Academic Policies

Grading Scale
Students will be evaluated and receive grades on a quarterly basis or at the end of each course or phase.  Student grades will be based on assignments, testing, and evaluation throughout the quarter, course or phase.  Some courses include clinicals, which allow students to practice in a work setting.  These courses will be graded on theory, clinical learning laboratory, and performance in clinicals.

If a student has difficulty maintaining progress, the student will receive individual counseling.  The grading scale is as follows:

Grade
 
Explanation
Quality Points
A
90-100
Excellent
4
B
80-89
Good
3
C
70-79
Average
2
D
60-69
Below Average
1
F
Below 60
Failed
0
S
 
Satisfactory
 
U   Unsatisfactory  
Audit
 
Audit
 
I
 
Incomplete
 
WP
 
Withdrawn Passing
 
WF
 
Withdrawn Failing
 
T
 
Transferred
 
DP
 
Dismissed Passing
 
DF
 
Dismissed Failing
 


Grade Point Average Calculation
A student's Grade Point Average ("GPA") is calculated by totaling each course's Quality Points multiplied by the credit or quarter credit hour equivalents for that course, divided by the total credit or quarter credit hour equivalents a student has completed. If a course is repeated, the repeated course grade replaces the original grade.

Grade Reporting
Grades will be mailed or available one week after the last day of the grading period. Students with a midterm grade below "C" in a theory course or a midterm unsatisfactory evaluation in a clinical rotation will be notified in writing.

Scholastic Standards for the RN Program
Status in the RN program is established by grades as follows:

Satisfactory Standing

  • A grade of "C" or above in each nursing course and in Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Microbiology
  • A grade of "Satisfactory" in each nursing clinical course and in Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Microbiology Lab
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0

Probationary Standing

  • A cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 in any quarter
  • A final grade below "C" in any nursing course and in Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Microbiology
  • A final grade of "Unsatisfactory" in any nursing clinical course and in Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Microbiology Lab

Unsatisfactory Standing

  • A cumulative GPA of:
    • less than 1.4 in the first quarter
    • less than 1.5 in the second quarter  
    • less than 1.7 in the third quarter
Scholastic Standards for the LPN Program
Status in the LPN program is established by grades as follows:

Satisfactory Standing
  • A grade of "C" or above in the theory section of each course
  • An evaluation of "Satisfactory" in each clinical rotation
  • Satisfactory completion of clinical learning laboratory including clinical performance exam
Probationary Standing
  • A midterm grade below "C" in theory in any course
  • A midterm evaluation of "Unsatisfactory" in a clinical rotation or clinical learning laboratory
Unsatisfactory Standing
  • A final grade below "C" in theory in any course
  • An evaluation of "Unsatisfactory" in a clinical rotation
Repeating a Course
If a student fails any course, the student is subject to dismissal from the program according to the terms of the Enrollment Agreement. The student must petition the Admissions, Progressions & Graduation Committee for approval to repeat the failed course, who shall then make a recommendation to the Program Director. As a general rule, a student may repeat only one course during the entire program. The discretion of the Committee shall be limited to determining the consequences of multiple course failures in any grading period, and considering circumstances related to the approval for the student to repeat a course.
Remedial Courses
Galen does not offer remedial courses.
 
Sequence of Courses
For LPN students, all courses within a grading period must be completed satisfactorily before a student is permitted to advance.
 
For RN students, all pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements must be followed as noted in the course descriptions.
 
Part-Time
Students may be permitted to progress towards their degree or diploma on a part-time basis. Galen can accommodate and assist such students but the following requirements apply:
  • Once students have begun their RN studies they must complete their courses within 24 months of enrolling in their initial nursing course.
  • Students may progress at the part-time level, but first priority for course availability will be given to full-time students.
  • Students receiving financial aid should reference the "Required Completion Rate for Financial Aid" section in the Student Catalog, or speak with their Financial Planning Coordinator in regards to their outlined program of study.
Graduation
Students will receive a diploma or degree from Galen College, and be recommended to the State Board of Nursing as an eligible candidate to sit for their respective NCLEX, when the student:
  • Completes each required course with a satisfactory grade. RN students must take and satisfactorily pass Senior Seminar, which includes a nationally normed comprehensive exit exam.
  • Satisfies all financial obligations.
Academic Honors
To encourage academic excellence and to formally recognize the students who have been outstanding in their study, Galen College offers the following awards and honors:
  • Academic Honor Roll–An acknowledgement of outstanding academic achievement of 3.0 or greater grade point average in a quarter;
  • President’s List–An acknowledgement of superior academic achievement of 3.75 or greater grade point average in a quarter. 
  

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