Why choose a certificate program?
Getting an education is one of the best methods for revitalizing a career or embarking on a new one. Usually, that means earning a college degree. However, an increasing number of people are choosing to earn a certificate instead.

Many advantages are derived from the pursuit of a certificate, and it just might be the ideal educational choice for you.

Where Are Certificates Earned?


The majority of certificate programs are administered by community colleges or vocational and technical schools. This makes them an accessible option in most communities. An increasing number of schools are providing online certificate programs. These programs do not require the student to attend classes on campus. Instead, they log in to their classrooms via the Internet.

As a result, students are able to complete a certificate program that is offered by a school that is not in their local area. Online learning effectively makes a broad range of programs available to students no matter where they live.

Earning a Certificate Is Quick


One of the main advantages of earning a certificate is that only about one year of full time study is typically involved. Some programs may not require a year while others will take longer. Regardless, earning a certificate is a much shorter process than earning a two or four year degree. That means that certificate holders get to enter the working world much sooner than those who are earning degrees.

Certificate Programs Are Less Expensive


Not only is earning a certificate a relatively quick process, but it is also far less expensive than going for a degree. Most certificate programs will cost you a few thousand dollars for the year, and that cost includes books and other supplies. A degree program will cost much more per year over a four year period. Although you may have to borrow money to attend a certificate program, you’ll acquire a far smaller debt load than if you earned a degree instead.

An Open Enrollment Policy


Most certificate programs feature an open enrollment policy. Essentially, anyone can apply to enter the program, and virtually no prerequisites are required. For most certificate programs, a high school diploma or a GED is the only requirement. Contrast that with the highly competitive and complex process of applying for admission to a college degree program. You may have to provide complete high school transcripts, take several tests and fulfill other requirements in order to be considered for the degree program. The process of getting into a certificate program is far less competitive and stressful.



Focus on your Career


A certificate program lets you focus just on the subject that interests you most. You won’t be required to complete general education requirements. Additionally, a great many certificate programs feature a useful combination of theory and practice. This means that you will complete the book learning portions of your education, but you will also be able to apply what you learn in real world situations. In fact, some programs even have an internship opportunity built into the curriculum.

A Variety of Careers from Which to Choose
An impressive number of career fields can be entered upon completion of a certificate program. With a certificate, you could find employment in the health care field as a nurse, medical biller and coder or medical assistant. People who are interested in technology might consider a certificate in website design. If you enjoy both electronics and art, a career in graphic design might be for you. The legal field is always looking for qualified paralegals and legal assistants, either of which roles you could fill with just a certificate.

Use a Certificate to Supplement a Degree


If you already hold a two or four year college degree, then a certificate can represent a tremendous opportunity for you to enhance your professional skills. Many people with a degree and years of work experience are going back to school to earn a certificate that will enhance their current career. Many employers encourage this pursuit, and they may even provide financial assistance.

With a certificate earned from an accredited institution, you could be well on your way to enjoying better employment security and a competitive edge in the marketplace.

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 16th, 2012 at 9:03 am and is filed under Career, Education, Job Search, Networking, Personal Branding. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.