Online certificate programs are ideal for those individuals who have recently been laid off, want to learn a new skill set, or who are returning to the workforce after an extended period of time. Online certificate programs are short-term, but highly career-oriented programs that will get you ready to rejoin the job market.

Certificate programs are marketed towards two types of people:

• Those who are employed and looking to advance in a current career
• Those looking to change careers (and learn a new trade, set of skills, etc)

Carol Aslanian of EducationDynamics said, “Certificates can be geared to the highly educated who need a sellable skill, or the less educated who are not ready or [do not] want to enter a degree program but who want a credential to get a quick-fix job.”

Online certificate programs are more affordable and less time consuming than bachelor’s or master’s programs. Usually they range from $2,000 to $4,000 in tuition, and take one to two years to complete. Most online certificate programs can be taken for academic credit, where the credits are used toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in the future through the online school.

Certificate programs are also valuable to working adults, when not used for academic credit. People who have already earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree may take online certificate programs to get short-term training for their jobs, or at the request of their employers.

Earning an online certificate provides you the flexibility to study on your own schedule, while still working full or part-time. They also provide a fast way to learn the newest skills and technology in your career field.

If you are interested in taking your current career to the next level, or need training to earn a degree or certification for a new job, check out the available online degree and certificate programs available!

Source: US News