Standards of Progress

The ADN Program is a progressive learning program with each class built on knowledge from previous classes; therefore, it is necessary for the student to pass each class before moving on to the next level. To progress and successfully complete the ADN program, all didactic and clinical courses must be passed with an 80% (B) or better as a final course average. A final average of 79.5 rounds up to an 80 per TSTC policy. No other rounding will occur during the program. If a student fails one or more courses, the student will be dismissed from the program (see readmission guidelines). Students must satisfactorily pass all didactic and clinical courses in order to proceed to the next level. (Clinical Level 1 must be passed successfully before a student can take Clinical Level 2, etc.). Any classes below a final grade of 80% (B) must be retaken and passed successfully to obtain an associate’s degree in Applied Science/Nursing from TSTC. 

It is the responsibility of the student to verify and track their grades throughout the entirety of the program. Grades are posted in the Learning Management System (LMS). 

The TSTC ADN Program utilizes an online and hybrid teaching-learning environment. The course content, presentations, and lecture may be delivered online via TSTC’s Learning Management System (LMS), distance learning, or video presentations. Labs and clinical experiences will include face to face experiences. 

Each semester a schedule with lab, exam, and clinical days and times (hours and times may change every semester) will be provided to the student. Experiences vary between semesters and are achieved through lab, clinical simulation, and patient care settings. Students are RESPONSIBLE and EXPECTED to check email daily for the entire program (due to possible changes in scheduling). Information to access instructors, including email, is found in each course syllabus, and posted in each nursing course within the learning management system. 

Generally, classes and clinical experience will be scheduled so that the student shall not exceed 12 hours of class or clinical per day. Clinical experience may be offered during the day, evening, night, or weekend shifts to provide a well-rounded, realistic and varied view of registered nurse practice. When in the clinical setting, all students will have 30 minutes for lunch, and two (2) fifteen-minute breaks for clinical 8 hours or greater. Breaks and lunch cannot be taken consecutively and must be arranged with clinical faculty. Hand-off reports to responsible staff will be required when the student leaves the clinical setting. Students will follow the rules of the health care facility as outlined by the facility during the orientation.