Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) Program Progression Policy

Policy Statement and Scope

Preparing nursing students to achieve excellence in the provision of safe, competent, compassionate, and ethical care requires rigorous academic standards. This progression policy outlines the mandatory academic requirements to progress in the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) program, and the procedures to be followed when students do not meet the minimum requirements based on the course grades recorded on their official transcript.

The policy applies to all Cape Breton University (CBU) BScN students and including those students registered at Acadia University.

Review and Oversight

This policy will be reviewed annually by the School of Nursing in consultation with the Registrar’s Office and updated as needed to reflect regulatory changes or institutional priorities.

Policy

To progress to the subsequent term, students in Term 1 and Term 2 must:

• Achieve a minimum grade of 60% in all non-NRSG courses required for completion of the BScN degree.
• Achieve an overall average of 65% in each term.
• Term 1 and Term 2 students will be bound by the regulations outlined in CBU’s Academic Performance Policy and Academic Calendar. The Failure to Progress (FTP) designation within the School of Nursing will not apply to Term 1 and Term 2 students.

To progress to the subsequent term, students in Term 3 through Term 8 must:

• Achieve a minimum grade of 65% in all NRSG courses required for completion of the BScN degree.
• Achieve a minimum grade of 60% in all non-NRSG courses required for completion of the BScN degree.
• Students in Term 3 through Term 8 will be bound by the SON Program Regulations and this policy. The FTP designation within the School of Nursing will apply to Term 3 through Term 8.
• Students enrolled in a NRSG course consisting of a lab component are required to achieve a passing grade in both the theory and lab component. Failure to pass either component will result in an FTP. Students who repeat this course must retake both the theory and lab component.

SON Failure to Progress Criteria

Students who fail to meet the progression requirements outlined above will be designated as a Failure to Progress (FTP).

Failure to Progress 1: A student who fails to progress for the first time will be permitted to repeat the course the next time it is offered in the timetable or through tutorials (based on availability of resources). If the student subsequently passes the course and meets the other progression requirements, the student will be permitted to enroll in the next Term. The FTP 1 will be recorded on the student’s Academic Record.

Failure to Progress 2: A student who fails to progress for a second time will be dismissed from the program for a minimum of two consecutive terms. Students may apply to re-enter the program after two terms. Readmission to the program is not guaranteed. The FTP 2 will be recorded on the student’s Academic Record.

The maximum number of FTPs is two. If a student were to re-enter the nursing program, a failure in any course would result in permanent dismissal from the program. Please note, prior to re-entry students are required to meet with the Associate Dean.

Students wishing to appeal a final grade have the opportunity to follow the CBU Academic Appeal process outlined in the Academic Calendar.

BScN Completion Time

Students in the Advanced Standing or LPN-BScN pathways are permitted a maximum of 5 consecutive years to complete their degree. Students in the Direct Entry pathway are permitted a maximum of six consecutive years to complete their degree.