Rather than a receiving a two-year or four-year degree, a certificate of completion shows that an individual has completed a specific task or received instruction. For example, a massage therapist might complete a certificate program in order to become educated and licensed to practice reflexology; psychologists can take classes in addiction studies or institutional research.
Pick up computer hardware certification, become a child development associate, or train for a multitude of specialized automotive certifications, all offered locally, and in some cases, online. An individual can seek to supplement their knowledge base or pick up a new skill, finding a plethora of instruction at local schools.
Pierce County schools
Bates Technical College offers certificates of competency and certificates of training in hundreds of career areas. Students may also prepare for industry certifications and state licensure. Classes are offered quarterly, September through July. Visit their Web site at www.bates.ctc.edu.
Bates has three Tacoma locations. Call (253) 680-7000 for more information.
Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood prepares students to become certified as professional pilots or skilled as a pharmacy technicians, as well as and hundreds of other specialized fields of interest, where you learn theory, the basics of a field of study and practical methods of practice.
Campus locations include Lakewood, Tacoma and Puyallup's South Hill. Visit their Web site at www.cptc.edu or call (253) 589-5800.
Pierce College's main campus, located near the town of Steilacoom, specializes in extended learning. One of the largest educational providers in the state, Pierce is nationally ranked in vocational degrees and certificate programs. Offering both online and classroom study, students may attend courses at the Lakewood campus or in Puyallup. Visit www.pierce.ctc.edu or call (253) 964-6500.
Tacoma Community College offers professional/technical programs in a wide variety of areas. Pursue a certificate in administration of law and justice (paralegal), take courses in human services, or become skilled as an early childhood specialist.
A wide variety of classes and schedules may be found at www.tacomacc.edu or call (253) 566-5000.
University of Washington Tacoma offers several avenues to increase one's skill set. This often goes hand-in-hand with a prior degree, so check out their online class description at www.emagister.net/certificate-programs/tacoma/pob-135273.htm.
UW-Tacoma is located near the heart of downtown Tacoma. Contact them at (253) 692-4000.
Thurston County schools
Brandman University, formerly known as Chapman University Community College, is a fully accredited university established to provide quality classes for working adults, both online and at their campus. The Lacey campus offers certificate and extended education programs in a variety of disciplines including leadership, psychology and human resources.
Visit www.brandman.edu or call (360) 493-6392.
South Puget Sound College offers their Apprenticeship Program as an entry into high-paying jobs. The program provides training to apprentices that have been approved by the Washington State apprenticeship and Training Council.
Visit www.spscc.ctc.edu or call (360) 754-7711. South Puget Sound Community College is located on Mottman Road in Olympia and has a campus in Lacey.