There is no doubt that you need more than just a high school diploma to earn a good living. That does not mean that you need years and years of schooling after graduating from high school to get a good job. There is a real shortage of skilled vocational workers. In this post, we will focus on some of the best 6-month certificate programs that pay well.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree program after graduating from high school can help improve your chances of getting a well-paying job. Unfortunately, most of these programs are costly and might take you years to complete. Many people also don’t have the means to go back to college and pursue a 4-year degree online without earning an income.
Why many people are now preferring 6-month certificate programs
Certificate programs are the best alternative to degree programs. They take less time (3 to 6 months) than a degree to complete and cost less than a degree. These programs can equip you with the skills and the experiences that you need for a given job. They are also useful for people who have years of experience and are looking to advance their skills to get a promotion or change their career.
There are so many benefits of enrolling and completing an online certificate program. It can open doors to a variety of high-paying jobs and a long-term career. If you are a high school graduate, completing a 6-month certificate program can equip you with the skills and experiences that you need to stand out in the job market. That means you will get a job and start pocketing a good salary sooner. Completing an online certificate program in a field that is related to your profession will make you a more knowledgeable and better employee than others.
Finding the right certificate program for you
There are hundreds of certificate programs that you can pursue online. Finding the right program for you can help you get a job offer faster. Here are some of the things that you should do to find the right certificate program and school for you.
Ask your contacts
If you want to start a new career path, you should start by asking people that are already in that field which certificates or degrees do people in that field have. Ask them to recommend the best certificate program. If some of your contacts have completed an online certificate program, you should get feedback on both the program and the school.
Talk to your current employer
If you want to get certification to boost your career, you should start by talking with your employer. He might be in a position to suggest certificate programs that can help boost your resume and attract promotion. Your employer might even be willing to pay for certain certificate programs that are related to your current job because it will have a positive value to the company.
Find an accredited school
Just because a school is generating many advertisements does not mean that it is the best option. In fact, most for-profit schools offering online certificate programs are not accredited. To avoid wasting your time and money, you should make sure that the school of your choice is accredited by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation or the US Department of Education.
Talk to alumni
Talking to alumni before you enroll in an online certificate program can help avoid investing in a bad certificate program. Many schools are willing to connect aspiring students with their alumni or past students who can answer questions about the program. When you get a chance to talk to those alumni, you should ask them about how the program is like, and whether it has helped them secure a job. You should never enroll in any course that does not guarantee return on investment.
6-month certificate programs that pay well
Web design and development
Web design is among the fields that are currently experiencing a high job growth rate. Apart from paying well, this program will also help you get a remote job. If you decide to get into this field, you need to know that more than 50 percent of your competitors have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or any other related field. You also need to know that being a web developer is more than completing a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Web design is an evidence and experience-based field, which makes it the best certificate program for people who are good at technology and coding but can’t afford a 4-year degree.
An online certificate course in web design takes 6 months to two years depending on your learning pace. Some of the best certification courses for web design include:
- Udemy Web Design Courses
- Sessions College Professional Certificate in Web Design
- Cornell Web Design and Development Certificate
The average salary for a web developer ranges from $40,000 to $90,000 per year.
Auto mechanic
If you love cars, then you should consider becoming an auto mechanic or service tech. In this career, you will have a chance to work with different models and makes of cars and trucks.
There are several certification options for people who are looking to break into a new career in this field. The easiest and fastest way is to pursue a 6 months auto mechanic certificate program. The best thing about this program is that the industry allows you to grow in pay grade with time and work on new projects. Some of the best certification programs for a person who wants to get into a career in the auto mechanic industry include:
- Penn Foster Auto Repair Technician Program
- Universal Technical Institute-Auto Mechanic School
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE Certificate)
The average salary for an auto mechanic is $38,470 per year.
Court reporting
The main role of court reporters is to transcribe discussions and interrogations during trials, depositions, and other legal proceedings in a court. To work as a court reporter, you need at least a certificate in court reporting from a technical institute or a community college.
You can complete a court reporting certificate course in six months. After completing a court reporting certificate course, you might have to apply for a license depending on your state. The median salary for a court reporter is $60,130. You can also increase your earning potential by learning techniques that can help you report on the deaf.
Construction and building inspector
As a construction and building technician, your role will be to check and make sure that structures meet all the required regulations. Many inspectors get certification from a community college. Apart from the six months certificate program, you can also get a certification after completing a 2-years associate’s degree.
The average salary for a construction and building inspector is $60,710 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction and building inspectors will see a 3 percent job growth rate between 2020 and 2030.
Medical coding
Medical coders use special codes and alphanumeric to record and interpret information about a patient’s health conditions. They are also responsible for processing medical and insurance claims. The medical coder position requires a person with diligence and extreme carefulness because a simple error can cause a huge problem.
If you are willing to break into the medical coder career, you should complete a 6-months medical coding certificate program. In some schools, you can get certification after completing 3 months of coursework. According to the US Bureau of Statistics, the salary for a medical coder ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 per year.
Electrician
Electricians are in charge of systems and wiring that provide electricity to a facility. A professional electrician can design, install, inspect, maintain, and repair or troubleshoot electrical wiring systems. You need to complete an electrical certificate course you to get a license. After completing the program, you will also have to go for a long-term apprenticeship to get hands-on industry skills.
Skilled electricians are in higher demand. According to the US Bureau of Statistics, employment for professional electricians will grow by approximately 8 percent from 2019 to 2029. That means that pursuing a 6-months electrical certificate program will definitely lead you to a well-paying career. Electrician salary ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
Flight attendant
If you love traveling and exploring the world, you should consider becoming a flight attendant. These are the employees that you find in a plane whose duty is to serve customers while they are in the sky. They give directions on what to do in case of an emergency and guide customers all through the safety exits. They may also serve customers with pretzels and sodas.
Flight attendant isn’t a bad gig for people whose hobby is traveling. Apart from getting a good salary, other benefits of getting into this career include the ability to travel regularly and free flights for your immediate family.
You don’t need a college degree to get into this position. A 6 months certificate program from an accredited school is enough. Even if you have a diploma or bachelor’s degree, you will still have to partake in a training program or certification for airlines to accept you. The average salary for flight attendants is $77,335 per year.
