Athens State students are converting work experience into credit

ATHENS, Ala. (WAFF) - Local students are taking advantage of an agreement between Athens State and multiple North Alabama community colleges.

That agreement allows the university to accept prior learning transfer credits.

A prior learning assessment credit is earned when an experienced worker takes a test to determine their aptitude level.

A prior learning assessment test lets students receive Athens State credit without actually taking a course.

Athens State Director of Adult Learning Services Felicia Mucci said the program is valuable because many universities don’t accept PLA credits.

This causes students to take a class on a subject they already know, wasting money and time.

“There’s stats that say students are more likely to graduate if they receive credit because it’s recognizing what they’ve done,” said Mucci. “So it gives them motivation, but it saves them money, it saves time. Plus we think that it benefits the employers because they’ve got a student with some real-world experience, and not just someone that’s been in a classroom.”

Mucci said the school is now more proactive about awarding credit for those with professional certifications and relevant work experiences.

When applicants list these experiences on their application, Mucci reaches out to explain how their experiences could translate to credit.

Mucci adds that accepting PLA credits has helped many experienced workers who are going back to school.

“A student who comes to us pursuing the finance minor and who already holds an insurance license would receive credit for that class because they already have the knowledge the class provides,” said Mucci.

Mucci said about 10 students were able to transfer their prior learning assessment credits last semester.

She said they are planning events with Calhoun advisors and recruiters to raise awareness and encourage more students to transfer prior learning credits.

Athens State has a PLA credit agreement with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.

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