Can Felons Become Nurses?
You may have made a serious mistake in your past — possibly even one that resulted in a felony conviction. Now, you’re ready to move forward and build a meaningful career helping others. Naturally, the question arises: Can someone with a felony become a nurse?
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If you’re anxious about how your record might affect your future in nursing, you’re not alone. Many prospective students worry their past will automatically disqualify them. The good news: felonies don’t automatically bar everyone from becoming a nurse, and many people with criminal records do successfully enter the profession. But the process is more complex and often slower than it is for applicants without a record.
This guide explains what boards look for, where barriers may appear, and how to strengthen your application at each step — from nursing school to licensure to employment.
Short Answer: Often Yes, But It’s Complicated
In many cases, yes, a person with a felony can become a nurse.
However, approval is never guaranteed and depends on several factors, including your conviction, your state’s regulations, and your documented rehabilitation.
Nursing boards review applicants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis, considering:
- Type and severity of the offense
- How long ago it happened
- Completion of sentencing, probation, or restitution
- History of rehabilitation and sobriety
- Work and education since the conviction
- Honesty and transparency in the application
- Character references and professional recommendations
Some felony types, especially those invovlving violence, sexual offenses, or harm to vulnerable populations, are extremely difficult to overcome. Others, such as older substance-related or non-violent offenses, may be treated with more flexibility if you can demonstrate meaningful rehabilitation.
Even if the board approves your license, employers may still have stricter hiring policies, which means finding a job could take longer.
Your past doesn’t have to define your future, but you must be prepared to show documentation, honesty, and consistent growth throughout the process.
Licensing Considerations for Felons
State boards don’t typically give upfront guarantees. Instead, boards make individualized determinations once you submit your application and background check. Understanding what they review can help you prepare effectively.
State-Specific Rules and Variations
Every state board sets its own policies. The outcome of your application may therefore be very different depending on where you live.
Examples:
- Texas offers a Declaratory Order process allowing applicants to receive a preliminary eligibility review before applying to nursing school.
- California and Florida only evaluate criminal history after receiving a full application and may require a formal hearing.
- States within the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) add complexity. A felony conviction disqualifies you from holding a multistate license, even if you qualify for a single-state license.
Because rules vary widely, contact your state board early to understand what to expect before investing in a nursing program.
Type and Severity of the Felony
This is one of the biggest factors in your eligibility.
You’re more likely to be considered with:
- Non-violent felonies
- Older convictions
- Substance-related offenses with documented recovery
- Single, isolated incidents
On the other hand, it’ll be much harder to overcome:
- Crimes involving violence
- Crimes targeting children, elders, or disabled individuals
- Sexual offenses
- Financial exploitation of vulnerable populations
- Multiple or repeated offenses
Substance-related felonies, such as DUIs or possession, fall in the middle. Boards understand addiction and may consider rehabilitation efforts—treatment records, sobriety milestones, counseling, or letters from sponsors or therapists.
Time Since Conviction and Rehabilitation Efforts
Boards often require a waiting period after sentencing or probation, ranging from one to five years or more. But the passage of time alone isn’t enough.
Boards look for proof you’ve taken responsibility and made meaningful changes. This might include:
- Continuous employment
- Volunteer work
- Completion of counseling or treatment
- No new legal issues
- Positive references
- Evidence of stability and accountability
Thorough documentation can significantly strengthen your case.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
Every state requires a background check, and almost all require fingerprinting. This often reveals:
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Sealed or expunged records (in some states)
- Out-of-state convictions
Many applicants are surprised by how much information becomes visible through fingerprint-based checks. If you’re unsure what might appear, you may want to complete your own background check or consult an attorney.
Honesty is critical. Boards often consider dishonesty worse than the conviction itself.
Education Paths and How a Felony Affects Schooling
Most nursing schools run background checks before clinical placements, even if they don’t require one for admission. This is where many students encounter their first major barrier.
If a clinical site rejects you because of your record, you may not be able to graduate, even if the school itself accepted you.
Before enrolling, ask schools:
- Whether they conduct background checks
- How they support students with criminal histories
- What happens if a clinical site denies placement
- Whether advisors can help you contact the state board early
Below is a general overview of education paths and how a felony may affect each.
| Education Path | Avg. Length | Avg. Cost Range | Best For… | Felony Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Education Path CNA Certification | Avg. Length 4-12 weeks | Avg. Cost Range $1,000 – $3,000 | Best For… Fast entry into healthcare | Felony Impact Easiest entry; background check required |
Education Path LPN/LVN Certificate | Avg. Length 1 year | Avg. Cost Range $4,000 – $15,000 | Best For… Entry-level nursing roles | Felony Impact Clinical site approval may be difficult |
Education Path ADN (RN) | Avg. Length 2 years | Avg. Cost Range $5,000 – $20,000 | Best For… Community college path | Felony Impact Background checks are standard pre-clinicals |
Education Path BSN (RN) | Avg. Length 4 years | Avg. Cost Range $10,000 – $40,000+ | Best For… Long-term career growth | Felony Impact Admission policies vary; board approval still required |
Improving Your Chances of Becoming a Nurse with a Felony
If nursing is truly your goal, there are proactive steps you can take to strengthen your application for both school and licensure.
- Get Legal Advice: Consult an attorney familiar with nursing licensure regulations.
- Contact the Board Early: Use declaratory orders or advisory opinions if available.
- Document Rehabilitation: Keep proof of education, employment, counseling, and volunteer work.
- Be Honest on Applications: Non-disclosure is a common reason for denial.
- Complete Volunteer Work: Volunteering shows you want to have a positive impact on the world. If you can get a volunteer gig in a healthcare setting, that’s even better.
- Get Character References: Letters of support, especially from healthcare workers, can speak to your integrity and are very persuasive during board reviews.
Employment Considerations After Licensure
Even after receiving a nursing license, a felony can still affect your career. Some employers are open to second-chance hiring, while others follow strict policies—particularly hospitals, long-term care facilities, and schools.
Many states use “substantial relationship” laws, meaning employers cannot reject you solely for having a felony unless the crime directly relates to nursing duties. This helps protect those with older, non-violent offenses.
However:
A new conviction after licensure almost always triggers disciplinary action, and failure to report it can worsen consequences. Maintaining transparency and avoiding new legal issues is essential.
FAQs About Becoming a Nurse with a Felony
What things disqualify you from being a nurse?
Crimes involving violence, abuse, sexual offenses, or harm to vulnerable populations often disqualify applicants from becoming nurses.
Drug trafficking, certain financial crimes, and repeated offenses may also lead to denial. However, some boards consider rehabilitation and time elapsed when evaluating older or isolated convictions.
Can you have a felony and go to nursing school?
Yes, many nursing schools accept students with felony records.
But admission doesn’t guarantee completion. Clinical sites may deny placement based on background checks, which could prevent graduation. Always discuss your situation with program staff before enrolling.
What jobs can you not get with a felony?
Jobs in federally funded healthcare facilities, schools, and long-term care settings may be harder to obtain with certain convictions.
Community clinics, private practices, and organizations with second-chance hiring policies may be more flexible.
How far back do nursing school background checks go?
Most checks go back 7–10 years, but fingerprint-based checks in some states reveal lifetime records.
Sealed or expunged records may still appear depending on state law. Check with your program or state board for specifics.
Which states do not require a background check for a nursing license?
Nearly every state requires some form of background check for nursing licensure.
While the depth varies, fingerprinting is common, and the Nursing Licensure Compact requires passing a background check for a multistate license. Always verify current requirements with your state nursing board.
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