What Job Certifications Can I Get in Less Than a Year?

Do you want to change career paths without spending two or more years in school? While higher education often correlates with higher earnings, there are some healthcare careers offering excellent pay and benefits that don’t require several years of schooling. 

Depending on which job certification you choose, some programs can be completed in one year or less, meaning your entire life could change by this time next year. The benefits of jumpstarting your career quickly is earning more income quickly, and you don’t start your new career with loads of student debt to repay.

While all programs at Athena Career Academy make excellent career choices, let’s look at three incredible opportunities available in one year or less: 

Phlebotomy Training 

A phlebotomist is an allied health professional trained to draw blood from patients or donors for medical testing. They can also prepare and process blood tests. Since many patients’ dislike having blood drawn, it takes a skilled phlebotomist to know how to handle each patient.

Benefits of becoming a phlebotomist, include:

• Short Training Program

Athena Career Academy’s Phlebotomy program is taught over a period of approximately twelve to eighteen weeks. The Phlebotomy program includes 120 hours of classroom and 60 hours of lab participation. Students can choose to take the optional 120-hour externship. Upon completion of this course, students receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the National Certification Exam to become a Phlebotomist. 

• Excellent Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for phlebotomists is projected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, and that’s considerably faster than average. The growing need for phlebotomists means the employment outlook is strong and job security is stable. 

Medical Assistant Training 

Athena Career Academy also offers training to become a Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA). A CMA can perform a wide range of responsibilities from administrative to clinical. Some of these duties include taking medical histories, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting the physician during examinations. 

Benefits of becoming a medical assistant, include: 

• Short Training Program

Athena Career Academy’s CMA program is taught over a period of approximately 7 ½ months, plus an additional 6-week externship. The CMA program includes 640 hours of classroom and lab participation along with 160-hour externship experience during which the student will practice learned skills in a real-life working environment, working closely with the physician and healthcare team. 

• Excellent Job Outlook 

The versatile skill set of a CMA is so vital that the Department of Labor lists medical assisting as one of the fastest growing occupations. Nationwide MA jobs are projected to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s an excellent job outlook.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Training 

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is an entry-level medical professional who’s completed a degree program in practical nursing and the national exam requirements to earn a license to practice as an LPN. Licensed Practical Nurses are essential members of any medical team. They provide basic and specialized medical care to a diverse range of patients. 

Benefits of becoming an LPN include: 

• Short Training Program 

Athena Career Academy specializes in the field of nursing. The PN program at Athena Career Academy takes one year to complete with day classes or 16 months with evening classes. 

• Excellent Job Outlook 

The demand for LPN’s is very high and provides lucrative compensation. Employment of LPNs is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. 

The healthcare industry is an excellent option if you’re looking for a great career with a stable outlook and great wages. There will always be a need for talented healthcare workers, and when you consider the opportunities for advancement along with increasing patient demands, you won’t regret the decision to pursue a better career. If you’re ready to learn more about our comprehensive healthcare training programs, contact Athena Career Academy today!