College of Nursing Student Handbook

College of Nursing Policies and Procedures

Vision, Mission and Core Values

The link to the College of Nursing Vision, Mission and Core Values can be found here: Vision, Mission, Core Values

Philosophy

The link to the College of Nursing Philosophy can be found here: Philosophy

ADA Awareness Statement and Core Performance Standards

The link to the College of Nursing ADA Awareness Statement and Core Performance Standards can be found here: ADA Awareness Statement and Core Performance Standards

Process for Grade Appeal

Grounds for Non-Academic Appeal: If any student who is currently enrolled in the College of Nursing believes that a final course grade was assigned based on non-academic considerations, they should make an appeal to the Office of Access and Engagement. Such an appeal may be made when a student believes that a final course grade was assigned on non-academic criteria including, without limitation, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Grounds for Academic Appeal: Any student in the College of Nursing may appeal a final course grade on academic grounds using the following appeal procedures whenever they believe that the grade was assigned inappropriately. Grounds for an academic appeal exist when documentary evidence is presented that a final course grade was assigned in:
•    an unfair manner; or
•    an arbitrary manner; or
•    a malicious manner.
Students seeking to appeal a grade in a nursing course must adhere to the university’s official procedure as detailed in the Academic Regulations in the Undergraduate Catalog
for BSN students or the  Grade Appeal Process in the Graduate Catalog for DNP students.

Undergraduate Program
In cases where a failing grade is received, the appropriate advisor will provide the student with the College of Nursing (CON) Academic Grade Appeal Checklist to guide them through the appeal process.  If a student appeals a failing grade in one semester, they may not register for any subsequent nursing courses while the student’s grade appeal is pending.

Please see Academic Regulations for the Undergraduate appeal process. If the appeal is denied by the UTC Grade Appeal Committee for the Undergraduate students, the student may appeal to the Provost. Likewise, if the appeal is upheld, the faculty member may appeal the decision to the Provost.  

Graduate Program
Please see the Grade Appeal Process for the graduate student appeal process which begins with submission of the Graduate Grade Appeal Form to the Graduate Council Appeals Committee. If a student appeals a failing grade in one semester, they may not register for any subsequent nursing courses while the student’s grade appeal is pending. If the appeal is denied, the student may appeal to the Chancellor. This decision is final. 
 

Approved 10/31/2025

Process for Dismissal

Undergraduate Program
Students may be dismissed from the College of Nursing Undergraduate Program when:
•    They earn a second course grade of “D”, “F”, or “NC” and/or
•    They withdraw from the nursing program more than one time (students are only allowed one withdrawal from the program for personal/academic reasons for up to two consecutive semesters) and/or
•    They are found guilty of unprofessional conduct, negligent habits, unsafe behaviors, or other cause as may be specified in the Tennessee Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations of Registered Nurses or the ANA Code of Ethics and/or
•    They are found guilty of a violation of the UTC Honor Code.

Graduate Program
Students may be dismissed from the College of Nursing Graduate Program when:
•    They earn a second course grade of “C’, “D”, “F”, or “NC” and/or
•    They withdraw from the nursing program more than one time (students are only allowed one withdrawal from the program for personal/academic reasons) and/or
•    They are found guilty of unprofessional conduct, negligent habits, unsafe behaviors, or other cause as may be specified in the Tennessee Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations of Registered Nurses or the ANA Code of Ethics and/or
•    They are found guilty of a violation of the UTC Honor Code.

Dismissal Process for Reasons Other Than Grades
Undergraduate Program
When a faculty member determines that a student has exhibited either unprofessional conduct, negligent habits, unsafe behavior, or other cause as may be specified in the Tennessee Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations of Registered Nurses and/or violated the ANA Code of Ethics, that faculty member notifies the Associate Director who calls a sub-committee meeting within 3 business days to discuss the student’s behavior.  If the Sub-Committee deems that the student’s behavior justifies dismissal from the CON, the Associate Director will notify the College of Nursing (CON) BSN Professional Advisor via official UTC email within 3 business days of the decision. A copy of this notification will be kept in the student’s file in the CON. After the BSN Professional Advisor is notified, s/he will send a notification to the Director of the CON and the Chair of the CON Academic Affairs Committee via official UTC email within 3 business days.

Graduate Program
When a faculty member determines that a student has exhibited either unprofessional conduct, negligent habits, unsafe behavior, or other cause as may be specified in the Tennessee Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations of Registered Nurses and/or violated the ANA Code of Ethics, that faculty member notifies the appropriate Graduate Concentration Coordinator who calls the appropriate sub-committee meeting within 3 business days to discuss the student’s behavior.  If the sub-committee deems that the student’s behavior justifies dismissal from the CON, the Concentration Coordinator will notify the CON Graduate Committee Chair via official UTC email within 3 business days of the decision. A copy of this notification will be kept in the student’s file in the CON. After the Graduate Committee Chair is notified, s/he will send a notification to the Director of the CON via official UTC email within 3 business days.

Dismissal Process for Grades
Undergraduate Program
When an undergraduate student earns a course grade of “D”, “F”, or “NC” in an undergraduate nursing course, the course faculty will notify the College of Nursing (CON) BSN Professional Advisor via official UTC email within 3 business days. A copy of this notification will be kept in the student’s file in the CON. After the BSN Professional Advisor is notified of a second earned grade of “D”, “F”, or “NC”, s/he will send a notification to the Associate Dean of the CON and the Chair of the CON Academic Affairs Committee via UTC email within 3 business days. The Chair of the CON Academic Affairs Committee will notify the student of his/her dismissal from the CON via UTC email within 3 business days of official posting of grades for the semester.

Graduate Program
When a graduate student earns a course grade of  “C”, “D”, “F”, or “NC”, in a graduate nursing course, the course faculty will notify the College of Nursing (CON) Graduate Committee Chair via official UTC email within 3 business days. A copy of this notification will be kept in the student’s file in the CON. After the Chair is notified of a second earned grade of “C”, “D”, “F”, or “NC”, s/he will send a notification to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs of the CON via UTC email within 3 business days. The Chair of the Graduate Committee will notify the student of his/her dismissal from the CON via UTC email within 3 business days of official posting of grades for the semester.

Appeal Procedure from the Undergraduate Program - When a student earns a second grade of ‘D”, “F”, or “NC” they will be dismissed from the College of Nursing. If a student elects to appeal a course grade and the original grade is upheld following the appeal, the student will be dismissed from the CON.  

Students dismissed from any program in the CON may not register for any subsequent nursing courses while the grade appeal or appeal for dismissal is pending.  Any concentration that utilizes partial terms for select nursing courses will adhere to the following process. If a student earns a second failing grade in a nursing course during partial term 1, they will be dismissed from the College of Nursing at the conclusion of that term. Upon dismissal, the student must immediately withdraw from all nursing courses scheduled for the remainder of the semester which may include Partial Term 2.  

Upon dismissal, the student has 3 business days to submit a program dismissal appeal form to the Academic Affairs Committee for the Undergraduate Program

Students who wish to appeal program dismissal must submit the CON Appeal of Program Dismissal form to the appropriate committee as indicated above within 3 business days of receiving official UTC email notification of CON dismissal.  The Academic Affairs Committee Chair will call a meeting upon receiving the appeal within 3 business days. The Chair will notify the student by official UTC email of the committee decision within 24 hours of the meeting. If the student appeal is denied and the student wishes to continue the appeal process, s/he may request the chair forward all materials and the College of Nursing Appeal of Program Dismissal form to the Associate Dean of the CON. This request must be within 3 business days of receiving UTC email notification of the Committee's decision. The Associate Dean will make a decision and notify the student and the Academic Affairs Committee Chair via UTC email within 24 hours of the request explaining the basis for the decision.

The student or the Academic Affairs committee may appeal the Associate Dean’s decision to the Dean of the College of Nursing in writing within 3 business days following receipt via UTC email of notification of the Associate Dean’s decision. The written document to the Dean must explain the basis for the appeal. The student or the Associate Dean of the CON may appeal the decision of the Dean to the Chancellor in writing within 3 business days following notification via official UTC email of the Dean’s decision. The written document to the Chancellor must explain the basis for the appeal.  If an appeal for dismissal is made to the Chancellor, the Dean will forward all relevant documentation pertinent to the appeal to the Chancellor. The decision of the Chancellor shall be final and all involved parties will receive official UTC email notification.

If the student is reinstated in the program at the conclusion of the program dismissal appeal process, the student’s program completion date will be extended, as appropriate and necessary.

Students are responsible for initiating the appeal processes for grade appeals and program dismissal appeals as outlined in the UTC Undergraduate Handbook.

Appeal Procedure from the Graduate Program
When a student earns a second grade of “C”, ‘D”, “F”, or “NC” they will be dismissed from the College of Nursing. If a student elects to appeal a course grade and the original grade is upheld following the appeal, the student will be dismissed from the CON.  

Students dismissed from the CON may not register for any subsequent nursing courses while the grade appeal or appeal for dismissal is pending.  Any concentration that utilizes partial terms for select nursing courses will adhere to the following process. If a student earns a second failing grade in a nursing course during partial term 1, they will be dismissed from the College of Nursing at the conclusion of that term. Upon dismissal, the student must immediately withdraw from all nursing courses scheduled for the remainder of the semester which may include Partial Term 2.  

Upon dismissal, the student has 3 business days to submit a program dismissal appeal form to the Graduate Committee.

Students who wish to appeal program dismissal must submit the CON Appeal of Program Dismissal form to the Graduate Committee as indicated above within 3 business days of receiving official UTC email notification of CON dismissal.  The Graduate Committee Chair will call a meeting upon receiving the appeal within 3 business days. The Chair will notify the student by official UTC email of the committee decision within 24 hours of the meeting. If the student appeal is denied and the student wishes to continue the appeal process, s/he may request the Chair forward all materials and the College of Nursing Appeal of Program Dismissal form to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs of the CON. This request must be within 3 business days of receiving UTC email notification of the Committee's decision. The Assistant Dean will make a decision and notify the student and the appropriate Committee Chair via UTC email within 24 hours of the request explaining the basis for the decision.

The student or the committee may appeal the Assistant Dean’s decision to the Dean of the College of Nursing in writing within 3 business days following receipt via UTC email of notification of the Assistant Dean’s decision. The written document to the Dean must explain the basis for the appeal. The student or the Assistant Dean of the CON may appeal the decision of the Dean to the Chancellor in writing within 3 business days following notification via official UTC email of the Dean’s decision. The written document to the Chancellor must explain the basis for the appeal.  If an appeal for dismissal is made to the Chancellor, the Dean will forward all relevant documentation pertinent to the appeal to the Chancellor. The decision of the Chancellor shall be final and all involved parties will receive official UTC email notification.

If the student is reinstated in the program at the conclusion of the program dismissal appeal process, the student’s program completion date will be extended, as appropriate and necessary.

Students are responsible for initiating the appeal processes for grade and program dismissal appeals as outlined in the UTC Graduate Handbook.

Appeal Form link below:

 BSN Dismissal Appeal Form

Approved 10/31/2025

Nondiscrimination Policy

I.    Policy: The UTC College of Nursing admits students of any race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national ethnic origin, disability or age to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School of Nursing. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, color, national or ethnic origin, disability or age, in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other university-administered programs.

II.    Purpose: The purpose of a policy on non-discrimination is to assure the commitment of the UTC College of Nursing to promoting inclusion, respect and the inherent value of all students.

III.    Procedure: The UTC College of Nursing will voluntarily follow policy for non-discrimination and diversity by admitting students of any race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national ethnic origin, disability or age; by affording to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School of Nursing; and by not discriminating on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, color, national or ethnic origin, disability or age in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs and other university administered programs. The School of Nursing will accurately exhibit and follow the non-discrimination policy.

Substance Use Policy

It is the policy of the College of Nursing (CON) to be in compliance with all policies of the clinical facilities with which the CON affiliates for student clinical learning experiences. 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe working environment for students, patients, clients, visitors, agency staff, and university faculty and staff. 

Upon Admission to the College of Nursing

In order to participate in the clinical experiences in the professional programs of the CON, all students are required to undergo substance testing at ArcPoint Labs in Chattanooga (or one of its satellite locations) prior to the start of the clinical experience or at the time(s) specified by the professional program in which the student is enrolled. The cost of substance testing through ArcPoint in Chattanooga is dependent upon the request for the initial screening. In addition, every student is subject to subsequent testing if there is a reasonable suspicion that he/she is under the influence of substances, such as drugs and alcohol, which impair the student's ability to perform competently.  For those students enrolled in the DNP: Nurse Anesthesia – LifeSpan once admitted, they will be subject to random drug screens while in the second and third years of the program. The cost of the additional drug screens will be the responsibility of the student.  

Any positive screen will be sent for confirmatory testing. If there are any abnormal findings, the student will be contacted. This is a requirement for participation in clinical experiences; therefore, the student must sign a release that the results will be provided to UTC University Health Services, which will then inform the CON Dean and/or CON Associate Dean of the results.

If the student is found to be in violation of the substance use policy prior to beginning the program, the student's admission will be rescinded and/or the student will be dismissed from the program. In order to be considered for readmission to the program, the student will be required to complete, at the student's expense, a chemical dependency evaluation and treatment plan. 

Reapplication or readmission to the program in the College of Nursing will be considered only upon completion of a treatment program and upon the recommendations of the programs academic admission committee, CON Associate Dean and the Dean of the CON. The student has the right to appeal a decision of dismissal or denial of readmission into the program in accordance with the appeal procedure set forth in the CON Student Handbook.

Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing Requested by School of Nursing

The CON faculty/clinical agency may request a drug/alcohol test if a student's conduct creates a reasonable suspicion that the student is using or impaired by drugs or alcohol. Conduct by a student that may create a reasonable suspicion that the student is using and/or impaired by drugs or alcohol may include, without limitation, the following:

• Emitting odor (such as smell of alcohol on breath) or exhibiting physical symptoms or manifestations of drugs that are directly observed by faculty/clinical staff.
• Exhibiting slurred speech, lethargy, staggered gait, flushed face, impaired memory, dilated/pinpoint pupils, and/or erratic mood swings that are directly observed by faculty/clinical staff.
• Erratic behavior, frequent absenteeism or deterioration of work or academic performance.
• Substance abuse related conviction or finding in a legal or administrative proceeding. 

If a student's conduct creates a reasonable suspicion that s/he is using or impaired by drugs or alcohol (either in the classroom, or in a clinical or professional setting), appropriate documentation will be completed. This will become part of the student's permanent record. The student will be asked to leave the clinical site/classroom and will be sent for immediate drug/alcohol testing at the student's expense. Students reasonably suspected of drug/alcohol use or impairment are prohibited from transporting themselves to or from the testing site. The student MUST procure their own transportation to and from the testing site, but the student is prohibited from operating a vehicle to travel to or from the testing site. 

Testing will be performed at the request of the professional program; therefore, the student must sign a release authorizing the disclosure of the results to the CON. The results will be released directly to the SON Associate Dean. All substance use testing is at the expense of the student.   

If a student if found to be in violation of the substance use policy, the student will not be allowed to attend classes or participate in the clinical courses. If the positive test is from a prescribed medication, the student must obtain a written statement from a qualified health care provider confirming that the medication is prescribed AND will not interfere with safe clinical practice. The student will be dismissed from the program and immediately withdrawn from all courses if the student:

1.           Tests positive during the requested drug screen without a valid prescription or if the prescribed drug interferes with safe clinical practice.

2.           Refuses to submit to a drug test.

3.           Tampers with or contaminates the student's test sample. 

If the student is not found in violation of the substance use policy, additional medication clearance may be required at the discretion of the School of Nursing. 

The Dean (or designee) may ask to meet with the student. The final review will be completed by the Dean (or designee) within five days of the report of the incident. The student may not return to class or clinical rotations until the case has been reviewed by the Dean (or designee).

Pre-licensure students will be dismissed from the CON and not be considered for readmission following any positive drug screen. Licensed professional students who test positive on a substance use screening will be reported to the appropriate state reporting agency such as Tennessee Professional Assistance Program (TnPAP). Readmission may be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with TnPAP. 

 The College of Nursing encourages impaired students to seek assistance voluntarily and assume responsibility for their personal and professional conduct. 
 

Criminal Background Check

Effective June 1, 2006 applicants for initial licensure in Tennessee (not renewal or reinstatement) must obtain a criminal background check. Title 63-7-115 gives the board authority to deny a license based on criminal convictions. Rules 1000-1-.13 (2) lists those convictions for denial of a license and states students are not eligible until five years post-conviction. However, denial of a license is not limited to those listed convictions. Students are not to call the Tennessee Board of Nursing office regarding their eligibility for licensure prior to enrolling in school. The Tennessee Board of Nursing does not make that decision prior to application for licensure and cannot provide students with that information.  

Students accepted to the College of Nursing will be required to undergo a Criminal Background Check. An admissions offer can be rescinded based on the results of the criminal background check and/or unprofessional behavior. The faculty reserve the right to make the final determination.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-graduate APRN certificate at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).  The DNP Nurse Anesthesia Concentration is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).  The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Professional and Academic Nursing Standards

• Tennessee Board of Nursing Requirements
• UTC Honor System
• Confidentiality Policy
• Nursing Code of Ethics -- All faculty and students abide by the American Nurses Association (ANA) code of ethics. Individual Course Policies -- Individual course policies are printed in course syllabi given to students or accessible on UTCLearn at the beginning of each semester.

Learning Laboratories

The College of Nursing's learning laboratories consist of the basic skills lab, the Anne P.Y. Chien Learning Resource Lab, the Sim-Man lab, the FNP lab, and the computer-testing lab. The basic skills lab has hospital beds, medical equipment, and various audiovisual models for learning nursing skills and physical assessment techniques. Hours for the basic skills lab and computer lab are posted. The computer lab has personal computers with various software programs. All computers in this lab are Internet-linked. A printer is available.

Complaint/Grievance Procedure

The College of Nursing policy related to student complaints and grievances follows the University policy. As noted in the Faculty Handbook 2025 (Chapter 2: Faculty Rights and Responsibilities), complaints or grievances will arise occasionally in the faculty-student relationship and should be clarified at the earliest possible time and at the level closest to the locus of the complaint. Students who have such complaints are urged to address them directly to the faculty member in an appropriate setting. It is understood that some issues may need to be addressed to the nearest administrator, generally the department or program unit head. Every effort should be made to resolve such matters informally by conversation.  If a student in the College of Nursing has a grievance (complaint) that cannot be resolved informally by conversation, they should follow the steps in the formal complaint process outlined by the UTC Student Grievance (Complaint) Process.  

Process for Student Participation in Program Governance

The College of Nursing values student participation in program governance and provides students with an opportunity to discuss and channel concerns. Students in the BSN program have an opportunity to address their concerns through their level representative on the Student Activities Committee. Students in the DNP concentrations have an opportunity to address their concerns through the appropriate student representation on the graduate concentration sub-committees.

UTC Policy for Computer Use

The link to the UTC Policy for Computer Use can be found here: UTC Policy for Computer Use

Clinical Incident Policy and Form

The link to the Clinical Incident Policy and Form can be found here: Clinical Incident Form

Infection Control Policy

The link to the UTC College of Nursing Infection Control Policy can be found here: Infection Control Policy

Social Media Policy

The link to the UTC College of Nursing Social Media Policy can be found here: Social Media Policy

DNP Continuation, Progression and Dismissal Policy 

DNP students earning a "C" or less or a "No Credit" in a course will be required to repeat the course when it is next offered. In keeping with the College of Nursing's Continuation Standards and Academic Progression, any DNP student who earns a "C" or less or a "No Credit" in any two (2) courses during their enrollment will be considered for dismissal from the College of Nursing. Please see Academic Policies for Graduate Students Continuation Standards,  in the UTC Graduate Catalog.

Students who are dismissed from the program may appeal the decision. Please see sections entitled Program Dismissal Procedure and Student Appeal Process in Academic Policies for Graduate Students for more information.  

BSN Policies and Procedures

Nursing Course Transfer Credits After Admission to the Traditional or Accelerated BSN

Any applicant to the UTC CON Traditional or Accelerated BSN program who has completed nursing courses (Nurs prefix) at another institution will not be able to transfer those courses for credit toward the BSN degree awarded by UTC.

BSN Program Outcomes

1.    Apply critical thinking skills to integrate knowledge derived from nursing, natural and behavioral sciences, humanities, and arts to deliver evidence based, holistic professional nursing care.
2.    Consistently practice safe, competent nursing care across multiple settings by integrating caring behaviors, critical thinking processes, and therapeutic interventions with individuals, families, populations, and communities throughout their developmental journey and varied lived health experiences.
3.    Partner with community stakeholders to implement and deliver population health interventions to promote equitable health outcomes across diverse communities.  
4.    Perform scholarly inquiry and critical analysis to examine practice challenges, identify knowledge gaps, and implement evidence-based solutions that improve patient care, population health, and professional nursing practice.
5.    Demonstrate  a consistent commitment to delivering high quality, safe and effective patient care by applying quality improvement principles and promoting a culture of patient, provider, and work environment safety. 
6.    Collaborate competently and effectively with interprofessional team members to accomplish shared goals and optimize patient and community outcomes.
7.    Utilize systems thinking and leadership competencies to coordinate interprofessional teams, ensure accountability for care delivery, and provide high-quality, safe, and equitable nursing care to diverse populations in multiple practice settings.
8.    Utilize and integrate Information and Healthcare Technologies effectively to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high-quality, efficient care in accordance with professional and regulatory standards.
9.    Demonstrate professional nursing values through the development of a sustainable nursing identity characterized by accountability, collaborative practice, and ethical behaviors.
10.    Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for the effectiveness of one’s own nursing practice and professional growth as a learner, clinician, and leader.
 

Course and Clinical Grading

Didactic Course Grading Scale:

The following numerical grading scale will be used in all didactic nursing courses:

92-100  A

84-91    B

83-78    C

77-70    D

<70    F

Clinical Course Grading:

S = Satisfactory

NC = No Credit

During each semester, all grades will be recorded to two (2) decimal places. At the end of the semester, the final grade will be calculated to two (2) decimal places and rounded mathematically:

Less than 0.50 – Round down to next whole number, example 91.49 = 91 0.50 or greater – Round up to next whole number, example 91.50 = 92"

 

ATI Examinations

Each semester, while in the nursing major, achievement tests will be given through ATI Testing. The tests have costs that are identified to students at the beginning of each semester. The purpose of achievement tests is to measure the degree of mastery of nursing content. Test results provide an indication of the degree of success on the licensing examination to become a registered nurse. The test results also identify content areas, which need additional study prior to taking the examination for licensure.

Accelerated BSN ATI Policy

Traditional BSN ATI Policy

Continuation and Progression Policies

To progress in nursing, students are required to:

• Make a minimum grade of “C” or “S” in all nursing and required courses
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0>
• Maintain active clinical requirements.  Please refer to the Clinical Requirements section of the Handbook.

Students in the Nursing major may earn a grade of “D” or “F” or “NC” in only one course with a nursing (N) designation. If a student earns a second “D”, “F”, or “NC”, the student will be dismissed from the program, even if the second “D”, “F”, or “NC” is earned in the same semester as the first failed grade.

Students who make a grade of “D”, “F”, or “NC”, in an undergraduate nursing course, and who are eligible to repeat a course, are permitted to register for that course on a space-available basis. If there are more students than positions available, the student(s) with the highest nursing major GPA will be given priority for the position(s) available. To be considered for progression the student must submit a letter of intent to the BSN Professional Advisor within 5 business days of grades being posted.

Students who make a grade of “D”, “F”, or “NC”, in a 1st level undergraduate nursing course, and who are eligible to repeat a course, are permitted to register for that course the following fall semester unless space becomes available in the spring nursing class. If there are more students than positions available, the student(s) with the highest nursing major GPA will be given priority for the position(s) available.
 

Students who must withdraw from a nursing (N) course for medical reasons must submit the signed form from their healthcare provider stating they cannot continue in the nursing courses for medical reasons. This form can be obtained from the clinical instructor or BSN Professional Advisor.

If a student wishes to withdraw from a nursing course for non-medical reasons, s/he must withdraw from all the nursing courses for the semester s/he is enrolled. Students withdrawing for non-medical reasons will only be allowed to re-enroll in the nursing courses if space is available. If there are more students than positions available, the student(s) with the highest nursing major GPA will be given priority for the position(s) available. Students considering a leave of absence or withdrawal should refer to the Leave of Absence or Withdrawal policy below.

Reapplication to the School of Nursing is required for students who withdraw from level 1 nursing courses for causes other than documented medical reasons or military service. Students must submit a completed application packet by the published application deadline in order to be considered for readmission. Enrollment is limited and the number of qualified applicants often exceeds the number of students who can be admitted. Previous admission does not guarantee acceptance.

If in the judgment of the professor there is a reason to question the emotional or physical condition of a student or the safety or quality of nursing care provided, the professor has the right and obligation to exclude the student from the clinical area which may impact progression in the program.

Approved by faculty 03/13

Traditional BSN Transfer Course Policy

Policy:  All nursing transfer students must meet the minimum admission requirements for consideration into the nursing program.  Students must meet the required pre-requisite courses for placement into an upper level of the nursing program. Before placement will be determined, a letter of good standing from the dean or director of the previous nursing school must be received. Students who have earned a D or F in any designated nursing course will not be eligible for nursing admission. Space in the upper levels of the nursing program is limited. If the class/level of the nursing program a student is placed into is full, s/he will have to wait until an open spot becomes available in a future semester.  

The process for admission for students transferring from a nursing program to the UTC nursing program:

1. Must be admitted to UTC by the College of Nursing application deadline.
2. Student must submit a nursing application, letter of good standing from previous school, transcripts and copies of syllabi of all previous nursing course(s) taken to the BSN Academic Advisor prior to the application deadline.
3. BSN Academic Advisor will distribute the syllabi to the appropriate faculty member to review and determine if the course is equivalent.  
4. All of the above information will be brought to the Academic Affairs committee for a decision to be made on placement in the nursing program.

 Approved by faculty, 10/11/22

 

Accelerated BSN Transfer Course Policy

Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in another field and have started a nursing program at another school would not be eligible to transfer into the ABSN track.  Students in this situation would be eligible for the traditional BSN track.  Please refer to the Traditional BSN Transfer Course Policy in the CON Student Handbook.

Leave of Absence and/or Withdrawal Policy

Leave of Absence or Withdrawal from the SON

A leave of absence or withdrawal from the BSN program for personal reasons is allowed for up to two consecutive semesters.  Students in the BSN program are only allowed one withdrawal for personal reasons from the program.

BSN students who wish to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program for personal reasons must make a formal request using the Leave of Absence or Withdrawal Request Form. Students who are not in good standing or who have disciplinary action pending against them require special approval. Discontinuance of study without official notification to the College of Nursing may jeopardize a student’s return to the program.

Students who have withdrawn from the College of Nursing will be considered for readmission based upon:

• Space available in the cohort they will be returning.  This does not apply if the withdrawal is for medical reasons or military service.  Priority for registration in nursing courses will be given to the student who has failed a course then to those who have withdrawn.
• Eligibility to return to any other college attended during withdrawal period.
• Ability to meet UTC continuation standards.
• Ability to meet UTC CON core performance standards.
   

To request a leave of absence or withdrawal from the CON:

1. Meet with the BSN academic advisor to discuss your withdrawal and develop a revised plan of study.
2. Submit the Leave of Absence Request Form to the BSN academic advisor.  The Medical Clearance form must be attached if requesting medical leave.

To request a return from a leave of absence or withdrawal from the SON:

1. Complete the Leave of Absence Return Form
2. Students returning from a leave taken due to medical reasons will need to submit the Medical Clinical Clearance form completed by the student’s health care provider clearing them to return and listing any restrictions.
3. All students who have taken leave of absence or withdrawn for the semester must complete the Clinical Refresher Course.  The Clinical Refresher Course will be offered the Thursday prior to the first day of class from 9:00AM-12:00PM.  In preparation students must review the Clinical Refresher Course module in the BSN Canvas Organization.
4. Submit these materials to the College of Nursing by the deadlines listed below. 

	Fall Return	Spring Return	Summer Return (ABSN only)
Leave of Absence Return Form Due*	August 1	October 1	April 1
Medical Clearance from Healthcare Provider Due if medical leave	August 1	October 1	April 1

  *The College of Nursing may deny any requests to return that come in after the specified deadlines.

      5.    Consult with the BSN Academic Advisor regarding any clinical compliance requirements that need to be fulfilled, depending on the student’s semester of return and revised plan of study.

In addition to the above information, please note the following policies:

• Students must reapply to the university through the UTC Admissions office.
• Students who were not in good academic standing at the time of the leave of absence request will return to the same academic standing status they held (for example, probation) when they left.
• Students cannot receive transfer credit for nursing courses taken at another institution while on a leave of absence.  
• Students in level 1 of the TBSN or semester 1 partial term 1 of the ABSN must reapply to the BSN program if they withdraw for personal reasons.

 

Transferring Between the Traditional and Accelerated BSN Programs

Students enrolled in the Traditional BSN (TBSN) track are not permitted to take courses in the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) track. Likewise, students in the ABSN track may not enroll in TBSN courses unless they intend to permanently transition into the TBSN track.

Students in the ABSN wishing to change to the TBSN must meet the CON continuation and progression policies.  To change from the ABSN to TBSN:
•    Submit written notification of intent to change tracks to the BSN Academic Advisor at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the following semester.
•    If the student does not successfully complete the first semester of the ABSN track, they will be required to apply to the traditional BSN track during the next application period for admission as a first level student.  
•    If a student has successfully completed the 1st and/or 2nd semester of the ABSN track, placement in the traditional BSN track will be on a space available basis.  
•    Once a student transitions to the TBSN track they cannot return to the ABSN track.

A student dismissed from the ABSN track is not eligible to apply to or change to the TBSN track.
 

Attendance

Students are expected to be present and prepared for all learning experiences planned by the College of Nursing. Promptness is expected for all classes and clinical laboratory/practicum. Attendance for didactic courses is determined by the course faculty. Attendance at clinical laboratory/practicum is mandatory.  Absences may necessitate a review of the student’s record by course faculty to determine the need for make-up days. Tardiness is not acceptable. Students must follow course policies for clinical absences and tardiness. Students may be asked to leave the clinical area due to lack of preparation or inappropriate attire or behavior. Students are to follow the course syllabus for further information.

Clinical Requirements for BSN (Traditional and Accelerated)

BSN Clinical Requirements

Clinical Requirements for Gateway RN to BSN

Gateway RN-BSN track

Guidelines for Work Hours for BSN (Traditional)

Students enrolled full time in the BSN program in the College of Nursing may need to work. Based on our experience, it is often difficult to accommodate the demands of academic and work schedules concurrently. We recognize that work in a clinical setting may positively affect students’ professional development. However, students must balance academic demands in the School of Nursing and work demands in order to be successful in the BSN Program. While the School of Nursing does not have a policy limiting the number of hours a student enrolled full time in the program may be employed, we recommend the following.

1. Limit work dealing as much as possible to ensure students can meet academic responsibilities. The nursing program is full-time Monday through Friday. The scheduling of clinical and classroom experiences may change during the semester depending on opportunities and needs, therefore, outside work should be limited to weekends.
2. The literature and experience reveals that full-time undergraduate nursing students who attempt to work more than 12 hours per week are most likely to jeopardize academic performance.
3. Students who exceed a total of 12 hours of employment need to make an appointment with their advisor or the Undergraduate Coordinator to discuss their situation. Students who fail to meet the established academic standards in the School of Nursing due to employment will not receive special consideration on appeal. Employment shall not be considered a reason for students not achieving academic responsibilities and performance.
4. Students who need to work should discuss their situation with an advisor/mentor before risking academic jeopardy. Students may need to temporarily defer academic course work and/or explore various loans and scholarships. UTC Financial Aid Office is available to discuss loan options. Scholarships from the School of Nursing are available, and an annual call for applications is conducted each fall for disbursement. All students are encouraged to apply. Some awards are based on need and others on merit/scholarship.

English as Second Language Students

A certain level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success in nursing as well as for patient safety. As nursing involves public safety, requirements are in place to ensure that nursing students can understand, read, and speak English well enough to safely exchange written and verbal information with other health care providers and with patients from a wide range of backgrounds.

If an ESL student is unable to meet the communication core performance standard necessary to be successful in the nursing program, s/he may be required to complete additional activities, for example:

1. Complete a Rosetta Stone English language course
2. Complete the Medical Terminology course, PHTH 3020
3. Work in a healthcare environment that allows for communication with patients and the healthcare team.
4. Complete or repeat the TOEFL achieving or exceeding the following benchmarks:
   • 550 on the paper-based examination
   • 220 on the computer-based examination
   • 5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Information on the TOEFL can be found at The Educational Testing Service www.ETS.org and information on the International English Language Testing System can be found at https://ielts.org/

The faculty member will initiate a Performance Improvement Plan outlining the additional requirements.

 3/24/15 Approved by Academic Affairs Committee; 4/14/15 Approved by Full Faculty

N95 Fit Test Policy

It is the policy of the College of Nursing to be in compliance with all policies of the clinical facilities with which the College affiliates for student clinical learning experiences. The Chattanooga Area Consortium of Healthcare Education and healthcare facilities affiliated with this group require all students in a healthcare-related program to complete an N 95 Fit Test and respirator clearance.

The unique environment of an acute care setting has been identified as a high risk direct care provider environment, and the safety of the patient and the care provider must be maintained.  The use of an N95 mask and its proper fit is an OSHA standard implemented for the protection of workers in “dangerous respiratory environments” including the health care setting.  The requirement to complete the N95 Fit Test and respirator clearance is based on a need to protect the students as well as other patients from the spread of debilitating and/or fatal diseases to which the student could be exposed.

Thus, as a student who must meet all clinical requirements in order to participate in clinical courses, an N 95 Fit Testing and respirator clearance must be completed for a fee.

2/22/06; Reviewed 9/07/10

Uniform Policy

Uniform:  Charcoal grey uniform pants and matching embroidered shirt purchased from the UTC Bookstore. The shirt is designed to be worn untucked and must not be tucked into pants. Students have the option to purchase a light grey crew neck short or long sleeve t-shirt to wear under the uniform top or a matching charcoal grey scrub top jacket from the designated uniform store. No other type of shirt may be worn under the uniform top or outer garment over the uniform.

 

Shoes:  Shoes must be non‐porous and continuous surface (no holes), closed toe with a back. Acceptable shoe colors are solid white or grey. Neon and fluorescent colors/symbols, designs, signs and stickers are not acceptable. Athletic shoes are acceptable if they are made of a fluid resistant material (no woven or webbed tops). Shoes must be kept clean.  Solid colored socks and/or hose must be worn with shoes.  

 

Lab Coat: Students have the option to purchase a white lab coat from the UTC Bookstore.  This is not required.  Occasionally there will be opportunities where the lab coat may be worn with professional dress instead of the scrub uniform.

 

ID: UTC ID with the BSN student identification credential badge attached on the CON issued badge clip must be worn with the uniform.  No other badge clips are allowed.

Required items: 

1. Bandage scissors
2. Watch with second hand
3. Pen (black ink)
4. Stethoscope
5. Pen light  

 

General Uniform Guidelines

1. Jewelry is limited to one set of very small stud type earrings in the ear and wedding bands only (no stones allowed in wedding bands).  No necklaces or bracelets may be worn in clinical.  Facial or tongue piercing jewelry are not allowed.  A nude nose plug can be worn to keep piercing in nose open but nothing that is visible. No gauge (button) piercing.
2. No visible tattoos.
3. Nails:
   • No nail polish.
   • Clean and trimmed short, smoothly filed, no longer than 1/8 of an inch. No artificial nails or nail decorations.
   • Artificial nails are defined as any material applied to the nail for the purpose of strengthening or lengthening, including wraps, acrylics, or tips.
4. No cleavage, midriff, lower back or buttocks should be visible upon bending or other movements.
5. Shoes and uniforms must be neat and clean at all times.
6. Dress uniform length should be no shorter than knee length.
7. Hair must be groomed in accordance with the policy of the clinical agency.   
   • Hair that is shoulder length or longer will be secured back from the face so as to not fall forward when providing clinical care.  
   • Well-groomed beards, mustaches, and goatees are allowed, as long as the facial seal for the particulate respirator mask necessary for the care of TB patients is not compromised.
   • Hair must be a naturally occurring color.
8. Hair Accessories:
   • Should coordinate (tastefully, professionally) with uniform color.
   • Hair accessories must be simple, small, conservative clips, barrettes, or combs, headbands without attachments and bows.
   • Loose end of ribbons or bows must be restrained.
9. Make-up should be conservative.   No eyelash extensions.
10. Use of scented body products, such as perfumes, lotions and aftershaves, are prohibited. The odor of cigarette smoke on your person is not allowed.   
11. Complete nursing uniforms are to be worn in the School of Nursing clinical sites unless otherwise specified.  A student inappropriately dressed may be asked to leave the clinical area and this will be considered a clinical absence.
12. Student uniforms are only to be worn when students are functioning under the auspices of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing. 

Approved 4/2025

 

University Exit Exam

http://www.utc.edu/planning-evaluation-institutional-research/testing-services/seniorexitexam.php