Not everyone is cut out to go sit in a college classroom day after day.  Some people have to work while they train for a job, or they have children and can't afford child care.  Online learning is ideal for these people.

Online learning through eLearning offers a broad range of programs that include everything from certificates to certifications to vocational training.

Online Certificate and Certification Programs

Before you select a certificate or certification program you should understand the difference between the two. The difference is simple. The certification program gives people the training they need to do a job, and a certificate program is the first step toward getting a certification, said Alison Koop, the public relations manager for University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education.

"We educate people so they can become certified," Koop said.  "We do not certify people."

Many professions - teachers, beauticians, firefighters, paralegals - require that a person obtain a certification before starting, or sometimes after, taking a job. Other professions - physicians, nurses - require certifications throughout a career.

Many universities offer certificate programs.  The most popular programs offered at the University of Washington are project management, critical infrastructure protection, paralegal studies, and emergency management, Koop said.  The UW programs are typically six to nine months long and include 90 hours of instruction plus homework.

"Our programs are quite vigorous," Koop said. "Our instructors tend to be experts who work in their field of study.  They are always on the cutting edge."

To look at programs offered at UW, visit www.keeplearning.uw.edu.

Online Vocational Training

Offered in about 34 state colleges and 100s of other universities and colleges around the country, online vocational programs are growing in popularity, said Shawn Jennison, who works for the college relations department at Clover Park Technical College, or CPTC.

"Whenever the economy is down and people are losing their jobs, enrollment at our college increases," Jennison said. "When the classroom programs fill up, people enroll in the online programs."

Currently, CPTC offers about 50 career programs, and 20 percent of them are offered online.  Upon completion of a career program, students receive either a certificate or an associate's degree for a 2-year program.

Vocational programs are designed to teach students the necessary skills needed to get a job.

These programs are geared toward people who want to rapidly complete a program and enter the job market.

There are vocation programs for a wide range of careers, including accounting, business, carpentry, childhood education, computer science, culinary arts, dental assistant, floral design, health care, paralegal, photography, plumbing, and welding.

When making a decision whether or not to enroll in an online vocational program, explore the possibilities.  Look at the programs and decide which one is best for you.

Experts recommend that you consider the following factors and tips when choosing an online vocational program.

• Choose a class that includes a teaching method that suits your needs.  If you work a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. job, you may need to explore a class that allows flexibility.   

• Find an accredited program. While most employers will accept accredited online vocational programs of study, many do not accept unaccredited programs.  To find accredited schools, visit www.accredited-onlinecolleges.com.

• Know what to expect before you start the program.  Make sure that you know the requirements and evaluate what you get for the money.  Look for schools that offer job placement services and assistance.

• Shop around.  Choose several schools and compare their cost, curriculum, job search services, and flexibility.   

• Talk to your current or future employer about your plans. Make sure that he or she will accept the training or certification program you have selected.
  

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