Going for quick certifications that pay well might be the route to take toward your desired career.
So if you can’t afford to pile up on students loan, and years of sitting in a classroom, don’t worry. There’s still an alternative path that will bring in the paycheck in a fraction of the time it would take to earn a college degree. Moreover, these programs are a faster, cost-effective way to land a job.
In this article, we will help you explore the various options available to you within different time frames. These certifications cover various fields like tech, healthcare, allied health, construction, trade skills and so much more.
Read on to choose a certificate program that will help you gather well-tailored industry-specific skills to immediately begin work and earn a living.
What are certificate programs?
A certificate program is a specialized education that develops or hones specific career or vocational skills. It could also be designed as part of continuing education. In that case, it would build on an already existing knowledge base.
In other cases, it teaches foundational skills and knowledge. You can earn a certificate in many different areas. There are programs in tech like web design, business, health care, and computer science. Other certificate programs are available in more vocational fields like photography.
This article will go over quick certifications that pay well. It will benefit those without prior education in their intended field who want to quickly learn about a subject in order to enter the market and offer their services.
Why enroll in a quick certification program
Having a certification will give you a formal verification to prove your capabilities and qualifications in a certain field of study.
As a result, it can help you land a new job or advance in your current position and increase your earning potential.
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Benefits of Certificate Programs
The main benefits of enrolling in a certificate program as opposed to a college degree program include:
Personalized Attention
The classes are more likely to be smaller in a certificate program because hands-on training is a big part of the curriculum.
Lower cost
Certificate programs offer a cheaper option to learn practical and applicable skills. This means little to no students loans
Shorter Time
Training periods are shorter in these programs. Consequently, the cost is more affordable than college courses.
Job-specific training.
The courses taken in a certificate program prepares you to perform in specific roles. There isn’t much time for generalized education in certificate programs.
Fast track to a Rewarding Job
Because students in certificate programs only take courses that are relevant to the job, they spend less time in the classroom and are ready for the practical world a lot faster.
All these make good economic sense.
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Best 15 Quick Certifications that Pay Well
- Web Development
- Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Surgical Technician
- Electrician
- Flight Attendant
- Carpentry
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Front Office Administration Specialist
- Welding
- HVACR Technicians
- Massage Therapist
- Photographers
- Dental Assistant
- Fitness Trainers and Instructors
These certification programs cover skills that can be obtained through trade schools. The sectors are spread over health, allied health, and others. Find them below in no particular order:
#1 Web Development
A Web development certificate is one that pays very well. As a web developer, you will create and design websites for those who need this service. And the demand is high with a promising prospect. Web designers also do other things like maintaining the site by constantly checking the website’s performance and speed. The job prospect is expected to grow by 13%.
#2. Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide
Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide is one of the best quick certifications that pay well in 2023. The U.S. Department of Labor evaluates the growth for this role to increase by 23% at the end of 2028.
To become a physical therapist aide (PTA), you must take part in and complete the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) approved program. During your course of study, you will learn about anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology, and test your skills through clinical rotations.
As an assistant to a physical therapist, you will help patients recover from an illness or injury. This you will do by setting up equipment, taking care of patient’s mobility as well as other tasks connected with administration.
The job role will give you an opportunity to work in the health care sector either full-time or part-time. It takes about a month to train for this position with a Median Salary of $45,290.
#3. Phlebotomy Technician
A phlebotomy certificate will set you up for a career in the healthcare sector. Phlebotomists take people’s good samples for testing, research, and donations. The certification program teaches anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology and you will work in the lab during your training to identify, label, and keep track of blood samples taken from patients.
There are a lot of job opportunities for phlebotomists and the job growth is expected to increase by 25%. You can work in labs, donor centers as well as doctor’s offices, and hospitals.
You’ll be surprised to learn that it takes less than 4 months to earn a Phlebotomist certification.
#4. Surgical Technology
Another quick certification that pays well is Surgical Technology. As a surgical technologist, you will have the job of assisting in operating rooms. Your role is to help prepare the operating rooms, and equipment and sterilize patients. You will also help doctors during surgeries.
The program can take a few months to two years to qualify. However, the job outlook is very strong.
#5. Electrician
An electrician certificate will land you access to the power sector. You will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and fixing of electrical fittings and wirings in homes and offices. It is one of the best quick certifications that pay well year in and year out as electricians are very relevant personnel.
Their job also includes overseeing electrical systems, gadgets, and more. The Salary range is around $52,720. And it takes less than 6 months to acquire the skills. Moreover, according to projections, career growth will increase by 9%. You can take a certification program in trade school or a quick one online
#6. Flight Attendant
The median annual wage of a flight attendant is $59,050 while top earners with years of experience earn as high as $84,790 annually. Becoming a flight attendant doesn’t take long but it pays well and will give you a lot of perks like traveling and touring. You only need to meet the requirements and earn a quick certification.
The job role demands flexibility as it’s subject to changing schedules. In addition to being certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, it is necessary to have prior customer service experience
This certificate program is related to Air Traffic Control but takes less time to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Moreover, flight attendant training covers company operations, flight duties, emergency procedures, and much more.
The duties are different from that of a traffic Control official. Some of the tasks you will have to perform are serving aircraft passengers food, and drinks, including providing assistance during flights.
#7. Carpentry
A qualification in Carpentry is a consistent feature among the 15 best quick certifications that pay well. The job role includes repairing and furnishing. Acquiring this technical skill will give you a good means of livelihood without long years of formal schooling. The job has its pros and cons like every other job.
#8. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician is another quick certification that pays well. As a pharmacy technician, you will work under the guidance of a pharmacist. Your job will include preparing and filing medical prescriptions. Pharmacy technicians also handle most customer inquiries that do not require the expertise of a pharmacist
The salary range for a pharmacist technician is $30,753 per year and it takes about 3 months to complete
#9. Medical Front Office Administration Specialist
As a receptionist, MFOAS act as the first point of call for patients checking in at the front desk. In other words, depending on the environment, they could perform in person or over-the-phone customer service. You could work in hospitals or doctor’s offices as an office assistant.
This job includes a variety of administrative tasks like keeping tabs on clients’ appointments, compiling medical records, and transferring lab results. If you are well organized and can execute office-related tasks well, then you can earn a certification for a position as a Medical Front Office Administration Specialist.
#10. Welding
Welding is one of the quick certifications that pay well. It requires intensive training to master. As a technical skill, you can start the journey as an apprentice. As you practice, you can rise to a senior position.
#11. HVACR Technicians
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) certificate programs remain one of the top certifications that pay well. It takes at least 6 months to complete depending on the level of expertise. It could take up to 2 years to skill up.
The duties of an HVAR Technician include:
- Soldering and cutting pipes
- Checking and installing electrical systems
- Insulating refrigerant lines
- Repairing or replacing worn-out parts on heating or air conditioning systems
- Cleaning furnaces
HVAR Technicians are in high demand. The training will also prepare you for electrical jobs. Some localities also require HVACR technicians to be licensed and one to pass a background check before getting employed.
The median annual wage for HVACR technicians in the United States is $50,590 while some more experienced professionals earn as high as $80,820 a year.
#12. Massage therapist
Massage therapy is one of the best-paid certifications that you can get within a short time. It is one of the most popular alternative medicine treatments and the market is booming.
Massage therapists may work on cruise ships, wellness centers, gyms, hospitals, and other places. It is also a low low-stress job that pays well without a degree. To become a massage therapist, you are required to complete a postsecondary program with specific hours of study.
A high school diploma may be required for admission to a massage therapy program. Such programs are usually specific covering areas of
anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology. Different states have different standards and demands regarding licenses and certifications.
According to the U.S.Department of Labor‘s growth forecast, the field is projected to grow by 23% in 2022. This means more jobs and opportunities for certificate holders.
#13. Photographers
You can take a quick certification and become a photographer if images and photos of them excite you. It doesn’t even require postsecondary education for you to become successful.
However, if you want to take your pursuit a bit higher in certain areas like scientific photography, medical photography, and photo-journalism then a post-secondary education is required.
Photography programs are offered in community colleges, vocational institutes, private trade & technical schools, and also universities. You can become a freelance photographer and get paid per contract. The median annual wage for photographers in the United States is $41,280. Top earners get as high as $86,850 a year.
#14. Dental Assistants
As a dental assistant, You will work side by side dentist to take care of oral health. You will also help enlighten patients on how to care for their teeth. Your training will also equip you with the skills to evaluate and control dental issues.
Dental Assistants earn an average salary of $42,310. The certificate program takes at least 6 months and up to 12 months to complete. Community colleges and vocational or technical schools offer these programs.
The Dental Assisting National Board says certified dental assistants earn an average of $20.76 an hour which is $2 more than non-certified dental assistants.
#15. Fitness Trainers and Instructors
One of the best quick certificates that pay well in Fitness training. There are many people who seek services to deal with weight, bodybuilding, and posture problems. As a fitness trainer, you may work in hospitals, gyms, dance studios, sports facilities, and other places.
Alternatively, you may cater to the needs of personal clients. Basically, a high school diploma is needed for entry into this field but you can also get an associate’s degree to increase your chances of better-paying jobs.
Additionally, you can enroll in an online program and be certified within 6 months depending on your commitment but there are certain programs that will up your reputation in practice.
Trainers and instructors earn up to $40,510 while the top-paid ones earn as high as $76,550 a year
2-week certification programs
Take a look at this 2-week quick certification that pays well:
- BLS certification – Basic Life Support
- Certification
- CPR certification Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification
- First Aid Certificate
- Landscaper and groundskeeper
- Lifeguard Training Certification
4- week certificate programs online
Below is a list of 4-week long quick certifications that pay well;
- Digital Sales and Marketing
- HTML Web Design
- Quickbooks
- Medical Billing and Coding
- English as A Second Language Certificate Program
3-month certificate programs that pay well
In 3-months you can earn a quick certification that pays well and begin to earn immediately
- Certified Registered Nurse
- Licensed Real Estate Agent
- Home Aid Aide
- Truck driver
- Emergency Medical Technician
Certificates That Pay Well Without a Degree
You should consider one of these quick certifications that pay well. You are sure to get a good return on your investment.
- Pharmacy technician
- Nuclear power reactor operator
- Funeral director
- Fire Fighter
- IT Support
- Nuclear technician
- Network support specialist
- Sales representative
- Nuclear medicine technologist
- Elevator technician
- Insurance agent
- Railroad conductor
- Avionics technician
Free Certifications That Pay Well
These free Certifications are available online at Coursera. They have the promise to position you well in your future career:
- Machine Learning
- Branding and Negotiation
- Writing in the Sciences
- The Strategy of Content Marketing
- Introduction to User Experience Design
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
Online Certifications That Pay Well
Getting an online certificate in any of these fields will boost your expertise. They are inexpensive and don’t take much time. Plus you can learn on the go.
- Health Care Certificate Programs
- Education and Training Certificate Programs
- Business Certificate Programs
- Law Certificate Programs
- Journalism and Media Certificate Programs
- Certificate Programs in Arts and Design
- Technology Certificate Programs
- Hospitality Certificate Programs
- Health and Fitness Certificate Programs
- Computer Science and IT Certificate
List of high-paying jobs with quick certification
- Building Inspector
- Restaurant Management
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Bookkeeper
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Audio and Sound Technician
- Architectural and Civil Drafter
- Court Reporter
- Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanic
- Computer Support Specialist
- Real Estate broker
Conclusion
There are quite a number of quick certifications that pay well and with a very strong outlook. If you wish to head right into the job market in a short period of time without incurring high debts, then this route is the best for you. You may even go to a trade school first. Subsequently, you may acquire higher education to increase your ratings while paying comfortably for your fees.
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FAQs on Quick Certifications that Pays Well
What are the top 3 quick certifications that make good money?
- Cyber Security
- Cloud Engineering
- IT Certification
What are the high-paying jobs with quick certification?
- Embalming
- Sales Consultant
- Court Reporter
- Car Mechanic
- Plumber
- Hair Styling
How can I apply for quick certificate programs that pay well?
Methods of application depend on the type of program. No institution has the same requirement for application. If applying online, you will visit the school website and enroll in a program of your choice. If it is on-site training, check with the vocational institution and follow their guidelines.
Quick question, how hard or easy it to get a job as a photographer at a local media outlet in the US?
I thought I will see ui/ux … The skills are great and some of them have been listed among best trade skill in 2022