Policy:

Clarkson College recognizes that valid learning experiences are not restricted to the formal classroom. Advanced Standing Credit is a method by which students can earn credit without completing a course(s). Many individuals attain college-equivalent knowledge and skills through a variety of means. The policy of Clarkson College is to award college credit for non-traditional learning in cases where such credit is appropriate.

Criteria used for granting credit by evaluation of non-traditional study are outlined below. Evaluated credit will be posted on the transcript after all admissions and fee requirements have been met and upon successful completion of one (1) semester at Clarkson College.

Students who have received an “I,” “F” or “NP” in a Clarkson College course cannot earn Advanced Standing credit for that course. Credit is granted after the student earns a satisfactory score on an examination (per those outlined in the procedure) or a satisfactory evaluation of the portfolio on the first attempt. If unsuccessful, the student must enroll and complete the course. Advance Standing credits will not apply to the residency requirements.

Procedure:

Methods of Earning Advanced Standing Credit

The Registrar’s Office will record the credit when official transcripts and/or certifications have been received. Students will be given appropriate course credits designated by a “P/NP” on the transcript. Fees will be determined on an annual basis.

Students must contact the course Program Director to request Advanced Standing Credit. The Program Director will complete the Advanced Standing Credit form, forward it to the Registrar, and copy the student.

Advanced Standing Credit is a method by which students can earn credit without completing a course(s) through the following methods:

Standardized Testing: (No Tuition or Fees Charged to Student):

Standardized tests that have demonstrated reliability and validity may be considered for Advanced Standing Credit, as determined by the Program Director and Registrar. These standardized tests may include:

• Post Primary Certificate (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists ARRT)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) except for English Composition I or II, Healthcare Core courses, and science courses that require a lab component.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations (minimum score of 3 required)
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
• Health Information Management Certification(s) including CPC, CCA, CCS, CCS-P, CHDA, CHPS
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Other standardized tests may be considered if approved by the Program Director and Registrar.

Credit for Learning through Life/Work Experience:

Credit may be granted for learning acquired through life/work experience, which parallels a student’s program at Clarkson College. The credit granted may be substituted for program requirements or elective credits and is not granted for courses in which a Standardized Exam is available. The Program Director and Registrar, in accordance with College policy, will determine whether such credits satisfy major or general education requirements towards the appropriate degree.

Prior Learning Validation by Portfolio (50% Tuition Charged to Student)

Individuals seeking a degree who believe their prior experiences may qualify them to receive college credit may seek credit through the portfolio method. The student’s Academic Program director/advisor/instructor will assist the student in completing the portfolio process. Portfolio documentation will include appropriate and acceptable evidence of equivalent knowledge. Each Academic Program will determine the maximum number of credit hours that may be granted through life/work experiences. Each Academic Program will also determine the specific courses that may be fulfilled via credit by learning through validation by portfolio. Students must request portfolio credit with their program director/advisor/instructor no later than the end of the 1^st week of the semester. All portfolios must be completed at least one semester prior to graduation.

Prior Learning Validation by Transition Course Completion & Awarding of Major Course Credit (Tuition & Fees Charged to Student)

Academic programs may grant credit for prior learning for courses in the major by validation via satisfactory completion of a transition course(s) and subsequent award of major course credit. Students must register for the course(s) no later than the first week of the semester.

Prior learning of major content is a prerequisite for registration in an undergraduate nursing transition course. Successful completion of the transition course then validates the student’s prior knowledge. Each Academic Program will determine the maximum number of credit hours that may be granted through life/work experiences and what specific courses may be fulfilled via credit by learning by transition course completion and award of validation credit.

Credit by Internal Examination (50% Tuition Charged to Student)

Currently enrolled students, through outside study or relevant experience, may feel prepared to demonstrate that they have attained the knowledge and/or skills required to pass a particular course. As an alternative to enrolling in the course, students may elect to take an internal proficiency examination that tests for mastery of the course material. If a student scores satisfactorily on the examination, the student may be awarded credit for the course. The credit granted may be substituted for program requirements or elective credits and is not granted for courses in which a standardized exam is available. Each Academic Program will determine which, if any, courses may be fulfilled via internal credit examination. Students must request an internal examination with their program director/advisor/instructor no later than one semester prior to graduation. Students must complete the examination no later than the end of the 1^st week of the semester to facilitate course enrollment if unsuccessful.