6 Best 6-Month Certificate Programs That Pay Well

College certificate programs continue to grow in their popularity. For many professional endeavors, they provide a great way to hone skills and prepare learners with the knowledge they need for employment. Here, we’ve compiled a collection of 6-month certificate programs that pay well for those looking to change careers, grow in a field, or start something new.

What is a Certificate Program?

A certificate from a certificate program signals to employers that you have completed specific education or training pertaining to a field. Certificate programs are a form of specialized education that can be taken at colleges, universities, trade schools, vocational schools, or technical schools.

They can even be taken online. A certificate program is best suited for anyone who knows exactly what type of role they want to work in and is looking to boost their skillset. While college degrees can offer knowledge and skills, they tend to be less hands-on than certificate programs.

Additionally, college degrees will require that students take general education courses and electives. A certificate program does not involve any coursework that does not pertain specifically to the field or trade you wish to learn.

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6 Best 6-Month Certificate Programs

Certificate programs range in their duration. While some certificates can take just three months to complete, others may take up to two years. To meet somewhere in the middle, here’s a look at some of the best 6-month certificate programs that pay well.

1. Accountant

Accountants manage many finance-related tasks for individuals or businesses. They organize and maintain financial records, ensure that financial statements are accurately reflecting transactions and accounts, and aid in preparing tax returns.

Accounting certificates are best for anyone who wants to gain experience in the field before pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the subject.

These certificates generally cover topics like: accounting information systems, financial accounting,  income tax, federal tax, introduction to business, principles of financial accounting, payroll accounting, and managerial accounting, to name a few.

It’s also possible to find accounting certificates for professionals who have already obtained a degree or want to prepare for CPA examinations to become licensed. An example of a 6-month certificate program exists at California State University, San Bernardino. 

According to Payscale, the average salary of an accountant is $51,796.

2. Medical Coder

Medical coders work in healthcare institutions like doctors’ offices, hospitals, and rehab facilities to create reports and bill insurance.

With just a high school diploma (or GED) and a coding certification, you can enter this field. Medical coding certificate programs teach you everything you need to know to complete the duties of the job, like learning the coding software and understanding database management.

Based on data from Salary.com, the average salary for a medical records coding technician is $54,951.

3. Air Traffic Controller

Looking for a career that can pay six figures? Air traffic controller salaries can get up to that much with experience (even though it’s optional to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree).

Air traffic controllers learn the job by partaking in training that’s in line with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Given the hands-on nature of the position, most certificate programs are either set up as in-person or hybrid (a mix of online and in-person training).

The position is one of great responsibility as you will be tasked with directing incoming and outgoing air traffic. This demands immense attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and organization. You will also need to be able to maintain your composure under pressure.

Air traffic controllers earn an average salary of $79,616.

4. Real Estate Broker

To become a real estate broker, you must sit for an exam and pass the test to earn the license. To prepare for the exam, students can enroll in certificate programs. Courses will cover subjects like real estate principles, business law, property management, real estate practice, and real estate finance, to name a few.

Real estate brokers work with buyers and sellers to complete the transaction of properties. A real estate agent must either work under a broker or become a broker to complete transactions due to the potential legal ramifications involved in the process.

Real estate brokers earn an average salary of $68,256, but the income varies greatly based on the number of your transactions, the overall market, and the location of the properties.

5. Cybersecurity

There is an array of cybersecurity certificate programs that vary in length. With the option to enroll in 6-month courses, you can complete cybersecurity programs and be ready to work in the field right after.

Cybersecurity specialists and experts ensure that software systems, networks, and computers are adequately maintained and protected from harm or hacking. They are aware of current threats and work to remove any system vulnerabilities.

If you want to work in this field, it’s always advisable to earn a degree in computer science as it will open the door to the broadest and most high-paying positions. However, you can also begin to gain hands-on experience and knowledge by enrolling and completing certificate programs.

The average salary of an entry-level professional working in cybersecurity is $77,255. As you can see, this is a highly lucrative field that grows in earning potential with more education and experience.

6. Flight Attendant

For anyone who wishes to work as a flight attendant on commercial airlines, a certificate program can provide you with what you need to know to get the job. Although most airlines will also require their own training, a certificate program can hasten the timeline as it can showcase that you already have the foundations to work in the role.

For professionals who are already working as flight attendants, there are options for supplemental courses to learn specialized training.

The average salary for a flight attendant is $78,009. 

Benefits of Certificate Programs

There are various benefits of certificate programs that make them a great option for many people. No matter where you may be in your career or desired field of choice, a certificate program can provide you with:

• Credibility for employment
• Increased knowledge and skills
• Expanded career opportunities
• Life-long learning
• Boosted confidence

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Similar Alternatives: Online Associate Degree

If you have a little extra time (about 2 years specifically), you could earn an associate degree in your desired subject. At the University of the People, our associate degree offerings are tuition-free and entirely online. This means that you can learn at your own pace for an affordable cost and graduate with an accredited degree!

Closing Thoughts

There are many 6-month certificate programs that pay well to choose from. The list above is meant to give you an idea of how much you can accomplish after just 6 months of dedicated studying and learning.

Now that you have an idea of some of your options, it’s up to you to find out which one aligns most with your career goals and personal passion.