8 Certificates in Online Healthcare You Can Get Fast

Certificate vs. Certification: What You Need to Know

Understanding the differences between a certificate and certification is important, especially in healthcare.

• A healthcare certificate program is a type of educational or training program in which participants receive a certificate upon graduation. The certificate indicates the completion of a course or program with a specialized focus but is different than a full degree.

• In contrast, professional certification concerns the process in which an organization awards an individual a credential after verifying they have met specific, standardized criteria.

The goal of a certificate program is to acquire specialized knowledge and skills in a given area of healthcare practice through formal education, while the purpose of professional certification is to validate an individual’s competency in a specific area of practice through a set assessment system.

It’s important to keep in mind the differences between these two credential types as you research. Check out some of the most popular occupations you can pursue through a fast certificate program.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are employed in hospitals and other clinical settings helping nurses and physicians complete a range of medical and administrative tasks. Common tasks include:

• Feeding, bathing, and transporting patients
• Monitoring and recording patient vital signs
• Stocking medical supplies

CNA is considered an entry-level position with low barriers to access. But becoming an CNA can lead to further education and a career as a nurse (RN or LPN/LVN) or in healthcare administration.

Earning your CNA certificate should prepare you to take the CNA competency exam leading to state licensure.

Average Duration: 2-12 weeks

Average Cost: $500-$2,000

2. Phlebotomy Technician

If you don’t faint from the sight of blood, you may be suited to work as a phlebotomy technician.

Phlebotomy technicians are employed in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other clinical settings drawing blood samples from patients and ensuring that those samples are properly labeled, stored, and ready for testing. They may also be responsible for explaining procedures to patients and calming patients who are afraid of needles.

Average Duration: 4-8 weeks

Average Cost: $700-$2,000

3. Medical Assistant

Medical assistants work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices, where they provide assistance in the front office with clerical tasks, and in exam rooms providing basic patient care such as checking vital signs. Specialization in a particular area of practice (such as pediatrics) is common, and some states allow for an expanded scope of duties.

Becoming a medical assistant requires obtaining professional certification, but state licensure is not a requirement.

Average Duration: 4-9 months

Average Cost: $1,500-$4,000

4. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) work on the front lines of patient care responding to ambulance calls and providing onsite emergency care. Common tasks include:

• Stabilizing wounds
• Taking and monitoring vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, etc.)
• Assessing patient condition
• Safely transport patients to hospitals or other appropriate medical facilities

Average Duration: 1-3 months

Average Cost: $1,000-$5,000

5. Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician

An electrocardiogram, or EKG, is a machine that measures heart rate and is used to check for certain cardiovascular issues, such as arrhythmia. EKG technicians are the medical professionals that operate the EKG.

Becoming an EKG technician requires professional certification which, in turn, requires completion of a certification course and, in many cases, substantial on-the-job training.

Average Duration: 1-3 months

Average Cost: $400-$1,500

6. Dental Assistant

As the job title indicates, dental assistants assist dentists and dental hygienists in providing hands-on dental care to patients both inside and outside the exam room. Typical dental assistant tasks include:

• Scheduling appointments
• Keeping detailed records
• Taking x-rays
• Assisting dentists with procedures

Average Duration: 6-9 months

Average Cost: $1,000-$7,000

7. Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Working under the direct supervision of LPNs and RNs, patient care technicians (sometimes called nursing assistants) provide basic care to patients in hospital and nursing home settings. Day-to-day duties include:

• Helping with feeding and toileting
• Turning bedridden patients to prevent pain and bedsores
• Taking and monitoring vital signs
• Reporting any concerns to supervisory personnel

This is an entry-level role that can lead to further education and advanced nursing positions.

Average Duration: 3-6 months

Average Cost: $350 (basic online/exam prep courses) to $7,000 (comprehensive programs)

8. Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists handling day-to-day responsibilities in pharmacy settings in drugstores, grocery stores, private pharmacies, and hospitals. Specific tasks include:

• Filling prescriptions
• Compounding treatments
• Verifying insurance information
• Counseling patients regarding their prescriptions

To become a successful pharmacy technician, you should be highly detail-oriented, as mistakes can lead to incorrect prescriptions resulting in potential danger to patients.

Average Duration: 4-9 months

Average Cost: $1,500-$4,000