Chances are you may have considered going to graduate school, if you have not already. There is also a chance that you may want to change careers, but do not want to rack up additional student loan debt. One option to consider is receiving professional certification. By doing so, you earn college credits, which can count towards a Master's degree. You also pick up work experience to take back to your job, or a future position, which could mean more money. Below are five of the more popular professional certification programs, along with a brief description.
1. Accounting
When you hear the word €accountant€, you probably think of someone in a suit, preparing taxes before April 15, or filing the financial paperwork for a company. While they do handle those tasks, accountants also help people set up budgets and manage money properly, prevent an audit from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or even handle personal property assessments.
2. Information Technology (IT)
Computer servers help keep the office's internet system running efficiently. As a result, keeping those servers safe and secure from viruses or malware is important. This is where an IT worker comes into play. However, IT employees also manage confidential network information, and help design software or systems.
3. Business
This is probably one of the broadest programs, as it offers several options for those who receive professional certification. Some of the more popular fields include marketing and advertising, human resources, and banking. There are literally hundreds of different fields to choose from covering quite a few areas. Getting a business degree is also a good idea if you are considering becoming an entrepreneur and starting up your own company.
4. Health Care
One thing people will always need is health coverage, and medical professionals are in short supply. However, a health care certificate applies to more than just doctors and nurses. With proper certification, one could help disabled patients recover through physical therapy, or become an in-home caretaker who assists people who are sick. Other health care professionals may deal with laboratory tests or patient and office billing records.
5. Project Management
As the name suggests, project managers mainly deal with making sure a company meets its goals on time, and stays on budget. He or she must also oversee a staff and ensure these goals are met. These projects take prior planning, so the manager is also responsible for helping put together the game plan.
If time is an issue, many schools offer evening courses or weekend classes. You may also consider taking classes online, and learn at your own pace. That latter option allows you to take classes from your computer or PC.
1. Accounting
When you hear the word €accountant€, you probably think of someone in a suit, preparing taxes before April 15, or filing the financial paperwork for a company. While they do handle those tasks, accountants also help people set up budgets and manage money properly, prevent an audit from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or even handle personal property assessments.
2. Information Technology (IT)
Computer servers help keep the office's internet system running efficiently. As a result, keeping those servers safe and secure from viruses or malware is important. This is where an IT worker comes into play. However, IT employees also manage confidential network information, and help design software or systems.
3. Business
This is probably one of the broadest programs, as it offers several options for those who receive professional certification. Some of the more popular fields include marketing and advertising, human resources, and banking. There are literally hundreds of different fields to choose from covering quite a few areas. Getting a business degree is also a good idea if you are considering becoming an entrepreneur and starting up your own company.
4. Health Care
One thing people will always need is health coverage, and medical professionals are in short supply. However, a health care certificate applies to more than just doctors and nurses. With proper certification, one could help disabled patients recover through physical therapy, or become an in-home caretaker who assists people who are sick. Other health care professionals may deal with laboratory tests or patient and office billing records.
5. Project Management
As the name suggests, project managers mainly deal with making sure a company meets its goals on time, and stays on budget. He or she must also oversee a staff and ensure these goals are met. These projects take prior planning, so the manager is also responsible for helping put together the game plan.
If time is an issue, many schools offer evening courses or weekend classes. You may also consider taking classes online, and learn at your own pace. That latter option allows you to take classes from your computer or PC.