Certificate programs that make good money

A typical workday could include reading blueprints, cleaning surfaces with power tools, gathering materials and lifting heavy objects. Brick masons work long hours in a fast-paced and physically strenuous environment with a high risk of injury. Important skills for this job include physical strength, hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.

Personal training is a high-paying career with the potential to earn more by building your client base, working for a high-paying organization or by training higher-paying clients.

This career will require qualifications to teach physical fitness techniques to clients, and many personal trainers have backgrounds in exercise science, nutrition and other related fields. Certification programs are available for personal training including three-month certificate programs, six-month certificate programs and other short certificate programs. Several online certificate programs are available as well, which combine print, online and in-person education. Generally, successful personal trainers are physically fit themselves, stay up-to-date on fitness and nutrition trends, and have the appropriate attitude to motivate and encourage others.

Personal trainers may work at public gyms, private fitness facilities, in clients' homes or through virtual coaching, giving you different options for income. They should also have a strong work ethic, as it requires time and dedication to build a client base. Medical coder is one of the more popular certifications that pay well for those looking for interesting educational opportunities.

Medical coders are in demand as healthcare organizations continue to need qualified individuals to translate and communicate medical content.

If you want to become a medical coder, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as medical coding certification through the AAPC. Medical coders type up detailed reports on procedures and bill the insurance company for the amount they owe to medical offices. Specific training programs are necessary to learn how to use the software for this position.

It's also helpful to have an in-depth understanding of health records, database management and medical terminology. Firefighting is one of many rewarding jobs that require certification and training. Prior training and experience in emergency medical services are beneficial. This position involves a physically demanding training program, as well as some certification and short-term career training programs. For most states, you must earn emergency medical services and paramedic certificates and pass fire science training.

You can also begin with emergency medical services or other related jobs that only require a certificate. Then, once you've earned your certificate, you can transition into firefighting. This will give you plenty of options for high-paying jobs that only require a certificate in the future. Firefighters must have exceptional strength and stamina, as well as an understanding of standard field equipment, such as hoses and ladders. You must also have proficiency in emergency medical care and the proper procedure for managing hazardous materials.

Firefighters who work with wildfires may earn more due to the increased risk involved. Another high-paying job that doesn't require formal education or certification is an air traffic controller. The field, however, is quite competitive and previous work experience is highly desirable. Generally, the top applicants have a combination of formal education in a related field and extensive experience.

Air traffic controllers also undergo rigorous training and extensive testing by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA , including health and wellness checks and mental stability tests.

This testing process must be initiated prior to turning age It should be noted that air traffic controllers are subjected to high-stress scenarios and often work nights, weekends and holidays. A typical workday includes monitoring and directing air traffic, including arrivals and departures, and providing guidance to pilots during in-air emergency scenarios.

This is often a source of stress in the position. It's important to have strong organizational and critical thinking skills, as well as exceptional communication skills. Air traffic controllers must also be able to keep calm and avoid panic responses in high-stress situations. As it's such a competitive field, it's helpful to know someone in the industry to get the job.

An automobile service station manager is a high-paying job with minimum education requirements. Though a high school diploma or equivalent is all that's officially needed, some employers may prefer a degree or certification. For most people, the best way to get this job is to work their way up through the company by gaining on-the-job experience, since this provides the skill set necessary to run the day-to-day operations of a service station successfully.

The scope of the job includes setting the gas prices for the day, making the employee schedule, training employees, managing inventory, maintaining safety regulations and managing employees. Customer service, interpersonal and managerial skills would be helpful for this position, as well as some accounting experience. Real estate brokers have the opportunity to earn six figures with the right experience and skill set.

To become a real estate broker, you only need a high school diploma or equivalent, though a college degree in a related field could be beneficial. Earning your real estate certification involves a few classes and some testing. The courses and testing are much less expensive and time-consuming than a traditional four-year college. Certification requirements vary by state, but many colleges have real estate certificate programs, both online and in-class.

Most drafters have training in computer-aided design and drafting CADD , engineering, mechanical drawing, and other design and engineering skills. This training can be from a certificate program, a two-year program, or even a four-year program. Industrial engineering technicians assist industrial engineers with revising methods of operation at manufacturing plants and other industrial sites.

Their goal is to help make the factory run more smoothly. Most industrial engineering technicians have either an associate's degree or a certificate from a vocational-technical school.

Plumbers and pipefitters install and repair pipes at offices, homes, factories, and other buildings. Some states also require plumbers and pipefitters to be licensed. A court reporter transcribes legal proceedings such as depositions and trials.

Most court reporters work in courts or legislatures. Many court reporters have at least a post-secondary certificate in court reporting from a community college or technical institute. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, also known as "service technicians," inspect and repair vehicles and machinery used for transportation including rail transportation , farming, construction, and more. More and more employers want to hire mechanics who have completed a one- to two-year certificate program in diesel technology or heavy equipment mechanics, as some of the latest machinery is very complex.

This work might involve measuring and marking dimensions on sheets; drilling holes in sheets; carrying large sheets; or welding, bolting, riveting, or soldering sheets. Many sheet metal workers learn their work through an apprenticeship or a certificate program from a technical school. These mechanics and installers, also known as " HVACR technicians ," work on heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems in homes, offices, and other buildings.

HVACR technicians usually complete a degree or certificate program from a trade or technical school or a community college. These programs can last from six months to one year.

Surgical technologists assist in operating rooms in hospitals. They help prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. They often complete a certificate program in surgical technology, which can last from a few months to two years. There are also other high-paying jobs available that don't require a four-year degree.

For some of these career options, vocational training or a two-year degree can qualify you to get started. There are a variety of careers that require a two-year degree:. Others require an apprenticeship:. Apprenticeships are one of the best alternatives to consider, since they combine training with pay and result in a credential or certificate upon completion. Depending on your field or desired position, you might list your certifications in the "education" section of your resume.

However, if you have many certifications, it may make more sense to create a separate section for any applicable certifications or licenses. Adding certifications to your LinkedIn profile can help you stand out. CPR certifications last two years from the end of the month in which the course completion card was issued. Bureau of Labor Statistics. American Heart Association. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

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Well-Paid Jobs that Require a Certificate. More Education and Training Options. Frequently Asked Questions. By Alison Doyle. Alison founded CareerToolBelt. Learn about our editorial policies.

Note You can earn some certificates in as little as a couple of months. Tip Check whether your company will pay for—or partially reimburse—a certificate program if it's related to your current job. Important Do some research to make sure the program is accredited. Tip Apprenticeships are one of the best alternatives to consider, since they combine training with pay and result in a credential or certificate upon completion.

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