Posted by These days, it is super easy to switch careers and excel in it. Moreso, it is very convenient to learn a totally new skill in six months or less, and chart your career in your desired path. This is because there are short certificate programs that pay well on the labor market these days; and with only six months (or more) dedicated to going down the rabbit hole to learn these skills, you can find yourself making some decent income for yourself.
Some of these skills are side hustles at best; while others may be taken upon as full-time jobs. But whatever you choose, it is important that you select a great job that you will enjoy doing. In this blog, you will discover 25 short certificate programs that pay well, and underneath each listicle, we’ve included key resources that can help you get started on your learning as soon as possible.
So, if you’re stuck in that time loop where you want to learn and practice something new immediately without having to spend four years in college learning it, or you want to change careers, or you’re trying to take on easier roles as side hustles that afford you time for your family and other things that matter to you, then we think you’ll love what we’ve done with this one. Continue reading to learn about 25 short certificate programs that pay well.
Choosing the Right Short Certificate Programs for You
Truly, the internet presents us with numerous opportunities for career growth and resources to equip us with new skills that help us to grow, but then the question of relevance becomes a thing of concern.
As a matter of fact, the internet is full of so many courses and education materials. However, if you fail to understand how to structure a learning plan for yourself, then there are chances you will struggle to make any progress with your skill.
So, you haven’t figured out a skill you want to learn in the next six months? Here are some questions that can guide you.
Identify Your Career Goals & Interests
Deciding your career goals and interests can be nigh impossible. But here are some inner questions that can help when you’re just starting out.
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What skills do I want to develop?
- What are my long-term career goals?
Research the Job Market and Earning Potential
After identifying your career interests, you can go ahead and research the job market and the earning potential of that role. This will give you an idea of the types of jobs that are available in your field of interest, as well as the salary ranges for those jobs.
Evaluate the Program’s Curriculum & Training Facilities
After you have identified your career goals and interests and researched the job market and earning potential, you should evaluate the program’s curriculum and training facilities. Look for programs that offer hands-on training and practical experience, as well as coursework that is relevant to your career goals.
Check the Program’s Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Before enrolling in a short certificate program, you should check the program’s accreditation and industry recognition. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and educational rigor, while industry recognition can indicate that the program is highly regarded by employers in your field of interest.
Look for Opportunities for Internships, Apprenticeships, and Job Placements
Finally, you should look for opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and job placements when choosing a short certificate program. These opportunities can provide you with valuable real-world experience and connections in your chosen field, which can increase your chances of finding a high-paying job after completing the program.
List of 25 Short Certificate Programs That Pay Well
Here is a list of 25 short certificate programs that pay well:
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Web Design
- HVAC-R Technician
- Truck Driver
- Licensed Real Estate Agent
- IT Support
- Brick Mason
- Personal Trainer
- Firefighter
- Air Traffic Controller
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Ophthalmic Medical Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics
- Financial Clerks
- Flight Attendant
- Bookkeeper
- Massage Therapist
- Building Inspector
- Restaurant Management
- Paralegal
- Project Management Professional
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.
Overview of 25 Short Certificate Programs That Pay Well
We’ll provide brief insights into what these roles entail, and how quickly you can expect to fast-track into these roles; as well as the best short certificate programs that you can take to boost your career options. Let’s delve into it.
1. Medical Billing & Coding
A medical biller and coder is a healthcare professional who converts medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments into universal codes for billing and insurance purposes. They collaborate with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to ensure that medical services are billed and reimbursed accurately and on time.
Enrolling in medical billing and coding training takes anything between 9 – 16 months; and they earn $21.74 per hour, making them decent earners. In terms of the best schools to enroll in, Black Hawk College stands out as one of the best schools for medical billing and coding.
2. Web Design
Web design courses are short certificate programs that teach students how to create and design websites. These programs typically take six months to a year to complete and can lead to a career in web design and development.
The average salary for web designers is $70,000 per year, and the demand for this skill set is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade.
On learning web design, you can choose to be either self-taught or pay a trainer to teach you. Either option you choose, it is important that you dedicate the time necessary to learning and enough practice to enable you to stand out in what you do.
Some handpicked web design courses for you include:
- Ultimate Web Design Course by Webflow University
- Web Design for Everybody by the University of Michigan
3. HVAC-R Technician
HVAC-R technicians (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems. Programs that teach HVAC typically take nine months to a year to complete and can lead to a career in HVAC installation and maintenance.
Graduates can work for HVAC companies, building contractors, or start their own businesses. The average salary for HVAC technicians is $50,000 per year, and the demand for this skill set is expected to grow. Some great learning resources for you are as follows:
- HVAC Training School Course by SkillCat.
- Online Certified HVAC/R Technician Training by the University of North Dakota
4. Truck Driver
Getting a certificate program in truck driving will teach you how to operate and drive commercial trucks. These programs are typically completed in a few weeks to a few months and can lead to a career in transportation, logistics, and commercial truck driving.
Truck drivers earn an average of $45,000 per year, and demand for this skill set is expected to grow by 2% over the next decade. Because truck driving is a very physical skill, it is important that you learn it in person. You can do this by asking around in your neighborhood to learn about the best truck driving schools you can enroll in.
5. Licensed Real Estate Agent
Further on this list, we have real estate agents. Real estate agents are licensed professionals working in the industry and may represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Real estate agents typically earn money via commissions from connecting buyers to sellers and selling off properties, and may sometimes not have a stable salary.
But numerous staffing agencies reported that real estate agents make around $90,000 per year as their take-home pay. And best of all, a real estate agency is a job you can do either part-time role, or full-time. To begin working in this industry, it is important that you go through real estate vocational schools near you or online schools like The CE Shop or RealEstateU—two top selections for you.
6. IT Support
As an IT Support Admin, you will responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting computer hardware, software, and network systems to ensure smooth and efficient operations of businesses and their operations. Transitioning to an IT support role takes around six months or more and they make up to $20.05 per hour. Our recommended short certificate program for this skill that we’re sure pays well is Google’s IT Support Professional Course.
7. Brick Mason
If you enjoy working with your hands and are interested in construction, becoming a brick mason could be a great career choice. Brick masons work on a variety of projects, from new home construction to repairing existing structures. You can learn the necessary skills, such as laying bricks and blocks, mixing mortar, and interpreting blueprints, through a short certificate program.
You can expect to earn around $46,000 per year after completing a brick mason certificate program, with the potential to earn more with experience. For this role, we recommend this Masonry Online Course by Careers Guide.
8. Personal Trainer
If you’re passionate about fitness and enjoy helping others achieve their health goals, becoming a personal trainer could be the right fit for you. Through a short certificate program, you’ll learn how to design exercise programs, provide nutritional guidance, and motivate clients to reach their fitness goals.
The median annual salary for personal trainers is around $40,000, with the potential to earn more with experience and additional certifications.
9. Firefighter
For those who are lion-hearted, physically fit, and want to make a difference in their community, becoming a firefighter is a highly rewarding career option. Through a short certificate program, you’ll learn about fire safety, emergency medical services, and how to handle various types of emergencies.
Firefighters earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 – $60,000 with the potential to earn more with experience and additional training. However, the job of a firefighter is usually daunting, as you’ll be the first point of contact in the case of any emergency fire breakouts happening in any nearby neighborhood. To succeed in this role, you must be fearless, physically fit, and not be scared of heights to be able to pass the training. If you tick all the boxes, then you can take relevant courses offered by the National Fire Academy to begin your voyage.
10. Air Traffic Controller
If you’re looking for a high-stress, high-paying career, becoming an air traffic controller may be the right choice for you. Through a short certificate program, you’ll learn about aviation regulations, aircraft performance, and how to coordinate air traffic. The median annual salary for air traffic controllers is around $47,000 (lowest) to $100,000.
The best ATC courses out there for you include:
11. Phlebotomy Technician
If you’re interested in the medical field and enjoy working with patients, becoming a phlebotomy technician may be a great career choice. Through a short certificate program, you’ll learn how to collect blood samples, properly handle laboratory specimens, and maintain patient records.
Phlebotomy technicians earn a median annual salary of around $35,000, with the potential to earn more with experience and additional certifications.
Being that phlebotomy is a profession that is crucial to public service, it is important that you opt for top phlebotomy schools that you can take part in and get the needed knowledge to practice. This training doesn’t take more than 18 months to complete.
12. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are critical in healthcare, assisting physicians and nurses with patient care and administrative tasks. Through a short certificate program, you’ll learn about anatomy, medical terminology, and how to take patient vitals.
The median annual salary for medical assistants is around $34,000, with the potential to earn more with experience and additional certifications.
Like phlebotomy, it is important that you opt for accredited schools that offer certificate programs in medical assistance so that you can stand out to your employers when you are finally job-ready. Some recommendations for you include Purdue University-Des Moines, American Career College, and Concorde Career College. These schools offer comprehensive programs in medical assisting and last for about 8 months.
13. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants work alongside dentists to help provide patient care, perform administrative duties, and maintain a clean and safe dental office. Through a short certificate program, you’ll learn about dental procedures, equipment sterilization, and patient communication.
The median annual salary for dental assistants is around $38,000, with the potential to earn more with experience and additional certifications. If you’re keen on receiving professional training on dental assisting, then it is important that you consider only accredited dental schools; you can begin here—Monroe Community College Dental Assistant.
14. Ophthalmic Medical Technician
Ophthalmic medical technicians assist ophthalmologists with patient care, including administering eye exams, performing tests, and maintaining patient records. Through a short certificate program, you’ll learn about the anatomy and physiology of the eye, as well as various ophthalmic procedures.
The median annual salary for ophthalmic medical technicians is around $37,120 (~according to U.S. News). In the aspect of formal education training for OMTs, you can choose to either enroll in a vocational school or be educated in a formal college or university. Most of these schools make provision for online certification programs that can be completed in a short time.
Also, you can look forward to certain things when looking for a school; such as if a school of your choice is accredited, and whether it has reviews that are positive about its training quality. Moreso, some schools can also provide you with first-hand employment orientation to aid your entry into the role. Our recommended vocational school is Eye Tech Training. But if you’re looking for a college education, schools like Alexander Technical & Community College offer a 60-credit online course for you to take advantage of.
15. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide essential medical care to patients in emergency situations. They respond to emergency calls, assess the patient’s condition, and provide medical treatment and transportation to the hospital. EMTs typically complete a short certificate program, which can be completed in as little as six months.
Schools for EMT certificate training include:
- National Medical Education Training Centre (ranked as the “best overall” by Verywellhealth 2023)
- EMT and Fire Training Incorporated: AEMT Course (best for advanced EMT training ~ Verywellhealth)
In the United States, EMTs earn between $32,590 and $41,390 per year and are fairly comfortable earners.
16. Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics
Automotive service technicians and mechanics repair and maintain vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses. They use diagnostic tools to identify problems, perform maintenance and repairs, and ensure that vehicles are running efficiently. These professionals are an important part of the automotive industry and rake in more than $40,000 in annual income.
Also, a short certificate program in automotive technology can be completed in as little as six months or slightly more.
17. Financial Clerks
Financial clerks perform a variety of administrative tasks related to financial transactions. They may be responsible for processing transactions, maintaining financial records, and providing customer service. A short certificate program in accounting or bookkeeping can be completed in as little as six months.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for financial clerks is $44,760. To work as a financial clerk, the entry-level job requirement is typically a high school diploma. Any other prior training in business or economics gives you the advantage to earn more money.
18. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of airline passengers during flights. They provide customer service, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergencies.
A short certificate program in flight attendant training can be completed in as little as six weeks. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for flight attendants is $61,640, and the demand for these professionals is expected to grow 21% from 2021 to 2031.
Top flight attendant schools to attend are:
19. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers are responsible for maintaining financial records for businesses and organizations. They use accounting software to record financial transactions, reconcile accounts, and prepare financial reports. A short certificate program in bookkeeping can be completed in as little as six months. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for bookkeepers ranges between $37,710 to $46,910, depending on the area of expertise and industry.
To get started as a bookkeeper, you must have completed your high school diploma, and preferably taken courses in accounting.
The best places for you to learn are:
20. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists use various techniques to manipulate muscles and soft tissues to improve a client’s physical and mental well-being. They may work in spas, healthcare facilities, or their own private practice.
A short certificate program in massage therapy can be completed in as little as six weeks. Compared to most other skills on this list, massage therapy may be comparatively easier to learn. But there are certain skills you must possess to get a good head start. To get started with learning, you can enroll in any massage therapy school of your choosing.
21. Building Inspector
Building Inspectors make $58,066 annually, according to Payscale; coupled with the fact that they are important players in the infrastructure business. Like the name sounds, a building inspector is a professional who ensures that all relevant safety standards and regulations are strictly enforced during building projects.
They offer useful advice on the best practices for safety for all workers, the environment, and people alike, and how a construction or building project affects these entities. Usually, they are employed by a city or municipality. To get started as a building inspector, you only need s high school diploma, and then you can enroll in a relevant vocational school and get formally trained on all aspects of the business in under twelve months.
22. Restaurant Management
If you’re interested in a career in the hospitality industry, a certificate in restaurant management could be a great way to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. These programs typically cover topics such as menu planning, staff management, marketing, and financial management.
One example of a certificate program in this field is the Professional Certificate in Restaurant Management offered by Cornell University. This program is designed to help participants develop the skills they need to manage a successful restaurant operation. Courses cover topics such as menu engineering, hospitality law, and service excellence.
Another option is the Restaurant Management Certificate offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. This program covers topics such as food and beverage management, human resources, and revenue management, and can be completed in as little as 6 months.
Doing so can position you for roles such as restaurant manager, food service director, or hospitality manager.
23. Paralegal
Potential Salary: $36,410 (lowest)
If you want to work in the legal field but don’t want to commit to a full law degree, a certificate in paralegal studies may be a good option for you. These programs will prepare you to work in a law office, government agency, or another legal setting.
Georgetown University’s Paralegal Certificate is an example of a program in this field. This program is intended to give students a solid foundation in legal concepts as well as practical skills. Legal research and writing, litigation, and contracts are some of the topics covered in the courses.
UCLA Extension also provides a Paralegal Studies Certificate. Topics covered in this program include legal ethics, civil litigation, and legal writing.
By completing a certificate program in paralegal studies, you can position yourself for roles such as paralegal, legal assistant, or legal researcher.
24. Project Management Professional
Potential Salary: $93,000
If you’re interested in a career in project management, earning a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification could be a great way to demonstrate your expertise and enhance your earning potential. PMP certification is recognized globally and is often required for high-level project management roles.
To earn a PMP certification, you’ll need to complete a training program that covers project management concepts, tools, and techniques. One example of a program in this field is the PMP Exam Prep Course offered by the Project Management Institute. This program covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and project closing.
Thus, by earning a PMP certification, you can position yourself for roles such as project manager, program manager, or project coordinator.
25. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
If you’re interested in a career in cloud computing and network solutions, earning an AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification could be a great way to demonstrate your expertise and enhance your earning potential. This certification is recognized globally and is often required for high-level cloud computing roles.
An AWS Solutions Architect makes around $159,033 annually in the United States and is effortlessly the highest-paying skill we have on this list.
To earn an AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification, you’ll need to complete a training program that covers AWS architecture and services, deploying and managing operating workloads on AWS, and more. The training offered by AWS is the recommended starting point for you if you have an interest in this path.
FAQs About Short Certificate Programs That Pay Well
What are short certificate programs?
Short certificate programs are typically educational programs that are designed to provide students with a specific set of skills or knowledge in a specific field over a short period of time. These programs are typically completed in less than a year and can lead to entry-level positions or advanced certification in a variety of industries.
How much can you make with a short certificate program?
Earning potential for someone with a short certificate program varies by field and location. However, depending on the job and location, someone with a short certificate program can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 per year.
How long does it take to complete a short certificate program?
Some short certificate programs can be completed in a matter of hours; while some others can take weeks and months to finish. However, this answer will largely depend on several factors, including the course type, and the school offering the course.
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Wrapping It Up
Finally, short certificate programs can be a great option for those looking to quickly learn new skills or advance in their careers. These programs can lead to well-paying jobs in a variety of industries, and many of them offer financial aid to make them more accessible. However, it is critical to select a reputable program that will provide you with the necessary skills and training to meet your objectives. A short certificate program can be a valuable investment in your future with careful research and planning.