Can I get a CNA Certificate with a felony on my background?

Question

I'm currently going back to school to obtain my GED. I made alot of bad choices growing up & recently. I served 13 months in prison, but I completed my parole with no problems. I now want to get my life back in order and get my CNA Certificate. I live in IL and have a retail theft on my name. Can anyone help me with this info or help me call the right people. Thanks

Answer 1

Don't ask the school. Find out the state's rules as to what would disqualify you, as far as your background.

And there is something else to remember. Even if the state says you are ok, that does not mean a job has to hire you. The jobs will run a background check and it is their discretion as to whether to hire you.

I am not trying to be negative; I am telling you how it really works. The school wants your money. They cannot and will not promise jobs, so you can't trust them.

The state has its laws. It may be that in IL you can be a CNA with a felony. But, let's say you apply at ABC Nursing Home. They run a check and it shows your felony. They do not want to hire you. They won't tell you that, but they have the option. I have seen this happen to people in other careers, where they are legally allowed to be in the job, but the companies will not hire them.

If the state says you cannot, then at least you know healthcare is not a career choice for you.

I just don't want to see you waste money on school or be disappointed. Find the number of your state's Dept. of Health and go from there. If they say you can be a CNA, I would try to find out if the places in your area will hire you. You could try to talk to people who work there or maybe friends or family who may know.

Good luck!

Answer 2

you did thirteen months for a retail theft????   you gotta come to california...I did twenty six months for three second degree robberies.  Anyways, it depends on your state regulations.  As far as I know, if you got an honorable discharge off parole, your crime is at least seven years old, and it's not drug related, you're pretty much in the clear.  Your best bet is to ask the school yourself or call the state board of nursing assistants if you have one in IL...we have a state board of nursing and you can be a Registered Nurse and have felonies following the same criteria I gave you above...