Deciding whether or not to pursue a short-term certificate can be difficult, especially if you are trying to decide between a certificate program and a degree program. On the one hand, a short-term certificate can provide you with specific, in-demand skills that will help you advance your career or switch to a new field. On the other hand, you might be interested in earning your associate or bachelor’s degree but aren’t sure if now is the right time. You may find yourself asking, “Is a certificate program worth it?”
While the answer to that question largely depends on your field, your current career, and personal obligations, the short answer is, yes, a certificate is often worth the investment.
Here’s why…
The Benefits of a Certificate Program
Here are just a few of the reasons people choose certificate programs to help them advance in their careers.
You’ll Gain Specific, Relevant Skills.
One of the main benefits of earning your certificate is that it can help you quickly acquire new skills or knowledge. This can be especially useful if you’re looking to make a career change or if you want to specialize in a certain area. For example, if you are a healthcare worker looking to become a medical coding specialist, earning your Medical Billing and Coding certificate can provide you with the expertise you need to switch careers seamlessly. The same can be said for other certificate programs — they can help you develop important skills more quickly.
You’ll Reach Your Goals in Less Time.
Another benefit of certificate programs is that they can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. While a degree program can take several years to complete, you can complete a short-term certificate program in a matter of months. If you’re unable to commit to a longer degree program at this time, a certificate can help you get into a great career and start earning that higher salary sooner.
You’re Making a Valuable Investment.
A certificate program can be a valuable investment if you are looking to gain in-demand skills and knowledge in a particular field. Depending on your field, earning your certificate can open doors to new job opportunities, promotions with increased salaries, and specializations in areas related to your job. A certificate can also set you apart from other job candidates during the job search process.
Goodwin’s certificate programs help you gain the skills that current employers are looking for. We offer certificate programs, some of which you can complete in just months, in the following areas:
- Business Administration
- CNC Machining
- CNC Manufacturing, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology
- Computer Aided Design
- Industrial Service Technician
- Mechatronics
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Robotics and Automation
- Welding
We understand you’re busy. Goodwin gives you the flexibility you need to fit a certificate program into your busy schedule. Depending on the program, classes are offered online, on-campus, or hybrid, and both day and evening classes are available.
At Goodwin, we will help you land the job you want — one with career satisfaction and job stability. We’ve led thousands of graduates into careers they love. Our certificate programs can prepare you for a great career in a matter of months.
Interested in learning more about Goodwin’s certificate programs? Reach out to learn more!
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.