Online Education for a Career Change: 6 Featured Programs
It’s back-to-school season, and many of us are thinking about what’s next. Even adults in steady careers use this time of year to reassess their own paths, both personal and professional. If you are feeling unfulfilled in your current role, or are desiring a more flexible, suitable, or better-paying job, a career change could be the right move. Career changes can seem daunting, but they are more common than you might think. Thanks to some amazing online training programs, you could find yourself in a new role in a year or less!
Changing Careers: You’re Not Alone
Making a career change, especially if you’ve been at the same job for a long time or are more advanced in your career, can be intimidating. But the good news is that you are not alone. Many people go through one or more career transitions in their life, and in fact, over 50% of American employees are considering making a career change this year!
According to Indeed, it’s possible to change careers even without direct experience in your new field. Transferable skills like communication, organization, and customer service can help you stand out to employers. However, if you really want to kickstart your career change and maximize your chances for success in a new field, you should look into career training programs.
Online Career Training: Flexible and Affordable
If you are looking into a career change and you want to take the guesswork out of learning a new job as much as possible, then an online career training program could be an excellent option for you. With self-paced learning, low costs, and flexible schedules, online career programs make it easy to learn everything you need to know to transition into a new field without having to leave the stability of your current role while you are enrolled.
Rather than pursuing a full degree, you can get specialized training applicable to specific positions and prepare for nationally recognized certifications. After completing a career training program and receiving a certification, you can be fully ready to enter your new field with confidence.
Online Certification-Aligned Career Training Programs at Blackstone Career Institute
Blackstone Career Institute offers flexible and affordable online career training programs that are specifically designed for adults who are ready for a career change or to start their career. Below, you will find information on several of our programs that are designed to prepare you for industry-recognized certification exams. The materials included are accessed through the Online Student Center unless otherwise noted. For a full list of our career training programs, look here.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
The Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program features a NALA aligned curriculum that includes the Blackstone Modern American Law series and Law Glossary. Students receive a 4-month subscription to the Lexis+® database to support their studies. The program is designed to be completed at your own pace within 18 months. Upon completion, you can purchase the CP® Certification Bundle to prepare for national certification.
Pharmacy Technician
The Pharmacy Technician Program follows a PTCB® aligned curriculum and prepares students for the PTCE®. It covers Fundamentals of Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacology, Anatomy, and Medical Terminology. A hands-on externship is included to provide practical experience. Like other programs, you have up to 18 months to complete the training. The PTCB® CPhT Certification Bundle is available to help you get certified.
Medical Office Assistant
The Medical Office Assistant Program uses an NHA® aligned curriculum and prepares you for the CMAA certification. The coursework covers Medical Terminology, Medical Office Practice, and Medicolegal Ethics. This self-paced program allows up to 18 months for completion. A CMAA Certification Bundle is offered to support your certification exam preparation.
Medical Billing and Coding
Aligned with AAPC standards, the Medical Billing and Coding Program prepares you for CPC-A certification and includes Fordney’s Medical Insurance and Billing (16th ed.), Buck’s Step-by-Step Medical Coding (2025 ed.), Stedman’s Medical Dictionary for Health Professions and Nursing (7th ed.), and Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions (9th ed.). Students also receive AAPC’s Pro Fee Coder Bundle (physical books). The program is designed for completion within 18 months at your own pace, with the CPC-A Certification Bundle available for exam readiness.
Dental Office Assistant
The Dental Office Assistant Program follows DANB aligned curriculum and qualifies graduates to sit for the NELDA certification exam. The program covers Dental Office Management, Dental Office Practice, and Medicolegal Ethics. Study materials include Mosby’s Dental Dictionary (4th ed.) and The Administrative Dental Assistant (6th ed.). You will have up to 18 months to complete the program. Upon completion, you can decide if you want to purchase the NELDA Certification Bundle.
Medical Transcription
The Medical Transcription Program features an AHDI approved curriculum preparing you for RHDS certification. You will study topics like Fundamentals of Medical Transcription, Anatomy, Medical Terminology, and Introduction to Pharmacology, with up to 18 months to finish the curriculum. This program includes exam prep materials and the exam cost for RHDS certification in your tuition.
If you are looking into a career change, these self-paced, certification-aligned programs can be an excellent way to make the jump. While the programs allow up to 18 months to finish, many students complete their coursework and sit for the certification exam in a year or less.
Written by Adam Wernham
