Are you looking for a new career but are worried you don’t have time to train for one? Are you not sure where to even start looking? Nervous about changing careers as an adult?
Certificate programs are becoming more and more popular because of the lower cost, quicker completion time, and more concentrated field of study. For those looking to make a career change later in life, a certificate program may be the way to go based on the fact that many people can continue working while completing the course.
Here are 9 programs that may be a good choice for those looking to get into a new career or enhance your current career in 6 months or less.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) career will put you on the front lines of patient care. Certified nursing assistants are one of the most vital positions to the daily operations in a nursing care facility.
With this certification, you will be able to care for patients at nursing facilities throughout the state. It is an extremely rewarding career, and a quick one to achieve. You can complete this course in as little as 4 – 6 weeks.
2. Certified Homemaker HomeHealth Aide
A Certified Homemaker HomeHealth Aide has many of the same responsibilities as a Certified Nursing Assistant, but has many more advantages. With this certification, you will be able to help people in their own homes. Some responsibilities include bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, etc.
3. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Many health care professionals have, at one time or another, been an EMT. It is a great starting place for people wanting to get into the healthcare world, and can be a great career choice for many people as well.
Though all healthcare professions offer a variety of excitement in one way or another, it is undeniable that being an EMT is near the top of the list. Whether it is the extreme pressure of the job or the ability to save a life every time you clock into work, this career is definitely one for high energy people.
4. Phlebotomy Technician
Becoming a phlebotomy technician is a very quick course and can be completed in as little as one month. After the course, you will be certified to draw blood from patients and prepare it for lab testing. This is a great course to take, not only because the position is in-demand right now, but because it is a great stepping stone to other career opportunities in healthcare.
5. Certified EKG Technician (CET)
As a Certified EKG Technician, you will operate machines that record the electrical activity of a patient’s heart. EKG rhythms provide important data for the diagnosis of heart conditions. As a CET, you may perform some or all of the following tasks:
- Set up and administer EKGs, stress tests
- Prepare patients for Holter, or ambulatory monitoring
- Edit and deliver final test results to physicians for analysis
- Schedule appointments
- Transcribe physicians’ interpretations
- Benefits to obtaining an EKG Technician Certification may include: more job opportunities, an increased pay scale, job security, and increased subject matter expertise.
6. Security Guard (SORA)
SORA (Security Officer Registration Act) is a standardized security guard training program that has become law in the state of New Jersey (since 2007). If you wanted to start a career as a security guard in any aspect, you need this certification. The good thing is this course can be completed in as little as 2 days.
As a trained security guard, the job opportunities are endless. Not only is it a great paying career, but also one where you can find work in many different fields.
7. IV Therapy
In order to start or maintain an IV line, you must be a Certified IV Therapist. Anyone from a staff member in the ER to a technician who assists in MRIs must take this course. It only takes 7 hours to complete and a great thing to add to your resume when looking for your new career!
8. Certified Medication Aide
If you would like to help patients with their medicine or administer it, you must become a certified medication aide. With this certification you can work at assisted living, group homes, and other residential facilities. The course is only 30 hours long and will get you on your way to a rewarding career as a certified medication aide.
9. Medical Billing & Coding
Medical facilities have quickly realized that billing and coding errors have been causing them enormous problems. Because of this, medical billing & coding specialists are being hired in droves.
The position allows for flexible scheduling as well as a good salary. If you want to enter the medical field but are too squeamish to have a career in medicine or nursing, this may be perfect for you.
