Policies

These policies summarize key sections of the MEJ Healthcare Services Student Handbook. The official Student Handbook and Enrollment Agreement govern in all cases.

Attendance

Students are expected to maintain 100% attendance. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires 100% attendance for clinical hours, and no Leave of Absence is permitted for Nurse Aide programs. Missed clinical time must be made up.

• Arriving more than 10 minutes late is a tardy; three tardies equal one absence.
• Leaving more than 10 minutes early is an early departure; two early departures equal one absence.
• More than four total classroom or lab days absent is considered excessive and results in dismissal (the student must re-enroll and repay tuition).

Grading

A minimum grade of 75% is required throughout the program, including a weighted final grade of 75% or higher and 75% or higher on the final exam. Skills check-offs and clinical performance are graded Pass/Fail, and students must demonstrate 100% competency on all skills. Assignments are graded within five days of submission.

Make-up work

A maximum of two make-up days are allowed per program, scheduled by the Program Director. Make-up exams are permitted only with timely notice and a documented reason, such as illness, an urgent medical appointment, a death in the immediate family, court or jury duty, or a documented emergency, and must be rescheduled within five calendar days of return. Make-up classroom, lab, and clinical hours are charged at the rate of tuition divided by total program hours.

Clinical requirements

The program includes 21 hours of supervised, unpaid clinical practice at approved healthcare sites, with a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Before clinical placement, students must clear a CORI background check and meet health requirements, which typically include a physical exam within the past 12 months, a negative TB test, and required immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, influenza, and COVID-19 as required by the facility).

Code of conduct

Students are expected to behave respectfully and professionally on campus and at clinical sites. The required teal scrub uniform and ID badge must be worn, and cell phones must be turned off during class and clinical. MEJ maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violence, weapons, theft, drug or alcohol use, cheating or falsification of documents, and breaches of patient safety or confidentiality.

Disciplinary policy

Discipline follows a progressive process: verbal warning, written warning, academic or behavioral probation, suspension, and dismissal. Serious zero-tolerance violations may result in immediate dismissal and, where appropriate, notification of law enforcement.

Drug and alcohol policy

MEJ maintains a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy. Possessing, using, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol results in immediate removal and dismissal. Students may not consume drugs or alcohol before or during class or clinical.

Academic honesty

Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of documents result in immediate dismissal. Test-taking rules are enforced for all assessments.

Confidentiality and patient care

Students must protect patient information and comply with applicable confidentiality laws, including HIPAA where it applies. Patient information may not be discussed in public, records must be protected, and consent must be obtained before releasing information. Confidentiality breaches may result in immediate removal from clinical and disciplinary or legal consequences.

Student rights and responsibilities

Students are responsible for their attendance, punctuality, communication, documentation, and any required make-up hours. Students have the right to review their own records upon written request, to appeal disciplinary actions, and to file a grievance.

Complaint, grievance, and appeals

MEJ follows a three-step grievance procedure:

• Step 1: Informal. Discuss the concern with your instructor and submit a brief written statement. The instructor responds within two class days, and the matter may escalate to the Program Director.
• Step 2: Formal. Submit a written Complaint Form to the School Administrator at 11 Salem Street, Medford, MA 02155. A written response is provided within 10 days, in accordance with 230 CMR 15.07(2).
• Step 3: Appeal. Submit a written appeal within five business days to the School Appeals Board of two or more uninvolved representatives, which issues a final written determination.

Students may also contact the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Office of Private Occupational School Education, One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02110. Occupational.Schools@mass.gov or 617-701-8719.