The Value of Professional Certificates for Veterans and Service Members

As we celebrate Veterans Day, we thank and honor all who have served in the armed forces. UNLV has been a consistent supporter of active duty, veteran, and military family members. The university recently resumed undergraduate classes at Nellis Air Force Base. It also has been recognized as a military friendly school for the past five years. 

The Division of Educational Outreach has worked to expand learning opportunities for those in the community, including the military, which is quite evident when viewing the professional development certificate programs in Continuing Education. There are more than 20 certificate programs to consider from android development to protective services.

One might ask what do veterans and service members gain from earning a certificate? I recently read an article where former military personnel discussed the value of a certificate program.

1. Show what you know. A certificate in a specific subject shows employers you have completed the necessary training in this area.
2.  New knowledge has power. A certificate provides "recent and relevant education in terms that a civilian employer looks for.”
3. Time is on your side. A certificate can be completed in six months. Plus you can apply what you have just learned from a certificate program on the job right away.
4. So many choices. There are many certificates for veterans and service members to choose from, with human resources being one that should be seriously considered.
5. Leader of the pack. Veterans and service members are unique job candidates, and the right certification could separate you from the rest of the pack.

Dan Munson, senior director of Six Sigma Programs - Online at Villanova University, believes certificates provide an application of knowledge that has power. "The world views veterans as individuals who have learned attention to detail, teamwork, respect for hierarchy, work ethic, and an appreciation for the notion of 'rank has its privilege,' “ Munson said. "Add to that a certificate or two, coupled with an applicable degree and the veteran has a higher probability of being a part of the stack - the short list - when being considered for a position."

If you are a veteran or service member, visit http://continuingeducation.unlv.edu/certificate-programs to view a list of the comprehensive, career-oriented courses and certificate programs offered at UNLV Continuing Education. Also, check out our Spring/Summer 2015 catalog later this week to learn more about the new certificate programs in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones), Nurse Paralegal, Private Airplane or Helicopter Pilot, and National Academy of Sports Medicine certifications in corrective exercise and fitness nutrition.