? Where will I work? What are the chances that an employer will hire me? How employable am I? Am I further restricted in employment opportunities because of my criminal convictions?
4. Should I realistically consider employment in another field in healthcare? Maybe a career as a unlicensed professional or paraprofessional in healthcare.
5. Should I realistically consider employment in a field outside of healthcare because of my criminal convictions?
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