Going back to school as a career changer can feel like starting over—but it doesn’t have to. Earning college credits for life experience is a powerful way to fast-track your degree and save money. By recognizing the value of work, volunteer, or military experience, Regis allows students to turn real-world achievements into academic progress.
Regis helps students leverage prior learning and professional development opportunities to bypass courses they’ve already mastered. This means less time in school, lower tuition costs, and more focus on reaching your academic and career goals.
But how can I leverage my professional training and certifications to expedite my education?
Regis allows students to earn academic credits for professional or personal experiences, saving time and money while moving closer to graduation. These credits recognize learning that occurs outside traditional academic settings, such as:
“If you’ve got some certifications or training at work, we want to honor those opportunities by clearly delineating and elective course options,” says David Rudder, the Dean of Professional Studies at Regis College. This means students can turn documented professional development into college credit, reducing the number of courses they need to complete their degree.
“We like to focus on workforce training and certifications that are above board, easy to certify, and verify,” Rudder adds. This streamlined approach makes earning workforce credits faster and less complicated.
Regis understands the many challenges adult learners face when going back to school. As a result, they work closely with students to make the process manageable and effective. Here are a few ways they try to help.
Gathering the necessary documentation for workforce credits can be a daunting task, especially for adult learners who may have accumulated a wide range of experiences over the years. Therefore, Regis provides clear, step-by-step guidance to make the process manageable and straightforward.
To start, students are encouraged to identify the most relevant experiences and compile supporting documents like certificates, training descriptions, or proof of hours completed. “We need documentation that substantiates the length of time, what the objectives and desired learning outcome of the training, and how was a student evaluated to meet them,” Rudder points out.
Not all work experience is eligible for credit though, so it’s important to know whether yours will transfer over. That’s why Regis admissions advisors work closely with students to identify the most relevant and impactful experiences that align with academic requirements. This personalized support helps students navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
“Our goal is to maximize what a student has done somewhere else. We want to take their credits and align them wherever possible,” Rudder says. Advisors help students evaluate their past education and professional development, ensuring only eligible experiences are submitted for review.
For example, if a student has participated in training programs or completed coursework that matches the objectives of their current degree program, advisors can guide them in presenting that experience effectively.
Although earning workforce credits requires some preparation, the process at Regis is designed to be efficient and well-supported.
One of the key ways Regis saves time for applicants is by providing tools and resources that streamline the application process. The college’s electronic platform simplifies what could otherwise be a complex and time-consuming task.
“We’ve created an electronic platform where people can upload documentation directly,” Rudder adds. “Once submitted, we’ll confirm receipt and assess it, providing students with feedback on what credits can transfer.” This system ensures that students have a clear understanding of where they stand in the process, minimizing delays and confusion.
Regis offers an exceptional opportunity to fast-track your degree and transition into new career opportunities. By recognizing your professional experience and turning it into academic credit, Regis empowers students to make their educational journey more, affordable, and efficient—all while providing the flexibility and support needed to succeed.
Regis is dedicated to helping adult learners like you achieve their goals without starting from scratch. With its streamlined process and personalized guidance, Regis makes going back to school a smart investment in your future.
Contact Regis College today to learn more about earning workforce credits and take the first step toward advancing your education and career.