Online Certificates

Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a school that focuses on technical certificate of credit (TCC) programs, both online and on-campus. At GPTC, these programs typically last one year or less and focus on hands-on training rather than academic coursework, in areas such as automotive repair, business, computers or healthcare. Earning a TCC is often useful for students who are looking for entry-level employment in a hands-on field, and the quick completion time of these programs helps students enter the job market in a reasonable timeframe.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: Students who pursue a GPTC certificate program can take advantage of the school's Advising, Career and Retention Services (ACRS) for assistance with resume and cover letter writing, online job search, and interviewing skills. GPTC also maintains veterans services that can help with financial aid, academic counseling, and applying for GI Bill benefits.

Online technical certificate programs at Central Georgia Technical College are delivered asynchronously through Blackboard Learn. One of the most unique programs the school offers is an online electronic metrology certificate that introduces students to the various devices and circuits used in instrumentation. This program focuses on topics such as voltage, capacitors, and spectrum analysis. Students may also enroll in many other TCC programs at CGTC, such as the medical coding certificate program, which covers advanced training in coding skills with classes such as human disease and document production.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: To help students familiarize themselves with Blackboard Learn, CGTC has created a virtual Blackboard tour. Students can also benefit from access to the school's various library guides, such as the ProQuest Search User Guide, APA Citation Guide and SAGE Criminology Journals User Guide.

Most of Northcentral Technical College's certificate programs easily transition into associate degree or technical diploma programs, making them a solid starting point for students looking for an entry point into a higher level of education.

For example, the Computed Tomography imaging clinical certificate is designed for students who are not already working in computed tomography and who are unable to complete their own clinical hours, either on the job or through previous experience. Completing this program not only helps students to learn the skills of computed tomography technologists, but also allows students to sit for the ARRT Post-Primary Examination in Computed Tomography (CT).

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: NTC's accredited online certificate programs are even more affordable than they look, as the school awards about $425,000 annually in scholarships and may even waive college tuition for qualified high school graduates in the NTC District. Also, NTC has transfer agreements with over 50 University of Wisconsin and private college partners, helping their graduates to move to other schools to pursue further education if they are so inclined.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers dozens of TCC programs, many of which may be completed entirely online through Blackboard. Regardless of your area of interest, you can likely find a helpful TCC program at GNTC. For example, childcare workers may consider the early childhood program administration program, while students with an organized and technical mind might enjoy the data entry clerk certificate. Creative minds might take off with a certificate in entrepreneurship, and healthcare workers may benefit from the GNTC program in medical coding.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: GNTC has a close relationship with various businesses in Northwest Georgia and continuously adjusts its certificate programs to meet business and industry needs in the area. In addition, the school has created a dual enrollment program that gives high schoolers the chance to take certificate-level courses before graduation, allowing them to get a head start on their college career.

Students, especially active military or veteran students and their families, may find the American Public University System a perfect fit for their educational needs. The school offers a host of accredited online certificate programs in a plethora of subjects, both at the graduate and undergraduate level. These certificate programs range from 18 to 27 semester hours and are available in subjects such as digital forensics, regional and community planning and life coaching.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: APUS offers an online program finder that can help students find the best online certificate programs for their interests and career goals. Since the school was created to serve motivated active-duty military, veterans and civilian students, its website also hosts a variety of resources that can assist with military and veterans benefits.

Albany Technical College's online TCC programs can typically be completed within one to three semesters via the Blackboard learning system. Courses taken for one of ATC's online technical certificate programs can be applied toward the pursuit of a diploma or degree in the same field afterward. For example, the fire officer TCC can be upgraded into a diploma of fire science technology program, while the supply chain management TCC can be taken into either a diploma or an AAS program in business logistics management.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs:The Career Development Center at ATC offers various services for students pursuing online certificates, including career skills assessments, resume writing assistance and employment referrals. Additionally, ATC is part of the Technical College System of Georgia, which has 25 transfer agreements, making it easy to transfer to other colleges -- including four-year universities.

Online certificate programs at Central Texas College start monthly, making them a great choice for students seeking a flexible program. CTC has a particular emphasis on business-oriented certificates, with multiple programs and specializations available in business management, hospitality management, and human resources management. However, the school also offers choices in many other subjects, including criminal justice, office technology and medical office technology.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: At CTC, students can receive credit for their military training and experience through the school's Fast Forward program. The college also awards about 200 scholarships through the CTC Foundation each year, paring down its already affordable tuition costs to make them even more manageable for its students.

Through the Canvas learning system, Ivy Technical Community College hosts a wide portfolio of accredited online certificate programs. Students who are interested in landing a position such as a user experience designer or e-commerce specialist may choose to pursue the 12-month online certificate in informatics, while enterprising types who would like to start their own business or make their current business more successful may benefit from the school's entrepreneurship certificate program. Other certificate programs in database management, information technology support, and supply chain management are available at Ivy Tech as well.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: Over the years, Ivy Tech has grown to become the largest public postsecondary institution in Indiana and the largest singly-accredited statewide community college system in the entire country. The school offers more than $6 million in scholarships and student aid per year and hosts 24/7 online tutoring through Tutor.com.

At Rio Salado College, many of the available online certificate programs are oriented to the education and teaching sector. For example, current teachers can pursue a certificate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education for K-12 and learn how to incorporate STEM into their classrooms. The certificate in K-12 Online Teaching is another example of an education-related program, one that is designed to help K-12 teachers build a strong foundation for teaching online classes. Other accredited online certificate programs at Rio cover topics such as language, sustainability, adult learning and creative writing.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: Rio's articulation agreements with Arizona's three public universities and 40+ university partners allow students to put Rio credits toward specific programs. The school also offers college credits to business and public administration students who complete paid or voluntary internships. Additionally, high school students can jumpstart their college journey by earning high school and college credit simultaneously through one or more of Rio's Early College Opportunities.

Although San Joaquin Delta College does not offer full certificate programs that can be completed entirely online, students do have the option of mixing and matching online courses to complete a hybrid certificate program. In this manner, SJDC students can earn their online certificates asynchronously in various fields of study such as heating and air conditioning, automotive electric technology, culinary arts and computer networking.

• Why it's good for online certificate programs: SJDC gives students who are pursuing certificates access to its library catalog and electronic databases, as well as the opportunity to chat with a librarian. The school also has an Occupational Work Experience (OWE) Program, which allows students to earn college credit for working a paid or unpaid job.