Health & Life Sciences Progression Requirements Guide
2026/27 | Conestoga College
Health & Life Sciences
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Progression Overview
A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as Promotion with Good Academic Standing, Promotion on Probation, Graduation, and Discontinuance.
Please note that the passing grade for a course is indicated on the course outline and may vary within your program.
| Promotion Decision | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Promotion with Good Academic Standing | Student has achieved the minimum Term Weighted Average as identified in the table below. |
| Promotion on Probation | Student has a term Weighted Average that falls with the Probation Status Term Weighted Average range as identified in the table below. |
| Graduation | Student has successfully completed all of the requirements for their program and has achieved the minimum Program Weighted Average as identified in the table below. |
| Discontinuance (Academic) | Student who has a Term Weighted Average which falls at or below the Discontinuance Status Term Weighted Average as identified in the table below, or who has failed to clear probation after two consecutive terms. |
Diploma and Certificate Programs
In accordance with the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy, the following progression requirements apply to all Ministry of Colleges and Universities approved Ontario college certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs in the School of Health and Life Sciences.
Any exception to these standards are identified in the Progression Requirements Exception Table below.
| Credential | Discontinuance Status Term Weighted Average Range | Probation Status Term Weighted Average Range | Minimum Term Weighted Average/ Program Weighted Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Achievement | 49.99% or below | 50% - 54.99% | 55% |
| Ontario College Certificate (OCC) | 49.99% or below | 50% - 54.99% | 55% |
| Ontario College Diploma (OCD) | 49.99% or below | 50% - 54.99% | 55% |
| Ontario College Advanced Diploma (OCAD) | 49.99% or below | 50% - 54.99% | 55% |
Progression Requirements Exception Table
| Code | Title | Discontinuance Status Term Weighted Average Range | Probation Status Term Weighted Average Range | Minimum Term Weighted Average/ Program Weighted Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1499 | Community Pharmacy Assistant | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1218 | Fitness and Health Promotion | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1176 | Hearing Instrument Specialist | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1500 | Massage Therapy | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1501 | Pharmacy Technician | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1620 | Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1542 | Medical Laboratory Science | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1570 | Nutrition and Food Service Management | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1111 | Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 0052 | Paramedic | 64.99% or lower | 65% - 69.99% | 70% |
| 1165 | Personal Support Worker | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 2077 | Personal Support Worker to Practical Nursing Bridge | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1077 | Practical Nursing | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
| 1166 | Respiratory Therapy | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
Degree Programs
In accordance with the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy, the following progression requirements apply to all Ministry of Colleges and Universities approved Ontario degree programs in the School of Health and Life Sciences.
| Credential | Discontinuance Status Term Weighted Average Range | Probation Status Term Weighted Average Range | Minimum Term Weighted Average/ Program Weighted Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
Graduate Certificates
In accordance with the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy, the following progression requirements apply to all Ministry of Colleges and Universities approved Ontario college graduate certificate programs in the School of Health and Life Sciences.
Any exception to these standards are identified in the preceding Progression Requirements Exception Table.
| Credential | Discontinuance Status Term Weighted Average Range | Probation Status Term Weighted Average Range | Minimum Term Weighted Average/ Program Weighted Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario College Graduate Certificate (OCGC) | 54.99% or below | 55% - 59.99% | 60% |
Progression Requirements Exception Table
| Code | Title | Discontinuance Status Term Weighted Average Range | Probation Status Term Weighted Average Range | Minimum Term Weighted Average/ Program Weighted Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1513 | Enhanced Practice for Internationally Educated Nurses | 59.99% or below | 60% - 64.99% | 65% |
Program Specific Prerequisites
Students are eligible to repeat a course twice. After two unsuccessful attempts, students in the School of Health & Life Sciences are no longer eligible to continue in their program or meet graduation requirements. A third attempt at a course may be considered only with approval from the Chair.
Details regarding course attempt limits and academic progression requirements can be found in the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy
Students who are not discontinued may not be able to progress in the program if they have not successfully completed pre-requisite courses. Students missing prerequisites for levels 3 and above will have to re-apply to those levels in the Student Portal under a condition known as Special Timetable Same Level. Students who are unable to progress to Level 2 will need to re-apply through OCAS for Level 1. Students may enroll in courses at the next level that do not have pre-requisite requirements, or in General Education courses.
Having a reduced course load in any semester may impact OSAP eligibility and eligibility for a Study Permit/Post-Graduate Work Permit. Students' ability to complete the program within the completion timeline may also be impacted. It is the student's responsibility to consult with Student Success Advisors, International Student Advisors and program coordinators to plan their academic progression accordingly.
Return to Program Following Withdrawal or Discontinuation
Students who have voluntarily withdrawn from the program or have been discontinued and wish to return must follow the re-entry process outlined below.
Step 1: Apply for Re-Entry
- Students returning to Level 1 must re-apply through OCAS.
- Students returning to Level 2 or higher must submit an Advanced Standing Application Form available through the Office of the Registrar at least 12 weeks prior to the semester they wish to return.
- Students planning a leave of one semester or longer should submit a Program Withdrawal Form through the Office of the Registrar before leaving the program.
Step 2: Re-Entry Review
Students absent from the program for 12 months or longer should expect that re-entry assessments may be required.
- Clinical skills
- Mathematics (e.g., dosage calculations)
- Theory (program-specific content)
Assessment fees may apply.
Step 3: Meet Program Requirements
To be eligible for re-entry, students must:
- Be able to complete the program within the timelines outlined in the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy.
- Meet all applicable Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) requirements and deadlines.
- Remain within the program course-attempt limits:
- Theory courses: maximum of two attempts (third attempt requires Chair approval).
- Lab courses: maximum of two attempts.
- Clinical/placement (WIL) courses: maximum of two attempts.
- Students may be required to repeat previously completed courses if they are beyond established credit transfer or course currency timelines and policies.
Step 4: Re-Entry Decision
Approval is based on:
- Successful completion of any required assessments.
- Meeting academic progression and WIL requirements.
- Available program and placement capacity.
Re-entry is not automatic and may be denied where there are concerns related to academic progression, professional conduct, safety, or violations of College policies.
Step 5: Return to the Program
Students approved for re-entry will receive information regarding registration, placement eligibility, and next steps.