As Emma McClorey can testify, there is no such thing as wasted learning.
McClorey (pictured above) is one of thousands of students who have benefitted from Washtenaw Community College's Credit for Prior Learning program, which awards credit for what students already know.
"When I transferred to WCC, they accepted not only my previous credits from another community college, but also my EMT license," McClorey said. "That saved me an incredible amount of time and money. I transferred around 23 credits that contributed to my degree."
McClorey's career goal is to work as a pediatric physician assistant. She's currently pursuing an Excercise Science associate degree at WCC and is following one of the college's 3+1 articulation agreements with Eastern Michigan to earn her bachelor's degree in just one year.
WCC credit my be awarded for knowledge and skills gained on the job, in the military, while earning career credentials, prior education, or simply through life experience.
Over the last five years, 2,256 students have taken advantage of the Credit for Prior Learning benefit, with a 195% jump in the total number of credits awaarded.
During the last academic year alone, 526 students earned more than 12,000 credits, with the average student age 28.
Students have earned credit for prior learning in 138 of WCC's programs, most commonly in Health Care Foundations; Transportation Technologies; Public Service Careers; Humanities, Languages and the Arts; and Math, Science & Pre-Engineering.
Credit for prior learning is awarded in a variety of ways, including through skills testing, previous industry certifications or exams that line up with course competencies, advanced placement testing from high school, and other ways.
Veteran students may submit a Joint Services Transcript to the college's transcript auditors for an evaluation. A representative from the relevant academic department will help determine whether a military course cn be substituted for a program requirement.
Transferring courses is the most common way to earn credit.
"As long as the course outcomes, credit hours and contact hours match up, those credits cn usually transfer right in as a direct equivalent," says WCC Dean of Career & Technical Education Eva Samulski.
McClorey says credit for prior learning changed the trajectory of her career.
"Through my work experience nd WCC's acceptance of it, I've been able to keep pursuing an affordable education," she says. "I am extremely lucky and grateful."
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This story first appeared in the Winter 2026 edition of Launch magazine. See the full edition.
Tags: Credit for Prior Learning, Exercise Science, Launch, Student Profile, Winter 2026