The best-ranking list of certificate programs in the country is tailored for people just like you. In fact, the best certificate programs are designed for those who want to start working with minimal schooling.
From dental assistant school to medical training, there are hundreds of certificate programs available, both in-person and online. Changing careers doesn’t have to mean years of schooling. Most programs can be finished within a few short months, while others may take up to one year. Upon completion, you can start working in your field right away. Continue reading the topics below to find more information about certificate programs near you.
Benefits of Enrolling in a Certificate Program
Just one glance at a list of certificate programs is enough to get you motivated. With so many industries and job fields represented in this category, the options are endless. There are many benefits to enrolling in a certificate program.
First, most certificate programs last between one and two years. Some can be completed in as little as six to nine months, depending on the program. Less time in school means more time to work or care for a family, which is common for most older adults looking to change careers. Certificate programs also commonly offer night and weekend options, furthering the flexibility.
Some of the best certificate programs out there have high rates of job placement. After all, the goal of any good program is to get students into the workforce. If you are looking to start a new job as quickly as possible, a certificate program may be the right move for you.
You can find some online certificate programs free of charge, which is rare, compared with two- and four-year college programs. Some employers will even reimburse you for the cost of your program, depending on the demand for trained workers. Unlike a two- or four-year college degree, you likely won’t need a student loan to enroll in a certificate program.
Dental Assistant Programs
Dental assistant programs are some of the most common certificate programs offered throughout the United States. Dental assistants operate under the supervision of a licensed dentist and are with dental patients for the majority of their appointments. In fact, most patients only see the dentist during the final few minutes of a regular appointment.
Dental assistants have many responsibilities. These include the below:
- Preparing patients for treatment
- Sterilizing equipment
- Taking X-rays
- Recording data
- Performing lab work
- Ensuring the patient is comfortable
Some assistants may also sit in during procedures, and hand tools to the dentist.
Dental assistant school is typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools, though some programs take place at large dental practices. Students can expect to finish the program in one to two years, depending on the curriculum. Some programs may even be available in a hybrid format, where students attend both in-person and online courses.
Some of the best certificate programs for placing students into the workforce while still enrolled in school include dental courses. Student dental assistants frequently job shadow more experienced dentists and hygienists, in order to acquire skills while they are still in school. Upon completion, they can typically find internships and entry-level jobs rather quickly.
Almost every list of certificate programs found online includes dental assistant coursework. If you are interested in the field of health care, but cannot spend four to six years in school, consider enrolling in a dental program. In just one year, you can finish your education, and start working in a dental practice.
Medical Assistant Programs
Medical assistant programs are also quite common among individuals looking to start a new career, fast. Medical assistants perform various clinical and administrative tasks in a variety of job settings. They can work in the following settings:
- Doctors’ offices
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Physician practices
- Other healthcare facilities
They, too, are often the first faces that patients see during a regular checkup.
Medical assistants take patients’ medical histories, measure vital signs and assist the doctor with physical examinations. They also perform important clerical work in the office, which includes scheduling appointments, recording data and keeping accurate medical records.
Medical assistant certification places individuals on a fast track toward a career in the field of health care. In fact, many programs can be completed in just nine to 12 months. Those with an interest in the medical field who do not wish to spend years in school should consider enrolling in a medical assistant course.
You can often find online certificate programs free of charge in the health care field, though nearly all programs require hands-on training, as part of the graduation requirement. Medical assistants gain valuable skills in clinical, during which they learn from experienced doctors and nurses while completing their education. All programs have both classroom and laboratory portions that incorporate courses in anatomy, as well as medical terminology.
Medical Transcriptionist Programs
Becoming a medical transcriptionist is perfect for those who enjoy performing various administrative and data entry tasks. The best certificate programs in the transcriptionist field provide students with hands-on training in transcribing data from voice recordings. They must have excellent listening skills and speedy words-per-minute (WPM) typing speeds.
Transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and convert spoken words into written reports. These can be notes from a doctor during a physical examination, lectures or speeches. They interpret complex medical terminology and abbreviations when preparing medical reports for patients.
Medical transcriptionist jobs can be found in a number of job fields and industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a majority of transcriptionists are employed in hospitals. However, other work environments include:
- Administrative services.
- Physician offices.
- Diagnostic laboratories.
The path toward becoming a medical transcriptionist is fairly straightforward. Students can enroll in a program at a community college, medical school or technical school. Most programs take one year to complete. Students can expect to take courses in medical terminology, English grammar, anatomy, and physiology.