Dozens of Duquesne University nursing students say an unfair standardized test is preventing them from graduating.
About 40 students were denied their diplomas after failing the HESI test. The test is mandated by Duquesne, but it is not required by the state or other nursing schools. If a nursing student doesn't hit a certain score on the HESI test, Duquesne will not give them their diploma and will not allow them to sit for the nursing test.
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The students have hired a public relations firm and an attorney to fight the university.
“The students are really distraught,” said Paul Furiga, the spokesperson for the students,
The students and their parents claim the university just recently told them about the test in in their junior year and it wasn't explained how it would be used.
"Most of the students had jobs already. Some of them have had their jobs rescinded because of what's happened,” Furiga,said.
Dr. Timothy Austin, the school's provost, said he understands the parents’ frustration but said the university can’t change policies based on parents’ complaints. Austin said the university has used the HESI test for a number of years to prepare students for nursing exams.
Austin also said the school has provided a repeat course and two more chances for students to take the test this summer at no cost.
Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.
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