Credit for Prior Learning through Validation

The University of Southern Indiana provides opportunities for RN students progressing toward a BSN or MSN to receive credit for previous clinical experience. Students may receive credit for an entire 4th year nursing course or part of the required clinical hours based on their previous experience.

Option 1
Achieved a nationally recognized certification.

Students that are currently certified in an area correlating with the content of a 4th year course may receive credit for the entire course. Students should submit a copy of their current certification to the course coordinator. Certifications achieved in areas other than those listed below may be eligible for partial clinical credit.

Option 2
Development of a portfolio and successful completion of a comprehensive course exam.

Students with clinical experience in an area correlating with the content of a 4th year course may request credit for this experience. Students are eligible to receive full or partial course credit.

1. Students must have at least 3 years full time experience as an RN to be eligible to validate an entire 4th year nursing course. Students with less than 3 years experience may receive clinical hour credit for a portion of a 4th year course.

2. Credit for Clinical Experiences can be achieved in a two step process. Students first submit a comprehensive resume and portfolio of clinical experiences. If the clinical experience is sufficient, students are eligible to complete a comprehensive course exam.

The resume should describe your present and past work experiences that are related to the 4th year course. Provide specific information on the length of time that you worked in each position, job responsibilities, employing institution, and information about the population of patients you encountered. Give as much detail as possible.

The portfolio should describe how the student has met each course objective through their work experiences. Additional documentation should include continuing education documentation for conferences or in-services.

3. If the course coordinator determines that your clinical experience is sufficient to fully meet the clinical requirements, students are eligible to take a comprehensive course exam to validate the theory portion of the course. A minimum score of 75% must be achieved. Only one attempt to pass the test is allowed. If a student scores below a 75%, the student may still complete the theory portion of the course for full credit.

4. Timelines
Do not register for the course until the course coordinator directs you to do so.
Materials may be submitted to the course coordinator for review at any time.

Students planning to take the course in the Fall semester should submit their resume and portfolio by August 1. If eligible, the comprehensive exam must be completed prior to the first day of the fall semester.

Students planning to take the course in the Spring semester should submit their resume and portfolio by November 15. If eligible, the comprehensive exam must be completed prior to the first day of the spring semester.

The credit for the class is not processed or completed until the appropriate paperwork is signed and fees paid. Students should contact the undergraduate nursing secretary to complete the process.