College of Aviation

Work Experience = Credit (PLA)

Work Experience = PLA

At the College of Aviation we want to recognize the work you have already put in. Through a process called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), we can award you credit for your work experience and certifications earned outside the collegiate learning environment.
Learn more about Technical Operations
Learn more about Professional Studies

About

This unique opportunity allows non-traditional students to earn recognition for their prior learning and professional experiences, helping you accelerate your path to an undergraduate and/or graduate degree.

As a first step, be sure to review the PLA program details for your program of interest and then contact the program coordinator to discuss your prior learning and work experience.

PLA recognizes college-level learning you have already gained through:

· FAA certifications

· Flight training

· Professional aviation experience

· Aviation maintenance experience

Aviation Technical Operations (Mechanics and Technicians) PLA

You may qualify if:

You have aviation maintenance experience, military training, technical certifications, or industry credentials.

You may be a strong candidate for PLA if you have:

· Military aviation maintenance experience

· FAA-recognized maintenance training or experience

· Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) experience

· Aviation maintenance employment history

· Industry certifications and technical training

· Aviation-related coursework or professional development

This is an excellent opportunity for nontraditional students to receive recognition for the valuable skills and knowledge they have already acquired.

1. Contact the PLA Program Coordinator: Mr. Brian Jansen-Lecturer, email: brian.jansen@wmich.edu and express your interest

2. Complete the PLA application.

3. Submit all supporting documentation.

4. Participate in any required evaluations or interviews.

What happens after you apply:

Faculty reviewers evaluate your prior learning, training, and experience against university course outcomes. Credit may be awarded when your demonstrated knowledge and skills meet the requirements of the corresponding Technical Operations coursework.

Contact program coordinator

Aviation Professional Studies (Mechanics/Technicians and Commercial Pilots) PLA

You may qualify if you hold one of the following:

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

· Eligible for up to 45 credit hours

· ATP must be unrestricted

Commercial Pilot (CPL) with Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

· Eligible for up to 37 credit hours

· Must hold Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and CFI certificates

· Additional credits may be available for Instrument Instructor and Multi-Engine Instructor ratings

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate

· Eligible for up to 45 credit hours

· Must have at least one year of related work experience after certification

This is an excellent opportunity for nontraditional students to leverage their professional experience and FAA credentials to accelerate completion of their undergraduate degree. Your previous training and accomplishments may reduce the time and cost required to earn your degree.

1. Contact the PLA Program Coordinator: Mr. Brian Jansen-Lecturer, email: brian.jansen@wmich.edu and express your interest

2. He will provide the PLA application.

3. Submit the application and all copies of required documentation.

What happens after you apply

A faculty review team will evaluate your credentials and determine the credits that may be awarded. PLA reviews can begin before admission, but credits are awarded only after admission to the APSJ program.

Contact program coordinator