Florida Nursing Schools , Part of Alleged , Wire Fraud Scheme .<br />CBS reports that federal officials have <br />uncovered an alleged scheme involving <br />three South Florida nursing schools. .<br />As a result of the scheme, thousands of <br />practicing nurses in the United States may <br />be working with bogus academic credentials. .<br />As a result of the scheme, thousands of <br />practicing nurses in the United States may <br />be working with bogus academic credentials. .<br />On January 25, the Department of Justice <br />said that the now-closed school allegedly <br />issued over 7,600 fake and unearned diplomas.<br />CBS reports that the alleged scheme involved schools <br />that include Siena College, Palm Beach School of <br />Nursing and Sacred Heart International Institute. .<br />Over two dozen people have been <br />charged for their alleged involvement. .<br />According to the Department of Justice, those involved , "engaged in a scheme to sell fraudulent nursing <br />degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from <br />accredited Florida-based nursing schools." .<br />CBS reports that each <br />of the defendants faces up to <br />20 years in prison if found guilty.<br />Nurses who received fake degrees reportedly went on <br />to work in fields that include homebound children, <br />assisted living facilities and veteran affairs.<br />States found to have nurses who were caught up in the scheme include Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Georgia, Maryland and Texas. .<br />CBS reports that the alleged scheme <br />took place between 2016 and 2020
