Certificates
Undergraduate, Graduate, Post-Master's, and Non-Credit
Certificate Features:
- Certificates are offered for credit and for non-credit learning opportunities from the Undergraduate through the Post-Master’s level.
- A certificate program requires fewer credits and takes less time to complete than an associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree program.
- Certificate programs are designed to offer you the opportunity to refresh, acquire or master a subject or skill at the postsecondary level.
Certificate Options |
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| †Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner |
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| Correctional Health |
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| †Disaster Public Health |
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| †Family Nurse Practitioner |
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| †Forensic Nursing |
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| †*Medical Laboratory Science |
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| †Nursing Education |
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| * RN Refresher |
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| Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner |
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| Spanish/English Medical Interpreter |
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* Requires on-site lab and clinical rotations | †Financial aid eligible (to those that qualify) |
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What is a college level certificate program?
A certificate program is an educational program that allows an individual to show competency in a specific area of knowledge. Unlike degrees, certificate programs are able to be completed within a few weeks or months, depending on the program. This option is ideal for working professionals and the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a variety of such programs that are specially tailored for the healthcare field.
How can completing a certificate program benefit me?
- With a college certificate you give yourself a step up over the competition.
- In some cases, the credits earned in college certificate programs may be applied or transferred to degree programs if you later decide to continue your education.
- If you already hold a degree in a particular field, a certificate program will help you gain knowledge related to your profession. If you don't have a degree or are seeking to change careers, a certificate program may be a good way to begin your educational journey.
What’s the difference between a certificate and certification?
The terms certificate and certification can be confusing. The purpose of a certificate program is to provide
instruction and acquire specific knowledge, skills, or competencies on a topic. Conversely, the primary purpose of a certification program is to assess knowledge, skills or competencies that applicants are expected to have learnt prior to applying for the program. Certification programs do not provide the instruction and training through which candidates acquire the knowledge, skills, or competencies required to become certified.
Assessments used in a certificate program are intended to evaluate whether you have acquired the narrow scope of knowledge, skills or competencies that are the focus of the program. The assessments conducted by a certification program are designed to confirm that you possess a broad range of knowledge and skills required to perform a specific occupational or professional role or job function competently.
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Certification |
Certificate |
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Results from an assessment process |
Results from an educational process |
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For individuals |
For individuals |
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Typically requires some amount of professional experience |
For both newcomers and experienced professionals alike |
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Awarded by a third-party, standard-setting organization |
Awarded by an educational program or institution |
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Indicates mastery/competency as measured against a defensible set of standards, usually by application or exam |
Indicates completion of a course or series of courses with specific focus; is different than a degree granting program |
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Standards set through a defensible, industry-wide process (job analysis/role delineation) that results in an outline of required knowledge and skills |
Course content set a variety of ways (faculty committee; dean; instructor; occasionally through defensible analysis of topic area) |
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Typically results in a designation to use after one's name (FAANP, CHES, RD, CPNP, etc) may result in a document to hang on the wall or keep in a wallet |
Usually listed on a resume detailing education; may issue a document to hang on the wall |
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Has on-going requirements in order to maintain; holder must demonstrate he/she continues to meet requirements |
Is the end result; demonstrates knowledge of course content at the end of a set period in time |
http://cfre.org/certificate-vs-certification.html
Application and Registration Information
Contact Extended Studies or 719.255.4486 if you have any questions.
All forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader to open
Copyright 2002-2013 Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Last Updated March 19, 2013
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1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO USA 80918
719-255-8227 (UCCS), 800-990-8227
