Healthcare certificate programs are offered at the post-bachelors and post-masters levels. Post-bachelors certificates may provide add-on skills and may pave the way for a graduate degree. Post-masters certificates may help students develop expertise in their chosen field.
written by Rana Waxman
One of the reasons to consider healthcare certificate programs is that they may help you develop relevant career skills, without the full commitment of a four-year degree program.
Coursework is usually thematic, which means it targets one aspect of the subject you choose. In fact, in some Healthcare Certificate Programs, students take about five courses. Consequently, they might foster professional development and bulk up their resume.
As professional certificates in health and medicine, students can focus on their chosen field of study. And, many programs are short-term. Since they usually focus on a few thematic courses, some healthcare certificate programs might take less than a year to complete.
Some graduate certificate health and medicine programs may mirror a full masters degree. On its own, the certificate may provide a great base of knowledge. Also, for those who want to continue onto the masters program, they will have fewer courses to take with a certificate under their belt.
Are you a busy adult who wants to diversify your skills? Healthcare certifications may be offered in a format that matches your lifestyle. Choose from online, on-campus or, a blended online program (also called hybrid learning).
Are you a mid-career professional who wants to branch out, refresh your skills, or bone up on current best practices? If you are ready for a change, but not another degree, a graduate
certificate may help bridge the gap between where you are and where you aspire to be.
For instance, many nursing certificates prepare nurses to transition into pedagogy or leadership.
Back in school, whether you earn your graduate certificate on-campus or online, you might benefit from new guidance and faculty mentorship.
DID YOU KNOW?
Employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024.i
Designed for students and professionals, graduate certificates in health and medicine provide an opportunity to focus on a specific area of study. Browse the categories below to get a feel for what might be available.
Keep in mind that each program is likely to have its own admission requirements. For instance, post-masters nursing certificates may require students to have both BSN and MSN degrees, as well as some work experience, and a specific GPA.
A post-bachelors certificate in Biotechnology might provide a venue for students who want a better grasp of the business aspect of the industry. Some programs of this nature entail the completion of about five courses. Students may study some of the key aspects of biotechnology product development--for instance, how to create a new enterprise, finance, marketing, and strategy beyond the science.
Students who successfully complete their certificate may decide to pursue their masters in Biotechnology. Usually, some credits are transferrable. Conversely, students who complete their masters degree first may receive credit toward the certificate.
A bioethics graduate certificate may appeal to current health care professionals who want to learn strategies for how to manage ethical issues in the healthcare system. Some programs of this nature may be grounded in the core educational competencies of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH). Students may take courses in law and bioethics and clinical ethics and may learn how to create policies.
Food safety graduate certificate programs may provide advanced education in the food science industry. Some programs of this nature require completion of about 12 credit hours. In their core courses, students might explore topics such as food microbiology, food safety, and foodborne toxins.
Graduate Certificates in Health Communication may provide students with a grasp of how to design and deliver media support services for healthcare promotions. In their program, students might explore both health and science courses, such as how to educate the public with specific health messages and wellness themes. Other topics might also include how to research, brand, and market health products, services, and campaigns.
A graduate certificate in Healthcare Administration may help students develop managerial skills that apply to a specific enterprise. For instance, an Elder Care Management certificate might explore the legal, regulatory, and public policy issues for those types of environments. Students might take courses that introduce topics such as aging, home care, and Meidcaid.
Candidates might be able to transfer their credits forward to a Master of Science in Management program. Or, they may use the certificate as a stand-alone credential.
Post-degree nursing certificates may help nurses further refine a career path. Usually, individuals with a masters degree in Nursing (from a regionally accredited nursing program) are eligible to apply to a post master's degree certificate program in any of the graduate nursing majors.
A Massage Therapy Certification program may prepare students to be eligible to sit for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). In their courses, students are likely to explore anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, ethics, and relaxation techniques.
Students interested in a graduate summer program might consider a Public Health Certificate program. Some programs of this nature explore key issues such as child abuse, child poverty, and crime prevention. Students study risks and resilience processes along with a set of intervention tools in a short-term program.
Many regionally accredited universities offer healthcare certificates. Aside from this type of ‘stamp of approval’, individual graduate certificate programs may be professionally approved. For instance, nursing certificate programs may be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Filter your search for graduate certificates in health and medicine to pinpoint the program that aligns with your needs. Refine your preference based on the program format. Or, look for healthcare certificate programs by location, such as city, state, or even country.
Compare the programs, and then contact the providers with just one easy click!
[i] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
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