Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/743370
22 October, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com T here has been an explosive growth in professional certification that can be found in almost every industry today. For the individual, certification gives recognition of competency, shows commitment to the profession, and helps with job advancement. It helps you stand apart from your peers, boost your confidence, and expand your career opportunities. And as for the employer, certification helps evaluate potential new hires, analyze job performance, evaluate employees, and motivate employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. The following are examples of in- demand professions and the type of certifications you may obtain; Medical Coders ("CCS" Certified Coding Specialist), Medical Assistants ("RMA" Registered Medical Assistant), Pharmacy Technician ("CPht" Certified Pharmacy Technician) Computer Repair Technicians ("A+, Networking+"), Graphic & Web Designers ("ACE" Adobe Certified Expert) and Computer Office Management "MOS" (Microsoft Office Specialist). It is always important to remember that certification comes from outside agencies, not the school itself. Hence, finding the right school is just as important as getting certified because only the best schools will help you get the certifications that are in-demand. The importance of choosing the proper school is essential. This begins with doing your own research in finding the right school that is approved by the top accrediting and certifying agencies. An example is in the field of medical coding; AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) is the leading certifying association in the nation for anything related to Health Information. There are dozens of Medical Billing & Coding programs in Southern California alone, but are all the schools the same? The answer is no. As mentioned earlier, you need to find a school with the top certifying agencies and Career College Consultants has the privilege of having the approval of a top certifying agency like AHIMA. The benefit of graduating from an AHIMA approved coding program is that you are more marketable to employers because today's job market requires you to be skilled in the profession under the top certifying agency. As of now, there only few schools in California that are approved by AHIMA, and Career College Consultants is listed first on the list of approved coding certification programs. AHIMA is just one example of an accrediting and certifying agency but there are numerous out there. As always, do your research and find out which certifying agency maximizes the potential out of your education as well as finding the right school that leads to this certification. Unfortunately, there are a number of schools out there that capitalize on vulnerable individuals who are seeking to straighten out their lives. As a result, they end up graduating with only a diploma that is outdated in a competitive job market as opposed to getting a certification. So please, always do your own research and always consult the proper expert when choosing the right school that will lead you to a certification. For further information and for assistance in choosing the right school, please contact Career College Consultants at (323) 245-2203. You may also want to visit us at www.career- college.edu or view our video at http:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=yi2f2oHcNaE&feature. FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE for those who qualify. FEATURE ARTICLE Unemployed? Try Getting Certified For the individual, certification gives recognition of competency, shows commitment to the profession, and helps with job advancement.