Yes, you can amend for the partial years and claim Lifetime Learner's Credit or the Tuition and Fees Deduction so that you can use the American Opportunity Tax Credit for the years you have higher education expenses.
Since this means amending a prior year, I would suggest you do that first.
You have 3 years from the date you filed your return (or 2 years after you paid the tax due, whichever is later) to file an amended return.
Please click here for how to amend a return you already filed
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