Grading and Progression

2. Grading Policy 

2.1 Grading Scale (Program-Wide Standard) 
A = 90–100% 
B = 80–89% 
C = 75–79% (Minimum passing grade in all nursing courses) 
D = 60–74% 
F = 59% and below 

2.2 Passing Requirements 

  • Students must earn a minimum grade of 75% (“C”) in each nursing course to progress. 

  • Selected courses may require a minimum average on exams only before other graded elements are calculated; these requirements will be stated in course syllabi. 

2.3 Clinical/Lab Evaluation 

  • Clinical and lab components are graded as Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. 

  • A grade of Unsatisfactory in clinical or lab results in automatic failure of the entire course regardless of the theory grade. 

2.4 Rounding Policy 

  • Course grades are not rounded; 74.99% = 74%. 

3. Progression Policy 

To continue in the PLBSN program, students must: 

  1. Earn a minimum grade of 75% in all NURS courses. 

  1. Earn a Satisfactory in all clinical, laboratory, and simulation components. 

  1. Meet all prerequisite and co-requisite requirements. 

  1. Maintain continuous enrollment in the prescribed sequence unless approved by the Program Coordinator. 

Progression Rules: 

  • Failing one nursing course requires the student to repeat that course when next available. 

  • Failure of two nursing courses (in total, at any point in the program) results in dismissal from the PLBSN program. 

  • Students who do not complete required immunizations, background checks, orientation requirements, or agency-specific trainings may not attend clinical and therefore cannot progress. 

Note: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, SMSU reserves the right to correct any clerical errors herein. Also, you can submit feedback.