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Both professional and personal growth is highly dependent on a commitment to ongoing learning. Embracing new educational experiences can help advance knowledge and skills. For many of us, carving out time in our packed and hectic schedules to pursue these educational opportunities can be challenging, but certificate programs, which require a short term investment of time but target and build specific skills and expertise can supplement industry knowledge and experience.

Today, information, research, and innovations are proceeding at a faster pace than in the past. Materials that were stressed in a higher education curriculum ten years ago may no longer be considered the industry standard because the content is dated or obsolete. Employers want competent and experienced employees, who are trained in the latest developments in the industry and demonstrate a desire to continue to refine and update their skills and knowledge. Gone are the days when, after securing a degree, employees landed a job and advanced comfortably in their careers.

Keeping current in any field or industry is enhanced by reading professional journals and publications, attending conferences and seminars and conferring with colleagues. But the learning doesn’t stop there; managers must understand, apply and integrate cutting-edge information, skills and best practices to advance and thrive. Certificate programs offer short term, flexible opportunities to bolster skills and update knowledge.

A certificate is proof that the certificant has mastered the content in a specific area and demonstrates a commitment to going that extra mile to improve, expand and grow professionally.

Veterinary managers interested in standing out, advancing their careers, or moving into new positions, would be well-served by obtaining a certificate or certification in a targeted area.

Even managers who have the educational credentials that set them apart from their peers should keep this in mind: A recent study found that approximately one-third of certificate holders also had earned an associate, bachelor or graduate degree. The findings suggest that employees are getting certificates to bolster their skills or learn new ones in a competitive job market.

Not all certificates are created equal. A certificate of participation or attendance is given to those who attend and complete a course. The certificate only indicates that the certificate holder was present during the course. This type of certificate does not require the holder to pass a test or show competency in a subject area.

Other certificate programs recognize a relatively narrow scope of knowledge in a specific area. The certificate is awarded after the certificant completes the course and receives a passing grade. An example of this is the Partners for Healthy Pets Preventive Healthcare Certificate Program. While many veterinary professionals are using Preventive Pet Healthcare: Your guide to becoming a Practice Champion workbook to lead the effort to increase the emphasis on preventive healthcare in practice, the certificate program provides specific instruction in ten areas designed to improve the overall way preventive healthcare is delivered in practice. To receive a certificate, participants must complete ten learning modules and score at least 90 percent on each exam.

A certificate program that builds competency in a specific area can add value to a resume, underscore a new area of expertise, and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

For veterinary professionals interested in bringing preventive pet healthcare to their practices and playing a leading role, VHMA members can now receive continuing education credits at no charge when they complete the Partners for Healthy Pets (PHP) Preventive Healthcare Certificate Program. Managers who complete the certificate program can apply nine (9) continuing education credits toward the CVPM certification program requirements. The credits are RACE approved.

Preventive Healthcare Certificate Program »