Credit for Prior Learning

What is Prior Learning?

Learning does not only take place in the halls of academia. Adult learners bring to the classroom many years of learning through diverse experiences in life and in the workplace. Some of these experiences may be counted toward college-level work through prior learning credits.

Prior Learning is defined as documented college-level learning acquired through previous study or through non-classroom experiences. These experiences may include travel; volunteer work; independent acquisition of knowledge; participation in formal courses sponsored by associations, business, government, industry, the military, and unions; and participation in certification programs and professional development courses. Only documented, college-level learning will be awarded college credit. Credit is granted for learning from experience, not for experience alone. For more information, please click here for the Credit for Prior Learning Guide.

To learn more about the prior learning credit process, begin by completing the The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)/LearningCounts Prior Learning Credit Predictor. Bring the Predictor results to your Admissions representative, who will forward them to an Academic Advisor.

Students enrolled in the LPN to BSN, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Practical Nurse, Surgical Processing Technician, and Surgical Technology programs should refer to their respective Student Handbook Supplements for additional information regarding credit for prior learning.

For information about transfer credits, see the Transfer Credit Policy.