Six-Month Certificate Programs That Pay Well

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The need for a college degree to get a well-paying job is steadily growing. but finding time to complete an entire degree can be tough for many people. If you’re looking for a job that pays well and that doesn’t require a four-year degree, you’ll have to put in some work. Fortunately, there are positions that require only a certificate program that takes no more than six months to complete.

What is a six-month certificate program?

A six-month certificate program is a perfect solution for those who are looking for a high-paying job but can’t set aside too much time for education. While there are longer programs available that could ultimately lead to higher-paying jobs, the six-month limit is an appropriate middle ground for workers who value time and wages. 

Why are quick certificate programs important?

Education requirements can be a serious hurdle for many job seekers, but it doesn’t have to stop you from getting a well-paying job. In fact, many of these jobs require skills you probably already possess, so obtaining certification may be more a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if.’ Plus, most of these jobs feature the opportunity for rapid improvement and promotions into higher-paying positions that would normally require years of education.

Best quick certificate programs

Here are some of the top certificate programs that can be completed within six months or less:

Electrician

National Average Salary: $25.90 per hour

Certificate Program Length: Four months

Electricians are generally responsible for repairing, installing and maintaining any kind of electrical wiring. This is applicable to both private and commercial buildings. They don’t just work with wiring for electrical systems either, as electricians can also be expected to install camera systems, smart gadgets and monitors of various kinds to ensure that power is applied properly. You will have to travel frequently for this job, and there may be instances in which you’re expected to work in extreme temperatures.

Physical Therapy Assistant

National Average Salary: $16.44 per hour

Certificate Program Length: Less than one month

Becoming a physical therapy assistant is one of the careers you can get into fairly quickly, but the initial pay reflects that. Fortunately, the prospects for a physical therapy assistant increase quickly, with significant raises common after just a short time on the job. That can be a worthy trade-off considering the short length of the certificate program. Within the job itself, you’ll be responsible for positioning patients, setting up equipment and some general administrative duties. The hours can also be fairly inconsistent, commonly requiring night, weekend and holiday shifts.

HVAC Technician

National Average Salary: $23.34 per hour

Certificate Program Length: Six months

An HVAC technician is the person who installs, repairs and performs maintenance on heating and air conditioning systems. These same technicians also tend to frequently work on refrigeration and ventilation systems. This kind of work will require extensive travel to residential and commercial properties to address a wide variety of issues. Given that some jobs may take you to public places in which HVAC maintenance would be particularly disruptive, it’s not uncommon to have to work night shifts.

Carpenter

National Average Salary: $21.44 per hour

Certificate Program Length: Five months

A carpenter is essentially a builder with a focus on the general framework. Follow this path, and you’ll find yourself constructing a wide variety of frameworks, homes and other buildings as well as performing repairs on existing structures. Before committing to this path, it’s important to note just how physically demanding the job can be. Most of the work will be done outdoors, including the peak summer and winter months. Additionally, you’ll have to possess significant strength and stamina just to complete the physical labor required in a timely manner.

Phlebotomy Technician

National Average Salary: $14.88 per hour

Certificate Program Length: Six months

While phlebotomy technicians start out at a relatively low salary, they are in a unique position to progress further, as most technicians only stay in the entry-level position for a year before being promoted. The job primarily involves taking blood from patients, and you’ll be expected to work odd hours at times. This can vary based on your job site’s needs, but it’s not as demanding as a nurse’s or doctor’s schedule would be.

Medical Transcriptionist

National Average Salary: $15.26 per hour

Certificate Program Length: Six months

A medical transcriptionist is responsible for taking recordings of doctors and nurses and transcribing their words into written documents. The work is generally done independently, and a byproduct is that you’ll learn a significant amount of information about the industry as a whole. Most people don’t consider this position when entering the healthcare industry, but it’s an essential job that will always be needed at virtually any healthcare facility. Additionally, this position is a great starting point in the medical industry that doesn’t require spending years in medical school.

Massage Therapist

National Average Salary: $28.08

Certificate Program Length: Six months

If you’re interested in helping people in a direct way, becoming a massage therapist is one of the most rewarding and attainable careers. Once certified, you’ll primarily be responsible for giving massages to clients with the intention of relaxing their bodies and enhancing overall health and comfort. This industry is also rapidly growing, so there won’t be any shortages of opportunity to become a certified massage therapist in the foreseeable future.

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Plumber

National Average Salary: $25.26 per hour

Certificate Program Length: Six months

Trade jobs will always be useful, and obtaining certification to be a plumber can be particularly lucrative, as plumbing is one of the highest paying trade jobs. For the most part, plumbers install, repair and perform maintenance on pipe systems of various kinds. The work requires travel to various residential and commercial buildings. Hours are fairly standard since most plumbing work doesn’t take place in public areas, but if you have to address a problem that’s relatively widespread or in a high-traffic area, you may be expected to work nights.