Are you looking for a study program that equips you for a high-paying job? Consider obtaining a professional certification.
Professional Certifications vs. Academic Degrees
It’s helpful to know which educational programs tend to lead to well-paying jobs. This can assist you in choosing a program that aligns with your skills, interests, and needs.
What is a Professional Certification?
The U.S. Department of Education defines a professional certification as one that meets all the following criteria: you must complete a degree to practice the profession (you may also need to pass a licensing exam to practice the profession) you must complete at least two years of college study before enrolling in the program the program (along with any previous college experience) must last for at least six years.
What is an Academic Degree?
A professional certification differs from an academic degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), which focuses on research and other academic work. While academic degrees also touch on hands-on learning, this is not their primary focus.
List of Professional Certifications
Here is a list of the most commonly awarded professional certifications in the United States:
- Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)
- Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)
- Doctor of Dental Science (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (D.M.D.)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.)
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Hebrew Letters (M.H.L.), Rabbi Ordination (Rav)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Tips for Choosing a Professional Certification Program
Carefully consider the job you want to obtain. Most professional certifications prepare you for a single specific job. Therefore, ensure that you want to pursue this career path before applying and enrolling in a professional certification program. Consider shadowing professionals in the field or doing an internship in the industry. This will help you determine if you want to undertake the long and costly process of obtaining a degree.
Take the cost into account. Most professional certification programs last from two to four years and can be expensive. Be sure to consider the cost of the program before applying. Consider applying for financial aid if available. Although you will be able to pay back any loans with the money you earn from your first job after graduation, you want to ensure you do not end up in debt you cannot repay.
Check the reputation of the program and the school. Before applying to any program, you should research its reputation thoroughly. Note: Ask the admissions office about the number of graduates who have been directly employed from the program. Inquire about the percentage of students who pass the licensing exam. If possible, talk to some former students for more information. Make sure you are spending your time and money on a good program that will get you the job you want.
Look into joint degree programs. If you are applying to colleges and know the profession you want to pursue after graduation, consider applying for a joint degree program. Note: Some universities offer programs that last five years, where students complete both a bachelor’s degree and a professional master’s degree at the same time. This will save you time in applying for graduate studies after graduation and will be quicker than a traditional two-year master’s degree. However, do this only if you are entirely sure of the career path you want.
Professional Certifications Leading to High-Paying Jobs
Here is a list of some professional certifications that lead to the highest-paying jobs, with salary information up to May 2019.
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M., D.P., Pod.D.)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
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You typically need to obtain a medical degree if you desire to become a doctor. Medical programs last four years and include hands-on experience in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Individuals who complete medical school and become doctors can earn very high salaries. Median wages range from $184,410 for a position in general pediatrics to $261,730 for an anesthesiology position.
Like medical school, dental school programs typically last four years. However, being a general dentist is considered a well-compensated job: the average salary for a dentist is $159,200 per year.
Podiatrists care for patients with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They assess and diagnose issues, provide treatment, and perform foot and ankle surgeries. To become a podiatrist, you must complete a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. Many of the courses are similar to those taken in a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy program.
Pharmacists dispense medications to patients and provide information about those medications. They may also conduct health screenings and provide vaccinations. To become a pharmacist, you must complete a four-year professional degree program in pharmacy and obtain licensure (which requires passing two exams). However, there is often a significant reward: the average salary for pharmacists is $128,090 per year.
Do you want to become a lawyer? Lawyers in most states need to complete a three-year law degree, which includes coursework and practical experience in law firms. They must also pass the state licensing exam known as the “bar exam” to practice in a specific state. Lawyers earn an average salary of $122,960
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/professional-degrees-that-lead-to-high-paying-jobs-4176459
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