how old can your credits be?

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 25, 2006

There is no realy standard, except that it is usually your science classes that are limited. Every school seems to have their own policy and even then they have to see a description of some of the classes in order to decide whether they will give you credit.

Swtooth

Jules A, MSN · Dec 25, 2006

Thats what I've found also. Many schools want the sciences to be within the last 5 years but I have challenged that and 3 CCs took my 20yo A&PI because I took A&PII a couple of years ago and got an A. Its worth trying to advocate for yourself. I figured human anatomy hadn't changed in 20 years and I think I was correct, lol.

smile123 · Dec 25, 2006

hi !! i am just curious as to how old your credits can be from a previous cc to count?
i have about 40 credits or more from 12-13 yrs ago.... and within the last 7 years i have about 12 credits... does it depend on the new school you are applying to or is there a standard? thank you!

For your science classes, most places want the pre-reqs to be within the last 5 years. You may be able to take challenge exams (i.e. Excelsior), but to be on the safe side, check with the specific schools. You'll notice that one poster was able to challenge A&P I but that's because she took A&P II at the school recently and got an A. Good luck.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Dec 27, 2006

Ours is also 5 years for the sciences....my other classes, from my BS in Business, ranged from ancient to recent....my required Biology was almost over 5 years old, but because I still qualified to take A & P I, I took that and it bypassed the Biology course as mentioned above...as also mentioned above by several others, you will need to check at the campuses you are considering enrolling at....

Jules A, MSN · Dec 27, 2006

I've done it with three different classes. If you contact the department chair and state your case many times they will sign you in especially if your grades are really good. With one Prof. that I knew was pretty cool I just said, "Look, you know I'm an older, very motivated student and I promise if I have to drop or fail out my Mommy won't call you to complain".

I've gotten A's in all three classes that I attempted so I have zero regrets. Good luck. Jules

jov · Dec 30, 2006

how old your credits can be from a previous cc to count?
... does it depend on the new school you are applying to or is there a standard? thank you!

It does depend on the school. I had A&P that was 20 years old. The nursing counselor said if I felt I needed to refresh my skills to get up to speed, that was up to me but was not required by the school.

SoulShine75 · Dec 30, 2006

For our program they couldn't be more than 5 years old, and those were only the ones required for the ADN degree. I'm sure it's different everywhere though.