Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Academic Policies

Midterm Warning Notices
Students not maintaining a passing-level grade at midterm time will be given a written warning notice. It is the student's responsibility to contact the course instructor immediately to ascertain how the grade can be improved.

Academic Progression
High academic performance in required courses is expected. Students will be considered in good standing at Rush University unless placed on academic probation. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required to be eligible to continue in the baccalaureate program, and at least 3.0 is required in the graduate programs. Cumulative grade point averages will be reviewed after each quarter. No student will be permitted into the clinical rotation portion of the program unless they have the required GPA. The faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of a student whose conduct, health, or performance demonstrates lack of fitness for continuance in a health profession. Any such student not voluntarily withdrawing will be dismissed from the University.

Academic Probation
Academic probation is assigned to any student in the undergraduate program who receives a quarterly grade point average below 2.0 or whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0. Students in the graduate program who receive a quarterly grade point average below 3.0 or whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 will also be placed on academic probation. Students placed on probation have two quarters in which to regain the status of good standing as follows:

  • The next quarter after being placed on probation, the student must attain a quarterly grade point average of at least 2.0 for undergraduate students or 3.0 for graduate students.
  • Two quarters after being placed on probation, the student must have a cumulative grade point average above 2.0 (undergraduate students) or 3.0 (graduate students).

Failure to make the minimum quarterly grade point average one quarter after probation or the minimum cumulative grade point average two quarters after probation will result in dismissal from the program.

“D”, "F" or "N" Grades in the Bachelor of Science Program
Undergraduate students who receive an "F" or "N" grade in any course must repeat that course. In the event that a student is required to repeat a course that is a prerequisite for an advanced course, the advanced course may not be taken until the student successfully passes the prerequisite course. Thus, the student's progression in the program may be affected. Students who receive two “D” grades or a second "F" grade in the same academic year will be dismissed from the program.

"C", "D", "F", or "N" Grades in the Master of Science Program
Graduate students may not receive more than two grades of "C" in the program. Should a graduate student receive a third grade of "C", he/she will be dismissed from the program. Graduate students who receive a "D", "F", or "N" grade in any course must repeat that course. In the event that a student is required to repeat a course that is a prerequisite for an advanced course, the advanced course may not be taken until the student successfully passes the prerequisite course. Thus, the student's progression in the program may be affected. Students who receive a second "D" or "F" grade in the same academic year will be dismissed from the program.

Comprehensive Examination
All students must take and pass a comprehensive examination at the end of the second year in order to graduate from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Students who fail the cumulative examination must retake the examination until they pass. Diplomas will not be given until the student has passed all sections of the comprehensive examination.

Graduate Research Projects
See the Graduate Research Bulletin and Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences policy document for policies and procedures regarding graduate research projects. This Bulletin lists specific deadlines for each component of the research project. Failure to meet these deadlines will delay acceptance of the research project and graduation from the program.

Proficiency Credit
Specific information about proficiency credit is available at: http://www.rushu.rush.edu/catalog/acadresources/creditbyexam.html

Certification
The comprehensive technical curriculum at Rush University prepares the student to enter the practice of clinical laboratory science/medical technology. Graduates are eligible to take the Medical Technologist certification examination given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology, and the Clinical Laboratory Scientist certification examination given by The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, and upon passing these examinations, they become certified as Medical Technologists, MT(ASCP) or as Clinical Laboratory Scientists, CLS(NCA).

College of Health Sciences/Rush University Academic Policies
Academic policies specific to the College of Health Sciences are located at http://www.rushu.rush.edu/catalog/acadprograms/chs/chsacadpolicies.html. In addition, the Academic Resources and Policies section of this catalog contains Rush University academic policies.