Student Policies

Attendance is an essential part of your education and future career preparation.

Nurse Assistant Program

Students enrolled in the Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program are required to attend 100% of scheduled program hours to meet state certification requirements.

All Other Programs

Students in all other programs must attend at least 90% of scheduled program hours to successfully complete their training.

Excused Absences

Excused absences may be granted for situations such as:

• Medical emergencies
• Immediate family emergencies
• Court appearances or jury duty
• Military obligations
• Religious observances
• Severe weather conditions

Supporting documentation is required, and absences should be reported promptly in accordance with school policy. 

Students are expected to make consistent academic progress throughout their program.

Progress is evaluated through:

• Quizzes
• Homework assignments
• Skills evaluations
• Practical laboratory performance
• Written examinations
• Final examinations

Students receive a progress report approximately halfway through their program to help monitor their success and identify opportunities for improvement. 

Coastal Career Academy uses a traditional letter grading system.

Students must achieve an overall minimum program average of 75% and successfully complete all required coursework to graduate. 

Professional appearance is an important part of career preparation.

Students enrolled in healthcare programs are expected to:

• Wear the required medical uniform
• Maintain good personal hygiene
• Dress professionally at all times
• Follow any program-specific uniform requirements
• Present themselves in a manner appropriate for clinical and healthcare settings

Students who are not appropriately dressed may be asked to leave class until they meet dress code requirements. 

Every student contributes to a positive learning environment.

Students are expected to:

• Treat classmates, instructors, patients, and staff with respect
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity
• Maintain professionalism in the classroom and clinical settings
• Follow instructor directions
• Respect patient privacy and confidentiality
• Refrain from disruptive behavior

The school maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, alcohol or drug use on campus, and behavior that jeopardizes the safety or learning of others. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program. 

Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Students are expected to:

• Follow all laboratory and classroom safety procedures
• Use equipment only under instructor supervision
• Report injuries or unsafe conditions immediately
• Follow infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• Observe emergency procedures and evacuation instructions
• Use designated areas for food, beverages, and smoking

Maintaining a safe learning environment helps prepare students for professional healthcare and workplace standards. 

Coastal Career Academy maintains student records in accordance with Massachusetts regulations.

Students may request copies of eligible records by following the school's official records request process.

Records maintained include:

• Enrollment documents
• Academic progress reports
• Attendance records
• Externship documentation
• Graduation records
• Official transcripts and certificates

Student information is handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable privacy requirements. 

If you have a concern, Coastal Career Academy encourages you to address it promptly.

The general process includes:

1. Discuss the concern with your instructor or staff member whenever possible.
2. Submit a written complaint if the issue cannot be resolved informally.
3. The School Director reviews the complaint and responds in writing.
4. If necessary, a grievance committee may review the matter.
5. Students also have the right to contact the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure if a complaint cannot be resolved through the school's process.

The school is committed to resolving concerns fairly, professionally, and promptly. 

To successfully complete a program, students must:

• Complete all required coursework
• Meet attendance requirements
• Earn a cumulative program average of 75% or higher
• Successfully complete all required clinical or externship experiences (when applicable)
• Satisfy all financial and administrative obligations

Graduates receive a certificate confirming successful completion of their program. Many programs also prepare students for state licensing or national certification examinations. 

Students have the right to cancel their enrollment under Massachusetts law.

In general:

• Students may cancel before classes begin.
• Refund amounts depend on when withdrawal occurs during the program.
• Administrative fees may apply as permitted by law.
• Written notice is required to officially withdraw.
• Refund eligibility decreases as a student progresses through the program.

Because every situation is unique, students should contact the Admissions Office or Student Services for assistance regarding withdrawals and refunds. Complete refund policies are available in the Student Catalog and Enrollment Agreement.