Illinois Valley Community College is helping students fast-track their education and careers through its Prior Learning Assessment program. This initiative allows individuals to earn academic credit for previous professional experience, certification, and coursework, significantly cutting down the time needed for a degree. Michael Mills, now Deputy Fire Chief in Ottawa, benefited by applying his past education and firefighter experience toward an associate’s degree in paramedicine, allowing him to qualify as a paramedic instructor. College officials explain that each applicant’s background is reviewed individually, and credits are awarded based on transcripts, certificates, and other professional documentation.
“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.
Receiving credit for prior learning allows students to progress more quickly through college programs, making higher education more affordable. Students may demonstrate their knowledge through proficiency tests, and while uploading materials is free, a reduced processing fee applies per credit hour earned, less than paying full tuition. Heather Seghi, dean of health professions, confirmed that anyone meeting the requirement of 15 earned credit hours at IVCC can qualify, including military veterans and adult learners. According to a 2022 study, 70 percent of adults in the district lack a degree or certificate, highlighting the impact of these initiatives on workforce readiness.
“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.
“Anyone can qualify for prior learning credit, including current or prospective students, military veterans, and adult learners,” said Heather Seghi, dean of health professions.
Illinois Valley Community College’s prior learning credit program is offering a unique opportunity for career-minded individuals, especially those in healthcare, dental, and early childhood education. By recognizing skills gained in the workforce, IVCC allows students like Morgan Myre to advance their education more quickly. Myre credits the program with helping her enroll in dental hygiene a year early after working as a dental assistant—and now, she even teaches at IVCC. The initiative has boosted overall enrollment, according to program representative Seghi, as students feel supported and spread the word. Details and applications are available on the IVCC website.