certificate programs

certificate programs questions and answers

More information about certificate programs at Education News.

Q: What is the difference between a diploma and a certificate programs?
I've been searching for schools online for medical billing and coding. Some schools have diploma programs and some certificate ones. Some have associates programs too. Whats the difference and would one get me a better job than the other one?

A: A certificate basically says you've taken a few courses on a subject. A certificate will qualify you for an entry level job A diploma suggests several courses in the same area have been taken, it is similar but better than a certificate An associates degree (AA) is a 2 year college degree. Of the three, the AA is the most respected.

Q: On my Yahoo page, there was an article regarding 8 certificate programs that lead to careers. What are they?


A: We are asking you - what are they?

Q: Is an assoicate degree or certificate program with an internship a good choice if your seeking a job rightaway
I see that the community colleges have assoicate degree and certificate programs that have an internship. Is this a good choice or should I just go on for a bachelors degree? The problem I see with these is that some of some don't seem to transfer into 4 year programs in the even that you would decide to do so. You will have to take a lot of different classes.

A: Well it depends on which Jobs you want. Usually the higher paying jobs require bachelors degree or Masters. If you want to get a job right away and can't bother with so much years of school then sure, go for the assoicate or certificate. Someone that i Know did school for over a year and got his certificate and is working right now. The Job he is doing doesn't pay the amount that he'd hope he'll get, but he say's its a start. I say you work your way into a Bachelors degree and slow down on the rush. While your at school getting the Bachelors, you can do a little part time job. Help yourself into a better career! :-)

Q: Is it worthwhile to do a graduate certificate program?
Are graduate certificate programs worthwhile? Will employers think more highly of you if you have a graduate certificate? Is it worth the time to pursue it? I did my undergrad in pharmacology. I am looking into a graduate certificate program in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs and quality control.

A: It depends on the type of course. I would advise you to do a masters instead as it is more highly recognised! I have a post graduate certificate and am now doing my PhD, so if you have the money/funding do the masters instead. Good luck...

Q: Ideas for certificate programs?
My daughter is looking for a 1 semester skills certificate program that she can earn at our community college before she goes off to the university in the winter. What skill certificates can be earned in 1 or 2 quarters? (or one semester?) Ideas? She just wants to take a marketable skill with her to college so that she can help herself financially through her higher ed. Please help with ideas!

A: You should check the course catalog within that specific community college. Each school offers different certifications. Also recommend seeing her counselor. Last, maybe she can take a few general ed classes which are MUCH cheaper at community college, than university. She will have to take general ed classes no matter what. Good luck!

Q: Why do people who complete a certificate program call themselves degreed?
If you complete a (CNA) certified nurse assistant program or a (CMA) certified medical assistant program isn’t that a certificate not a degree? Or does degree now mean any schooling that grants a paper once finished?

A: People just want to claim they have a degree instead of actually going further in school to get that degree. Of course getting a certificate of any kind or being a CNA (which my mother is) is not having a degree. Nowadays, even having an Associate's degree is like not having a degree since things are so competitive and are getting more and more competitive with each passing year. But mostly I think people see the BA. degree and higher as the respected degree offered by an "accredited" (this is very important) college or university. If a school (or program) is not accredited by one of the regional accreditation councils, to most people (including employers), they have not earned a degree. Regional Accreditation Councils in the U.S.: The United States is divided into eight regions, each one having an accreditation body which is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Universities and colleges use this system to transfer courses taken at one institution to another. The councils also use this system to assure the institution has knowledgeable faculty and their programs have rigor. For a list of the councils, go to: http://www.elearners.com/resources/agencies.asp

Q: Is there a certificate program that teaches how to run a construction business?
I need to learn how to run a construction business. I was hoping that someone knows of a certificate program that will teach me the basics on running one. I want to learn bidding, billing, legal and anything that is important to the construction industry. if you have any ideas its greatly appreciated.

A: Get a degree from your local university in "Constructional Engineering"

Q: Does the GI bill cover certificate programs at colleges?


A: they cover any type of schooling....I even got them to pay for my uniforms at the police academy

Q: Is a Certificate program is a good school compare going to a real college?
I'm taking a Networking program at Lincoln Technical institue, and I don't know if it's really help enough to get a good job out of it. I have friends of friends that go for their certificate, ending up not geting a job because of no experience and hardly accepting graduated certify students from program school except student that has deqree instead of certificate. Please I need some advice before I waste my time and money going to this program

A: "real college" degrees usually end up in higher salaries (though it takes more years in school to get to the point where you are actually earning money) Certificate programs (technical programs) are great, especially if you are a weaker student. You may find that in the area where a certificate program is taught, jobs are hard to find because there are lots of recent graduates, looking for work. SO, be ready to move to a new, exciting area that needs you. Check with your college counselor for advice.

Q: Are there any good, reputable online TEFL/TESOL certificate programs?
Interested in teaching english as a second language in the states and overseas...need a program that would provide a certificate in TEFL/TESOL that would be recognizable in the states.

A: no, there aren't. you need to take either the Cambridge CELTA or the Trinity equivalent. online certs are a not considered reputable b/c you won't get any teacher time with feedback.

Q: Is it a good idea to enroll in a business analyst certificate program?
Is it a good idea to enroll in a business analyst certificate program? I will be graduating this upcoming semester with a BA in Psychology. I don't want to pursue a career in Psychology right away. I was thinking of enrolling in a business analyst certificate program. Is it a good idea to pursue this particular field?

A: I've never heard of a business analyst certificate program, but it does sound like a good idea. Business analysts are used in IT projects, liaising between the client and the software company. For example, a business analyst might analyze workflow at the client site so that a software company can design a database or configure their application for a client. Money is good, but there can be extensive travel. A little more info on what's covered in the cert program would be helpful.

Q: What can I do with a certificate program in photography?
I know is not going to be much if I have a associate degree in photography, but I am majoring in biology and I would like to study a certificate program in photography which you complete in less of a year to get a job and pay for my graduate studies. What exactly can I do and where can I work with a certificate? Can I land a job in a Photo Center in Walgreen's? What else can I do? correction: I mean that with a certificate program is not going to do much compared with a associate degree in photography*

A: you can set up your own business type deal, do weddings,birthdays, graduation pics etc or if not your own business work in a photography studio that would be cool

Q: Masters Certificate Programs Carry any Weight in the business world. from Tulane U accredited also?
I am thinking about obtaining my Masters Certification in Business Marketing. Tulane University offers the program. It is the core Masters Level Curriculum studies without the electives. Any opinions?

A: I've never heard of a masters CERTIFICATE before? what in the world is that? Get a plain old fashioned DEGREE if you are going to get anything.

Q: Is there a sonography certificate program near San Antonio Texas?
I would love to get a degree in it and I know there are many colleges near San Antonio that offer this but I struggle with the math requirements of college algebra so much. I have attempted twice and think maybe a certificate program that does not require the college algebra would be best for me. I have some experience as a volunteer with sonography and do not see that I would need the algebra.

A: When thinking about entering an ultrasound program, you need not be concerned so much about certificate vs. degree. What is important is that you go to an ACCREDITED program, whether it is college or hospital based. An accredited program allows you to take your registry (licensing) exams upon graduation. Once you get licensed, you will never be asked about your schooling again. An employer does not care what route you take to get licensed, they just want you to have that license. Don't waste your time or money on a NON-accredited program. Upon completion and graduation from a NON-accredited program, you must work in the field of sonography for a full year prior to taking your licensing examinations. But, you will have a hard time finding an employer to hire you, unless you are licensed. I would suggest you observe an imaging department to get an idea of what ultrasonographers do daily. There is much more to it than scanning pregnant women. Most people have no idea how much is involved in this career! You can find a list of accredited schools in your area, by searching "diagnostic medical sonography" and your state at the following site. There are links provided for each program, which will give you additional information (including course duration): http://www.caahep.org/Find_An_Accredited_Program.aspx Many people, myself included, go to school to become a radiologic technologist, before continuing to ultrasound school. In fact, it can be difficult to get into u/s school without the RT license. There are many more choices for schools for x-ray in most states. You can find them here, by searching “radiography“ and your state: http://www.jrcert.org/cert/Search.jsp The pay for ultrasound technologists will vary, depending on experience and geographical location. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists just did a large salary survey, in 2007. You can see how much a RT and/or ultrasound technologist averaged, per year, in your state here: https://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/research/wss2007/wss07annualcompensation.pdf

Q: Post-Bachelor's Degree Certificate Programs?
I'm at an early stage of my career - graduated in 2007 - and have been working in IT consulting. I'm eager to continue my education, however I don't think I have the requisite experience in my field to make a full-bore graduate program worth the significant investment involved/possibility of making me "over-qualified/under-experienced" at this moment in my career. I have been doing some research and have seen certificate programs offered through various university extension programs/colleges that seem like they might provide a sort of "bridge" that would help bolster my skills. I was wondering if people had opinion/experiences with this kind of program and would be willing to share. Thanks!

A: Certificates are a good way to 'bridge' into a full-graduate program. You should still look into a graduate program which also offers a certificate. This way, if you complete the certificate, the credits can still count towards your graduate degree.