If you are looking to enter a new career or looking to give your resume a competitive edge, earning a certificate might just be your best bet. Not only are certificates easy to complete, but they also allow you to refine your skills and knowledge in ever-growing job markets.
Certificate programs are designed to focus on certain jobs and careers while paying special attention to skills needed to thrive in that particular niche. Additionally, certificates are designed to cater to a wide variety of busy schedules. Often, certificate programs are offered during the morning or evening, and are sometimes even offered online. This flexibility is implemented to appeal to already busy students and to professional working individuals.
Other advantages of earning a certificate include:
- Start dates occur throughout the year.
- Most programs do not have a waiting list.
- Deadlines for applications are closer to the start date.
- Classes require smaller commitments of your time.
- Fees are significantly less than those for a bachelor’s degree.
- Completion leads to new opportunities.
- Classes allow you to explore different interests.
More importantly, certificates can lead to higher pay and an increase in annual salary. Statistically, those who complete a certification program receive a 13 to 25% pay increase.
Additionally, those who pursue a certificate have a better likelihood of earning a degree, with 20% earning an associates and 13% earning a bachelor’s degree.
In addition, having a certificate can make you 10 times more likely to be hired than your peers. Certificates make you more marketable and show potential employers that you are dedicated to learning about different fields and are more qualified than other potential employees.
Comparatively, 39% of students who add a certificate make more than those who have only an associates degrees, and 24% more annually than those who only have a bachelor’s degree. These statistics go to show that just a few extra classes to complete a certificate program can lead to earning more money. What is there to lose?
Hocking College offers many opportunities to earn a certificate in the following fields:
- Massage Therapy
- Insurance
- Real Estate
- Canine Training & Pet Grooming
- Geographic Information & Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- Timber Harvesting & Tree Care
- EMT/ Paramedic
- Firefighter
- Ohio Peace Officer Basic
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Welding
If you are a current student or are looking to start a new career, consider Hocking College and the bright future that lies ahead. Contact the Admission Office at admissions@hocking.edu to learn more.
