I am applying to nursing school. This is my second degree. It states on the application that I need to have a clear criminal record. I was arrested at age 18 for retail theft. It was a stupid teenage prank, but I know I was old enough to know better. This was in 1993. My record shows that I pled guilty, and paid the fine. My record has been clean since. Will this keep me out of nursing school?

Maybe, nursing school is very competitive, so there are many students wanting in, so any negative issue can cause you to not get picked.

You should try and get an attorney and see if you can get this record esponged. ( taken off your record)

If you live in Canada, you can apply for a pardon.

That is, have it removed from your record.

Hello smoochy:

It's probably too late to keep it from your school. They WILL find out about it. My advice is to disclose it, admit culpability, and concentrate on how well you have done since.

Will they let you in? Don't know. You might be up against a real uptight jerk, or you might not be.

But, absolutely apply for expungment (where your record will be hidden from view), or a pardon as suggested by the Captain (where your record will be REMOVED).

excon

They may let you in, but the conviction may keep you from becoming licensed (as a Registered Nurse or as a Licensed Practical Nurse.)

When you apply for a state license, you are asked if you have ever been found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a traffic offense.) It is the same way for pharmacists, physicians, dentists, and other licensed professionals.