Grading Policy
Academic Policies
Grading Policy
All courses that students register for that have not been dropped as permitted during the designated add/drop period are added to their official transcript. The academic grading scale is as follows:
Note: Each course syllabus will list the minimum passing grade for the course.
| Numerical Grade | Letter Grade | GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 93 – 100 | A | 4.00 |
| 90 – 92 | A− | 3.67 |
| 87 – 89 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 83 – 86 | B | 3.00 |
| 80 – 82 | B− | 2.67 |
| 77 – 79 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 73 – 76 | C | 2.00 |
| 70 – 72 | C− | 1.67 |
| Below 70 | F | 0.00 |
| Withdrawal | W* | 0.00 |
| Withdraw / Failing | WF | 0.00 |
| Passing | P* | 0.00 |
* These grades are not included in GPA calculation.
Administrative Grades
AP — Advanced Placement: Awarded when a student has passed a Challenge Exam. Not included in GPA calculation.
I — Incomplete: Assigned to students who have not satisfied all academic requirements for a course. Students who receive an Incomplete are expected to satisfy the requirements within two weeks of the end of the course. Students who receive an "I" in Massage Clinic 1 or 2 are given until the second week of the following trimester. Incomplete grades not resolved by the deadline are automatically changed to an "F." It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor to make up any missed work or exams.
PL — Prior Learning Credit: Not included in GPA calculation.
T — Transfer Credits: Indicates satisfactory completion of equivalent coursework completed at another institution. Not included in GPA calculation.
W — Withdrawn: Indicates the student has officially withdrawn from the course. Not included in GPA calculation.
WF — Withdrawn Failed: Assigned when a student does not meet course requirements due to non-attendance and receives a failing grade. Included in GPA calculation.
Grading Criteria
Grades are generally based on a combination of exam scores, research papers or assignments, participation, and contribution to the class. The specific weighting used in determining grades may vary by course and can be obtained from the instructor or from the respective course syllabus. Classes may include both practical and written examinations. General criteria such as participation, ability to accept correction, adherence to required dress code, and hygiene may also factor into a student's grade.
Criteria for Evaluating Practical Examinations
Students' practical skills are assessed by the individual instructor(s) for each technique class. In addition to demonstrating written knowledge of fundamental teachings, students must also demonstrate a basic level of skill in Western and Eastern Massage Therapy or Acupuncture technique. Each student is assessed individually, with the instructor evaluating technique in the context of overall performance throughout the term. The following are general categories upon which practical examinations are graded:
Hygiene — Students are expected to be physically clean and attired in a freshly laundered uniform meeting College specifications. Hands must be immaculately clean with nails cut short. Students must wash hands with soap and water before and after all treatments and disinfect the table after each patient use.
Professionalism — Students are expected to demonstrate a professional attitude toward the patient, taking each complaint seriously and refraining from inappropriate behavior. Willingness to accept correction and constructive criticism is a major criterion in evaluating professional attitude.
Attention to the Patient — While questioning the patient regarding medical history, the student's full attention must be focused on the patient, including eye contact, awareness of physical and emotional boundaries, breathing, and voice. Students are evaluated on patient comfort with respect to body position, support, draping, and appropriate use of oils or liniments.
Posture and Body Mechanics — Students are evaluated on awareness, alignment, and correct posture maintained throughout the treatment, including proper distribution of body weight.
Skills in Technique — In basic technique classes, this includes palpation skills, consistency of movement, and fluidity in rhythm and transitions. For Western technique, this applies to the application and execution of effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, vibration, joint movement, and corrective exercises. For Asian Bodywork Massage, correct order of treatment and application of circular thumb pressure, circular digital pressure, circular palmar pressure, palmar embrace, thenar embrace, thumb stroking, and accurate tracing of channels are evaluated.
Advanced Skills — In Applied Technique classes, all of the above requirements apply at advanced levels. Additional techniques are graded, including specific treatment patterns for common pathological conditions in Western technique, and accuracy of point location, sensitivity, appropriate depth, pressure, and direction of points, as well as specific treatment patterns in Asian Bodywork Massage.
Practical Examination Rating Scale
Students are rated on a scale of 1–5 for each area: 1 = Failure, 2 = Poor, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent.
Grade Appeals
Upon receiving a grade that a student considers unfounded, the student may approach the instructor directly to request a grade change. If the instructor's response is not satisfactory, the student may submit a written appeal to the Office of Student Services and follow the procedures outlined under the College's Grievance and Complaint Procedures.
Questions About Academic Records
Office of the Registrar
(516) 360-2923 | 1-800-922-7337 ext. 507
Student Services
Content sourced from the NYCHP 2023–2026 Catalog (Updated March 2026).