Medical assistant work is a great way to leave an impact on society, help those in need, and earn a living. In fact, it’s one of the most popular careers, and it’s possible to achieve a 6-figure salary in high-income states like California, New York, and Florida. What’s more, there is room to grow your career as a medical assistant and enter into better positions with even more earning potential. That said, you might be wondering: can you become a medical assistant with a felony?
The good news is that, yes, you can become a medical assistant with a felony. However, you have to go about it the right way. Otherwise, you’ll run into problems, and it might ruin the career path for you. Fortunately, we’re here to help you learn everything you need to know.
Read on to learn more below.
What Is a Felony?
A felony is the worst type of crime that you can have on your record because it’s the most serious type of crime out there. Felonies aren’t universal, and they can be assigned to different types of crimes. While many people think that a felony is murder or violence, it can also be tax evasion, fraud, and even theft.
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In most states, the legal definition for a felony is a crime that has a punishment that extends beyond one year. Therefore, the outcomes can be jail sentences, time spent in prison, community service, as well as probation.
Can You Become a Medical Assistant with a Felony?
Yes, you can become a medical assistant with a felony, but it depends on the felony and how long ago the felony occurred. For example, you’ll have better luck with a felony that’s for a non-violent crime or one that doesn’t involve theft or stealing information. As medical assistants deal with patients and their records, having a felony for these types of crimes can prevent you from getting a job or even getting into medical school.
Tips to Become a Medical Assistant with a Felony
Becoming a medical assistant with a felony is the same process as becoming a medical assistant without one. That said, we have a few tips that can make the process go smoothly. Ultimately, it comes down to applying to programs that welcome felons and being up-to-date on what’s in your records.
Be Upfront About Your Felonies
The best thing you can do if you want to become a medical assistant with a felony is to be upfront about it. Never lie about a felony, and be open about what happened if an institution or employer asks you about it. You don’t always have to go into detail but be open to providing details if someone asks for them. This will only improve your chances.
Apply to Programs that Allow Felons
Some medical schools will allow felons to apply for the program. You also have to consider exams that you can take as a felon to see if you’re eligible. The rules are different for each state and institution, so do some research before applying to medical assistant programs. This can help you find employment without wasting your time.
Check Your Public Records Before Applying
If you want to become a medical assistant but have a felony, it’s a good idea to run a criminal check on yourself to see what appears. For example, some states might not share information or the felony might be off your record if it’s been sealed for longer than seven years.
That said, you need to use a reliable background check tool to ensure that the information you’re getting is accurate and current. We recommend using Information.com’s criminal records search tool for the best results. It’s connected to millions of public records databases and can help you find anything that’s public record.
Become a Medical Assistant Today
Don’t let a criminal record stop you from becoming a medical assistant. There are many paths you can take to become a medical assistant, plus, if it was something that happened more than seven years ago, there’s a chance that it’s off your record anyway. That said, make sure you disclose all of the information you’re required to provide and focus on going about the process properly to avoid getting into trouble and potentially ruining your chances.