WI tech colleges -- do credits expire?

U.S.A. Wisconsin

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I received my transcript evaluation from FVTC the other day, and only 3 courses seemed to transfer (only one of them applicable to the nursing program: SOC 101). I have a BA from UWM (obviously 120+ credits) earned 10+ years ago. My English (I took several courses), Speech, math (I had two semesters of Calc) all should have transferred, IMO.

Anyone know -- do these expire? What about NWTC or LTC -- do they expire there? Any way to get them waived if that is the case, and at no or very low cost? I'm not eager to drop down more money on retaking these courses when honestly I don't feel I should have to. I'll barely be able to finance the nursing program alone.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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Usually credits "expiring" depends on the institution accepting the courses. It can vary from program to program. However if you completed the degree and are applying for a "post-ba" program the requirements MAY be different. Although from my research (not specific to the schools you mentioned) 10 years is standard. I think this is for two reasons. 1. For some courses the information may change. What we know about Anatomy and Physiology is rapidly changing (as is any medical field). 2. The information needs to be "fresh" in your mind. If a course has a pre-requisite that is usually becasue one course builds upon your knowledge from another. If you can't remember what you learned in a statistics class 15 years ago that would put you at a disadvantage. Even if you did get an A when you took it.

Bottom line is that the pre-reqs and their limits are not only a way to gauge your readiness to enter the program but they also help get you ready. The only way you can truely determine your qualification is to talk to someon at the school probably in the department rather then in admissions. They are the only ones who can probably determine what courses you've met (and how long they are valid for).

I hope that helps!

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accelerated uw osh kosh nursing program does not expire and i believe it did not expire at madison matc but i do not know about others. good luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I have an ADN that is 13 years old and most of my prereqs were done 2 years before that. I am now getting another associate's in biomedical informatics at Mid-state technical and a lot of my courses transferred. Things like English comp, A & P, etc.

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Thanks everyone. I guess they hadn't worked through all my transcripts when they sent me the notice out. Everything I wanted to transfer did (mostly the general stuff). Whew! My Chem is only good for 5 years from my application date, but thankfully that course is only a few years old so I'll be good there.

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Specializes in assisted living.

Hi AZ mom. I am glad to hear that most of your credits transferred. I am going to be going thru the same thing. I graduated from UW madison in 2002. What do you mean about Chem good for 5 years? I took that in 2000. If it is from application date does that mean 5 years from now if I just applied to the nursing program? Hopefully I don't have to retake that one. I got into A&P with it so I hope that is good enough!

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I just signed up for my LPN to RN transition and most of my science courses were only good for up to 6 yrs. Luckily I just made the deadline. This was at SWTC. Not sure of other school requirements.

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