Choosing a Certificate Program Through MyCAA
If you’re a military spouse and you’ve been approved for MyCAA financial assistance, then you now have lots of options to study and advance your career. One option you might want to consider is a certificate program.
One of the main benefits of a certificate program is a faster completion timeline than an associate’s degree, which means you’ll be working sooner and earning a steady income earlier. These programs are also ideal for people who already have a degree but want to expand their skills and stand out among potential job candidates.
If you’re considering using MyCAA funds on a certificate program, you’ll want to keep these four tips in mind:
1. Choose a MyCAA-approved program
Not every program or every school has been approved for MyCAA. Before seriously considering a particular program or school, make sure that it’s eligible for MyCAA funding. With approximately 3,000 participating schools, you have a variety of options to choose from. By choosing a school that already participates in the MyCAA program, you will get access to your MyCAA funds faster.
2. Consider a portable program
As a military spouse, committing to studying on campus or in a classroom can be difficult. You may need to relocate during the program. This makes online programs ideal as you’ll have access to your course no matter where you are.
3. Look for an employer-trusted program
Recently, the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked careers by the number of jobs projected. Of the 20 occupations expected to grow the most, 19 require less than two years of education. By choosing the right certificate program, you can gain the skills required to help meet this demand and stand out to employers.
4. Find a program with the support you need
An online course can be difficult if there is no one you can turn to for questions. That’s why you should find a course that provides the instructor support you need to be successful. At Career Step, there are instructors for each course who are committed to your success. You can call, email, or chat with an instructor and expect to receive the help you need.
To learn more about taking a certificate program through MyCAA, visit CareerStep.com/military-spouse.
