3 Ways Continuing Education is Reshaping Job Industries with Online Certificate Programs

Continuing Education has always been crucial to career fields that are constantly evolving, such as healthcare, culinary, education and law to name a few. Some professions experience a steeper growth curve than others but in any profession from delivery services, to surgeons, to servers, to athletes, to NASA, continuing education provides a means for professional and personal growth. This growth is what makes the best possible services available across the nation and is often provided through online certificate programs. While the purpose of continuing education will always be foundational, there are advancements even in the way that education is offered today.

1. All Online

Continuing Education is offered by Career Training Institutes such as Blackstone Career Institute, through their online certificate programs. One of the oldest correspondence schools, provides their courses using an online format due to the affordability and convenience for consumers. These self-paced courses are highly impactful, due to independent learning model in which the learner is expected to take initiative, be self-motivated and goal oriented. The online nature is also beneficial to many industries that require tech training on the job, such as Medical Billing and Coding, giving online students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the job equipment.

2. Engaged Learning

Online certificate programs offer an engaged learning opportunity. Although the online format eliminates any face to face interaction between teacher and student, it does not limit the intentional engagement each student must put forward in order to succeed in the course. Most adults learn best when their attention is undivided and their mind is focused  – whether it be reading text, watching a video, taking an exam or participating in group discussions.  Engaged learning also includes feedback from an instructor on how a student could improve their work further.

Passive learning is also received through online certificate programs. This process promotes defining, describing, listening, and writing skills. Neither passive nor engaged learning styles are “better” than the other, because both styles are valid methods of absorbing information.  Whether study material is online or in a classroom, it’s the engaged communication with questions and answers for deeper learning that online certificate programs are pushing in the continuing education industry.

3. Filling Skill and Knowledge Gaps

Initially, continuing education was designed to advance workers in their current occupation. Online certificate programs are reshaping continuing education by now providing training and knowledge to fill employment or education gaps. Blackstone Career Institute, for example, only requires a HS Diploma or GED as a prerequisite and the accredited courses are designed for those looking to start a new career or advance in their current position. Many times, the continuing education can then be used for certification at a higher level. Other continuing education programs may even provide an externship for addition job experience. Though this is not a requirement for entry level careers, it does advance the quality of continuing education through these online certificate programs.

Online Certificate Programs

In the years to come, job opportunities that CE offers will adapt to meet the needs of a changing workforce. Change is always certain, and ultimately the goal and hope moving forward is that professionals receive the best training and CE possible. Even among emerging trends and new technologies for this year and beyond, the basic elements will remain. Find out what online certificate programs will advance your career path by visiting blackstone.edu