Prior Learning ASSESSMENT
Bushnell University’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program allows you to earn college credit for the knowledge and skills you’ve gained through work or life experience. By bypassing coursework you’ve already mastered, you can graduate faster and save on tuition. Discover how your experience can help you earn up to 30 credits toward your degree.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) PROGRAM
Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program translates your real-life experience to college credit. Whether it’s from a job you had in an accounting department or time you spent coaching a volleyball team, what you’ve already learned may allow you to skip repetitive coursework and get you closer to a degree—saving you time and money.
Graduate Faster
For every 3 credits earned through PLA, you save yourself an 8 week course.
Save Money
For every 3 credits earned through PLA, you save over $1300 in tuition
Utilize Your Skills
Avoid spending time learning what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) PROGRAM
Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program translates your real-life experience to college credit. Whether it’s from a job you had in an accounting department or time you spent coaching a volleyball team, what you’ve already learned may allow you to skip repetitive coursework and get you closer to a degree—saving you time and money.
Graduate Faster
For every 3 credits earned through PLA, you save yourself an 8 week course.
Save Money
For every 3 credits earned through PLA, you save over $1300 in tuition
Utilize Your Skills
Avoid spending time learning what you already know.
How PLA WORKS
There are two ways to earn credits through our PLA program. You can use either of these methods for up to 30 credits.
Submit Past Training for Credit
Trainings and certifications from the workplace can translate to college credit. Bushnell follows the recommendations of the American Council on Education to award academic credit. Achievements that can potentially translate to credit include:
- Certifications
- Licenses
- Trainings
- Other specializations
The PLA Portfolio Process
If you don’t have an official certificate or license but have prior learning that may qualify for credit, this is the route for you. Our portfolio process is composed of three simple steps that build on each other:
Foundation
Take Bushnell course PLA 205 to learn how to build portfolios and create the foundational materials you’ll include with each PLA submission.
Assessment
Identify classes that you can target, and meet with your content evaluator to make a plan. You can choose any class that Bushnell offers.
Essay
Create an essay demonstrating mastery of the learning objectives in your target course.
Save Money TODAY
Whether you’re already a Bushnell student or thinking about applying, we’ll help you identify potential credit-saving opportunities.
Contact an advisor at admissions@bushnell.edu or 541-684-7201.