Certificate programs are offered in a classroom or laboratory setting and online. The hands-on nature of some fields requires certain certificate programs to be offered in a classroom or laboratory setting. Some programs are designed to include both classroom and laboratory learning experiences. Vocations that lean more on study, theoretical knowledge and computer-based activity allow students to obtain certifications online. Certifications may be obtained through a community college, local trade school or a private company that runs a school for training future employees. Contact an employer in the field of interest to learn where recent new hires have obtained their certifications.
Certification is offered for a wide variety of professions and vocations. A growing field for certification is the medical field, especially for supporting roles. Sample medical certification programs include kidney dialysis, cardiac perfusionist, phlebotomist, medical coder and surgical technician. Other career fields include paralegal, information technology, green building design and elementary and secondary school teaching. Certificate programs are made available in response to an increase in demand for workers with special technical skill sets.
Whether an individual seeks to expand his professional knowledge base or start a new career, certification programs have a set of minimum requirements that must be met before joining the class. Some programs require a bachelor's degree in a related field of science, such as biology for cardiac perfusionist certification. Other programs require a high school diploma. Many IT software certification programs require that the student already have experience in the field.
Certification programs have a significant advantage for workers and employers alike. Employers appreciate that workers have been trained in a specific skill set relevant to the business and will require little training. Often bachelor's degree students receive more training in theory and have difficulty translating their knowledge base into real-world practice. Workers enjoy the quickness with which a certification can be obtained. Depending on the program, a certification can be obtained in a few weeks or up to two years.