5 certificate programs that can get you a higher paying job

Many will agree that a degree program can help increase your chances of finding a high-paying job. The problem is these programs are lengthy and can be SUPER expensive.

A great alternative to a traditional 2 or 4 year degree is a certificate program. These are much more affordable, short-term training programs that typically take less than 12 months to complete.

Why Get a Certificate?

The bottom line is that certificates help you become more marketable in a competitive job market. Some jobs require a college degree; most call for a high school diploma and others will ask for a specialized certificate. These certificate programs allow you to increase your earning potential over time as you advance in your career!

5 Great Certificate Programs

These certificate programs require you to hold a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling. They're all exciting roles that you should add to your #CareerDiscovery roadmap!

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

What is it?
EMTs are first-line medical responders to emergencies from automobile accidents to an older adult falling. It's a fast-paced, rewarding career for those who are interested in a hands-on job that involves human anatomy, emergency medicine, and critical thinking. They are usually found in ambulances but are sometimes found in helicopters if a patient must be transported by air.

Typical duties include:

• Responding to 911 calls for emergency assistance
• Assessing patients condition and helping determine a treatment plan
• Provide first-aid and life support care such as CPR, wound bandaging or stabilizing bone breaks
• Document all care given to a patient and report to the physician, nurses and other faculty
• Inventory and clean supplies and equipment after use

How long is the program?
Typically, programs range from 6 - 8 months but can vary depending on your state's requirements.

Click here to learn more about the exciting world of an EMT!

Personal Trainer

What is it?
Personal trainers assist clients with cardiovascular and strength training exercises to improve their health and achieve fitness goals. This is an ideal job for those who are passionate about helping others and living a healthy lifestyle! They work in a variety of settings from gyms, healthcare facilities, schools and in-home.

Typical duties include:

• Showing clients how to properly exercise through demonstrations
• Creating customized workout plans
• Monitoring progress of clients
• In some cases, providing emergency first aid if there is an accident

How long is the program?
Usually, programs are self-guided, meaning you can learn at your own pace! Some schools offer in-person classes, which can range from 8 - 10 weeks on average.

Two popular options are the National Academy of Sports Medicine and American Council on Exercise. Click the links to learn more!

Real Estate Agent

What is it?
A real estate agent is someone who helps individuals either buy or sell a home or a piece of property. One can work either as a listing agent, to help a client sell a home, or as a buyer's agent, to help the client buy a home.

Typical duties include:

• Showing properties and accompanying buyers during inspections
• Generating client leads (potential buyers)
• Creating listings for properties with information such as location, features, description, etc.
• Facilitating negotiations between buyer and seller
• Preparing contracts, purchase agreements, deeds and other documents

How long is the program?
Depending on your state's real estate licensing requirements, which typically include 60-90 hours of formal education and studying and sitting for a licensing exam. It can take anywhere from 3-6 months to get a real estate license.

Here are some pros and cons of being a real estate agent.

Phlebotomist

What is it?
Phlebotomists draw and prepare blood for medical testing, transfusions, or donation. Phlebotomists are trained to collect blood via venipuncture, finger pricks, or in the case of infants, heel pricks. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient care facilities, diagnostic laboratories, and blood donation centers.

Typical duties include:

• Collecting blood samples from patients
• Labeling and storing vials correctly
• Transporting specimen to the laboratory

How long is the program?
On average, it is rare to find a phlebotomy training program that goes past 12 months. This includes training and certification. Some are as short as 6 - 8 weeks, but most will average 4 -8 months. Factors that determine how long it takes to become a certified phlebotomist include: the type of program your phlebotomy school offers, course content, type of certification, the state you are in as well as the employer's requirements.

Watch this video to see a typical day in the life of a Phlebotomist!

Commercial Truck Driver

What is it?
Commercial truck drivers operate tractor-trailers and other large vehicles to transport goods around the world. Some work in localized areas while others make deliveries across the country. Typical duties include:

• Safely operating vehicle to deliver freight from one location to another
• Managing paperwork for employer and customer
• Performing maintenance and mechanical checks of the vehicle
• Assisting in loading and unloading of trailers

How long is the program?
On average, obtaining your commercial driver's license (CDL) takes about seven weeks.

We have a fantastic group here on Jobcase called Truckers USA where you can connect with others, learn more about the career, ask questions and hear stories from drivers around the country! Click here to join.

Do you have any certifications? What are your thoughts?