Radiology Forums

hopefull · Joined: 21 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

Hello all,I just have a quick question.I am graduating from my RT program in less than a month.I just was given the application from the program director.I noticed on there that the ARRT wants to know about my criminal history.Im 35 now and had done some dumb immature things growing up.Growing up in the inner city on the east side of Buffalo,Ny I grew up there with other kids and we all did stupid things not thinking how it would affect our futures,I have been arrested for petit larceny,resisting arrest,obstruction of goverment,escape,that was when I was 18,when I was 21 I was arrested for DUI,and when I was 32 I was leaving wedding reception and had a couple drinks and pulled up to a check point and received another DUI.I have paid all fines and there is nothing pending,no accident or any personal injury in either DUI.Almost all that stuff happened when I was a kid,unfortenetly it is on my record now.The DUI when I was 32 I realize I was an adult and just made a bad choice to drive,I had a couple of drinks but felt that I was not Intoxicated.I am wondering if I wasted all this time and money trying to make a better future for myself.I love what I have been doing in this program,Its a great feeling helping people.I knew I loved it when I had my first rotation.Im an adult now.Do you think the ARRT is going to deny me to sit for the registry and not allow me to get my license.I do not want to lie on the application about my criminal history.Thx and sorry for the lengthy story.I feel like depression is setting in because I dont know where to go from here.I dont want to end up in a warehouse the rest of my life.Thx for any and all help.

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 609 Location: CT

I'm not going to address the drinking thing, you're already aware of the stupidity and the long reaching consequences of that choice.

But I have personal experience with the ARRT and the legal question. Back in 1987 I got a DUI associated w/a 1-car rollover on an interstate. I completed everything I was asked to do and went on my merry way (never mentioning it to the ARRT).

I finally got sober in 1993. Still, I didn't think about it. It wasn't until 1997 that it occurred to me that I had never reported my DUI to the ARRT. So when it was time to renew, I reported a 10-year old DUI

I received a notification from the ARRT ethics board that my certification was in jeopardy, that my behavior would have to be presented and defended to the ARRT ethics committee. I should sit tight and wait and see. So I did.

I would suggest that you be absolutely squeaky clean and above board. After all, you're in this fix now because of poor choices - don't make another one.

Contact the ARRT ASAP. Now, today. Call them by phone, stay on the phone until you can speak with someone who can tell you what to do next. Demonstrate by your persistence that you're not a quitter, that you've grown up and are willing to do whatever it takes.

And then DO whatever it takes. If they want copies of the court documents? Get 'em. If they want you to give them something in writing in your own defense ... do it. (just make sure you take responsibility when you do).

Stand up straight, be responsible, and then relax knowing that you've done the best you can.

Good luck to you - I'll be waiting to hear how it all sorts out. And, as you might guess, I maintained my certification.

hjh, RT

Sidney · Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 53

Wow, you have quite the record. Shocked

Are you a convicted felon? If so, that isn't going to help your chances with the ARRT. I've heard that you can "appeal" a decision from them if they deny you the chance to sit. A tech I know had to jump through all kinds of hoops in order to be allowed to take his registry, but did it. I hope you are able to do the same. His record was a single misdeamenor if I remember correctly.

It amazes me that people with a criminal record don't look into this type of thing BEFORE starting school or whatever the case may be. I also know of someone who went through the RT program to be denied by the ARRT to sit for the registry. That student's spot could have been given to one of the hundreds of other students who applied instead. This isn't directed soley at you...it's a general vent.

As another poster said, do everything that the ARRT requests of you. Show that you are 100% serious about this and be willing to do whatever it takes. Hopefully they can look past your criminal history and let you sit. My guess is that they won't make it too easy for you.

Good luck, and stay out of trouble!

hopefull · Joined: 21 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

All I have on my criminal record after all that is 1 misdemeanor thank God. Everything else was dropped. I really hope I can sit for the registry.

Doclat · Joined: 26 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

hopefull,
I'm supprised that your program did not do a backround check prior to you starting school. However, here is some informaiton directly from the ARRT web site.

At my program we tell prospective students up front that if there is somthing hiding in their past they need to let us know now so we can get the paperwork done to see if they are eligible before they start in the program.

Here is a link to the page on the ARRT web site. http://www.arrt.org/index.html?content=ethics/preapp.htm

Hope this helps.

The Pre-Application Review is reserved for those who:
• Are not enrolled in an ARRT-recognized education program, or
• Are more than 6 months until graduating from an ARRT-recognized education program

This is the process for an early ethics review of offenses that would otherwise need to be reported with your Application for Certification when you have completed an ARRT-recognized education program. You will still need to submit an Application for Certification when you have completed all other eligibility requirements.

ARRT Ethics Department staff will not be able to advise you of the possible outcome of your review. All results will be in writing.

All offenses must be reported regardless of how long ago they were committed.
Exceptions are:
• Offenses committed while a juvenile and processed in the juvenile court system
• Traffic violations which did not involve drugs or alcohol
• Charges that were dismissed if there were no court conditions required for the dismissal

All other misdemeanor or felony offenses must be reported including convictions or charges resulting in a plea of guilty, plea of nolo contendere (no contest), withheld or deferred adjudication, suspended or stay of sentence or military court-martial.

If the pre-application review result is a cleared letter from the Ethics Committee, you will not be required to resubmit that information with any future applications or renewals.
_________________
Trying is the first step towards failure........
Homer J Simpson Esq.