Earning a college certificate can lead to a higher paying job.
If you want to increase your earning power without completing an entire two or four year college degree, you will want to explore college certificates. A quick online search will show you lots of offers for quick certification programs. But you need to exercise caution. Private certification programs can be expensive and many are not accredited. Your local community college provides the lowest cost option for earning certification. Many of their programs are also transferable, which means you can apply your classes toward a college degree. Colleges offer certificates in subjects ranging from History to Buddhist studies, but the best paying certificate programs are targeted to specific skills in demand by employers. You can earn a college certificate with only 16 to 18 credits and be ready to apply for a higher paying job.
Certificate in Accounting
Many community colleges offer certificates in accounting. To earn these certificates you will need to complete classes such as fund accounting and income tax accounting. Once you complete this certificate you can apply for a position as a bookkeeper, auditor or accounting clerk. In 2010, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics says middle-earners these positions earned up to $40,130 per annum.
Certificate in Computer Technology
Computer technology certificates are one of the most lucrative certificates you can earn. You will take classes like network administration and database development when you complete a certificate in computer technology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says, "Median annual wages of network systems and data communication analysts were $71,100 in May 2008." After you've completed your computer technology certification you are qualified to take specific certifications in proprietary systems like Cisco or Microsoft products, which will allow you to earn even more.
Certificate in Laboratory Technology
Colleges offer a variety of laboratory technology certificates in specialties ranging from phlebotomy to radiology. According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010, the median salary for these jobs were between $28,420 and $44,310. You will take general biology and chemistry classes while earning these certificates, as well as applied classes in medical technologies.
Certificate in Technical Engineering
You can earn a certificate in technical engineering in a wide variety of specialties from aerospace to civil engineering. To complete these certificate programs you will take basic math and computer programs, as well as specific classes like scientific injection molding or vehicle dynamics. The salaries for these jobs vary according to your specialty, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported median annual wage of between $41,000 to $55,000 in 2008.
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