Can you be a pta with a felony

The U. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there are approximately , licensed physical therapy assistants in the U.

The reason for this growth is the high demand due to the aging of the baby boomer population. The area of the country in which a physical therapy assistant works is also a factor in their earnings. Those on the East or West coast typically earn more than a physical therapy assistant that works elsewhere. Many physical therapy education programs do a background check on applicants for their program. Each state board for licensure establishes its own criteria.

Relevant factors such as type of offense, potential for harm to the public, and potential for recurrence of criminal activity will be considered. In Texas, an applicant is allowed to review their criminal record before submitting an application.

They are already viewed as dishonest, untrustworthy, and unwilling or unable to follow directions from authority figures. Having their felony expunged can give them the chance they need to begin with a clean record and succeed in becoming a physical therapy assistant. Expunging a criminal record allows anyone to honestly state on an application that they have not been convicted of a crime.

It may be a difficult road for a felon to travel, but it could be worth it for a felon wanting to become a physical therapy assistant. Then, it would be beneficial to document any programs, education , or training they have completed. Having support from family and friends is essential. There may also be others like counselors , ministers, and even previous employers.

Colleges have a rigorous process that applicants must complete before being accepted. For instance, Wallace State Community College requires a completed application, a copy of your transcripts and a copy of your current ACT score.

Also, before submitting your application, you must complete at least 24 hours of observation in the physical therapy field. When submitting the application, you agree to a background check and drug screening based on college policy. If a felony turns up in your background check, such as a felony involving dishonesty, fraud or narcotics abuse, it may prevent your acceptance into the program, depending upon the college's policy.

After completing a PTA course at an accredited institution, you may apply for your state licensure. State board members review your application. If the felony involves a crime of moral turpitude or breaking a narcotics law, the board will deny you a license. But if the felony is for any other reason, the board generally reviews the information and makes a decision on a case-by-case basis.

Contact your local state board of physical therapy for more information. Some states, such as Texas, allow you to request a review of your criminal history before applying for licensure. This is beneficial if you completed the program but are unsure if a felony may prevent you from becoming licensed in your state.

Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:.

This subsection does not apply to an applicant for initial licensure, certification, or registration who was arrested or charged with a felony specified in paragraph a or paragraph b before July 1, Any such conviction or plea excludes the applicant from licensure renewal unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:. This subsection does not apply to an applicant for renewal of licensure, certification, or registration who was arrested or charged with a felony specified in paragraph a or paragraph b before July 1, If you believe that you may be impacted by this law or if you have a criminal record, obtain any court records applicable to a related infraction and consult with a qualified private attorney to determine the impact of the law on your circumstances.

You are also advised to contact the Board of Physical Therapy Practice to determine how your criminal record may impact your ability to obtain a license to practice.