Progression and Retention Guidelines

All Practical Nursing courses must be taken in the designated sequence and within the prescribed timeframe. Students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” (70%) or higher in all courses.

Students in the Practical Nursing program should be familiar with the OTC Grading System.

Practical Nursing Program Progression Guidelines
Students accepted into the competitive portion of the practical nursing program must adhere to the following progression policies:

Course Failures:

A student who fails a nursing course in Term A will be automatically withdrawn from any Term B courses, and dismissed from the program.

A student who fails a Term B, or Full semester course will be automatically withdrawn from any future courses, and dismissed from the program.

Students may not fail more than two courses within the practical nursing program. Students may not retake any practical nursing course more than once. In these two instances, the student will be recommended for transfer to another program of study, but they will not be considered for readmission to the practical nursing program.

Readmission:

A student returning for a second attempt in the practical nursing program will be considered for admission based on:

Seat availability. Re-entry students will not displace another successfully admitted or progressing student within the practical nursing program.
Competitive Admissions. Re-entry students are not competing with other students in the competitive admission process. However, they must meet the current competitive admissions standards to be permitted to re-enter the practical nursing program.
Timeframe: Re-entry students must be actively registered within one calendar year of their program dismissal.

Any student seeking readmission after one year, must meet the following requirements:

Successfully complete a skills assessment on previously taught competencies, with a minimum score of 85%. The number and type of skills tested will be determined by the Program Director.

Steps for Requesting Readmission

Submit a formal letter requesting readmission to the Director of Admissions.
If space is available and initial approval is granted, the student will be required to demonstrate retention of prior knowledge and skills through written and practical assessments, as outlined above.

Important Note on Readmission Availability

Readmission is not guaranteed and is subject to, at a minimum:

Program admission and guideline criteria
Accreditation standards
Clinical site availability
Meeting all current admission requirements at the time of the request