Academic Progression and Grading Criteria

Passing Grade

The minimum passing grade required for all Surgical Processing Technician (SPT) courses, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, and Microbiology (degree students only) is a C+ (75 percent). Any grade below a C+ (75 percent) is a failing grade. A student failing either the didactic, clinical, or laboratory component of a SPT course will fail the entire course. Failure of an SPT course is defined as any grade below the minimum progression requirement of C+.

In addition, the minimum passing grade required for Medical Terminology is a C (70 percent). Any grade below a C (70 percent) is a failing grade. 

Repeating Courses

Students enrolled in the Surgical Processing Technician program who receive a grade of C or below in any SPT course, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, or Microbiology (degree students only) must repeat the course(s) in order to progress in the program. The minimum passing grade required for a repeated course is a C+.

Students enrolled in the Surgical Processing Technician program who receive a failing grade as outlined above in Medical Terminology must repeat the course in order to progress in the program. A minimum grade of C on 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 charge fees and may also delay graduation.

Program Dismissal Appeal

Students who are dismissed from the Surgical Processing Technician program for violating policies outlined in this Student Handbook Supplement will receive official notification from the College’s Allied Health - Surgical 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 Allied Health-Surgical 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.