Have you seen the range of certifications and courses that you can get online? There are thousands of different programs available, but which one suits you? Your online certificate search shouldn’t be about finding the perfect program; it should be about finding the best program for you.
Certificates can benefit people just starting in their careers, current professionals who need to give their resumes a face-lift, and anyone looking to develop transferable skills that can help them advance or move into another profession.
Employment trends reported by the Harvard Business Review show higher turnover in the workplace due to people changing careers and the increase in remote and hybrid working. There are online certificate programs in almost every field, including healthcare, business, education, law, project management, and information technology. What if you need a practical course? Remarkably, some hands-on programs can be taught online.
An online program can be just as rigorous as any campus-based program, and earning a certification online can be similar to the in-person experience. When exploring the different certificates you can get online, it’s essential to keep short-term and long-term career goals in mind. Are you still asking what certifications can I get online? Our guide has answers.
What Is Certification?
Certification guarantees that a person passing a course or education program has met the standards required to use a qualification or reach a level of attainment. Some programs are also accredited, which is a mark of quality that indicates the course content meets specific standards. Examples include courses approved by the American Accreditation Association.
If you plan to study online, always check whether a program has certification, especially if you need the certificate for professional reasons. Sometimes, it is better to pay more to get appropriate certification than to buy a cheap course that does not meet educational requirements.
What Are the Benefits of Certification?
Certifications demonstrate expertise and commitment to developing specific skills. Some certificates only require a high school diploma as a prerequisite and can be earned instead of an associate or bachelor’s degree. Others work in conjunction with bachelor’s programs. For instance, a student could earn credits toward a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business while taking online courses in topics such as project management and earning a certificate.
Certificates can also benefit professionals with advanced degrees who want to advance in their careers. For example, individuals working mid-level jobs can earn a post master’s certificate to qualify for senior-level positions in their field. Additionally, those looking to make a career change, such as moving from digital marketing to healthcare management, can prepare for a job in a different field by earning a specialized certificate.
Why enroll in an online certificate program? Time flexibility is usually the most significant reason, as an online program allows students to work at their own pace. In addition, people working part-time or full-time don’t necessarily have the freedom to follow strict class schedules and spend time commuting, and online programs offer the option to study when and where they can. Online courses also benefit students who live far from campus and don’t want to relocate.
What certifications can I get online, and what is the quality? An online program can be just as rigorous as any campus-based program, and high-quality education is easy to find if you research what programs offer. Talk to alumni, current teachers, and school faculties to help determine the quality of an online career training school’s education. You’ll find a range of opportunities from quantum physics to garden design.
What Kind of Certifications Can I Get Online?
The range of online programs has significantly expanded, with many diverse online certifications. If you’re struggling to find the right program, make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. For example, a passion for caring for others combined with strong organizational skills could lead to a nursing or early childhood education certificate. On the other hand, an analytical, creative mind could be drawn to a computer gaming or graphic design certificate.
Some courses offer an introductory module and allow you to combine modules so you can shape your career pathway and be creatively inspired by the education programs. This can really help you answer “what certifications can I get online?”.
Do you need help deciding the best certificate for you? Consider the following online certificate programs.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
An online medical insurance coding specialist/coder certificate can allow individuals to pursue careers as medical billing and coding specialists. Proficiency with medical billing software enables these key medical professionals to categorize bills, determine insurance eligibility, and establish payment plans. Courses in a certificate program can include the following:
- Medical office technology and administration
- Medical terminology
- Insurance claim procedures
- Insurance law
Pharmacy Technician
Certified pharmacy technicians/assistants work with pharmacists to handle patient payments, communicate with insurance providers, fill bottles with medications, print labels and directions, and deal with customer service issues. Some online certificate courses are:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacology
- Healthcare systems
- Medical terminology
Medical Assistant or Clinical Assistant
A medical/clinical assistant certificate prepares individuals for careers as assistants in settings such as physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Some program courses are:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical coding
- Clinical procedures
- Pharmacology
Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner
Earning an Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations certificate can be a significant career move for forward-thinking entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses. Taking courses in the following subjects can help individuals put their ideas into action:
- Business
- Marketing
- Human resources and customer relations
- Economics
- Finance
Medical Executive Assistant
A medical administrative/executive assistant certificate offers organizational leadership training to those interested in medical work. Some program courses are:
- Clinical procedures
- Medical law and ethics
- Medical office procedures
- Pharmacology
Computer Software Technician
An online computer software technology/technician certificate prepares tech-savvy students for careers assisting computer engineers in creating programs and applications. Programs offer courses including the following:
- Database systems design
- Data communications
- Operating systems
- SQL
- Software architecture
Web Designer
Students interested in technology’s creative aspects should consider a web design certificate. Web designers create new websites or redesign existing ones to attract and engage clients’ target audiences. Some fundamental courses are:
- Data communications
- Graphic design
- Operating systems
- SQL
Early Childhood Educator
Wondering “what certifications can I get online for teaching”? An early childhood education certificate helps students develop the knowledge and skills to become early childhood educators. Some programs offer options for students to earn credits toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Courses include the following:
- Social and behavioral sciences
- Language development
- Classroom management
Project Manager
A project management certificate in industries from manufacturing to information services can open the door to leadership roles. Individuals typically work in manufacturing, publishing, construction, finance, information services, and insurance. Core online certificate courses include the following:
- Quality management
- Leadership and teams
- Risk management
- Cost management
Business Manager
A business administration and management certification you can get online can benefit mid-career professionals who already have business degrees and want to advance. Program courses include the following:
- Business law
- Marketing
- International business
- Operations management
Digital Communications
A digital communication and media/multimedia certificate prepares students for diverse development and management media careers. Courses help students learn how to use, evaluate, and regulate computers, digital devices, technology, and applications. Individuals with this credential can pursue careers as digital marketing specialists, graphic designers, digital strategists, marketing specialists, or creative directors. Program courses include the following:
- Web design
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Print and digital communication
Paralegal
While some choose to earn a four-year degree in paralegal studies, legal assistants can begin their careers by earning an associate degree or online legal assistant/paralegal certification. Courses cover topics such as:
- Legal terminology
- Legal document preparation
- Attorney and paralegal ethics
- Legal investigation processes
Look Into Earning an Online Certificate
Whether you’re interested in healthcare, architecture, digital marketing, or project management, earning an online certificate can help you begin your career, change professions, or advance in your field. Online educational programs are flexible and can be done on your own time, so you can study and still maintain your lifestyle. There are many different types of certification, and once you start looking into the kinds of programs available online, you’ll be inspired to start studying immediately. Learn more about the different types of certification you can get online through the programs we partner with at Campus Explorer.
Sources
American Accreditation Association
Harvard Business Review, 11 Trends that will Shape Work in 2022 and Beyond