Academic Progression and Grading Criteria

Passing Grade

The minimum passing grade required for a nursing (NUR) course is a B (80 percent). Any grade below a B (80 percent) is a failing grade. In order to pass a nursing course that consists of both didactic and clinical/laboratory portions, students must receive at least a B (80 percent) for the didactic portion of the course and a P (Passing) for the clinical/laboratory portion. A failure in either the didactic or clinical/laboratory portion of a nursing course will result in a failing grade for the entire course.

The minimum passing grade for all science (SCI) courses is C+ (75 percent).

Repeating a Nursing Course

Nursing students who receive a grade of C+ or below in any nursing (NUR) course must repeat that course. A minimum grade of B in the repeated course is required to remain in the program. A maximum of one NUR course may be repeated once throughout the LPN to BSN program.

Repeating a Science Course

LPN to BSN students who receive a grade of C or below in any science course required in the program must repeat that course. A minimum grade of C+ in the repeated course is required to pass the course.

Students are reminded that they may only attempt to pass a single course two times, including one repeat. A student wishing to take a course for a third time, regardless of whether the repeated grade is passing or failing, must obtain written permission from the Dean of the School/Division in which the course is offered. 

Note that failed courses may lead to repeat fees and may also delay graduation.

Automatic Dismissal

Students who earn a second failing grade in a NUR course, whether in the course they are repeating or in a different course, will be automatically dismissed from the LPN to BSN program. 

Program Dismissal Appeal

Students who are dismissed from the Nursing program for violating policies outlined in this Student Handbook Supplement will receive official notification from the College’s Nursing Department Chair. Any student dismissed from the program for reasons other than academic integrity violations may ask for a review of the circumstances leading to the dismissal and request the possibility of being readmitted into the program. This appeal should be sent to the Nursing Department Chair within six (6) months of the date of dismissal using the following mechanism:

• Student outlines a written appeal to the Chair of the program of study detailing reasons why the dismissal should be reversed. Such appeal should include relevant documentation, a detailed summary of the circumstances that have changed that will lead to success, and any other appropriate supporting facts.
• The Chair will review the appeal and conduct an appropriate investigation with a Committee comprised of representatives of the School of Health Studies.
• After reviewing all relevant documentation, the Committee will deliberate, vote, and present their final decision to the Department Chair who will then share it with the School Dean. All decisions made by the Committee will be final and cannot be appealed. The Department Chair will notify the student and Academic Advisement of the Committee’s decision in a letter sent via email.