Of course, we all have made mistakes in our past that we are ashamed of. Some worse than others. Unfortunately bad things can happen to good people. In this age of background and credit checks, our past can adversely affect our future with much more ease than in the past. That fact is especially true for those that may have some sort of record when considering occupational therapy assistant careers. You must submit to a background check before entering most, if not all occupational therapist schools before starting course work as a OTA. A credit check may also be done here, but most likely you will not face the credit check until you start hunting for employment. The school is looking to see that their potential graduate can even qualify for the occupational license. The actual restriction can vary from state to state; however, those with a background of sexual crimes, larceny or abuse will most likely not qualify. Talk to your adviser at the school offering occupational therapy programs.
That does not mean that those with a criminal record should just hang up on the possibility of being a OTA. A few bad checks or traffic tickets will not bar you from the program. In some cases, they will merely ask you to clarify the circumstances of your criminal record. A valid answer may allow you to stay in the program, though sometimes on a sort of probationary status. That is a reason that being completely honest on your application is paramount. Omitting certain information from your application because you are afraid it may impact you negatively will most assuredly bar yo9u from consideration. The background check will bring these omissions to light, and whereas complete honesty could have gotten you into the program, an act of omission will most assuredly keep you out.
Your credit will also be a factor. Your potential employer will want to see the status of your finances. This is mainly because you will potentially be working in the office around money and other valuable equipment, and may also work in a patient’s home where you may also be in contact with valuables. It is not to suggest that you would steal from them, but a person in large debt, may just possibly fall into temptation. If accepted into the program with less than perfect credit, it may be wise to work on your credit as best as possible to look as attractive as possible to perspective employers. Having a record is not necessarily the end of the road for your chance at a rewarding career as an occupational therapy assistant, but is will not be easy. Enter into the situation displaying honesty and the future will take care of its self.