TOPIC: Can I skip CAPM and go straight to PMP?

I’m a mid-career humanities professor looking to shift into project management. I’ve got 15+ years of experience leading research projects, committees, and seminars, but no formal corporate background.

A PMI rep said CAPM wouldn’t help much beyond contact hours, so I’m wondering if it’s reasonable to go straight for the PMP. Has anyone from academia made this jump? Curious how you framed your experience to meet the eligibility.