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Testing Policy

The purpose of the Testing Policy is to increase the consistency of grading practices and testing procedures to improve the assessment student learning.

Tests or examinations that fall under this policy are proctored. Some courses are exempt from this policy – refer to course syllabus to determine if the course is exempt. 

Grading

  1. Weight of test categories within course grade
    1. Tests/examinations make up 80% of course grades.
    2. Clinical and course assignments comprise 10% of course grades.
    3. The score achieved on the standardized content exam will comprise 10% of the course grade.
    4. The minimum passing score is 77%, except for the N311 course. The minimum pass score for N311 is 85%.  A passing score is determined by an average of all exams.
    5. No partial credit is awarded for a partial answer on proctored examinations.
  2. Clinical Course Medication Calculation Quiz Policy
    1. Medication Calculation quizzes will be given in all clinical courses. Testing these competencies is the responsibility of the following courses: N311, N321, N323, N431, N432, N433, N441, N442, N443, N444. Faculty will provide students with practice material prior to taking the first competency math test.
    2. The first quiz will be given within the first or second week of the course.
    3. Each quiz should be a minimum of 10 questions.
    4. The three medication calculation quizzes are weighted as pass/fail only in the clinical weighted section of the gradebook.
    5. The student will receive three attempts to achieve the required passing score.
    6. Students must utilize the calculator embedded in ATI. Basic function calculators may be provided for students during testing at the discretion of the instructor. No scientific calculators or phones will be allowed.
    7. Students are required to complete remediation between quizzes under the guidance of a faculty member.
    8. Students will not pass medications in the clinical area until they have passed the quiz.
    9. Students will also receive an unsatisfactory related to medications on the clinical evaluation tool until the student passes the quiz.
    10. Semester 1, Semester 2, and Semester 3 Clinical courses (N311, N321, N323, N431, N432, N433 numbered clinical courses)
      1. The minimum passing score is 90%.
      2. If 90% is not achieved on the 3rd attempt, clinical course failure will occur.
    11. Semester 4 Clinical courses (N441, N442, N443, N444):
      1. The minimum passing score 100% to pass medications at a clinical setting.
      2. If 100% is not achieved on the 3rd attempt, clinical course failure will occur.
    • Criteria for Math Competencies

      Semester 1
      Competency Content

      • Calculate the number of pills/milliliters to give
      • Conversions of mcg to mg
      • pounds to kilograms
      • inches to centimeters
      • Kg to mg
      • Ounces to mL, teaspoons to mL
      • L to mL
      • Gm to kg

      Content to be Taught

      • Correctly read labels of vials, ampules, tubexes, and bottles
      • Calculate the correct amount of dilute solution for the medication (powder reconstitution or diluting total dose)
      • Calculate range (upper and lower according to the recommended range) and dose versus daily amount.

      Semester 2
      Competency Content

      • Content tested and taught in Semester 1

      Content to be Taught

      • Calculate dose for syringes
      • Calculate correct dosage of insulin
      • Calculate the rate to administer IV solution/med for a given set rate or order (per different tubing delivery rates)
      • Calculate length of time IV solutions will run
      • Calculating rate of IVP medications
      • Calculate concentration of solution/medication
      • Medications calculations of drug specific to specialty areas.

      Semester 3
      Competency Content

      • Content tested and taught in Semester 1 and 2.

      Content to be Taught

      • Calculate body surface area, dose/m2 ; mg/body surface area
      • Calculating administration rate of enteral feedings.
      • Calculate amount of drug when ordered by prescribed units/mL, mL/hour, units/min and units/hour (e.g. heparin, lidocaine)
      • Medications calculations of drugs specific to specialty areas.

      Semester 4
      Competency Content

      • Content tested and taught in Semester 1, 2 and 3.

      Content to be Taught

      • Calculate infusion rates of a drug for a specific bodyweight per unit time (mcg/kg)
      • Medications calculations of drug specific to specialty areas
  3. Edvance 360 learning management system is used for calculating all course grades including tests
    1. Faculty assign /enter a weight of 80% for all graded exams and tests.
    2. Faculty will assign/enter weights to individual tests (see syllabus).
    3. No test grades will be rounded.

Test-taking procedures

  1. Testing is done in the classroom and computer lab setting.
  2. Personal computer/device and charger may be brought to testing site, ready for testing.
  3. Report 10 minutes prior to the test.
  4. LCN photo ID badges are required to sit for a test.
  5. The proctor will provide a sheet of paper to use during the testing period.  Sign and date the sheet of paper and return it to the proctor at the end of the testing period.
  6. Proctors will provide a pencil, calculator, and earplugs.
  7. All other items are to be placed at the front/back of the classroom.
  8. No smartwatch, fitness trackers, hand-held technology, ball caps, sunglasses, food, drinks, candy, cough drops, earplugs, earbuds, or calculators brought in by students are allowed while testing.
  9. If needed, the proctor will provide a password/code to begin the test.
  10. Late arrival to testing site: see individual course syllabus.
  11. Once students begin the test; they are not permitted to leave the testing site.
  12. Once the student has completed the test, it is the discretion of the proctor if a student may leave the testing site.
  13. See the course syllabus for the instructor's test/examination make-up policy.
  14. Examination/Test Review will be managed by the instructor and addressed in course policies.