Convicted felon applying to PT school 2014 cycle

[AlexFLA]

Convicted in 2004 of Felony Battery
Have contatced my top 10 list and most told me that a prior conviction alone would not automatically deny me admission.....
Also in my home state of Florida i have spoken with a member of the licensure board and she told me that I can become licensed after a board review and most likely I would be granted a licenes as long as I stay out of trouble

Im wondering if anybody has experience applying/ being accecpted or denied wiht a prior conviction????????????

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[bnwj89]

I think you have done your homework here by calling schools. That is great news that they will give you a chance. I would kind of assume this is going to be a negative thing you'll have to overcome by great GPA, great GRE, and other parts of your application. Along with the grades and GRE,I think that you should focus on philanthropy and showing them that you are a different person and that you would never do that sort of thing again. Maybe some kind of philanthropy that teaches kids to not fight? Or something?

 

[questionmark32]

It would also be good if you volunteered for groups that help abused individuals. They probably do a background check for that, but the worst they can tell you is no.

 

[AlexFLA]

Thanks for the input guys...

Im also a recovering Alcoholic sober now 4.5 years, Im very active in AA sponsoring newcomers, running meetings and organizing monthly events.

Not sure if should even mention this type of thing although alcohol is the primary factor to explain my past criminal history...

On another related note im having trouble getting into and inpatient setting due to my background check...any suggestions?

 

[bnwj89]

Thanks for the input guys...

Im also a recovering Alcoholic sober now 4.5 years, Im very active in AA sponsoring newcomers, running meetings and organizing monthly events.

Not sure if should even mention this type of thing although alcohol is the primary factor to explain my past criminal history...

On another related note im having trouble getting into and inpatient setting due to my background check...any suggestions?

Are you talking about observation hours? Are places doing background checks before you can shadow? I never had to do that. All I had to do was call the place and set up a time

 

[AlexFLA]

Well I live in south florida, I tried to get into Delray Beach Medical Center (hospital/inpatient)
and was denied saying I dont meet there background standards. Outpatient is easy I have already done 50 hours in that setting .I want 50 in inpatient settings

 

[bnwj89]

Well I live in south florida, I tried to get into Delray Beach Medical Center (hospital/inpatient)
and was denied saying I dont meet there background standards. Outpatient is easy I have already done 50 hours in that setting .I want 50 in inpatient settings

Hmm, I see. I would just call around to other places and see if there are any that will let you observe without checking your background. If you end up not being able to get any hospital hours, that's okay too. I would just get some hours in other settings. (skilled nursing facility, pediatrics, etc). The point of observation hours is to see different aspects of the profession and confirm you know what you're getting into, so this will fulfill that.

(Unfortunately some schools do REQUIRE that you have inpatient hours...which in that case you may be out of luck. But not too many do.)

 

[bythebay]

I had to do a background check for inpatient hours. This may be tricky. I would just call a bunch of places a straight up ask them if you can volunteer despite your record. They're going to find out on a background check anyway.

There are schools that don't have observation requirements, I know I applied to some but I can't think of which ones cause this process is all blurring together at this point. I would research those schools and call them to ask if you can get in with your history. They might be helpful to focus on.

I wouldn't shy away from listing your AA volunteer experience, and I would consider getting a personal letter of recommendation from your sponsor or someone else high up in the organization that can attest to who you are as a person now. Stressing the fact that you have spent 5 years getting your life together and are committed to moving forward will resonate with a lot of admissions folks. I like the suggestion to volunteer for an organization that works towards reducing violence or improving the lives of those who have been abused. It shows you are committed to doing the right thing.

Good luck and congratulations on 4.5 years.

 

[AlexFLA]

Thanks for all the Support....its is disappointing when people dont accept you because of your past but thats life. My past can never be erased I can only continue to move forward in a positive direction.

Thanks again guys for taking the time to reply

 

[bnwj89]

Keep us updated!

 

[AlexFLA]

Just got into a Skilled Nursing Facility/ sub acute facility. No background check required...Just need to take a urine test and a TB test. Looks like were good to go!! Thanks for the encouragement guys...ill keep you updated

 

[angl88]

Thanks for all the Support....its is disappointing when people dont accept you because of your past but thats life. My past can never be erased I can only continue to move forward in a positive direction.

Thanks again guys for taking the time to reply

IN Florida if you answer YES to certain questions on your application you will have to appear before the board. It sounds like you are healthy and in recovery and the incident that occurred related to your felony was part of the disease of addiction and would not have happened if sober . So you may need to explain it and there is a high probability that the board will refer you to PRN for an eval so they can clear you or make recommendations Feel free to PM me if you you have other question Good luck and congrats on staying clean

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