In order to meet the accreditation standards and comply with the U.S. Department of Education requirements for eligibility for federal student financial aid, the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine has established a Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy to Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). The federal student aid programs of Title IV require that every student receiving aid funds must meet the criteria established in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
This policy has seven (7) important elements:
Element #1: Completed Credits and Minimum Grade Point Average
The first factor to consider in the evaluation is the number of completed credits, compared with the number of credits attempted by each student, and the minimum grade point average required. Annually the SJBSM will determine the satisfactory academic progress of each student, in which the student must complete the required credits established by year of study, with the minimum grade point average as shown below:
Year 1: 75% minimum completed credits- 3.25 GPA
Year 2: 75% minimum completed credits- 3.25 GPA
Year 3: 100% minimum completed credits- 3.25 GPA
Year 4: minimum completed credits- 3.25 GPA
Element #2: Maximum Time Frame in Credits
- A student is expected to complete the academic program in a maximum time frame of 1.5 times the length of the program in credits, which for the Doctorate in Nursing Practice. 78 x 1.5 = 117 credits (maximum frame time) in 6 years.
- For transfer students admitted to the program, the maximum time frame will be determined by subtracting the number of credits of their master degree 34 (50%) credit for the MSN AGNP from the total program (78) credits. Thus, satisfactory academic progress will be measured by credits instead of 78 credits, as shown below:
78 credits - 34 credits = 44 credits
44 credits x 1.5 = credits (maximum time frame) in three years. - For the transfer who poses general master degree (no related to Nurse Practitioner), the maximum time frame will be determined by subtracting the number of credits accepted from their master degree will be 1 2 credits (13%) from the total of the program (78) credits as shown below:
78 credits - 12 credits = 66 credits
66 credits x 1.5 = 102 credits (maximum time frame 4 years). - Transfer students who completed or possess courses in other Nurse Practitioners tracks (FNP, ANP, WHNP, within others), their academic records will be evaluated by the DNP committee to determine the specific number of credits to be convalidated.
Element #3: Maximum Chronological Time
To establish the maximum chronological time allowed within this policy, the possibility of a leave of absence of one year or a change of program has been considered:
3.5-year Regular Program Maximum Time of 5.5 years
4.5-year Part Time Program Maximum 6.5 years
Element #4: Probation and Dismissal
If a student does not meet the satisfactory progress standards, in terms of approved credits and minimum grade point average (element #1), or does not complete the program by the maximum time frame established (element #2), or does not complete the program by the maximum chronological time established (element #3), then the DNP Student Evaluating and Promoting Committee will determine if the student is to be suspended from the program, or if the student must repeat the year. If the DNP Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee determines that the student must repeat the year, a specific recommendation will be submitted through the Dean of Allied Sciences to the President for approval. The President makes the final decision. The student will be on academic probation and will still be eligible for financial aid. However, if the student fails again during probation, he/she will be evaluated by the DNP Student Evaluating and Promoting Committee to determine if the student should be recommended for suspension.
Element #5: Veterans
The elements that establish the maximum time frame and the maximum chronological time to complete the program do not apply to veterans' aid beneficiaries. These students must complete the program during the regular time established in the curricular scheme. They will not be able to continue receiving financial aid for those credits that exceed the usual curricular scheme and time frame of 78 credits in 3.5 years.
Element # 6: Enrollment Status Classification
The enrollment status classification of students at SJBSM is as follows:
Full time - a student enrolled in two (2) or more credits
Element #7: Changes to the Academic Program or Requirements
Any changes made to the academic program or to the requirements for program completion will apply only to those students admitted on or after the effective date of the curricular program changes.
