Latest news with #CreditforPriorLearning
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Real world' experiences can yield college credit for Utah Valley University students
More than a third of the students at Utah Valley University — the state's largest college — are 25 or older. That means a sizable chunk of UVU's student body are likely bringing to the classroom an abundance of 'real world' experience in, say, business, entrepreneurship, management or land surveying. School leaders say they value such experience — and that they're eager to reward eligible students possessing a robust 'experience-resume' with college credit and a speedier path to graduation. As in the past, students at the Orem institution can continue to earn college credit by passing, say, CLEP tests and standardized language tests. But UVU is also broadening its Credit for Prior Learning program to include credit-granting opportunities in business, construction management, criminal justice, culinary arts, nutrition, health sciences and several other professional areas. 'We're reimagining what it means to be a learner,' Colleen Sorensen, UVU's director of CPL and Student Assessment Services, told the Deseret News. 'We're shifting our culture to honor and assess the skills and the knowledge that students bring with them, because we realize that learning happens everywhere. 'We want college-level learning to be recognized.' The aim of expanding UVU's Credit for Prior Learning program is simple: increase graduation rates while providing a faster route to career advancement. 'CPL accelerates the time to the degree and helps the student significantly,' added Sorensen. It's ideal for many military veterans, working professionals, stay-at-home parents and returning college students. Students who served religious missions might also be candidates for the program if they have acquired skills in a foreign language offered at the university and/or other life experiences that fit within a specific academic program and include college-level learning. Credit for Prior Learning credit is awarded to matriculated UVU students who demonstrate — through a prior-learning assessment — that their 'real world' learning meets college-level competencies, according to the school's program site. It's a way for eligible students to receive credit for skills acquired on the job or through, say, professional or military training. And the CPL's formal assessment process ensures that the integrity and academic standards of UVU's specific academic programs are maintained, according to Sorensen. Credit for prior learning is awarded by demonstrating proficiency in a particular field — including professional certifications, third party evaluations, standardized exams, institutional exams, individualized assessments and student-submitted portfolios. For example, according to UVU, individuals who have earned Certiport Microsoft office specialist certifications may receive credit for information management coursework. Military veterans and public safety professionals can apply prior training toward emergency services degrees. In digital media, portfolios from professionals in animation, digital cinema, or web development can be assessed for credit. Each UVU department participating in the credit program will award credit within the context of their specific mission, student needs and academic program, according to UVU. Credentialed faculty in each discipline will establish the course criteria and assess fulfillment to determine credit awarded. Program credits may be applied toward courses in a certificate of completion, AA, AS, AAS degree, BS degree and BA degree programs only for the purpose of satisfying graduation requirements, according to the university. The number of credit hours that may be awarded will likely depend upon the certificate or degree being pursued by the student. UVU's credit program is also available to graduate students, noted Sorensen. UVU's program website includes an online 'self-assessment checklist' to help would-be applicants determine if the program is a viable option. The checklist includes questions such as: 'Have I had at least three years of experience in the field/subject area?'; 'Do I understand both the practical and theoretical applications of the course?'; and 'Have I managed other people at work or a volunteer organization?' If the program appears to be a promising option, interested students can complete an online questionnaire and begin their application process. An assessment team will then review the student's questionnaire and provide additional information. While there's no guarantee that a student's application will be approved, Sorensen said the program has already proven rewarding for a significant number of UVU students. 'Last semester, about 62% of the program requests were awarded — and we would like to see that number increase,' she said.
Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
American College of Education and Norman Regional Health System Honor Nurses During National Nurses Week
Press Releases American College of Education and Norman Regional Health System Honor Nurses During National Nurses Week ACE and Norman Regional honor nurses' vital role as the heartbeat of healthcare with safety-focused recognition. In celebration of National Nurses Week, American College of Education (ACE) has partnered with Norman Regional Health System to honor the vital role nurses play as the "heartbeat of healthcare." Together, ACE and Norman Regional recognize the compassion, resilience and dedication that nurses bring to their patients and each one of our communities. As part of this celebration, ACE is sponsoring personal safety keychain alarms for around 1,200 Norman Regional nurses, known as "healers." This gift goes beyond traditional workplace recognition - it acknowledges that nurse safety and well-being matter, on and off the clock. These personal alarms offer a simple, immediate tool for self-protection, whether they're commuting late, working high-stress shifts, or operating in vulnerable environments. By providing these practical devices, ACE and Norman Regional hope to champion a culture of safety, advocacy and deep respect for the people at the heart of healthcare. "At American College of Education, we believe supporting nurses means caring for all aspects of their lives - not just their work," said Geordie Hyland, ACE's president and CEO. "Through our partnership with Norman Regional, we are honoring their dedication and advocating for their safety, and we're proud to champion their well-being." As ACE's first healthcare partner through its Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) initiative, Norman Regional shares a commitment to uplifting healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers. "The ACE partnership has been a game changer for our healers. The ability to access continuing education toward their degree aspirations is going to not only impact their lives, but the generations who will follow them," said Norman Regional's Chief People Officer Keith Minnis, SPHR, SHRM-SCP. "Norman Regional is very blessed and grateful for the partnership with ACE and encourages other healthcare systems to consider partnering with ACE for their employees." Through the CPL program, nurses can translate their real-world experience into academic credit, accelerating their educational journeys while honoring the expertise they bring to the field. Together, ACE and Norman Regional are creating opportunities for nurses to grow their careers, strengthen their impact, and continue serving their communities with compassion and excellence. "Advancing personal and professional growth is crucial in supporting our healers here at Norman Regional. Not only does our partnership with ACE help to remove barriers for healers wanting to continue their education, but it also creates opportunities to invest in the future of the health system by fostering a skilled workforce that adapts to evolving industry standards and ultimately provides better patient outcomes," said Lindsay Birdwell, MSN, RN, CEN, Norman Regional's education specialist and student coordinator. ACE's sponsorship reflects its broader mission to support those who serve others, recognizing that nurses not only heal individuals - they strengthen the fabric of our entire community. As the heartbeat of healthcare, nurses represent the best of resilience, care and hope for a healthier tomorrow. About American College of Education American College of Education (ACE) is an accredited, fully online college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers more than 60 innovative and engaging programs for adult students to pursue a doctorate, specialist, master's or bachelor's degree, along with graduate-level certificate programs. About Norman Regional Health System Norman Regional Health System is a multi-campus health system making its community stronger in south central Oklahoma through compassionate and leading-edge care. Norman Regional Health System's flagship location, Norman Regional Hospital, is a newly expanded 775,000 square-foot acute-care hospital in Norman, OK. Norman Regional Hospital, located at I-35 and Tecumseh Road, is licensed for 305 beds and offers a complete range of services. Norman Regional also operates two freestanding emergency room plus facilities: Norman Regional Moore on I-35 in Moore and Norman Regional Nine in southeast Norman. In total, Norman Regional is comprised of one acute-care hospital, two freestanding emergency room plus facilities, three urgent care locations and multiple primary care and specialty care clinics, diagnostic imaging, and laboratories. It also owns and operates EMSSTAT, the emergency services providers for Norman, Moore and unincorporated areas of Cleveland County. Contact Information Maria Penaloza Media & Content Strategy Manager This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 8:06 AM.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California to launch ‘career passports' to encourage job access
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. In an effort to expand access to jobs and reduce employer reliance on degrees for hiring, California will launch 'career passports,' a tool that will combine academic records and 'verified experience from work, military service, training programs, and more,' Gov. Gavin Newsom announced April 2. California will also invest in expanding the Credit for Prior Learning program that allows workers to turn their experience into college credit. Additionally, the state intends to build stronger state and regional coordination through paid internships, streamlined funding and employer input upon which skills are needed, among other strategies. The proposals are all part of a broader 'master plan' to improve career pathways in the state, the announcement said. California is among a group of states focused on strengthening access to jobs by cutting degree requirements, particularly for state jobs. The state removed certain educational requirements from almost 30,000 state jobs in December. 'Every Californian deserves the opportunity to build real-life skills and pursue a fulfilling career — including those that don't require college degrees,' Newsom said in a statement at the time. The master plan signals that the governor intends to work with the state legislature to create a coordinating body formed of the state's education arms, workforce training providers and employers — and also heavily features access to university education. However, the plan outlines ways to potentially strengthen workforce training programs in the state. 'A service delivery network of job centers, community colleges, adult schools, extension centers, libraries, county jails, state prisons, and community-based organizations can create an affordable 'no wrong door' approach to education and workforce training opportunities,' the report reads. The plan also calls for the state to improve awareness and access around state benefits that can ease barriers to education, including streamlining 'the eligibility process for public benefits and leveraging federal workforce dollars' to support adult learners in paying for college. Upskilling is top of mind for employers right now, reports have shown, especially as the job market slows amid policy uncertainty. Sign in to access your portfolio
