Many professionals are seeking online certificates while searching for a new career after losing their job or even seeking advancement within their organization. US News & World Report recently posted an evaluation article on March 26, 2010, that featured Kaplan Continuing Education’s online, “fast track”, low cost programs that are able to help professionals become more valuable to their organization.
The US News & World Report article explains how there are several reasons why professionals are looking into online certificates. Online certificate programs cost less than a bachelor’s or master’s degree and also take less time based on program evaluation. Some employers mandate continuing education so that professionals are knowledgeable about their industry and up to date with the latest in technology.
Many fields are seeing an increase in online certificate enrollments. These fields include information technology, healthcare and business. Management is also an area that is becoming popular. According to the article, a project management certificate is applicable to many different careers, can help with changing jobs or enhance the level of knowledge at the current place of employment.
An online certificate allows professionals to have a flexible schedule. They are able to maintain their job and take the courses at night or even weekends. Also, many employers offer a tuition reimbursement program for taking continuing education courses. Having an economy with a high unemployment rate, evaluation shows that these online certificate programs are able to give professionals the opportunity to learn new skills to help them get a job.