Is there anything illegal about this situation?

Question

My friend went to school to be a sonographer and needs a test to get some sort of certification. She's failed it several times. Her last job told her that she had to have it passed by a certain time or they'd fire her and she signed something to that effect. She didn't pass so she moved home and found a part time job doing the same thing. This time when she was hired they never mentioned her passing the exam or not or being certified. Eventually her boss brought it up and asked if she'd be willing to take the test. She told her she failed several times and asked if she'd get let go if she failed again. The boss told her that she'd still have a job whether or not she passed. She then said no she didn't want to because she couldn't afford to pay for the test. So the boss said they'd pay for it (which they did). She failed again. When the boss asked for the result she fired her, said she can't have her working there and not being certified. She works part time for them with no contract or anything. Since the boss said she'd have a job whether or not she passed I want to know if she can force them to let her keep her job or provide her with a replacement position or something.

Thanks

Answer 1

Most state have at will employment. Failure to meet certification requirements would pretty much qualify.  

Answer 2

Unless your friend got the guarantee in writing she's out of luck.  

Answer 3

There's nothing illegal here. You can be let go at any time for anything. And her employer is fully entitled to change their minds. Besides, a promise is not a written contract of employment.

Answer 4

Nothing illegal at all.  She will just have to move on.  Perhaps sonography is not her thing

Answer 5

If your friend kept failing the test, then she shouldn't have a job.  I certainly wouldn't want her doing my sonogram.  I don't think there's anything she can do.  Maybe she should try a different career.

Answer 6

some jobs have requirements like that would you want cops that cant shoot? Pilots that are afraid of heights? Doctors that cant pass med school?

Answer 7

Yeah, she's out of luck. She might also want to try looking for a new position or studying for the test a bit more.