Are you investigating a credential program? If so, be sure to consider the future employment prospects and long-term economic trajectory of the certification.
A credential, according to the Department of Education, is a degree or certificate conferred by a post-secondary institution that is sub-baccalureate. In other words, this is recognition for acquiring a skill, a set of skills or even an Associate's degree, but all accomplished earning fewer credits than a four-year degree, which is the first level of federal funding from the Department of Education to schools and/students through financial aid.
Credentials include programs like dental hygiene, sonography, Associate of Nursing (RN), as well as certifications for programming, coding, etc. Data collected between 2000 and 2022 show an 89 percent increase in the number of certificates conferred. These programs are slowly catching on thanks to the COVID pandemic. During periods were workers were laid off or furloughed, many sought additional training or education in a new industry or field as a way to earn income. Through this, the term "micro-credentialing" emerged. Microcredentialing is stacking achievements or certifications on the way to a larger degree or program certification. Think of earning a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate on the path to an Associate of Nursing, the eventually the Bachelor of Science - Nursing degree.
These credentials may not lead to four-year degree complition right away though. Many recipients are choosing to enter the work force. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas released a report in May 2024 with findings showing an increase in wages for high school graduates with a certification. This is great news for recent graduates who want to enter the job market while attending school part-time or to save money for future enrollment. These entry-level positions with credential appear to be filling employer demands, but they may not be leading to long-term careers. Most of these jobs fill a niche role and while demand may be high in one geographic location, in another location, the same position pays less comensurate with lower demand. Consequently, it may take a student longer to complete a program if collecting credentials and working along the way.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there are several jobs projected to see an increased demand between now and 2029. The top two positions? Truck driver and nursing assistant, both with long working hours making continuing education challenging. Still projecting an increase, but lower on the list are hairdressers, medical assistants and automotive technicians. Of these three programs, many schools focus solely on degrees or certifications in these areas and offer job placement through relationships with local employers.
So while the jury may still be out on the benefits of credentials or microcredentials, many two and four-year schools are marketing current programs or offering new programs as a way to maintain or increase enrollment. Do your research on the programs of interest and ask your potential school the following questions:
Do you offer job placement? If yes, what is your placement rate?
How long do your placements stay with their first employer?
What is my anticipated wage with this credential? (Note: do some math here - how long will it take you to make up what you paid to earn the credential?)
Do you offer the next level of training, if needed, for this program?
What is the job outlook in the area, in other areas and in the future (2030-2034 is a great range if the school has the data)
Would you like personal assistance with researching credential programs or schools offering a credential? Please use the contact form to schedule an initial consult. I am happy to help you find your best fit after high school.
