I was convicted of 2nd degree murder in 1996. I was released in 2010. Since my release I have been successful. Stayed at one job for first year. (Stepping stone) Now at current job 2 years. Turned down one promotion, since accepted 2 promotions. Problem is I'm looking to get a certificate or degree but don't know which career would accept felons. I wanted CDPT, contacted Wa State Dept of Health, informed they cannot disclose whether my crime will prevent me from getting final certification until I finish school and apply for certification. I don't want to take a 50/50 chance, spend 2 yrs in college, pay out all that money, then find out I cannot get the final certification to actually work. I am in Washington State. I have noticed that Non Profit Agencies are most forgiving when it comes to felonies and that is who I work for. Anyone know of any certificates/degrees I can get to work in a office setting environment. Note: Looking for a career with minimum 40k salary. I need to make enough to care for both me and my mother as she is aging and will retire in next five years.

(CDPT = physical therapy?)

This is really a two part question. 'Careers' don't accept or reject felons; employers do, so unless it's a job that requires a license, there is no answer.

I would guess that the dept of health won't answer because laws change, and also because they may evaluate on a case by case basis. But in general that field denies felons because the field means contact with drugs and contact with vulnerable patients. There are plenty of regular responders here in health care fields, but I don't know of any specifically in WA. If I were you, I would contact the licensing board and ask if you can go in and talk with them.
Keep in mind that a desk job in health care usually comes after years of working on your feet.
You may find that staying in the non profit sector you are in will lead to the most opportunity. There are degrees for MBA specifically for non profits. You can buy books on starting them, and get all the IRS publications online for applying, and become a consultant. In other words, the business angle (even a non profit has to make money) might be an area you could do well in.

Its actually Chemical Dependency Counselor. I already have a desk job. A combined security/administrative duties/janitor/maintenance position. Yes, broad job description. I was actually surprised when I was offered this promotion because usually violent offenders cannot hold any sort of "authoritive" positions. I work with drug/alcohol addicts, homeless, mentally ill. Basically I'm a peace keeper who does office details, maintains the building which houses up to 100 tenants. The pay isn't anything to brag about.. just 12.29 an hour.

You are right. My best opportunity is to further my career with Non Profit Agencies. So from here I will look into certificates/degrees that specialize with Non Profit. Thank you for your help.

I would get the CD certificate or degree (didn't know they were needed, but I'm behind the times) especially if you can take courses part time.
You already have a feather in your cap by having a job you aren't supposed to have. Peace keeper can be expanded to organized, managerial, multi-tasking.
Managing housing can evolve into finding more housing and working on plans for monitored shared apartments in areas resistant to halfway type larger houses. That's something you could do on your own and present it to your employer as a business plan. You could research other non profits in other cities to see what they do. Live in staff in some apartments and monitors who spend a few hours a week at a meeting of residents, etc.
I live in a very rural area of New England and there is a huge alcohol rehab place near me that is expanding. They have been clearing ground and doing building for over a year.
As the economy improves, jobs in CD and mental illness will be more funded.
But if you want to make 40K+, you need to invent yourself as well.

For future reference if anyone see's these comments regarding my question here today, Non Profit is the way to go if you are looking for a future with companies that don't judge felons. Especially if you are a violent offender. Now the CD degree is "not" available for Violent Offenders. They will send you a response like this one if you ask...

"Thank you for contacting the Washington State Department of Health. Your email was forwarded to me for response. All criminal convictions are reviewed by our Case Management team on a case by case scenario and we cannot disclose whether certain crimes will bar them from being able to obtain licensure. Once you complete the certification requirements then your criminal history will be reviewed and a decision will be made to issue the credential or not."

If you want to take that 50/50 chance of paying/attending 2 years college, then applying for the certification to practice... you might be denied. 2 years college lost if it happens.