Does DaVita Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Healthcare Employment and Criminal Records

Working in healthcare with a criminal record is more nuanced than many other industries. Healthcare employers like DaVita must comply with federal and state regulations designed to protect patients. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) maintains an exclusion list of individuals who are barred from participating in federal healthcare programs (Medicare and Medicaid). If your name appears on this list — typically due to healthcare fraud convictions, patient abuse, or certain drug-related felonies — you cannot work in a position that bills to federal programs. However, most people with criminal records are NOT on the OIG exclusion list, and DaVita checks this as part of their screening. State-level healthcare worker background check requirements vary, but many states allow individualized assessment rather than blanket disqualification. The key point is that having a felony does not automatically prevent you from working in healthcare, but the specific type of conviction and state regulations matter more than in most other industries.

The Patient Care Technician Role at DaVita

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) position is DaVita's most common role and the primary entry point into the company. PCTs set up dialysis machines, monitor patients during treatment, take vital signs, and assist patients before and after dialysis sessions. DaVita provides extensive paid training for PCTs — you do not need prior medical experience or certification to be hired. Training typically lasts 8-12 weeks and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. After completing training, many states require PCTs to obtain certification within a specified timeframe, which DaVita supports. This role is meaningful work — you are directly helping people with chronic kidney disease, many of whom rely on dialysis treatments three times per week to survive. For people with records who want to build a career in healthcare, the PCT role at DaVita is one of the most accessible pathways because no prior certification is required to start.

DaVita's Background Check Process

DaVita conducts comprehensive background checks on all new hires. The process begins after a conditional job offer and typically includes: criminal history search across county, state, and national databases; Social Security number verification; OIG (Office of Inspector General) exclusion list check; state-specific healthcare worker screening as required by local law; education and employment verification for applicable roles; and drug screening. DaVita uses individualized assessment when criminal records appear, considering the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, rehabilitation efforts, and the specific role applied for. Convictions for healthcare fraud, patient abuse, or sex offenses involving vulnerable populations are the most likely to result in disqualification. Drug possession convictions, property crimes, and older non-violent felonies are more likely to be workable, particularly if you can demonstrate rehabilitation. If you are denied employment based on the background check, you have the right under the FCRA to receive the report and dispute any inaccuracies.

Non-Clinical Roles May Be More Accessible

While the PCT role gets the most attention, DaVita also has non-clinical positions that may be more accessible for people with certain types of criminal records. Facility maintenance and housekeeping roles involve keeping the dialysis center clean and operational. These positions do not involve direct patient care and may have slightly more flexible background check requirements, though healthcare facility standards still apply. Some larger DaVita operations also have dietary services, warehouse, and logistics positions. Corporate and administrative roles exist at DaVita's headquarters and regional offices, though these are less numerous than center-based positions. If you are interested in DaVita but concerned that your specific record may be problematic for a patient care role, ask the recruiter about non-clinical alternatives during the application process.

Career Growth at DaVita

DaVita is known for its strong company culture (the company refers to itself as a 'village' and its CEO as the 'mayor') and genuine commitment to employee development. The career path from PCT is well-defined: PCTs can advance to Senior PCT, PCT Preceptor (training new PCTs), Charge Nurse (with additional education), and eventually Facility Administrator. DaVita offers tuition reimbursement to help employees pursue further education, including nursing degrees. Many DaVita Facility Administrators started as PCTs. Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with company match, paid time off, employee stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, and employee assistance programs. DaVita operates in every state, so your experience and track record are portable if you relocate. Building a healthcare career through DaVita provides skills and credentials that are valued across the entire healthcare industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DaVita hire felons?

DaVita does hire people with felony records for some positions. The company uses individualized assessment and does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with criminal records. Patient Care Technician roles are the most common entry point. However, because DaVita is a healthcare provider, certain convictions (healthcare fraud, patient abuse, sex offenses) face greater scrutiny. Non-violent offenses, drug possession, and older convictions are generally more workable.

Does DaVita do background checks?

Yes, DaVita conducts comprehensive background checks on all new hires, including criminal history searches, OIG exclusion list checks, identity verification, and drug screening. Healthcare background checks are more thorough than those in most other industries due to patient safety regulations. However, a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you — DaVita reviews records individually.

What is a Patient Care Technician at DaVita?

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) sets up and operates dialysis machines, monitors patients during treatment, takes vital signs, and provides direct patient care. DaVita provides extensive paid training — no prior healthcare experience is required to start. It is a meaningful healthcare career that involves helping people with chronic kidney disease. After training, PCTs typically need to obtain state certification.

What is the OIG exclusion list?

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion list is a federal database of individuals barred from working in positions that bill to Medicare or Medicaid. You may be on this list if you have been convicted of healthcare fraud, patient abuse, certain drug-related felonies, or other program-related crimes. Most people with criminal records are NOT on the OIG exclusion list. DaVita is required to check this list for all employees.

Can I work at DaVita without healthcare experience?

Yes, DaVita's Patient Care Technician role does not require prior healthcare experience. The company provides 8-12 weeks of paid training that covers everything you need to know. This makes DaVita one of the most accessible entry points into a healthcare career for people from all backgrounds.

What benefits does DaVita offer?

DaVita offers health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with company match, paid time off, employee stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs, and career development opportunities. Benefits are available to full-time employees. DaVita's tuition reimbursement is particularly valuable for PCTs who want to pursue nursing or other advanced healthcare degrees.

Does DaVita drug test?

Yes, DaVita requires pre-employment drug screening for all positions. As a healthcare provider, DaVita maintains a drug-free workplace policy. Some positions may also be subject to random drug testing. This applies to all DaVita employees, not just clinical staff.