School of Nursing Policies

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Admissions Policy

Immunization and Clinical Requirements Policy

School of Nursing Progression Policy

Readmission Policy

Educational Mobility Policy

Advanced Placement Policy

Course Exemption Policy

Attendance Policy

Academic Rights and Grievance Policy

Graduation Policy

Course Withdrawal Policy

Admissions Policy

Admission policies for the BSN program for traditional first year, non-traditional, LPN to BSN, transfer, RN to BSN, and accelerated BSN applicants are as follows:

Traditional First Year Applicants

1. Minimum recalculated (based upon the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education admissions standards for state universities and University of Massachusetts system) high school GPA of 3.0.
2. High school or secondary school transcript are required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation. Verification for any non U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators
3. A minimum SAT score of 990 (19 on the ACT) is required.
4. All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment to Salem State University.

Non-traditional Applicants

(Applicants who have been out of high school for greater than 3 years and/or who hold a GED)

1. Minimum high school or equivalent GPA of 3.0.
2. High school or secondary school transcript are required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation. Verification for any non U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency.  Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services,  North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators
3. All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment at Salem State University.
4. Non-traditional applicants should contact the admissions office at Salem State University to request additional information about specific requirements.

Transfer Applicants

1. 12 credits of college-level work completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts from a college or university outside the U.S. must be validated by an approved agency (see below for approved agencies).
3. Two required science courses (BIO105, CHE117, BIO200, BIO201, and BIO304 or equivalent) completed with a minimum C grade.
4. The TEAS test version 6.0 is required. Applicants must score at the proficient level in all four categories: Math, English, Science and Reading.
5. High school or secondary school transcript are required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation, GED or equivalent. Verification for any non U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators.

LPN-BSN Applicants

1. An unencumbered LPN license.
2. Official transcript from an accredited LPN program attended with a minimum GPA of 3.0/greater than or equal to 80%.
3. 12 credits of college-level work completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Transcripts from a college or university college or university outside the U.S. must be validated by an approved agency.
4. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
5. Two required science courses completed with a minimum C grade.
6. The TEAS test version 6.0 is required. Applicants must score at the proficient level, or higher, in all four required categories: Math, English, Science, and Reading.
7. High school or secondary school transcript are required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation, GED or equivalent. Verification for any non U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency.Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators.
8. All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment to Salem State University.

RN-BSN Applicants

1. An unencumbered RN license.
2. Official transcript from an accredited RN program and any other college transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A minimum GPA of a 2.7 across all coursework is required.
3. High school or secondary school transcript are required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation, GED or equivalent. Verification for any non U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators.
4. All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment at Salem State University.

Accelerated  BSN Program Applicants

1. A completed bachelor’s degree from a U. S. college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. For students with degree from outside the U. S. please see below.
2. High school or secondary school transcript are required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation, GED or equivalent. Verification for any non U.S. based secondary education must be validated by an approved agency. Four approved agencies include: Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators.
3. An applicant may be enrolled in up to two prerequisite courses at the time of the application deadline. Applicants must have all prerequisites completed prior to enrollment. Completed transcripts must be submitted prior to the start of the program in May.
4. Completion of the following pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of B-: Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with a lab), Microbiology (with lab), Chemistry (with lab), Statistics, and Developmental Psychology.
5. All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science students upon enrollment at Salem State University.
6. Graduates of a non-U.S. college or university are eligible to apply if the following two conditions are met:

- Submit a complete, official transcript documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree. All transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must have an evaluation from an approved agency of all courses completed, final grades, academic degree (s) earned, and grade point averages.

- Completion of the MASS Transfer Block at a Massachusetts Community College with the official stamped transcript on or before the start of Summer Session I (May 1) of the year in which enrollment begins. Please see the Salem State University Undergraduate catalog for information pertaining to the MASS Transfer Block.

Nursing Immunization and Clinical Requirements Policy

Massachusetts law requires immunization and vaccination documentation to be on file in the counseling and health services office for students attending Salem State University. The Salem State University policy requires all new students to submit immunization records and be in full compliance with Massachusetts state laws 105 CMR 220.00, 105 CMR 220.660 and the Salem State University Immunization Policy two weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Requirements upon Admission to Salem State University

Requirements apply to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students and all full and part-time health science students regardless of age. Salem State University immunization requirements apply to all students regardless if they attend classes on campus or remotely.

Medical exemptions (statement from a physician stating that a vaccine is medically contraindicated for a student) must be renewed annually at the start of the school year and religious exemptions (statement from a student, or parent/guardian if the student is <18 years of age, stating that a vaccine is against sincerely held religious beliefs) should be renewed annually at the start of the school year. 

Meningococcal requirements apply to the group specified in the table below.

*Please note Salem State University does not accept Td in place of a Tdap given within the last 10 years. A Tdap is required within the past 10 years. This is a Salem State University specific immunization requirement.

**A reliable history of chickenpox includes a diagnosis of chickenpox, or interpretation of parent/guardian description of chickenpox, by a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or designee.

COVID-19 Vaccination

All Salem State University students are required to be full vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Students are expected to be vaccinated unless they apply for and receive an exemption. The exemption process is located in the student health portal. Students claiming a medical exemption must present documentation from a medical provider stating that the vaccine is contraindicated and upload the documentation to the health portal. Students who are seeking a religious exemption should complete the exemption form on the health portal. Students who receive exemptions and are not vaccinated will be expected to follow current CDC and MA Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines for unvaccinated individuals and will be subject to the polices and procedures of Salem State University regarding unvaccinated individuals.

Requirements Prior to Enrollmnet in a Clinical Nursing Course

Please Note:  Some clinical facilities where students will be assigned may require additional information and/or screenings prior to clinical placement. Students may incur an additional fee for any added requirements. 

Please Note: According to MGL Chapter 76, Section 15C, a nursing student may exempt from the immunization requirements imposed under state law pursuant to a medical or religious exemption. However, immunization exemption may place the student in jeopardy of not being able to participate in direct patient care which is a requirement for the clinical component of many nursing courses. This may in turn lead to the student not being able to progress in the nursing program.

School of Nursing Progression Policy

Students shall abide by the Salem State University Academic Status and Satisfactory Academic Progress  policy.

In addition to the Salem State University Academic Status and Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, students shall abide by the School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy:

Undergraduate Nursing Students:

1. Achievement of a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C) in each the following science courses or equivalent:BIO105, CHE117, BIO200, BIO201, and BIO304.
2. Students who do not meet the minimum science GPA requirement in each of the required science course may only repeat a required science course one time.
3. Students failing to meet the science progression requirement will be dismissed from the nursing major.
4. Achievement of a minimum GPA of 2.3 (C+) in all courses with a NUR designation.
5. Students are allowed to repeat a NUR course one time only on a space available basis.
6. A NUR course withdrawal constitutes a failure, if the grade at time of withdrawal is less than 77%.
7. A course withdrawal from any nursing course in which the student has a grade of greater than or equal to 77% at the time of withdrawal does not constitute a course failure.
8. A second NUR course failure will result in dismissal from the nursing major.
9. Any student considering withdrawal from a NUR course must first meet with the course faculty and then meet with School of Nursing Department Chairperson. Failure to do so may impact the student’s ability to progress in the nursing program in good standing.

Undergraduate Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Nursing Students:

1. ABSN students who achieve a grade of less than 77% in any course are dismissed from the nursing program.
2. An ABSN student who withdraws from a course with a grade greater than or equal to 77% is subject to the School of Nursing Readmission Policy.
3. Any student considering withdrawal from a course is required to first meet with the course faculty and then meet with School of Nursing Department Chairperson.Failure to do so may result in the student’s ability to progress in good standing in the nursing program.

All undergraduate nursing courses with both a clinical and theoretical component must achieve a grade of C+ in the theory component and a passing grade in the clinical component. A failure in either will result in automatic course failure.  The student will receive a grade of not greater than a C for the course.  A grade of C in any NUR course constitutes a course failure. 

Readmission Policy

The readmission policy applies to any student seeking readmission to the nursing program following an approved absence in accordance with the Salem State University School of Nursing Progression policy, and Salem State University polices pertaining to readmission.

1. A student dismissed for violation of professional behavior/conduct is not eligible for readmission to the nursing program.
2. A student who fails a second course with a NUR designation is not eligible for readmission, in accordance with the School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy.
3. A student who fails a second core science course (BIO105, CHE117, BIO200, BIO201, and BIO304) is not eligible for readmission in accordance with the School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy.
4. A student who has not been dismissed for any of the above reasons and has filed an application for readmission with the Academic Advising office, if no longer a matriculated student, and is in good standing in accordance with the School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy is eligible for readmission to the nursing program one time only.

Readmission to the undergraduate pre-licensure nursing program is conditional, not guaranteed, and not limited to the following:

1. Interview with School of Nursing Department Chairperson.
2. Approval of readmission request by the School of Nursing Admission Committee.
3. An educational contract developed to enhance student success.
4. Self-evaluation of any areas that are needed to be improved upon.
5. Availability of class and/or clinical space.
6. Successful demonstration of required clinical skills and knowledge based upon placement in the nursing program, if warranted, to be determined by nursing faculty.

Educational Mobility

Students shall abide by the Salem State University policies related to educational mobility, Salem State University Undergraduate Catalog including but not limited to transfer policies; prior learning credit; advanced placement credit and credit by examination.

Advanced Placement Policy

Students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program shall abide by the Salem State University policies on Advanced Placement:  

Salem State University Catalog

Course Exemption Policy

In some cases students may be eligible for limited course exemptions. Exemptions for university wide General Education requirements are based upon prior completion of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Education Foundations (Mass Transfer Block) or the prior completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
 
Limited exemptions for specific General Education requirements may be granted under the university policies related to credit by examination or credit for prior learning. Please see:  Salem State University Undergraduate Catalog
 
Exemptions for courses required by the Nursing program are limited, but may be granted in certain circumstances. Students who have completed prior coursework or received examination credit for courses that meet or exceed the content and learning outcomes of specific support courses maybe eligible for course substitutions or exemptions. The Chairperson of the Nursing department shall review all such requests and will inform the student and the Registrar’s Office of any substitutions or waivers granted.
 
Required nursing courses may not be exempted, but students who have completed prior coursework in an accredited nursing program may have specific foundation courses considered for transfer credit.

Attendance Policy

The School of Nursing believes attendance at all scheduled classes, nursing skills or simulation labs, and clinical practicums enhances student success and is necessary to prepare students for professional nursing practice.
 
The School of Nursing recognizes illness and emergencies will and do occur. Students are required to notify course faculty if absent from clinical, class, skills laboratory, or simulation laboratory. If there are unexplained absences and/or proper notification is not given, the student’s ability to continue in the nursing program may be effected.
 
Absences from Examinations Students are expected to take all examinations as scheduled. If the student is ill or experiences an emergency, the student should, if at all possible, contact the course faculty prior to the scheduled exam. Failure to notify faculty will result in an exam score of zero.
 
Absences from Class Class attendance is strongly encouraged. Students are required to meet with course faculty when absent from class for more than two times. Students are responsible for all class assignments and announcements that are missed.
 
Absences from Clinical/ Skills Laboratory/ Simulation Laboratory  Students are expected to attend all scheduled clinical, skills laboratory, and simulation laboratory experiences.
 
Students must notify the instructor and/or Nursing Resource Center scheduling coordinator for any intended absence or tardiness as soon as possible. An absence or excessive tardiness without prior notification will result in a written critical element failure.
 
Two critical element failures constitutes a course failure.

Academic Rights and Grievance Policy

Students shall abide by the Salem State University policies of Student Rights found in the Salem State University Academic Catalog:   Salem State University Undergraduate Catalog
 
In addition, students shall abide by the School of Nursing Student Academic Rights and Grievance Policy:
 

1. Student and Faculty Member:  The student and faculty member will  directly discuss circumstances related to any aggrieved issue. If an  acceptable resolution is not attained, the student may bring the concern to  the Department Chairperson. Students must notify the Chairperson of the  aggrieved issue within seven business days of meeting with faculty  (Monday through Friday-excluding observed holidays and the university’s  winter and spring break).
2. Chairperson: The Chairperson will meet with both the student and faculty  either together or separately to review the aggrieved issue and determine  an acceptable resolution. The Chairperson will respond with a decision within  seven business days of the meeting(s) (Monday through Friday-excluding  observed holidays and the university’s winter and spring break).
3. Associate Dean: If there is no resolution following steps 1 and 2, a formal  written complaint may be submitted by the student within seven business  days following any meetings with the Chairperson and faculty to the  Associate Dean.  The Associate Dean will respond within seven business days  of the receipt of the complaint (Monday through Friday-excluding observed  holidays and the university’s winter and spring break).
4. Dean of the Maguire Meservey College of Health  and Human  Services:  If there is no resolution following steps 1, 2, and 3 the student may submit  a formal written appeal to the Dean within seven business days following  receipt of the Associate Dean’s decision. The Dean will respond within seven  business days (Monday through Friday-excluding observed holidays and  the university’s winter and spring break) to the written appeal.

  The Dean’s decision is final. Any further appeal of the decision is limited to  documentable lapses in procedure. Students may not seek an appeal of the  Dean’s decision for a reconsideration of the facts. Procedural-based appeals  will be heard by the Provost or designee. The Provost or designee’s findings  are final.

Graduation Policy

In accordance with the Salem State University review process, undergraduate program nursing students are eligible to graduate from Salem State University when the following criteria are met:
 

1. Completion of all General Education requirements.
2. Completion of all supporting science courses BIO105, CHE117, BI0200, BI0201, and BI0304 with a C grade or higher in each course.
3. Completion of all courses with a NUR designation with a C+ grade or higher.
4. Achievement of a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.0. 5. Completion of all requirements associated with any optional minors or second majors that have been formally declared by the student. 6. Completion of a minimum of 120 course credits.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Students shall abide by the Salem State University policy on Course Withdrawal:  Salem State University Undergraduate Catalog
In addition to the Salem State University course withdrawal policy, students must abide by the School of Nursing course withdrawal policy:
 

1. A course withdrawal from any course with a NUR designation in which the student has a grade of less than 77% at the time of withdrawal constitutes a course failure.
2. A course withdrawal from any course with a NUR designation in which the student has a grade of greater than or equal to 77% at the time of withdrawal does not constitute a course failure.
3. A student who drops a course during the Salem State University add/drop period will not incur a penalty and will be allowed to retake the course.
4. A student considering a nursing course withdrawal after the add/drop period is required to meet with the course faculty and the School of Nursing Department Chairperson prior to withdrawing from the course, failure to do so may impact the student’s ability to retake the course in accordance with the School of Nursing Progression Policy.
5. A student must apply for a Leave of Absence if the student does not plan to enroll in any courses for the following semester. Please see: Salem State University Undergraduate Catalog
6. A “W” grade does not factor into the student’s cumulative or major GPA.
7. Students who withdraw from a nursing course and who are eligible to repeat the course in accordance with the School of Nursing Academic Progression Policy may do so on a space available basis.