How Do Certification and Associate Degrees Differ

When considering training for a new career, you certainly have plenty of paths to consider. While it's nice to have options, weighing the pros and cons of every choice can easily become overwhelming. By learning about the similarities and differences between options like certificate programs and associate degree programs, you can ensure you make the right decision for your needs so you can pursue the career you want.
 

What Is a Certificate?

A certificate is a postsecondary academic award that typically trains students for a specific job or industry. Technical or vocational schools and community colleges generally offer these types of programs. They often take about a year to complete, but they can last anywhere between a few months and two years. Because certificate programs are designed to prepare students for the workforce as quickly as possible, coursework typically focuses on teaching the knowledge and skills necessary for a particular industry or career.

There are also certificate programs that are supplementary to an undergraduate or graduate degree. In other words, they are designed to expand on the knowledge and skills earned through higher education, giving students a competitive edge when they pursue career opportunities. Typically, these types of certificates are available through community colleges and universities. They provide students with tailored education and training so they become recognized as certified experts in their fields.

When a certificate supplements a degree, it can provide a competitive advantage because it can show employers that you have significant knowledge in your field and are dedicated to your career. It may also show employers you possess desirable characteristics like ambition and discipline.
 

Types of Certificate Programs

Some popular certificate programs include areas like:

• Nursing assisting.
• Computer technology.
• Medical billing and coding.
• General management.
• Sports management.
• Global health.
• Marketing.
• Web development.

Some certificate programs allow you to apply the courses or credits you've earned through a certification toward an associate degree. This may help you enter a profession quickly while simultaneously preparing you to return to school so you can pursue a higher degree in the future.

Related: Why You Should Consider Getting a Diploma or Certificate Instead of a Degree
 

What Is an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is an educational degree for students who have completed an associate degree program. These programs are designed to educate and prepare students for a specific position or industry and cover general education courses. However, associate degrees typically require fewer general education courses than bachelor's degrees. Most of the time, the curriculum in associate degree programs primarily focuses on preparing students to enter the workforce and their chosen careers.

Community and career colleges usually offer a wide range of associate degree programs. When you pursue an associate degree full time, you may complete your courses and graduate in about two years, though the timeline can vary depending on your educational path.

Related: Diplomas vs. Associate Degrees
 

Types of Associate Degrees

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Some of the most common types of associate degrees include an Associate of Applied Science, an Associate of Science, and an Associate of Arts. An Associate of Applied Science degree is designed to allow students to enter the workforce more quickly than bachelor's degree earners. This program usually requires fewer general education courses than other degree options. You can pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in an abundance of programs, such as:

• Nursing
• Dental assisting
• Dental hygiene
• Occupational therapy assistant
• Physical therapist assistant
• Radiologic technology

An Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science degree can prepare you for a career after graduation while also giving you the option to pursue a bachelor's degree in the future. The fact that graduates can use an associate degree as a building block that allows them to enter the workforce with the potential for future development in their role is one of the major advantages of this academic path. There are many associate programs available to choose from, including:

• Cardiovascular sonography
• Diagnostic medical sonography
• Neurodiagnostic technology
• Occupational therapy assistant
• Physical therapy assistant
• Radiologic technology
• Respiratory therapy
• Surgical technology

Related: What Exactly Is a Career College?
 

Certificate vs. Associate Degree

There are several important differences between certifications and associate degrees, including:

Program Length

There are certainly exceptions, but most of the time, certificate programs last one year or two semesters. Associate degree programs generally take about two years or four semesters for full-time students to complete.

Credits Earned Through the Program

Some certificate programs provide transferrable credits that you can apply toward a degree if you decide to pursue higher education. The eligibility of the credits earned depends on the certification, the program, and the accredited college or university that you're attending. With an associate degree from an accredited college, you might be able to use those credits when pursuing another degree or when transferring, though it depends on the specific requirements of the program or school.

Program Cost

Realistically, the price difference between an associate degree and a certificate depends on the school and program. Generally, associate degree programs are slightly more expensive than certificate programs, which can be attributed to the difference in duration and breadth of the subjects covered.

Employability

Certificate programs are usually more time- and cost-effective, but that's because students are exposed to fewer classes, providing them with a general knowledge of the subject. Associate degree programs usually focus on more in-depth knowledge of various subjects. That's why many employers often may prefer candidates with degrees over stand-alone certifications.

Growth Opportunities

When a certificate is simply enhancing an existing degree, it often provides you with new employment opportunities. When certificates exist on their own, depending on the specific area of study, individuals with an associate degree may enjoy more professional opportunities and chances to develop in their fields.
 

What Is a Diploma?

A diploma is a postsecondary award that's between a certificate and an associate degree. You can usually attend diploma programs at technical schools or colleges. It can take between eight months to two years to earn a diploma, and these programs generally provide you with a thorough knowledge of a specialized industry or subject.

Diploma programs can help students prepare for licensure exams or get them ready to enter the workforce upon graduation. In some cases, individuals with diplomas may decide to attend a certificate program to further develop their skills and boost their employability. You can pursue a variety of diploma programs, such as:

• Practical nursing
• Dental assistant
• Massage therapy
• Polysomnographic technology
• Medical assisting
• Medical office administration
• Pharmacy technician

Certificates vs. Diplomas

Diplomas and certificates share many of the same attributes, and, in some cases, they can even cover the same programs and fields of study. Both diplomas and certificates are career-focused with an emphasis on equipping students to enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Despite their similarities, there are a few key differences between them, including:

• Program length: Certificate programs often take less time and offer fewer credits than diploma programs.
• Comprehensiveness of the education: Because of the difference in time, diploma programs can provide students with a more in-depth understanding of their chosen career or field.
• Schedule and coursework flexibility: Diploma programs typically have less flexible requirements for schedules and coursework. They offer a more thorough approach to a specific subject, which usually means there's more coursework involved than with a certificate program.

Diplomas vs. Associate Degrees

Both diploma programs and associate degree programs can be useful academic paths. Some of the major differences between them include:

• Program length: While associate degree programs usually require two years to complete, diploma programs take about a year. Some diploma programs, such as Concorde's dental assistant diploma program, can take as little as eight months.
• Scope of the curriculum: While associate degree programs offer students exposure to general education and career-focused courses, a diploma program thoroughly explores just one subject. Additionally, much of the teaching for this type of program is primarily practice-based, providing you with more of a hands-on learning approach.
• Program cost: Due to the length of the program, associate degree programs usually cost more than diploma programs.
• Employability: Generally, employers tend to favor associate degrees, but jobs that rely on skills and specialized vocational knowledge may only require a diploma.
• Growth opportunities: An associate degree can serve as a building block that allows you to pursue higher education in the future, while a diploma is usually more of a stand-alone achievement. If you're entering a field where you can benefit both professionally and financially from continued education, it may be beneficial to pursue an associate degree.

Ultimately, when faced with different options for your education, the best choice depends on the career you want to pursue. At Concorde, we focus on creating academic programs that work with your goals and needs, allowing you to train for your dream job. We offer diploma, associate, and bachelor's degree programs for a variety of health care professions. Additionally, we have online college courses available if you're looking for more flexibility. Explore our offerings and apply online today to start your path toward a meaningful career in health care.