Career Hacking: 4 Short-Term Certifications From MedCerts - MedCerts

Is Short-Term Online Career Training Right for You?

Career hacking is a smart, usually lesser-known strategy to fast-track your career. Like the famous "life hack," it cuts through the busy work, so you reach your goals more quickly. When done well, it means more income at a lower cost.

What Are Short-Term Certificate Programs?

A short-term certificate program lets you earn a recognized professional credential in months, not years. They cost less than a two- or four-year degree and can get you making money sooner.

There are short-term certificate programs in a variety of industries. MedCerts offers multiple options, primarily in the healthcare and IT fields. Both sectors are growing fast, creating more jobs every year.

Sound like a good hack? Here are 4 programs to check out.

1. Cardio-Phlebotomy Technician

MedCerts's Cardio-Phlebotomy Technician program teaches students to perform two types of medical procedures:

  • Electrocardiography (EKG): Heart rhythm tests to help doctors diagnose and treat cardiovascular issues

  • Phlebotomy: Collecting blood samples for laboratory testing or donations

You can take this program whether you have prior healthcare experience or not. It's a great choice if you want to work directly with patients, and there's always a demand for qualified testing professionals.

Program Time: 4 months (16 weeks)

Available Certifications: Certified EKG Technician (CET), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

2. Patient Care Technician

The Patient Care Technician program shares some course work with the Cardio-Phlebotomy Technician. It teaches EKG and phlebotomy testing, plus how to care for patients' basic needs. You'll learn about patient monitoring, hygiene and grooming, infection control, and more.

The program prepares you to work in various settings, including doctors' offices, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Program Time: 6 months (24 weeks)

Available Certifications: Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), CET, CPT

3. Medical Front Office and Electronic Health Records

A medical office administration program might be the best fit if you're interested in the medical field but don't want to work directly in patient care.

MedCerts's Medical Front Office and Electronic Health Records program covers the essential skills to help healthcare facilities run. You'll learn how to collect and process patient data, prepare reports and interface with insurance companies. You'll also learn best practices for working with electronic health records — the technology that powers modern medical offices.

Program Time: 5 months (19 weeks)

Available Certifications: Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant CMAA

4. IT Helpdesk Administrator

If you're technologically inclined, consider an IT certification program like MedCerts's IT Helpdesk Administrator. The program covers the setup, management, and troubleshooting of organizations' computer networks and hardware. You'll learn about operating systems, wired and wireless networks, and PC performance.

You don't need any tech experience to enroll in this program. However, if you'd like a basic introduction, the 3-week Fundamentals of IT program can help you feel more confident.

Program Length: 3 months (12 weeks)

Certifications Available: CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+

How to Get Started

The most crucial career hack is choosing a field that's right for you. MedCerts consultants are available to explain the many programs available and enroll in the one that's right for you. Reach out today to learn more.

Portrait of Dana Janssen
Written by Dana Janssen
Chief Product Officer

Dana has over twenty (20) years’ experience in Allied Healthcare and Education, and currently serves as the Chief Product Officer for MedCerts where he is responsible for product vision and strategy, research, and development.

Dana joined MedCerts upon its founding in 2009, and has led the research, development, and production of the entire catalog of programs that have helped MedCerts transform the distance learning landscape. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and innovative instructional design practices, Dana and his team have pioneered the development of the MedCerts 12 Elements of eLearning. Each MedCerts program contains a proprietary blend of these engaging, interactive, and entertaining elements that effectively accommodate learners of all types. Dana is deeply in-tune with the needs of today’s healthcare employers and is an expert in careers and certifications related to allied health.

Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BS) degree from Valparaiso University, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Davenport University. Dana is an avid sports fan and in his free time enjoys mountain biking, woodworking, knifemaking, and spending time with his family and pets.

Published on August 31, 2022

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