Students who choose to attend a technical school or community college typically do so because of a specific certificate program.
A college certificate program is a career-focused educational program that provides individuals with training and skills in an accelerated program of study. Once a person has completed the certificate, they are eligible for employment in their chosen field. College certification programs are an accelerated form of certification to get a person out of school and into the workplace faster. Certificate programs are offered in various disciplines at various educational institutions.
Community colleges, technical schools, and four-year colleges may offer university certificate programs.
Community colleges, technical schools, and regular four-year colleges may offer university certificate programs. These programs have an intensive curriculum that can be completed in just one year. Instead of completing the prerequisites and taking a broad spectrum of classes for a full general education, students focus on taking the essential courses for their area of interest so they can qualify to work professionally. Once students complete the course requirements, they receive certificates of completion.
College certificate programs in technical areas often require hands-on classroom training.
Common subjects in a college certificate program include management, accounting, paralegal education, and management. Programs offered vary, and information is often available from the college’s admissions or counseling office. This information includes lists of course requirements to earn a certificate and estimates of how long it takes to complete the university’s certification program. Some colleges offer features such as evening and intensive classes for students who need more flexibility in their schedules. Financial assistance, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is generally available to individuals in university certificate programs.
The advantage of completing a university certificate program is that it gives someone the skills they need to start a career right away. Disadvantages can include the devaluation of certificates in some sectors, where degrees are preferred, along with a lack of diversity in education which can be a problem later on. For example, people who don’t take English classes may not have the writing skills they need to be successful in their long-term careers.
Career seekers, whether considering changing jobs or simply entering the workforce for the first time, may want to consider a college certificate program among the options they can use to prepare for a new career. It may be helpful to look at job listings in your area of interest to see what types of requirements are standard in the industry. It can also be helpful to ask people currently working in the industry if they have advice on training and certification.