Pre-Licensure Academic Information and Policies

Statement of Student Responsibility

Students are solely responsible for knowing and following Mount Carmel College of Nursing policies and procedures and for their own successful progress and completion of the degree program and requirements they select. While advisors are available to help students with course selection, each student is responsible for seeking clarification regarding progression through the curriculum. At all times, each student is also responsible for seeking clarification and/or assistance from faculty, staff, or administrators.

New Student Orientation (onsite students)

Participation in/attendance at New Student Orientation is a requirement for all new entering onsite students.

Attendance

Class and clinical attendance is required at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Each course syllabus includes faculty requirements for specific class and clinical attendance.

• An onsite program student listed on the class roster who has not attended class or clinical by the second class or clinical day and has not been excused will be administratively withdrawn from the class.
• A Second Degree Accelerated Program student who is absent without excuse may be withdrawn from the class and from the Program.
• An online student listed on the class roster who has not attended class, or participated in the online class, by the end of the first week of class and has not been excused will be administratively withdrawn from the class.
• In all cases, the faculty of the class must notify the Office of Records and Registration with the name of the absent student.

Illness during class or clinical: A student who becomes ill or injured during class or clinical time will notify the instructor who will initiate an appropriate plan of action based on the circumstances and in accordance with related College policies. Students in onsite classes who have been admitted as a hospital inpatient or seen for treatment in a hospital Emergency Department must submit a signed release in order to return to class and/or clinical. This signed release must be submitted to the Director of Compliance and Safety prior to the student’s return to class and/or clinical. The release must clearly identify all restrictions and the length of time the restrictions apply.

Absences in Clinical or Lab-Based Courses:

Nursing Clinical or Lab:

• A student missing more than 1 day (for courses with 99 or fewer scheduled clinical or lab hours) or 2 days (for courses with 100 or more scheduled clinical or lab hours) of clinical or lab, may be withdrawn from the course. Students that are withdrawn from a course are subject to the Academic Progression Policy.

Nursing and Science Labs:

• Students hold the accountability and responsibility for content associated with missed labs. 

Clinical or Lab Make-up Requirements:  

• Students are required to make up all missed lab or clinical experience and are responsible for the payment of any clinical or lab make-up fees (minimum of $55/hour for the total number of missed hours). 

Clinical or Lab Orientation:  

• Students who miss clinical or lab orientation may be administratively withdrawn from the course in which they missed orientation.

By the approval of the Academic Dean, a student will be dropped from a nursing clinical course if patient/client safety is at risk, and a grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript

Reporting Absence for Clinical or Lab 

Students who are unable to be present for clinical or lab experiences must notify the Course Coordinator and or the clinical facility and clinical faculty member as indicated, at least two hours prior to the scheduled start time for the experience. Student should refer to their clinical syllabi for individual agency or faculty instructions regarding absences reporting.

As absence reporting processes are in place to establish student conduct that is in concert with behaviors expected of working professionals, if notification is not given the student may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee.

Textbooks

RedShelf delivers textbook resources directly through Canvas and helps lower the cost of course materials for students. With Inclusive Access, students automatically receive digital course materials through Canvas on or before the first day of class. Students can opt out of digital materials and purchase them elsewhere if desired. Students who choose to use Inclusive Access will be billed directly from MCCN Bursar’s Office.

Click here to view instructions for accessing course materials from Canvas.

Click here for RedShelf support.

Click here for questions about the RedShelf eReader.

Nursing Supplies

All students are required to have the following medical equipment for the first Skills Lab in NURS 204 (traditional program) and NURS 294 (Second Degree Accelerated Program) :

1. Stethoscope (dual head)
2. Penlight
3. Pupil Gauge
4. Bandage scissors
5. Aneroid Sphygmomanometer (optional)
6. Watch (with second hand)
7. Lab coat (full [knee] length) must be purchased from www.robertsmed.com. Enter the Uniform Program Login Code “mc13” in the upper right corner (case sensitive). Lab coats come with the Mount Carmel College of Nursing shoulder patch attached to the upper left sleeve.

Student Uniform and Lab Coat

The MCCN student uniform is required, starting with enrollment in Nursing 205 (sophomore level). Students are required to obtain the approved nursing student uniform with a Mount Carmel College of Nursing shoulder patch attached to the upper left sleeve.

The approved MCCN uniform is available from:

Roberts Medical Uniforms
1135 Commercial Ave. SE
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Toll free:  877-512-9090
Fax:  330-339-6775
Website:  www.robertsmed.com

This is the only accepted vendor for the MCCN nursing student uniform and lab coat. Both can be ordered directly from their website (www.robertsmed.com).

For uniform and lab coat information specific to MCCN, enter mc13 in the “Enter Code” box located at the top middle of the webpage. Roberts uniforms and lab coats come with the MCCN shoulder patch already attached. 

See Dress Code  for additional details.

Service Learning

Service Learning is a teaching strategy that provides students with meaningful learning experiences through community interactions. This experience is reciprocal; it builds a relationship with the community, and also helps the student transform through fostering civic responsibility. The practice of nursing is service.

Online Courses

Any onsite program student who wishes to enroll in an online course must have a minimum level of computer competency in order to be successful. Tutorials are provided to assist the student to develop or refresh computer skills. All tutorials are to be completed prior to starting an online course.

Professional Liability Insurance (onsite students)

Students and faculty members participating in educational activities associated with the Mount Carmel College of Nursing are covered by a blanket professional liability insurance policy.

Graduate and undergraduate students and full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty members are covered by the insurance as long as they are acting within the scope of educational duties and responsibilities anywhere that the education take place. In other words, students and faculty are covered when working in Mount Carmel Health System (MCHS) facilities as well as in other hospitals and community health facilities while participating in educational activities. Coverage under the blanket policy for educational activities is primary in the event that students purchase individual policies (the blanket insurance is activated first prior to any other individual policies).

Staff members (registered nurses and others) are covered by the blanket insurance while proctoring, precepting, or supervising students.

Students and faculty insured under this policy do not need to purchase separate liability coverage for educational purposes. However, if faculty or students are working as staff (e.g., providing patient care) in other capacities or in other institutions outside the scope of their MCCN role, then separate coverage may be purchased at the discretion of the individual student, faculty, or staff member.

Directors, officers, trustees, administrators, and committee members are covered by a separate errors and omissions insurance policy.

Trinity Insurance and Risk Management will not provide copies of insurance policies.

Medication Administration By Pre-Licensure MCCN Nursing Students

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to specify responsibilities for clinical faculty, nursing preceptors, and nursing students involved in medication administration practice during clinical experiences.

II. Policy and Procedures of Safe Medication Administration

1. Faculty, preceptors, and nursing students at Mount Carmel College of Nursing are to follow facility policies for student nurse medication administration.
2. When two nursing students are assigned to the same patient, one nursing student is to be responsible for a complete occurrence of medication administration. One occurrence is defined as a specified time of medication administration which includes the preparation, administration, and documentation of the medication administration. Nursing students may alternate responsibility for one complete occurrence medication administration.
3. Faculty or the assigned preceptor is responsible for supervising and instructing the nursing student during medication administration and co-signing the documentation according to the healthcare facility policy.
4. Faculty, preceptors, and nursing students are responsible for following and applying the principles of safe medication administration practices including but not limited to:
   • Removing
   • Preparing
   • Administering (using 2 patient identifiers)
   • Evaluating medication effectiveness
   • 3 step check system
   • Following rights of administration
   • Medication safety zone (no interruption, no distractions, using hard stop check)
   • One and done process (remove, administer, and document on one patient at one time)
   • Educating patient
5. Faculty, preceptors, and nursing students must sign into electronic computer applications with their individual login identities.
6. Faculty, preceptors, and nursing students are mutually accountable for adherence to medication administration policies of the facility and adherence to safe medication administration practices.

CPR Requirement for Clinical-Based Courses

Students enrolled in nursing courses with clinical or lab components are required to have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Current CPR certification is a prerequisite to starting any sophomore, junior, or senior nursing course. Each student must upload CPR documentation (CPR certification card or certificate and a photocopy of the card or certificate)to CastleBranch. CastleBranch will set a renewel date at that time and students must maintain CPR currency throughout their entire program of study.

Pre-licensure students’ CPR certification must be in effect throughout the official start/end dates of the specific nursing course (16-week semester or 8-week term). The expiration date cannot occur before the official end date of the course. Students who fail to meet this requirement will be administratively withdrawn from the course. There is no grace period. Clinical faculty will review CastleBranch to ensure compliance with all clinical requirements including active CPR certification.

Students are required to comply with this policy; non-compliance will result in administrative withdrawal from the course, which may result in less than full-time enrollment and delay of graduation.

Important Details:

• CPR certification must be in effect throughout the official start/end dates of the specific nursing course (16-week semester or 8-week term) in which the student is enrolled.
• The expiration date cannot occur before the official end date of the course.
• Students who fail to meet the CPR requirement will be administratively withdrawn from the course. There is no grace period.
• Non-compliant students will not be permitted to enter the nursing course on the first day.
• The responsibility to keep CPR certification current rests solely with the student.

Regulations require that any new certification or re-certification must be acquired exclusively through:

American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org/cpr

One of the following courses is required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers
• Instructor/Trainer/Faculty

“HeartSaver CPR” or other training does not meet the College CPR requirement for nursing students. Students who mistakenly complete this novice training will be required to complete the appropriate professional-level course from those listed above.

Student Success Academic Advising

Academic advising is an integral part of the student’s educational experience. To ensure timely resolution of problems and to ensure progression to graduation, the student must assume responsibility in the advising process.  

Academic Advisors (Student Success Advisors) provide the following advising services for pre-licensure students:

1. Assist in planning the student’s academic program.
2. Advise regarding course registration each semester.
3. Interpret academic requirements, policies, and procedures.
4. Monitor student progress toward fulfilling degree requirements and academic achievement.
5. Academic support services are available through the Student Success Center.

In collaboration with the Department of Records and Registration, the Second Degree Accelerated Program staff provides the following advising services for SDAP students.

1. Assist in planning the student’s academic program.
2. Advise regarding course registration each semester.
3. Interpret academic requirements, policies, and procedures.
4. Monitor student progress toward fulfilling degree requirements and academic achievement.
5. Academic support services are available through the Student Success Center.

College and Career Success (SSCI 111-112)

• All new students classified by MCCN as first-time freshmen and new transfer students are required to successfully complete College and Career Success during the first two semesters, regardless of their ATI TEAS results.
• Exceptions are only granted for undergraduate students who have a prior degree.

English Placement

Students without equivalent transfer credit for English Composition are placed into ENGL 110 if their ACT-English score is 18 or higher. Students with an ACT-English score less than 18 are placed into ENGL 110 if their AT TEAS English level is Proficient or higher.

Students with an ACT-English score below 18 and a AT TEAS English level of Basic or Developmental are placed into ENGL 100. Credit for this course counts in hours earned but not in total hours for graduation requirements. Students who successfully complete ENGL 100 are required to subsequently take ENGL 110.

Math Competency

All students who score at either the Basic or Developmental level on the math section of the AT TEAS, regardless of previously completed college-level math courses, are required to successfully complete a two-credit, remedial, math course (MATH 090 ) during the first or second semester of enrollment. MATH 090 is required prior to enrolling in NURS 206 , Pharmacology, at the sophomore level. Credit for this course counts in hours earned but not in total hours for graduation requirements

Math Across the Curriculum

Details of the MCCN Math Across the Curriculum policy are listed below:

• Students take a post-test (Test A) at the end of sophomore year in NURS 206 , Pharmacology. The same test (Test A) is given to juniors in Term 1 of the Fall semester as a pre-test. A different post-test (Test B) will be administered at the beginning of Term 4 of the junior year. Seniors take a pre-test (Test B) Term 1 of the senior year.
• This schedule allows ample time for remediation for those students who do not pass the test at 100%.
• Students who do not pass the test with 100% on the second try will be referred to the Pharmacology instructor and/or the Academic Resource Center for remediation. When the student has successfully completed remediation, the clinical faculty member will be notified. Successful completion of remediation is achieved when the student passes the test at 100%.
• Students may continue in their nursing clinical course but will not be allowed to pass medication to patients and will continue to receive “unsatisfactory” on the clinical evaluation until remediation has been successfully completed

APA Format

The College requires the latest edition of the American Psychological Association (APA) style manual for all student papers because it is the acceptable format for written papers in scientific disciplines. Students shoud refer to course syllabi and/or instructor for specific information on the latest edition used for that course.

APA format is included in the MCCN ENGL 110 course. All transfer students with equivalent credit for ENGL 110 but without instruction in APA format will be enrolled in ENGL 112, a one-credit, 8-week online course. Credit will count toward hours required to graduate. A course waiver will be considered for any student who provides to the Director of Records and Registration a college syllabus from a previous institution (from the semester/quarter the course was taken) that shows adequate evidence of previous APA instruction.

Turnitin®

To encourage Mount Carmel students to maintain honesty and integrity, the College has partnered with Turnitin®, a web-based program that allows students and faculty to check papers and essays for plagiarism. Onsite students are encouraged to check their own papers prior to submitting their assignments to faculty.

Note:  Use of Turnitin is a requirement for all papers submitted by students enrolled in the Online RN-BSN Completion Program.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center assists students in their efforts to become confident and independent learners. Our mission is to provide and help integrate effective learning and study strategies for students, while also helping to clarify and reinforce course content, assignments, and material.

The Student Success Center provides the following services:

• Individual and group tutoring appointments with Peer Tutors and/or Faculty Coaches
• Assistance with examining and improving study habits, time management skills, stress reduction techniques, and test taking strategies
• Regularly scheduled study groups focusing on identified high-risk courses
• Writing assistance in all areas, including grammar, mechanics, content, organization, and APA format
• Virtual tutoring services through the Canvas Learning Management System

Tutoring services are available at no additional charge. Students can view the current semester schedule, details for scheduling an appointment, and what to expect from tutoring services on the Student Success Center CARMELink page.

For more information, please contact the Student Success Center (academicresources@mccn.edu) or visit us online. 

Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)

Mount Carmel College of Nursing partners with the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) in the administration of a package of teaching and assessment tools for all pre-licensure nursing students. Fees for ATI are included in educational costs each semester during sophomore, junior, senior years and during applicable SDAP semesters.

Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS)

As part of the first semester orientation process, all new pre-licensure students are required to complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) in the areas of Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English/Language Usage. Note that new students entering the Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) are exempt from taking the ATI TEAS.

• All students classified by MCCN as first-time freshman are required to successfully complete the College and Career Success courses (FYEX 110 and FYEX 111) during the first two semesters, regardless of their TEAS results.
• Transfer freshman with less than 16 semester hours of college credit whose ATI TEAS Adjusted Individual Total Score is Basic or Developmental are required to complete FYEX 110 and FYEX 111 during the first two semesters.
• Transfer freshman with 16 or more semester hours of college credit are exempt from FYEX 110 and FYEX 111. However, any student in this category who scores at Basic or Developmental in Reading, English, and Language Usage, or Science will be referred to the Academic Resource Center.
• All entering students, regardless of class level or previously completed college-level math courses, who score at Basic or Developmental in Math are required to successfully complete a remedial math course (MATH 090). Transfer sophomores must take MATH 090 the first semester of enrollment; freshmen must take MATH 090 the first of second semester of enrollment.

Content Mastery Series

The College also administers mandatory diagnostic assessments to students following classroom instruction in the sophomore, junior, and senior years in the traditional program and throughout the Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP). Each assessment provides data regarding a student’s mastery of concepts of specific nursing content and offers a formative indication of developing NCLEX-RN readiness. A percentage of the nursing course grade will be based upon ATI achievement levels. The mastery series culminates with the RN Comprehensive Predictor.

ATI Comprehensive Live Review

All students graduating from a pre-licensure nursing program (Traditional and SDAP) are required to participate in a three-day ATI Comprehensive Live Review for NCLEX Preparation. The onsite (or virtual) format consists of a three-day comprehensive live review.

Virtual ATI (VATI)

Virtual-ATI NCLEX-RN review is an innovative program that provides 12-week access to interactive online review resources to prepare nursing graduates for NCLEX-RN success. The review is guided by a Master’s-prepared nurse educator and is individualized to each graduate. The program directly aligns with the current NCLEX-RN test plan, and provides access to a variety of resources. Graduates who complete the Virtual-ATI NCLEX-RN Review with full/active engagement have historically shown to have a high NCLEX-RN pass rate. Active engagement/participation in Virtual-ATI includes communicating with the coach, taking assigned assessments, completing designated remediation activities, and Focused Review under the direction of the coach. Graduates who meet the 100% completion status of the review, as well as, demonstrated proficiency in content areas and the Virtual ATI predictor within the set time/guidelines will achieve Green Light status, indicating they are ready to take the NCLEX-RN. It is highly recommended that the graduate sit for the NCLEX-RN within 3 weeks of achieving the Green Light.

ATI Guaranteed Support Policy

ATI offers guaranteed support to students after completing an ATI Live Review and completion and achievement of a “Green Light” from Virtual ATI.  Students will begin working in Virtual-ATI NCLEX-RN during the last 6-weeks of NURS 3528, reaching the 100% mile marker prior to graduation. If a student does not pass on their initial attempt at NCLEX-RN, ATI will provide an additional 12 weeks of Virtual ATI (VATI) to the student at no additional cost. In order to receive this additional support, the student must do the following:

1. Student must attend all 3 days of the live ATI review.
2. Student must complete all Virtual ATI assignments and achieve “Green Light” status.
3. Student must contact ATI in writing within three weeks of taking NCLEX-RN to inform ATI that he/she did not pass the NCLEX-RN on initial attempt.
4. If the student contacts ATI after three weeks of taking the NCLEX-RN, or fails to complete any of the other criteria as listed above, the student must pay a $100 reactivation fee for an additional 12 weeks of evaluation and assistance.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

I. Background

The Mount Carmel College of Nursing is respectful of students’ rights and responsibilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These laws require that no qualified person with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives or benefits from Federal assistance.  In addition, the Fair Housing Act requires reasonable, housing-related accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

The Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to serving qualified students with disabilities in its programs and services. Any qualified student with a disability may request an accommodation to ensure that the academic program does not discriminate against or have the effect of discriminating against that student. 

Since the nature and severity of disabilities vary, non-academic adjustments may be applicable only when they are appropriate to the needs of the individual student with a disability. To determine eligibility for accommodations, the College generally requires current and relevant documentation from a qualified professional with expertise in the area of the diagnosed disability/disorder that establishes a disability and its impact on the student and confirms the need for each accommodation requested. 

II. Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to both academic and non-academic accommodations, including but not limited to, requests for accommodations with required community service activities and coursework/clinicals.

III. Definition of Accommodations and Disability

Accommodations

• Accommodations (also sometimes called adjustments) are modifications of policies, practices, or procedures that will allow the student with a disability/disorder to meet the requirements of the course or program.  Examples of available accommodations may include, but are not necessarily limited to, auxiliary aids and modifications to courses, programs, services, activities, or facilities.  
• The College will take all steps necessary to ensure that its students are not excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program or activity because of a lack of auxiliary aids and services for students with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills. The College, however, cannot honor requests for accommodations that would fundamentally alter its programs or services, are directly related to any licensing requirements, cause undue administrative or financial hardship on the College, or jeopardize the health or safety of others.
• It is the responsibility of the student to make his or her disability status and/or need for an accommodation known to the College, following the process outlined below.  Once notified, the College will work with the student to identify potential accommodations and assess the practicality and effectiveness of each potential accommodation.
• Determinations regarding accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.  An accommodation must be tailored to address the nature of the disability and the needs of the individual within the context of the requirements of the program.  If there are two or more possible accommodations, and one costs more or is more burdensome than the other, the College may choose the less expensive or less burdensome accommodation that is still effective.

Disability

• Generally, a person with a disability is one who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

IV. Admission of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may apply to and are considered for admission to the College in the same manner as any other applicant.  Students must meet the same admission requirements and Functional Abilities and Performance Standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, as all other students.   

No student (or prospective student) is required by law to disclose a disability before or after admission to the College. However, disclosure and documentation of a disability is required if accommodations (academic or non-academic) are requested.

Students (and prospective students) are encouraged to review the Functional Abilities and Performance Standards that are essential for the safe practice of professional nursing and for successful participation in and completion of a nursing education program. Students will need to demonstrate satisfactory application of these functional abilities and performance standards, with or without reasonable, during their course of study in nursing. The Functional Abilities and Performance Standards can be found in the College’s Catalog-Handbook.

V. Service Animals

Service Animals: Mount Carmel College of Nursing permits the presence of Service Animals which perform tasks in support of persons with disabilities in College buildings and classrooms. Federal regulations define Service Animals as dogs (and in specific cases, miniature horses) that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, and alerting or protecting a person who is having a seizure. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Only the following two questions may be asked to determine if an animal is a service animal, as federally defined: 1) is the animal required because of a disability? (if the disability is not obvious) and 2) what work or task has the service animal been trained to do? There are no requirements to register service animals with the College but students are encouraged to notify the Student Accessibility Coordinator of the regular presence of a service animal so the Coordinator can provide support and education to others members of the campus community.

Handler Responsibilities: The handlers/owners of Service Animals are obligated to comply with any applicable laws related to animal licensing, vaccination, and identification. Handlers must keep animals under their control at all times and are responsible to adequately care for, clean up after, and maintain the health of their animal. Handlers are responsible for any and all damage to physical facilities caused by their animal. Handlers assume all liability for the action of their animals, including injuries to other persons or damage of others’ personal property. 

Limitations: Service Animals may not be permitted when the animal poses a substantial and direct threat to the health or safety of others, or if the presence of the animal fundamentally alters the nature of the program or service in which the person with a disability is participating. Determinations of this kind are made on a case-by-case basis by the College’s Student Accessibility Coordinator.

VI. Procedures

1. The Student Accessibility Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) has been designated to handle inquiries into academic[1] and non-academic accommodations. A student requesting accommodations under this policy must notify the Coordinator as soon as possible after the need for an accommodation becomes apparent. The student should schedule a meeting with the Coordinator to discuss his or her needs and requested accommodations. 
   • Contact information: Student Accessibility Coordinator, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus, OH 43222, Phone: 614-234-4393 or accessibility@mccn.edu.
2. To support most accommodation requests, students are required to provide current (generally no more than three years old) documentation of the disability to the Coordinator. This documentation must be from a professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience and licensure appropriate to the profession (such as a licensed psychologist, physician, or nurse practitioner). The documentation should describe the nature of the disability, the extent to which the disability limits one or more major life activities, and the suggested accommodation(s). If the student had a documented disability in high school and received IEP/504 accommodations, the paperwork may also be submitted for consideration of accommodations. The Coordinator will provide application and approval forms to standardize the documentation process.
3. Upon submission of required documentation, the Coordinator will engage in an individualized, interactive process with the student to determine possible accommodations. 
   • For academic accommodations: Coordinator will review the documentation. If necessary, the Coordinator will discuss any alternative accommodations with the student and the Associate Dean.
   • The determination as to whether a requested accommodation will be granted lies with the Coordinator. In some situations, a temporary plan may be developed and implemented by the Coordinator, upon notification to the appropriate College leader, where additional time is required for diagnostic evaluation.  A minimum of 2 business days is required to implement the accommodations. A copy of the official documentation will be maintained in the student’s file by the Coordinator.
4. The Coordinator will then notify the student of the determination.  If an accommodation is granted, the Coordinator will send out an accommodation form via email setting forth the accommodations for the student. This form is sent to their faculty each semester and staff in support of implementing the accommodation. If needed, the instructor and Coordinator will collaborate to plan and implement an academic accommodation.
5. If a student feels that his or her accommodations are not being met, he/she must notify the Coordinator immediately.  
6. If a student has been granted an accommodation and chooses not to use the accommodation(s), the student is required to notify the Coordinator in writing that the student will not be utilizing the accommodations.

VII. Grievance Procedure

If the student’s request for an accommodation is denied or the student is dissatisfied with the accommodation being provided, the College encourages the student to engage in an informal dialog with the Coordinator in an attempt to resolve the issue.   If a matter cannot be resolved informally or if the student prefers to file a formal grievance, a written grievance must be submitted to the Academic Dean. The informal resolution process is strictly voluntary and is not a prerequisite to filing a formal grievance. The student may file a formal grievance by following the instructions in the grievance policy.

A student is not required to file a grievance with the College prior to pursuing any federal or state administrative remedy. 

Discrimination Based on Disability: If you believe you have been discriminated against or harassed due to a disability you should contact the Coordinator who will assist you in making a complaint under the College’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.

Retaliation: The College prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a grievance under this policy or otherwise complains that he or she has been denied equal access in the form of appropriate accommodations, modifications, auxiliary aids or effective communication. This prohibition of retaliation similarly extends to anyone who has testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing related to a grievance or complaint under this policy.

VIII. Student Privacy

Except where necessary to further the purpose of this policy or where otherwise permitted by law, documentation of a student’s disability will be kept confidential and will not be shared with other administrators or faculty members without the student’s consent, in accordance with federal educational privacy regulations. Any request by a student to review the documents associated with his or her request for an accommodation or grievance under this policy should be submitted to the Coordinator.

[1] The Ohio Board of Nursing governs requests for accommodations by an applicant for the NCLEX-RN ® Examination.  The Board has promulgated a policy explaining the requirements for applying for testing accommodations, which is available on the Ohio Board of Nursing website. Students are encouraged to review these requirements, including the requirement for a letter for the nursing education program demonstrating that accommodations were in place during the nursing education program.

NCLEX-RN

In accordance with requirements of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (Council), the Ohio Board of Nursing (Board) has developed a procedure for maintaining the psychometric integrity of the examination while responding to the special needs of applicants with disabilities who are eligible for admission to the NCLEX-RN examination. Accommodation requests may include assistance such as extra time, a separate room or reading assistance. All accommodation requests must be made in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

To allow sufficient time to secure the required documentation, it is recommended that you notify the Board, in writing, six months prior to the date you wish to take the NCLEX® examination. Documentation required must include the following letters/documentation:

1. A letter from the applicant that includes information regarding the specific type of disability involved, the specific type of accommodations requested, and the applicant’s contact information.
2. A letter from the applicant’s nursing education program administrator stating hat accommodations of the same type that the applicant is requesting were provided to the applicant during the nursing education program, unless the disability occurred after the completion of the program.
3. Documentation submitted to the Board directly from a qualified professional with expertise in the area of the diagnosed disability, on the professional’s letterhead including:

• recent reports, diagnostic test results, interpretations of test results, evaluations and assessments of the applicant demonstrating the need for accommodations due to a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities; and
• information regarding the history of the disability, its impact on the applicant’s ability to function, and past accommodations granted to the applicant, if any.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing may grant accommodations for the examination related to the applicant’s disability. Your request will be forwarded to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for review and approval. You will be notified whether your request is approved, along with your authorization to test (ATT). If you have questions about accommodations, please contact the Licensure Unit at (614) 466-3947 or by e-mail at licensure@nursing.ohio.gov. Click here for the policy from the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Learning Disabilities

The diagnosis must be based on a comprehensive assessment battery with the resulting diagnostic report to include a diagnostic interview, an assessment of aptitude/cognitive ability, academic achievement, and information processing. Actual test scores (stated as graded equivalents, standard scores, and percentiles) from identified, formalized evaluation instruments must be provided.

The practitioner must provide an interpretative diagnostic summary which includes:

1. evidence that the evaluator ruled out any other explanations for academic problems;
2. a description of how the learning disability was determined (i.e., use of patterns in cognitive ability, achievement, and information processing);
3. a description of the limitation to learning caused by the disability and the degree to which the applicant’s NCLEX-RN performance may be affected; and
4. an explanation as to why specific accommodations are needed and how the accommodations will mediate the specific disability.

ADHD

The diagnosis must be consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV, or subsequent editions) and be indicated by documented evidence of both early and persistent patterns of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. The practitioner providing documentation to the Board must confirm the diagnosis in accordance with these criteria and provide clear evidence that:

1. actual test scores (stated as grade equivalents, standard scores, and percentiles);
2. an interpretative diagnostic summary indicating other diagnoses or explanations for the symptoms or behaviors have been ruled out;
3. a description as to how patterns of behaviors across the life span and across settings are used to determine the presence of ADHD;
4. a statement as to whether the application was evaluated while on medication and whether the prescribed treatment produced a positive response;
5. a statement regarding the substantial limitation to learning that results from ADHD and the degree to which the applicant’s NCLEX-RN performance may be affected; and
6. a statement as to why specific accommodations are needed and how the accommodations will mediate the ADHD.

After reviewing the request for modifications, along with supporting documents, the Board, in consultation with Council, will make a determination on the request. The Board’s determination is then subject to final approval by Council. The applicant will be notified in writing of the final disposition of the request and of any specific procedures which must be followed for the examination.

If the applicant becomes disabled within the six month period prior to the date the applicant wishes to take the examination, the applicant should contact the Board immediately to ascertain the procedure to follow.

All correspondence and inquiries should be addressed to the Ohio Board of Nursing, 17 S. High Street, Ste. 400, Columbus, Ohio 43215-7410, 614-466-3947, or visit the website at www.nursing.ohio.gov.

Academic and Professional Standards

Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) faculty and staff are dedicated to facilitating student development of intellectual, moral, and professional standards. This development requires the student to become increasingly responsible for self-directed and engaged learning, thus practicing and achieving academic and professional standards in order to become a highly educated, skilled, and professional nurse.

The nursing profession demands that the individual in practice be responsible, accountable, self-directed, and professional in behavior. The process of becoming a professional begins upon entering a professional education program such as the programs offered at MCCN. Opportunities to develop and practice these qualities exist in the student role. MCCN expects that students will demonstrate their professionalism by:

• Attending all clinical experiences and all classes (onsite or online).
• Exhibiting courteous behaviors in the classroom, clinical sites, while on the MCCN campus, within Residence Halls, and while representing MCCN at community events.
• Being prepared for class and clinical assignments, being punctual for classes and MCCN appointments.
• Being respectful toward all members of the MCCN community (faculty, staff, and students; particularly in the Residence Halls and even “off duty”).
• Being conscious of information shared over all social media platforms-in personal and professional communications and especially over MCCN-sponsored social media platforms.
• Using effective communications, verbally and non-verbally, by remembering always the MCHS/MCCN guiding behaviors:
  • We support each other in serving our students, patients, and communities.
  • We communicate openly, honestly, respectfully, and directly.
  • We are fully present.
  • We are accountable.
  • We trust and assume the goodness of intentions.
  • We are continuous learners.

Academic Dishonesty/Violations of Standards of Academic Integrity:

• Plagiarism: Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, violates standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism is the act of submission of work that is not the student’s own work or submitting the ideas, writings, or thoughts of another person without proper documentation; use of someone’s exact words as quotes in assignments without proper citation; also use of material from the internet without proper citation, etc. Students are responsible for educating themselves as to the proper mode of attributing credit, where credit is due.
• Self-Plagiarism: Students are required to submit original work for all courses; papers and written work submitted for one course may not be used for an assignment in another course, this includes work first produced in connection with classes at MCCN or other institutions attended by the student, except with prior and explicit approval of all faculty members to whom the work will be submitted. Submitting duplicate work is considered self-plagiarism and violates standards of academic integrity.
• Cheating: Cheating is the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or unauthorized collaboration on in-class examinations, take-home examinations, or other academic exercises. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the professor concerning what constitutes permissible collaboration. Cheating or assisting another student to cheat in connection with an examination or assignment violates standards of academic integrity. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to: using notes or textbooks without the instructor’s consent, looking at another person’s paper, bringing items with notes written on them with the intent of using the notes during an exam, communicating with another student during an examination, using electronic devices (phones, wristwatches) without the instructor’s consent.
• Fabrication: Defined as constructing, manufacturing, inventing, or creating for the sake of deception, any classroom or clinical assignment; forging or falsifying any clinical or academic information; documenting clinical hours that were not actually completed; falsifying any patient record or other document used during clinical experiences. Fabrication includes submitting false data, data that has been fabricated, altered or contrives in such a way as to be deliberately misleading. Fabrication also includes falsifying academic documentation.
• Using False Citations: False citation is the attribution of intellectual property to an incorrect or fabricated source with the intention to deceive.

Standards Outlined by Professional Nursing Organizations

The National Student Nurses Association, as well as the Ohio Board of Nursing stipulate Codes of Professional, Academic, and Clinical Conduct. These codes are fully supported by MCCN and students are expected to be familiar with and follow these codes (National Student Nurses Association). The conduct of nursing students in providing patient care is also regulated by the state of Ohio through the Ohio Board of Nursing in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4723-5-12(C). These codes are fully supported by MCCN and students are expected to be familiar with and follow these codes (Ohio Board of Nursing). A full list of the student conduct in the nursing care of patients law and rule are listed in the student catalog-handbook.

Academic Success Plans

Upon identified academic concern the faculty member will meet with the student providing direct and specific feedback of the identified concern.  The faculty member and student will collaborate to set goals using the SMART GOAL worksheet to facilitate academic improvement. The faculty member will monitor the progress of the SMART GOALS with the student, ensuring the student is the owner of the SMART GOAL document.  If the student’s academic performance does not improve, the faculty member will review criteria for Academic Referral with the student and then initiate the referral in accordance with the Academic Care Team Referral Flow Chart.

If a Care Team Referral is made, the Student Success Center will contact the student and provide ongoing support structures to assist the student with achieving their academic goals. The SMART GOAL worksheet will be the document used to support the on-going plan of intervention with the student.

Computerized Testing

I. Purpose

The purpose of the Computerized Testing Policy is to create consistency, fairness, and to maximize the integrity in general examination practices across all programs within Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN).

II. Scope of this Policy

It is the responsibility of all faculty creating and/or administering examinations to adhere to the practices identified within this policy.  This includes all baccalaureate, graduate, and online-programs.

III. Procedures

TEST PLAN

All examinations offered within MCCN will utilize a paperless method for testing.* Each exam should include a testing blueprint and should be created, stored, administered, and analyzed through the ExamSoft® platform. Assessment Technologies Institute’s (ATI) Content Mastery Series exams and Advanced Practice Education Associates’ (APEA) assessments are created, stored, administered, and analyzed through the ATI and APEA platforms, respectively.
 

*If an extenuating circumstance prevents the delivery of a paperless method for testing, faculty should collaborate with the respective Academic Department Leader (ADL) or Program Lead to devise an alternate plan.

TEST WRITING

Faculty should follow best practices for test writing according to the program in which they are involved.ADLs and Program Leads will disseminate specific criteria to each course coordinator.

TEST ADMINISTRATION

• In-Person Proctored Environment - Faculty should ensure the following:
  • Each student will use their own personal device (laptop or tablet device*) for testing. The ExamSoft®, ATI™, or APEA testing platform will be utilized during the examination process.
  • See the Minimum requirements for each operating system can be found in the Catalog-Handbook: http://catalog.mccn.edu > “College Technology”
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their personal device is fully charged and functioning properly prior to testing.
  • An examination utilizing the ExamSoft® testing platform must be downloaded to the student’s personal device prior to the scheduled test. Failure to download the test prior to the download deadline may result in penalties as outlined in the course syllabus.
  • Only calculators offered through the testing platforms are allowed. If the use of a calculator is required for an examination such as a dosage calculation exam, the student will be provided with a MCCN approved calculator.
  • All personal items including backpacks, purses, tote bags, coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, etc. should be placed in the front/back of the room during the testing session.
  • Entry into backpacks, purses, tote bags and/or other personal belongings is not permitted during testing.*
  • All electronic devices including cell phones, smart watches, and fitness bands should be turned off and stowed with personal belongings during the testing period.
  • Taking breaks and/or exiting the classroom during testing is not permitted. *
  • Consumption of beverages and/or snacks during testing is not allowed. Bottled water without a label is permitted.*
  • During each testing session, students are permitted to use a dry erase board, marker, and eraser; faculty-provided paper and pencil; or ExamSoft’s Notes feature at the discretion of each course faculty. Faculty should outline the expectations in each course syllabus.
  • If items such as earplugs or tissues are needed during testing, students should notify the proctor by raising their hand. *
  • A student should notify the proctor of any technical difficulties during testing, by raising their hand
    
    *: May be allowed in different format with approved student accommodations

• Remote Environment - Faculty should ensure the following:
  • Remote proctored examinations will utilize the recommended proctoring software: ExamID and ExamMonitor with the ExamSoft® platform, Respondus with the ATI platform, and ProctorU with the APEA platform.
  • Forecast the expected use for each academic year, during the month of July, using the Proctored Product Planning Spreadsheet. 
  • Outline minimum system requirements needed for online testing.
    • ExamID/ExamMonitor
    • ProctorU
    • Respondus
  • Identify contact information for technical difficulties during the examination experience.
    • ExamID/ExamMonitor: 1.866.429.8889
    • ProctorU: 1.855.772.8678
    • Respondus (through ATI): 1.800.667.7531
  • Prior to the first exam, provide exam-taker guidelines for each proctoring service utilized to avoid students being flagged for academic misconduct.
    • ExamID/ExamMonitor(a) (b)
    • ProctorU
    • Respondus
  • Ensure students follow the same testing guidelines as identified in the in-person proctored environment (A-I), with the additional remote environment guidelines:
    • Students may choose the setting in which they test as long as the chosen area meets the remote proctored guidelines (e.g., the environment is free of resources [including but not limited to notes on the walls, testing area, etc.], other people, adequate lighting etc.).
    • Students should dress appropriately, as if they were testing in a public, in-person setting.
  • Require students to use a dry erase board, marker, and eraser or ExamSoft’s Notes feature at the discretion of the course faculty. Faculty should outline the expectations in each course syllabi.
  • Enable the Remote Proctoring - Pre-Assessment Notice, instructing students how to perform an environmental scan with a college-provided mirror, and positioning in a manner to reflect the computer and keyboard.
    • Provide students with an opportunity to perform the environmental scan and mirror placement during a practice quiz, prior to the first examination. Inform the student of any errors in this process accordingly.
    • If a student fails to perform an environmental scan prior to initiating an exam, faculty should follow the steps listed under Academic Misconduct. 
  • Complete an analysis of each student’s testing session prior to releasing grades to Canvas, respective of the proctoring solution.
    • Upon notification of a potential threat of academic misconduct from each proctoring solution, review the video recording.  If the faculty member confirms the threat as a potential breach, escalate the incident to the Testing Specialist for an additional review. If the Testing Specialist, in collaboration with the course faculty, confirms the breach, proceed with the steps identified under Academic Misconduct.
      
      *ATI’s test security reviews Respondus videos and will provide a screenshot of any potential threats of academic misconduct to be further reviewed by the Testing Specialist and course faculty.
• Honesty and Integrity
  • Faculty should clearly state expectations for honest, ethical, and independent behavior during computerized and online testing. ExamSoft exams should include the Academic Honesty and Integrity Pre-Assessment Notice:
    • The profession of nursing has a long-standing reputation as being the most trusted profession in the nation. This reputation stands on the foundation of integrity as nursing professionals hold accountability and responsibility for ensuring their individual competency (knowledge, skill), and continued learning in the profession to ensure safe care delivery. BUT, responsibility for one’s knowledge and skill competency is only a part of trust and integrity; nursing professionals have an obligation to do what is right -the moral and ethical obligation of their practice. To cheat in the pursuit of nursing education is in direct opposition to the standards and values of the profession that is being pursued.
      
      In alignment with the professional standards of nursing and in upholding the mission and values of MCCN, it is expected that students adhere to honest, moral and ethical behavior in all matters of academic performance (work) and learning evaluation.As such students are expected to uphold standards of academic integrity and honesty in completing course work and when completing testing.Learners are expected to adhere to testing standards before, during, and following quizzes, tests and or exams no matter the method of delivery [i.e., campus-based or proctored online testi
      
      The following identified, but not limited to behaviors are considered cheating and thus are prohibited during testing:
      • Using unapproved resources during testing.
      • Taking an exam with assistance from others.
      • Looking at another student’s screen during testing.
      • Copying, photographing, and/or screen printing any part of the exam. 
    • Discussing exam questions or answers with others who have not yet taken the test.
      
      As stated in the student code of conduct found in the Catalog-Handbook, cheating is considered a violation of the Academic and Professional Standards policy and students found to have participated in this dishonest behavior will be disciplined accordingly. Students who have been found in violation of the College’s Academic Integrity policies (including, but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, or fabrication will be reported to the Director of Compliance and Safety and may receive sanctions ranging from zero credit for the assessment to full separation from MCCN. 
• Academic Misconduct
  • All identified incidents of academic misconduct should adhere to the following process:
  • Record a zero credit in Canvas as the grade for the exam.
  • Email the student explaining the situation and findings; schedule a meeting with the student if the student desires.
  • Once the student notification has been sent, notify the Director of Compliance and Safety, at which time a Zero-Credit Notice will be sent to the student.
  • The Director of Compliance and Safety will involve the Academic and Professional Conduct Committee accordingly.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Every effort should be made to adhere to all reasonable accommodations requests. Accommodations specific to testing will be set in each testing and proctoring platform by the Testing Specialist upon receipt of the approved accommodation form from the Accommodations Coordinator.

The Accommodations Coordinator will instruct students to communicate their accommodations, in writing, to course faculty following approval.

TEST ANALYSIS

An analysis of each examination should be completed by each coursefaculty. Although the following criteria should be included in theanalysis process, specific guidelines will be designated at each respective program level.

• Test Reliability 
  • Kuder-Richardson Formula
• Item Analysis
  • Effectiveness of Distractors
  • Item Difficulty (P-value)
  • Item Discrimination
  • Item Reliability (Point Biserial)

The item analysis resource, ExamSoft Item/Exam Analysis Cheat Sheet (Indiana University Bloomington, Medical Sciences, n.d.) is available at the following link: http://medsci.indiana.edu/examsoft/docs/softscore_web_formulas_cheat_sheet.pdf

Indiana University Bloomington, Medical Sciences. (n.d.). ExamSoft Item/Exam Analysis Cheat Sheet.  Retrieved from http://medsci.indiana.edu/examsoft/docs/softscore_web_formulas_cheat_sheet.pdf

Petition for Exception to College Policies and Procedures

If a student believes an exception to a Mount Carmel College of Nursing policy or procedure may be warranted, they may submit a petition to the College’s Petition Committee. The committee does not grant petitions automatically. Strong, documented justification must be provided to establish the circumstances that warrant a retroactive action.

II. Petition Types

The petition process is available for students to request a waiver of a college academic and non-academic policies or deadlines. A petition is used to request:

• Late add of a course;
• Withdraw/Drop from select courses after the withdrawal deadline (non-medical);
  • If a student requests to drop one (or more) course(s) in a semester because of extenuating circumstances, yet wishes to keep other courses in that same semester, the student must address specifically why only the selected course(s) were affected by the extenuating circumstances to alleviate a denial;
• Course substitutions, pre-requisite waivers;
• Stay of academic dismissal;
• Religious holiday request;
  • The College acknowledges that our community is one of many faiths with a diverse range of practices and observances important to each tradition. In order to fulfill the College’s mission to educate a diverse population of students and our commitment to inclusion regardless of religious and spiritual tradition, we seek to practice an equitable and consistent approach in providing religious accommodations.
    
    Students shall not suffer academic penalties because of the conscientious observance of any religious day or days. Penalties include reduction of grades, exclusion from class projects, reduction in number of other excused absences, bias in evaluation, suspension or termination from play or work, and other preventable negative consequences. Religious observances that may require accommodation include but are not limited to attendance at services, fasting, set prayer times, and other practices that would impede a student’s normal participation in classes, labs, and other course-related work.
    
    ​Accommodations may include excused absences, adjusted exam times, permission to eat during class time, changes to assignment due dates and project schedules, and other reasonable adjustments to course schedules and activities. Accommodations should not reduce the overall expectations of a course nor unduly burden the student requesting accommodation.
• Other requests.
  • Student must specify when petitioning

NOTE: This policy/process does not replace existing appeal or petition processes including, but not limited to, academic grade appeals or tuition refund requests.

III. Petition Process

Petitions have these basic components:

• Personal Statement:
  • Please explain your circumstances, respond to the follow that apply to your situation:
  • College policies are set to ensure fairness and equity for all students. Your explanation must be compelling.
  • How did the timeline of your circumstances cause you to miss a deadline or make decisions that contributed to the need for this exception?
  • Have your circumstances changed? If prior events got in the way of your academic success, you may want to show how they have improved.
• Documents: Evidence to support the reasons you are requesting an exception.
  • If your circumstances were medical, please provide any appropriate medical documentations.
  • If there are other supporting documents (e.g., support letter or email correspondence, a letter from Student Accessibility Services, deployment orders, coursework from another institution, police reports, obituaries), please consider providing them.

Online Submission Form: https://mccn.guardianconduct.com/incident-reporting/

IV. Petition Review Process

Petition Review Ad-Hoc Committee may be formed, depending on type of petition, to decide an outcome. That committee may consist of some, or all, of the following:

• Director of Compliance and Safety/Interim Director of Student Services
• Director of Records and Registration
• Student Success Advisor
• Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
• Program Director (for student petitioner’s program)
• Student Behavioral Health Clinician
• Student Accessibility Services Coordinator
• One at-large faculty member
• One student (from Student Senate leadership)

Petitions will be discussed using materials provided by the petitioning student and any relevant background information provided by College departments.

The Committee will meet weekly or as needed; petitions are due for committee review one week prior to date of desired action.

Petitions will be decided by a simple majority vote of the committee. Decisions will be communicated by the Committee’s chair to the student’s MCCN email account. There is no appeal process to the Committee’s decision, the Committee’s decision is final.
 

Semester Registration

Second Degree Accelerated Program students are registered for all classes by the Office of Records and Registration. A course registration period for traditional program is scheduled prior to the beginning of each semester. Students register online via CARMELink. Requested courses are in “reserved” status until approved. Approved courses will display on the student’s schedule in CARMELink. Any student with a “hold” cannot register for classes which may result in the student being closed out of a specific course or section.

Nursing clinical courses, laboratories, and seminar courses have predetermined enrollment limits. No student is guaranteed placement in his/her choice of a specific course, clinical, or laboratory section.

Students may attend classes only after they have completed the registration process and have made satisfactory financial arrangements. By registering, a student agrees to all academic and financial regulations, terms, and conditions set forth by the College. Late registrations will be processed only if there is space available in each requested course.

Semester Load

The semester hour is the basis of credit at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. To complete the BSN degree within four academic years, the traditional program student must undertake 15-18 hours of credit per semester. Semester loads of more than 19 hours of credit require the permission of the Director of Records and Registration. For Second Degree Accelerated Program students to complete the program in 13 months, they must take the courses in the sequence they are offered.

Full-Time / Part-Time Status

Students are considered full-time when they carry at least 12 credit hours per semester. Students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours are considered part-time; those enrolled in less than 6 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid. Second Degree Accelerated Program students are considered full-time for the 13 months of their enrollment.

Administrative Withdrawal

• An onsite program student listed on the class roster who has not attended class or clinical by the second class or clinical day and has not been excused will be administratively withdrawn from the class.
• All students must be in clinical compliance with their health records and reports by the end of the first week (Friday) of a clinical nursing course, unless specified within a specific course that clinical compliance with health records and reports is needed for first clinical experience, in order to reduce the risk of being administratively withdrawn from the course.
• A Second Degree Accelerated Program student who is absent without excuse will be withdrawn from the class and from the Program.
• An online student listed on the class roster who has not attended class, or participated in the online class, by the end of the first week of class and has not been excused will be administratively withdrawn from the class.
• In all cases, the faculty of the class must notify the Office of Records and Registration with the name of the absent student.

By the approval of the Academic Dean, a student will be dropped from a nursing clinical course if patient/client safety is at risk, and a grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript.

Add and Drop Courses

Adding a Course

In order to add a non-nursing course after the course start date, a student must obtain the instructor’s signature on the Add/Drop Form prior to submitting the form to the Office of Records and Registration. Signature of the Undergraduate Associate Dean is required to add any nursing clinical course after the class start date.

In every case, a student must obtain the instructor’s signature on the Add/Drop Form in order gain admission to any non-nursing course that has closed due to maximum registration.

Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course

For the purposes of this policy, there are two types of courses: non-nursing courses and nursing courses. Nursing courses include all courses with a prefix of NURS (with the exception of nursing seminars). Non-nursing courses include all other courses taken in the academic program (including nursing seminars).

After the course start date, a student must first notify the course instructor and obtain his/her signature (or course instructor email signifying knowledge of the withdrawal) prior to submitting an Add/Drop Form to the Office of Records and Registration. Submission of the form to Records and Registration is required for official withdrawal from a course. Non-attendance in a course after the withdrawal deadline is considered absence from the course. Failure to submit a faculty-signed Add/Drop Form will result in a grade being assigned at the conclusion of the course. All course withdrawals are subject to the Institutional Refund Policy .

The “end of week” shall be understood as 11:59 pm Sunday of the first week of class.

• A student may drop any course by the end of week 1 and the course will not appear on the transcript.
• A student may withdraw, without academic penalty, from a 16-week semester course by the end of week 12 of the course. A grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript.
• A student may withdraw, without academic penalty, from an 8-week term course by the end of week 6 of the course. A grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s academic transcript.
• A student may not withdraw from any course after week 12 of a 16-week semester course or week 6 of an 8-week term course.
• Summer courses operating on a modified schedule will follow deadlines equivalent to the proportional requirements stated above.
• A student may withdraw from only one nursing course during the program of study.
• A student may withdraw from only one science course during the program of study.
• A student who is retaking a course from which they have previously withdrawn may not withdraw from that course a second time; a course grade will be assigned at the conclusion of the retake.
• Withdrawing from a course does not force the student to also withdraw from a co-requisite course.

Class Level (Degree-Seeking Students)

Students are classified as freshmen until successful completion of all courses in the freshman curriculum plan. Sophomore status is achieved once students are eligible to enroll for the first nursing course in the sophomore curriculum plan. Students are classified as juniors when they begin the first nursing clinical course in the junior curriculum plan. Senior status is achieved once students have registered for the first nursing course in the senior curriculum plan, and this status is maintained until graduation.

Academic Requirements

Academic Progression

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will not implement changes to policies for student progression, or requirements for completion of the program, that affect students already enrolled in the program at the time the changes are adopted. The information regarding Academic Progression below is relevant to students who are entering for the first time in Academic Year 2021-2022. Students admitted prior should refer to the Catalog-Handbook for the year they were admitted. 

Repeating a Course:

• A student who earns a final grade of “D” or “F” in any course must repeat the course and earn a final course grade of “C” or higher.
• Students may carry forward one “D” in a science course only and will be placed on academic probation for the following semester.
• A student who is required to repeat a science course or any other course MUST pass the course with a final grade of “C” or higher. A student who earns less than a “C” in a repeated course will be academically dismissed from the college.

Academic Probation

• A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.00 will be placed on academic probation.
• A minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA is required to progress to each academic level of the program.
• A student who earns a final course grade lower than “C” in any course is placed on academic probation.

Freshman Forgiveness Policy

• Academic Forgiveness applies only to the Freshman year. Academic forgiveness allows a repeat course grade to replace a failing grade.
• The Forgiveness Policy may be applied a maximum of one time. After the maximum is reached, any retakes will have both grades calculated in the cumulative GPA.
• Courses can only be repeated one time. A grade of “C” or higher must be achieved. A student who earns less than a “C” in a repeated course will be academically dismissed from the college.

Academic Dismissal

• A student who fails to achieve a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for three consecutive semesters will be academically dismissed from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
• A student who earns less than a “C” in a repeated course will be academically dismissed from the college.
• There is no appeal for academic dismissal from Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Qualified students have the option to apply for Reinstatement based on eligibility.
• A student dismissed for academic reasons at mid-semester (end of Term 1) who is alsoenrolled in 16-week non-clinical courses may continue enrollment in those courses throughthe end of the semester. Enrollment in a subsequent Term course will be dropped.
• A senior student in the last semester of the nursing program who is dismissed for academic reasons at mid-semester, and who is also enrolled in 16-week non-clinical courses, may be withdrawn or be assigned an incomplete from the Capstone Seminar.

Reinstatement to MCCN

Students who are academically dismissed from Mount Carmel College of Nursing may apply for reinstatement. The Petition for Reinstatement form is available from the Director of Records and Registration.

• Academically dismissed students are eligible to apply for reinstatement after one term (8 weeks) of non-enrollment.
• A student with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above will be permitted to apply for reinstatement to the College only one time.
• A student with less than a 2.00 cumulative GPA in non-nursing courses may enroll, with permission, as a non-degree student at Mount Carmel College of Nursing and must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA, or earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA from another institution, to be considered for reinstatement.

The Undergraduate Academic Progress Committee will review the student’s Petition for Reinstatement and any supporting documentation of potential for academic success. Reinstatement is not an automatic process and the student’s request may be denied.

If the request for reinstatement is granted, the Undergraduate Academic Progress Committee will determine specific conditions for reinstatement of the student. Following reinstatement to the College, enrollment in specific classes shall be on a space available basis. A reinstated student will be placed on probationary status for at least one semester. A reinstated student must follow the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of reinstatement.

Second Degree Accelerated Program:  SDAP students who are academically dismissed may apply for admission to the Traditional BSN Program  by following all current admission policies and procedures, as specified for the Traditional BSN Program. Admission to the Traditional BSN Program is not guaranteed.

Students admitted to the Traditional BSN Program following SDAP academic dismissal will be placed on academic probation for at least one semester to evaluate success in the program.

Academic Appeals

Grading Policies

Non-clinical Nursing and General Education (GE) Courses

The College uses a four-point grading system for non-clinical nursing and GE courses:

Grading in Nursing Clinical (or lab) Courses

The College uses a four-point grading system for nursing clinical (or lab) nursing courses:

Note:  A final grade of “F” will be assigned in a clinical nursing course if the clinical/lab component of the course is not satisfactory and/or the theoretical component is less than a grade of “C.”

Expectations of the student are to demonstrate progression, an increase in their ability to care for complex patients, a decrease in guidance needed, and movement in the nursing course along the continuum of the performance and principles learned using the numeric rating scale from being dependent at beginning of clinical term to being competent at end of term, then strive to achieve being self-directed.

For successful completion and to receive credit for the clinical component of Nursing XXX, student must achieve a criterion overall rating of 90% at the 3 or Competent level in clinical objectives and behaviors by end of clinical term and final evaluation. This indicates that the student’s clinical performance is safe, prepared, organized, and demonstrates application of clinical objectives/behaviors, theoretical concepts, and synthesis of learning for that clinical nursing course.

The student does not receive credit for the clinical component of Nursing XXX for criterion overall rating of less than 90% at the 3 or Component level in objectives and behaviors at end of clinical term and final evaluation. This indicates that the student’s clinical performance is unprepared, disorganized, and does not demonstrate application of clinical objectives/behaviors, theoretical concepts, and synthesis of learning for that clinical nursing course.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The grade point average (GPA) determines the student’s academic status. Mount Carmel College of Nursing reports both the semester and cumulative GPAs on the grade report. The grade point average is obtained by dividing the sum of the “points earned” by the sum of the “hours attempted.”

Canvas Scores

Canvas course management software provides students with centralized access to courses. Scores recorded in Canvas are not “official” course grades. Final course grades are official only when they have been verified by faculty and recorded by the Office of Records and Registration.

Grade Reports

Official reporting of student grades is through the Office of Records and Registration at the completion of each term/semester.

Students without “holds” on their accounts can view and print final grades via CARMELink. Final grade reports are not mailed to students. Students who require official hard-copy grade reports must contact the Office of Records and Registration in Marian Hall, Rm. 201.

Incomplete Grades

After discussion with the faculty, an Incomplete (I) grade will be issued to a student who is unable to complete all course requirements due to illness or other serious problems. Incompletes are assigned by the course instructor. Under normal circumstances, incomplete coursework must be completed by the end of the sixth week following the end of a semester. If course requirements are not met by this deadline, the “I” grade is changed to a grade of “F”. Extensions beyond the sixth week must be negotiated with the faculty member.  Incomplete grades may impact student progression.

A student with good academic standing in the course is permitted to enroll in subsequent level (based on program of study) courses while completing incomplete requirements. However, should the student not earn a passing grade, as defined in course syllabi, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the subsequent level course (when subsequent level progression is a pre-requisite for a course) and/or the student may receive a new plan of study or will be notified that they will be reviewed by the Academic Progression Committee based on course failures.

Transcript Request

A Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) transcript is the official academic record of a student’s enrollment.

• MCCN provides transcript services (eTranscript) through the National Student Clearinghouse, a third-party vendor.
• Access online transcript ordering at here for the published cost.
• Transcript requests are processed within 2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
• You may use any major credit/debit card to place your order.

Transcript costs differ depending on delivery method.

• For Mail delivery: each transcript cost is $5.00 and an additional $2.25 processing fee.
• For Hold for Pick Up delivery: each transcript cost is $5.00 and an additional $2.25 processing fee.
• For FedEx delivery: each transcript cost is $5.00, a $2.25 processing fee, and an additional $25.00 FedEx fee. This rate is for weekday delivery only (Saturday delivery is not included). FedEx requires a street address and will not deliver to a PO Box.
• For Electronic PDF delivery: each transcript cost is $5.00, a $2.25 processing fee and an additional $1.75 PDF processing fee.
  • We recommend that you first check with the recipient before ordering electronic PDF delivery to make sure they will accept the transcript in this format.
  • Electronic transcripts cannot be processed for students completing attendance before Fall 1990 (attending Mount Carmel School of Nursing). Those students should select the “Mail delivery” option when ordering through the online service. These transcripts will be processed manually by the MCCN Registrar’s Office.

Financial obligations to MCCN must be satisfied before a transcript can be released. Requests from individuals with student record holds will not be processed until the hold is resolved. Transcript requests will remain active for 30 days to provide time to resolve the hold. If after 30 days the hold has not been resolved, the transcript request order will be cancelled. Credit/debit cards will not be charged until the order has been fulfilled.

Please contact the Records and Registration Office at 614-234-3522 should you have any questions.

Final Examinations

Students are required to take the final examination at the scheduled time unless prior alternate arrangements are made with the course instructor.

Final exams for nursing clinical courses are scheduled for the final Friday of the 8-week course. Sixteen-week nursing clinical courses follow the semester exam schedule. Non-clinical nursing courses follow the semester exam schedule.

If there is a “take home” final exam for a nursing clinical course, a class meeting with a specific agenda will be scheduled on the Monday of exam week. There will be no exceptions to the “take home” policy.

Semester Honors

President’s List (onsite students)

Onsite program students completing a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (Fall or Spring) who have a semester GPA of 3.40 or higher are placed on the President’s List.

Alpha Lambda Delta

Founded in 1924, Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society for students in their first year at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. We recognize those students who have succeeded in maintaining a 3.50 or higher GPA and are in the top 20% of their class, in their first year. Alpha Lambda Delta’s mission is to “encourage superior academic achievement … to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their unique roles in society”.

Students may participate in Alpha Lambda Delta at both the local and the national levels. There are opportunities to work with other members throughout your undergraduate career including annual scholarship and fellowship monetary awards. Please contact the Alpha Lambda Delta advisor at sdolan@mccn.edu for additional information.

Sigma Theta Tau International

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing is an organization committed to fostering excellence, scholarship, and leadership in nursing. The Honor Society promotes the use of nursing research in health care and provides resources to communicate the latest knowledge in nursing care. Mount Carmel’s Rho Omicron chapter, chartered in 2002, is one of 478 chapters around the world.

Those invited to make application to Sigma Theta Tau International include students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement, academic integrity, and professional leadership potential. The criteria for membership include:

• All candidates must meet the expectation of academic integrity.
• Undergraduate students must have completed at least one-half of the nursing curriculum and rank in the upper 35% of the graduating class.
• RN-BSN students must have completed 12 credit hours at MCCN, at least one-half of the nursing curriculum, and rank in the upper 35% of the graduating class.
• Graduate students must have completed a minimum of one-fourth of the graduate nursing curriculum.

Honors Program

The Mount Carmel College of Nursing Honors Program is designed to:

• cultivate an appreciation for lifelong learning for exceptional students’
• motivate students in the pursuit of graduate study;
• provide exceptional students with opportunities for challenging study; and
• provide faculty development opportunities to work with exceptional students.

The Honors Program consists of two nursing seminars at an advanced level. One seminar is placed in the sophomore year and one in the junior year, with an option in the senior year to take an MCCN graduate level course. These two nursing seminars replace the required four credit hours of nursing seminars in the curriculum.

Students are eligible to enter the program the first semester of the sophomore year. Students must have earned a 3.75 GPA at the completion of freshman coursework at MCCN. Upper level transfer students must complete a minimum of one semester of course work at MCCN to be eligible for the Honors Program. Students must maintain at least a 3.50 GPA to remain in the Program.

Duplicate Credit Pathway

A combined-credit program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to begin working toward a master’s degree in their junior and senior years. The duplicate credit pathway is designed for strong academic students who have been offered admission into a graduate program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Courses taken for undergraduate credit may be used to fulfill the requirements of both undergraduate and graduate degrees. No undergraduate credit will be counted toward graduate-level courses. Students will have an opportunity to take a maximum of 9 credit hours within the graduate program and can choose from NURS 501, NURS 504, and NURS 502.

Eligible students may choose from the following graduate-level courses: NURS 501   - Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, NURS 502  - Quality, Safety, and Effectiveness of Nursing Care,

NURS 504 - Advanced Practice Roles

An undergraduate student who is pursuing a baccalaureate degree at Mount Carmel College of Nursing may be granted permission to take one or more (maximum of 9 credit hours) graduate courses. The graduate-level course may be counted toward Bachelor’s and any future master’s credit if the student is accepted in an approved graduate program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The student will be charged at the baccalaureate degree rate for the graduate course. The student must obtain a B or above in the approved graduate course to be applied for graduate credit. In order to be considered for dual credit, the student meets all of the following conditions:

1. The student must be accepted into a Master’s degree program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing
   1. Can apply through the Direct Admit Pathway
2. The student must be enrolled in their junior or senior year
3. The student must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better prior to applying
4. The student must obtain permission from his or her advisor and the Graduate Coordinator
5. The student will have the opportunity to take:
   1. NURS 501 in replacement of NURS 361 (Traditional UG) / NURS 391 (SDAP) / NURS 360 (RN-BSN)
   2. NURS 504 in replacement of Nursing Seminar 35XX (Traditional UG) / Nursing Seminar 350x (SDAP) / NURS 402 (RN-BSN)
   3. NURS 502 in replacement of Nursing Seminar 35xx (Traditional UG) / Nursing Seminar 350x (SDAP) / NURS 415 (RN-BSN)

Process

1. The student must apply to a master’s degree program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing through the Direct Admit Pathway or through traditional admissions. If accepted, the student can be considered for the dual credit policy.
2. The student must then officially request consideration for dual credit by reaching out to his or her undergraduate advisor.

The undergraduate advisor will notify the student and Graduate Coordinator if accepted and the Graduate Coordinator will adjust the graduate plan of study accordingly.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

Second Degree Accelerated Program:  Due to the design of the program, Second Degree Accelerated Program students are not eligible for Leave of Absence (LOA). If SDAP students need to take an extended period time of leave from the program, they are encouraged to apply to the traditional program or re-apply to the SDAP the following academic year if they are in good academic standing.

Traditional Program: A Leave of Absence (LOA) from the College may be granted to students in good academic standing (minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA). LOA indicates a desire to interrupt, but not permanently discontinue, enrollment in the College. Normally, LOA is granted for a maximum of one year. Any extension to this timeline for extenuating circumstances outside of the student’s control must be approved by the appropriate Assistant/Associate Dean. If a student on LOA does not return after one year, and has not received an approved extension from the appropriate Assistant/Associate Dean, MCCN will consider the student to have withdrawn from the College. A withdrawn student who wants to return must reapply for admission.

Typically, a student must submit a completed Request for Leave of Absence form (available from the Assistant Director of Records and Registration). The student will be notified in writing of the approval status of the request. A pre-licensure student granted LOA must return his/her student ID badge to the Director of Records and Registration.

It is the pre-licensure student’s responsibility to notify the Assistant Director of Records and Registration prior to the deadline referenced in the approval letter of his/her intent to return from LOA. Failure to notify by the designated date will result in administrative withdrawal from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

The returning pre-licensure student must work with the Assistant Director of Records and Registration to complete the Petition to Return from Leave of Absence and fulfill all indicated requirements. A returning LOA student must pay any outstanding account balance in full before being permitted to return to the College. Late fees and any collection costs will be added to the student’s account. Enrollment in any course will be on a space available basis for a student returning from LOA.

The College reserves the right to enhance/revise the curriculum at any time. If this occurs during the student’s LOA, the student might be required to progress in the revised program with different requirements than the original program of study.

College Initiated Leave of Absence

In the uncommon circumstance that a student cannot safely remain at the College or meet academic standards, even with accommodations and other supports, the College reserves the right to require the student to take a mandatory leave of absence.  The Academic Dean, or their designee, in consultation with appropriate healthcare provider(s), will make the decision to require a student to take a leave of absence based on an objective assessment of the student’s ability to safely participate in the College’s programs utilizing the following assessment criteria:

1. the student presents an immediate danger to self or others by threatening and/or inflicting bodily harm to self or to others;
2. the student’s behavior has the potential to result in bodily or other substantial harm to self or others.

The assessment will determine the nature, duration and severity of the risk; the probability that any potentially threatening behavior will occur; and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will sufficiently mitigate the risk. In the event that a determination is made to require a student to take an LOA after a thorough assessment, the College will notify the student in writing.

Appeal of College Initiated Leave of Absence

After the College initiates a mandatory LOA, within three business days, the student may initiate an appeal in writing to the President, or their designee.  A student may not stay on campus during the appeal period. An appeal can only be made based on the following criteria:

1. the decision is unreasonable based on the circumstances, or
2. the procedures and/or information relied upon in making the decision were wrong or unfair. 

The written appeal should clearly state the specific unreasonable, wrong, and/or unfair facts and should present relevant information to support the statements. To aid in review of the student’s appeal the President, or their designee, may request an assessment by an outside healthcare provider of the student’s functional ability to return to the College by an outside healthcare provider to aid in their review of the students appeal . The President, or their designee, will review the appeal and will respond to the student in writing within three business days. The response will provide a conclusion as to whether or not the College Initiated LOA is upheld or the appeal is granted upon a thorough review of the relevant facts.

Returning After a College Initiated Leave of Absence

When the College Initiated LOA timeframe has concluded, the student may petition to return to the College. It is the policy of Mount Carmel College of Nursing that students must submit a signed release to return to class and/or the clinical unit if they are admitted as an inpatient to a hospital or are seen for treatment in a hospital Emergency Department. In addition, any student who receives written documentation from a healthcare provider (even if the student was not hospitalized or seen as an inpatient in a hospital Emergency Department) stating that they have any restrictions related to class or clinical participation must submit a signed release to return to class and/or clinical. This signed release must be submitted by the student to the Student Health Nurse prior to the student’s returning to class and/or clinical. In the rare circumstances where the Student Health Nurse is unavailable and the matter needs to be addressed, the student may submit the documentation to their faculty member. The student should always email the Student Health Nurse notification of their circumstances prior to returning to the clinical and/or class setting. If the documentation is submitted to a faculty member, the faculty member must submit it to the Student Health Nurse. The release must clearly identify all restrictions. Additionally, the length of time the restrictions apply must be clearly stated. If the documentation provided by the student indicates that they are not safe to return to the class and/or clinical setting, or the stated restrictions may require the student to request reasonable accommodations, the Student Health Nurse will work with the student to determine the best next steps and connect the student to any other necessary campus resources. This policy applies to students in both on campus and online platforms.

A returning LOA student must pay any outstanding account balance in full before being permitted to return to the College. Late fees and any collection costs will be added to the student’s account. Enrollment in any course will be on a space available basis for any student returning from LOA.

Withdrawing from the College

A student whose intent is to officially withdraw from the College must contact the Director of Records and Registration to submit a Notice to Withdraw. A pre-licensure student withdrawing from the College must return his/her student ID badge with the written notice.

A student who has not requested a Leave of Absence and has not registered for classes by the first week of the semester will be withdrawn from Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The student’s record will be noted as “withdrew.” All withdrawals are subject to the Institutional Refund Policy.

Students who have withdrawn from the College and wish to return must complete a new application which will be reviewed for decision by the Admissions Committee (the application and confirmation fees will be waived). Transcripts for work completed at any institution since the withdrawal must be included with the new application. Previously completed Mount Carmel courses will be accepted, as applicable.

Military Deployment Policy

This policy applies to a student at MCCN who is a member of the National Guard of any state, active, or reserve forces of the United States and who is ordered to state military service or federal service or duty. This same policy applies to the spouse (who is a MCCN student) of a member of the National Guard of any state, active, or reserve forces of the United States and who is ordered to state military service or federal service or duty, if the member has a dependent child.

A copy of the military orders for deployment must be provided to the Associate Dean of the respective academic program before any of the actions below are initiated. Any combination of options #1 and/or #2 is acceptable.

1. Withdrawal
   1. ​There is no deadline for withdrawal from the student’s entire registration to receive a full 100% refund of tuition and mandatory fees.
   2. The student may drop/withdraw from all courses and remain in the academic program on Leave of Absence status.
   3. The student may drop/ withdrawal from all courses and MCCN.
2. Course Grade or “Incomplete” Grade
   1. Faculty and Staff are encouraged to be as flexible as possible for academic credit.
   2. The student may make arrangements with faculty for a course grade.
   3. The student may make arrangements with the faculty for the grade of “Incomplete” that shall be completed by the student at a later date. The student’s registration shall remain intact, and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed in full for the courses.
   4. Any courses for which arrangements cannot be made for grades of “Incomplete” shall be considered dropped and the tuition and mandatory fees for the courses refunded.
3. Re-entry
   1. ​If the student returns from Leave of Absence status and decides to re-enroll, it is necessary to contact the Associate Dean of the respective academic program at least 2 months prior to restarting classes at MCCN.

Proficiency Exams

Some academic areas within the College have developed subject-based proficiency exams leading to the award of Credit by Examination (“EM” credit) if passed with a grade of “C” (73%) or higher. Credit by Examination is not an option for nursing clinical courses. Science exams are available to students who have not completed a science course within the past five years or those whose knowledge was gained from job experience or training. However, all students permitted to take science proficiency exams must have completed some college-level course work in the subject area.

There is a non-refundable fee for each proficiency exam that must be paid prior to taking the exam. Refer to Tuition and Fees  for the current fee.

Requests for proficiency exams are handled through the Transfer Credit Evaluation office.

Auditing a Course

A student may audit a course with the understanding that academic credit is not granted and cannot later be claimed as a result of the audited course. Audited courses do not fulfill degree requirements and may affect a student’s status of full-time enrollment. An audited course does not preclude a student from taking the course for credit during a subsequent semester.

A student who audits a course is doing so for information only and is not required to take examinations. However, the student is expected to attend class regularly and the instructor may require some assignments to be completed. Nursing courses may be audited only by degree-seeking students enrolled in the Mount Carmel program.

Permission to audit a course must be obtained from the Assistant or Associate Dean prior to the beginning of the class. The approved Student Request to Audit form must be submitted to the Director of Records and Registration. Students granted permission to audit a course will be charged 50% the normal cost of the class.

Transient Credit Policy

Once enrolled at Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN), degree candidates are required to complete all degree course work at MCCN. Possible exceptions to this policy would be granted by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Contact the Office of Records and Registration for additional details and the necessary paperwork.

Residency Requirement

The MCCN residency policy requires completion of  the following minimum credit hours to be granted a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Mount Carmel College of Nursing:

• Traditional Program = minimum of 32 semester hours, including all senior level nursing courses
• Second Degree Accelerated Programs = minimum of 64 semester hours

Program Completion Time

• Traditional program pre-licensure students must complete the Mount Carmel Nursing Program within 6 years of the date of admission.
• Second Degree Accelerated Program students must complete the Mount Carmel Nursing program in 13 months.
• Second Degree Accelerated Hybrid Program students must compete the Mount Carmel Nursing program in 18 months.

Graduation Requirements

In order to qualify for graduation, undergraduate degree candidates must complete all the requirements on the following checklist. A student deficient in any area will not receive a diploma until the requirement is complete.

• Submit an online Graduation Application by the posted deadline.
• Successfully complete a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit (128 semester hours for those admitted prior to Fall 2021).
• Complete all required coursework with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.
• Earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative science GPA.
• Make certain that official transcripts for all transfer and affiliated courses are on file at Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
• Complete the ATI Content Mastery Series of diagnostic assessments (pre-licensure students only). This includes the ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Assessment.
• Attend all 3 days of the Live NCLEX Review.
• Fulfill all financial and library obligations to Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
• Complete the online Financial Aid Exit Interview (required of every student who received any type of loan).
• Complete the Business Affairs Exit Interview (required of every student who received an institutional loan).
• Complete the online Graduation Exit Survey. Students will receive an email with specific instructions a few weeks prior to the end of their program.
• If attending May Commencement, order authorized graduation cap and gown from jostens.com (earliest available order date will be announced to graduating students).

Pre-licensure students may participate in May Commencement if they need to complete no more than two additional nursing clinical courses and are eligible to complete the nursing program within the calendar year. RN-BSN students may participate in May Commencement if they need to complete no more than two additional courses and are eligible to complete the nursing program by the end of Summer Session of the same calendar year. Second Degree Accelerated Program students who complete the program in February may participate in Commencement the following May.

The graduation fee is charged to the student’s account in the semester they graduate.

Graduation Honors

Latin honors are based on the student’s final cumulative GPA and indicate a consistently high level of scholastic achievement. Latin honors are awarded according to the following cumulative grade point averages:

A minimum of two years of full-time course work in the traditional program (60 semester hours) at Mount Carmel is required to qualify for Latin honors. Successful completion of the Second Degree Accelerated Program (13 months) at Mount Carmel is required to qualify for Latin honors.

Commencement

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Commencement is held in early May each year.

The colorful academic hood for Mount Carmel College of Nursing is awarded to graduates who attain the highest academic degree beyond the bachelor’s degree. It is a special part of academic regalia and denotes scholarly and professional achievements. The cap, the hood and the robe are the visual components of the academic costume. Gown designs represent the levels of academic degrees. The color of the velvet outer binding of the master’s and doctoral hoods represents the academic discipline to which the degree pertains. The color for the outer binding for the discipline of Nursing is apricot. The colors of the inner lining of the hood denote the institution awarding the degree. Mount Carmel College of Nursing colors are burgundy and silver. The tassel color for the MCCN Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) is apricot.

Details regarding Commencement and student academic regalia are posted to CARMELink at the appropriate time each year.