VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Credit Hour Policy The credit hour formulas used for determining credit hours at VCOM are consistent with the formulas used by the majority of outside colleges and universities and are consistent with the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of a credit hour. Credit Hours for the Pre-Clinical Curriculum VCOM does not approve courses for less than 1 credit hour. VCOM approves courses for half credits that exceed 1 credit hour (i.e. 1.5 credit hours). To determine credit hours, contact hours are assigned to each hour of instruction. The contact hour per credit hour is based upon 15 contact hours (+ or – 3) for 1 credit hour of study. Each contact hour is expected to be followed by two hours of outside study for lectures, small group learning activities, case-based instruction, SDL modules, PPC/OMM laboratories, and anatomy laboratories. Each contact hour is expected to be followed by one hour of outside study for biomedical laboratories, early clinical experiences, and clinical laboratories. Credits Awarded Minimum Student Work for Credits (includes contact hours and study time) 1 36 - 54 hours 1.5 55 - 80 hours 2 81 – 99 hours 2.5 100 - 125 hours 3 126 - 144 hours 3.5 145 - 170 hours 4 171 - 189 hours 4.5 190 - 215 hours 5 216 - 234 hours 5.5 235 – 260 hours 6 261 – 279 hours 6.5 280 – 305 hours 7 306 – 324 hours 7.5 325 – 350 hours 8 351 – 369 hours 8.5 370 – 395 hours 9 396 – 414 hours 9.5 415 – 440 hours 10 441 – 459 hours Credit Hours for the Clinical Curriculum Four credit hours are awarded for the approximate 160-180 contact hours students spend on each four week required clinical rotation. The contact hours awarded on a clinical rotation are estimated to have a 1 to 1 ratio as preparation for the study is usually spent while on the rotation. Therefore, the following formula is used in the clinical setting:

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