Credit for Prior Learning for Internationally Trained Professionals: Oksana’s Case in Chiropractic Health Careers

Authors

  • Charlotte Nitardy Metro State University
  • Brooke Anttila-Escoto Internation Affiliation of Minnesota

Abstract

Internationally trained professionals (ITPs) possess valuable skills and credentials yet often face significant barriers to recognition within U.S. higher education and licensing systems. Using a case study of Oksana, a Ukrainian-trained chiropractor pursuing recredentialing in Minnesota, this paper illustrates how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can reduce time and cost to degree completion while supporting career advancement in healthcare pathways. The case also reveals persistent challenges, including limited access to financial aid, complex relicensing requirements, and uneven availability of CPL across disciplines. The paper concludes with recommendations for higher education institutions to expand equitable CPL access, strengthen community partnerships, and align credential recognition with workforce needs.

Keywords: Credit for Prior Learning; internationally trained professionals; credential recognition; healthcare pathways; adult learners; equity in higher education; workforce integration

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Published

2025-12-17

Issue

No. 9 (2025): PLA Responses to Urgent Social Realities: Access to Education and Work for Refugee, Migrant, Displaced, and Stateless People

Section

Practice Today

License

Authors retain copyright of their work, and readers are free to print, share and distribute materials from PLA Inside-Out as long as they respect the rights of the author.  Materials included in PLA Inside-Out cannot be published without an author’s permission.

How to Cite

Credit for Prior Learning for Internationally Trained Professionals: Oksana’s Case in Chiropractic Health Careers. (2025). PLA Inside Out: An International Journal on Theory, Research and Practice in Prior Learning Assessment, 9(9). https://plaio.org/index.php/home/article/view/291