Prior learning credit program leads to savings, degrees and careers

An Illinois Valley Community College program that credits professional and academic experience can reduce the time it takes to get a degree and enter the workforce or transfer to a university.

It is what launched Michael Mills to a third college degree and strengthened his job resume. IVCC offered a certification that Mills needed for his job at the Ottawa Fire Department, and something more. Mills applied for a Prior Learning Assessment, which weighed his previous IVCC associate’s degree, a bachelor’s in education, and work experience in awarding him an associate’s degree in paramedicine.

“Having a degree in paramedicine opens all kinds of doors,” said Mills, who is Deputy Fire Chief and also became a paramedic instructor this past year. “You can advance your career by getting further formal education.”

“The College determines what credit can be offered from transcripts, professional certificates, licensures, and other documentation that applicants file. No two requests are alike,” said Crystal Credi, dean of student success.

Being awarded credit for experience can make college more affordable because students can advance quickly through a program with fewer classes. Depending on the course, students might be given proficiency tests to measure particular skill levels.

“There is no charge to upload materials, but those awarded prior learning credit are charged a per-credit-hour processing fee that is still lower than full tuition would be,” Credi added.

The workplace is ready to snap up those credentialed, skilled workers, Credi added, citing a 2022 study that showed that 70 percent of people over 25 in the district have no certificate or degree and little or no college education.

“Anyone can qualify for prior learning credit, including current or prospective students, military veterans, and adult learners,” said Heather Seghi, dean of health professions. Applicants must satisfy a requirement that at least 15 hours of credit was earned at IVCC.

The concept has especially appealed to people looking to advance in or change careers, and employees in healthcare, dental or early childhood education fields who build skills in the workforce while they are attending college.

Morgan Myre said being awarded prior learning credit gave her the momentum to enroll in the dental hygiene program a year earlier than planned. She had already completed the dental assisting program and started working in the field. Now, she is also an instructor in IVCC’s dental program.

Seghi said the prior learning option seems to have stimulated enrollment overall. “We are giving students the credit they deserve, and they will come back to IVCC to succeed in another area or elevate their education. Prospective students are making more connections with us, and they tell their friends about IVCC.”

To apply for an assessment or learn more, visit https://www.ivcc.edu/priorlearning/index.php.