Respiratory therapy has become a popular choice for health care professional aspirants.  Just like any professional health care occupation, respiratory therapy programs and licensing are regulated to assure that only qualified and credible individuals achieve certifications and go into actual practice.  In the US and Canada, most respiratory therapy programs require a criminal background check to applicants who wish to enroll and the state issuing the license to practice will do a thorough background investigation before licensing an applicant. Respiratory therapists work both in private homes and in public health settings such as nursing homes, long term care, rehab, or assisted living facilities.  No one would want to employ a convicted murderer, pedophile or thief.

Most respiratory therapy programs require that you have a clean sheet, free and clear of any convictions. Felony convictions are “almost ” a sure way of licensure being declined. However this is not always the case. Convictions that are very old may not apply depending on their nature and the standard for a particular state. It is not always wise to take no for answer from just anyone. Do your homework before accepting someone else’s opinion. If your criminal past is a reason for you being declined a state license, then it is a matter of state law. This means that it has to be in the states health and safety code. These codes are very specific and if your violation is not listed as one that warrants licensure denial, then it may be discriminatory for you to be denied a state license because of your record.

Quite often well meaning but ignorant people write off all convictions as absolute reasons for a person being unable to pursue a career in health care. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Each case is unique and has to be looked at carefully before making a decision. Many times a state  will not have the necessary staff to look at your case until you actually apply for a license. This means you could actually go through a respiratory therapy program without knowing for sure if you are eligible for a license. Be wise and have a professional help you look at your particular states health and safety code if the state office is unable to direct you to the code. Remember, if you are denied by a state the privilege of a professional license your conviction has to be in the state code listed as a reason to deny licensure in order to be consistent with the law. Some areas have attorneys that specialize in helping people clean up their records and do the research to determine the right career path. Attorney’s are law professionals, and the licensing a respiratory therapist who has a criminal record is a matter of state law. Note that laws vary from state to state, so the standard in Arizona may be very different from California.

In some cases if you have felony convictions you may need a pardon or expungement of your records if you qualify. Generally speaking, the clearing of a criminal record means that you have to demonstrate a pattern of nobility and uprightness over time. Just having a job and staying out of trouble  is not enough. You need to be able to show a court that since you “changed” you can show that you have been doing right and going above and beyond to do right.

What if you had a misdemeanor?

Remember, a felony is different from misdemeanor.  A felony is a serious crime and is usually punishable by more than one year imprisonment in a state or federal correctional facility including and up to death, depending on the crime.  On the other hand a misdemeanor is a less serious crime and usually punished with less than a year imprisonment in a local facility, not in a state correctional facility.  Misdemeanors will not necessarily disqualify you from taking a respiratory program and obtain a degree or certification. Another thing to consider is this: You may be able to get yourself a state license but, but will you be able to get a job in health care with your record? Many hospitals will not touch you with any kind of conviction, even if you have a RT license. Again, this is where your homework comes in.

Credit checks sometimes are performed by employers screening for candidates who they feel are in their best interest. They are not generally performed to enroll in a RT program unless you have applied for a loan. Although many disagree with the notion of checking credit to help determine if someone is the right employee, in most cases the credit check is voluntary requiring your signature and authorization. You most certainly can decline to have your credit checked, however it is doubtful that you will be selected.

Having dirt on your record can be difficult to deal with. Especially for those who have changed and “seen the light.” You still have the mark and wreckage of the past to deal with. However, if you are looking for a way to do good and do something positive with yourself there is a way for you.  Nothing is impossible to them that believe. Nothing! Call on the the Lord to help light your path and see if He isn’t willing to be your guide.

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