Academics

Academic Policies

Attendance

Regular and prompt attendance at all classes and clinical experiences is expected of students. The absence policy for each course is available to the student at the beginning of each course. Make-up assignments may be required and may be at additional cost to the student. Excessive absences may lead to dismissal from the course.

Grading

A minimum grade of 75 (C) in theory and a Pass rating in Clinical Practice are required to pass a nursing course.  If a student has an evaluation rating of "Fail" at midterm or at the end of a specific rotation, he/she will be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan.  An evaluation of "Fail" at the end of the course will result in course failure.

The nursing course grade of the student is based on examination results, class, and conference participation, and the character of his/her performance in the clinical area. Examinations may be written, oral and/or practical.

A letter grade will be used for all nursing class grades. The grading system is as follows:

Theory Clinical Practice
A = 90 - 100 Pass = the student is meeting the minimum performance expectations for this course. With appropriate direction, the student is able to carry out the expected clinical behaviors.
B = 80- 89 Needs Improvement = the student is not consistently meeting minimum performance expectations.
C = 75- 79 Fail = the student is not meeting the minimum performance expectations for this course. The student requires significant direction from the instructor. The student is not demonstrating mastery of the expected clinical behaviors.
F = 0 - 74
I = Incomplete Incomplete must be removed before next nursing course begins.

Please refer to the Camden County College catalogue for academic regulations for the college courses.

Records of grades are available at mid-semester and upon completion of each course.

Graduation Eligibility

Eligibility for the Diploma in Nursing and the Associate in Science degree is dependent on fulfillment of all academic and financial requirements prior to completion of the academic year. The individual student is responsible for successfully completing all courses and requirements necessary for graduation. Graduates are encouraged to attend graduation exercises at Camden County College.

Student Privacy Rights

We observe the privacy rights of students as prescribed by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (PL 93-568). Policies regarding students' rights and responsibilities are provided in the student handbooks for both the School of Nursing and for Camden County College.

Withdrawal From Course

Once the drop/add period has passed, a student must withdraw from a course. Students withdrawing from a course must recognize that it may impact their progression through the program due to course pre and co requisites. At the point the student withdraws from a course, they must be passing in order to repeat it without penalty. Otherwise, it will be considered an unsuccessful completion of the course. Withdrawals from School of Nursing courses are limited to one (1) per course without penalty. Withdrawals that would result in program completion beyond the prescribed time will not be approved.

Withdrawal From Program

A student planning to withdraw from the program is required to meet with the Associate Dean to discuss his/her need to withdraw from the nursing program and submit a letter of resignation addressing the reasons for withdrawing from the nursing program.  The student is also required to complete the required form available at the Office of Records and Registration at the College, or at the Coordinator of Enrollment Services Office in the School of Nursing. Clearance must be obtained from the Camden County College Learning Resource Center, the Business Office, Financial Aid Office, the Registrar, the bookstore, and the Nursing School Library.  No student will receive an honorable dismissal or be entitled to a transcript of credits earned unless he/she has settled all outstanding obligations.  A student who fails to follow the prescribed procedure will not be recommended to another institution.  Students intending to re-apply to the School of Nursing need to follow the Readmission Process.

Refunds for Approved Withdrawal

Refund Schedule dates are available each semester as part of the Camden County College and Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing academic calendars. These calendars are posted on the individual school's website.

Readmission

Students who have withdrawn from the nursing program or who have been on Leave of Absence for more than 2 semesters, or those who have been dismissed for academic reasons may request readmission to the nursing program beginning with the first clinical nursing course.

Registered Nurse Licensure Application

Application for RN licensure by NCLEX (National Council of Licensing Examination) is the graduate's responsibility. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of the New Jersey Nurse Practice Act 45:11-26, which outlines the eligibility criteria for licensure application. The New Jersey Board of Nursing (N.J.A.C. 13: 37-1.8) requires a criminal background check as a prerequisite to licensure as a registered professional nurse.