The New York State Education Department (“SED”) Office of the Professions (“OP”) is alerting everyone to a vishing scam that has been brought to our attention. Phishing—or “vishing”—scams impersonate SED employees or websites attempting to collect licensure and personal information from the licensee. If you receive an inquiry which you believe to be suspicious do not provide any information. To verify if the inquiry was from OP, contact us directly. You may report any suspicious communication received to the Federal Trade Commission.

6. Will a prior criminal conviction prevent me from obtaining a license or registration to practice nursing in New York?

Not necessarily. As part of the review of your license or registration application, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) will review your background including your prior conviction(s). NYSED decides on a case by case basis whether your prior criminal conviction(s) will disqualify you from being licensed as a nurse in New York.

Note: Courts often notify NYSED when nurses are convicted of a crime.