Educational certificate programs are offered by an institute of higher education, and they signify that a student has reached a certain standard of knowledge about a given vocational or professional subject. It is a recognized credential that can help indicate to employers what kinds of training and competency the job applicant possesses. In today’s job market, it can be difficult to find a job, especially one that pays well and has long-term potential. Having an educational certificate may give job seekers an advantage and a foot in the door to numerous jobs in various industries.
What are the Benefits of Earning an Educational Certificate?
Certificate programs can be completed more quickly than Associates degrees and many of them do not have general education requirements. If you are seeking a way to become credentialed in order to find a good job with a good salary, earning an educational certificate can be a great – and quick – route to pursue. In addition, if you wish to expand your higher education later on, often the knowledge and experience you have gained gives you an advantage in your further studies at the Associates or Bachelors level.
Educational Certificate Programs at Florida National University
Florida National University (FNU) offers educational certificate programs in the following areas: Auto Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD), Call Center / Customer Service, Clinical Echocardiography, Dental Assistant, English as a Second Language (ESL) – Basic, Intermediate, and High Intermediate Levels, Patient Care Technician, and Practical Nursing.
Below are summaries of the various educational certificate programs and the requirements to achieve them.
Auto Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD) – Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. It is an industrial art used in a number of fields including automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries; industrial and architectural design; medical device and prosthetics design; computer animation for film special effects; advertising and technical manuals; and other types of digital content creation. Students of this program learn to utilize AutoCAD software to take an idea from concept to product in various engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, architectural, civil, pipe and electronic engineering. Topics covered within the certificate program include AutoCAD tools, 2D commands, and an introduction to 3D modeling, isometric drawing, and creating slideshows. Extensive coverage of dimensioning and GD&T is also covered in the program.
Call Center / Customer Service – This certificate program provides the basic knowledge along with the practical skills required to confidently and effectively work in a customer service or call center environment. The certificate prepares students for immediate employment in customer service or a call center. Courses include fundamental skills such as call center operations, customer service communications, sales and marketing in a call center, and professional Spanish language skills.
Clinical Echocardiography – Echocardiography refers to taking sonograms of the heart, often in a clinical or hospital setting. Echocardiography uses various techniques and technologies to create images of the heart. This certificate program is designed to prepare students to produce two-dimensional ultrasonic recordings, Doppler flow analyses of the heart, and related structures using ultrasound equipment, which are then used by physicians to study the heart’s functions and to diagnose heart conditions or diseases. This program prepares the students to pass the Registry exam with CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International). Keep in mind, however, that in order to qualify for enrollment in the Clinical Echocardiography Certificate program, applicants must have completed a program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Dental Assistant – This certificate program is aimed at preparing students for entry-level employment as dental assistants and dental auxiliaries – an in-demand career across the country. Upon successful completion and awarding of the certificate, students may apply to take the Certified Dental Assistant Examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board. Graduates are eligible for employment as dental assistants with expanded functions and radiography skills.
English as a Second Language – This program offers three levels of certification: Basic, Intermediate, and High Intermediate. The program is designed primarily to help students acquire conversational ability and basic functional skills in English. The program provides training in all four core areas of linguistic competency: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Levels are determined based on an English Placement Test, given before starting the course. While each level offers a certificate upon completion, the program does not earn college credit should the student decide to continue higher education.
Patient Care Technician (PCT) – The purpose of this program is to prepare the student for an entry level position as a patient care assistant. The program provides training in the fundamental aspects of patient care and basic nursing skills; the knowledge and skills required of home health aides; and core competencies in basic EKG (electrocardiography) and venipuncture techniques. Graduates will be qualified for employment in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other health-related facilities.
Practical Nursing – The purpose of this program is to prepare the student for employment as a practical nurse – one of the country’s fastest growing fields. The program includes such topics as anatomy & physiology and medical terminology; pharmacology; growth & development and nutrition; maternity and newborn nursing, as well as pediatric nursing; medical-surgical nursing; and practical nursing communications. Upon successful completion of the practical nursing certificate, graduates have both the theoretical knowledge and clinical competence to obtain licensure as a practical nurse, as well as the standard of professionalism necessary for the successful practice of nursing.
Educational Certificates – A Recognized Credential in the Job Market
Educational Certificate programs are a great way to obtain practical knowledge, hands-on training and a recognized credential that can be immediately applied in the job market. If you are looking for a route to boosting your salary, and to having a satisfying career with numerous job prospects, consider enrolling for an educational certificate program. Contact one of FNU’s helpful career and admissions advisors today to get started on exploring your options. A brighter future awaits you!
