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Rapid Credentialing Programs

Prepare for a high-demand, high-wage career in a year or less!

Get There FASTER

Complete your education in months, instead of years. Enroll in a high-quality workforce program and quickly gain the critical skills needed in Palm Beach County’s essential and emerging industries.

  • Boost your potential earning power with new skills.
  • Turn your interests into a career: Programs span many industries
  • Earn a certificate and/or industry certification valued by employers.
  • Learn from expert faculty with a commitment to your success.
  • Gain hands-on experience in well-equipped labs. Some programs also offer fieldwork opportunities or internships.

 


PBSC is excited to participate in the Florida Department of Education's  statewide Get There Florida workforce education initiative that brings attention to career credentials that accelerate student success. 


 

Rapid Credentialing Programs

 

Advanced Manufacturing Arts Information Technology Energy Environmental Science Health Care Hospitality & Tourism Public Safety Trades Transportation

 

Get Started Now!
Explore the Rapid Credentialing programs below.

 

Student using a 3D printer

 

Advanced Manufacturing

College Credit Certificate

  • 4 Months  |  12 Credits

The Lean Manufacturing certificate prepares students to enter the workforce as manufacturing technicians, quality assurance technicians, or engineering assistants. Through a focus on advanced manufacturing, productivity tools, and Lean Six Sigma best practices, you'll gain knowledge and skills valued by employers across all industries.

This program is offered on the Belle Glade, Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens campuses.

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: Autodesk Certified User-Inventor
  • 8 months  |  12 Credits

The exciting innovations of 3-D printing and scanning have revolutionized product prototyping and manufacturing. The ability to quickly produce full-scale models, as well as actual products, has been embraced by all industries, creating a need for technicians with expertise in this cutting-edge technology.

Industry Certification Program

  • Certifications: Certified Production Technician from Manufacturing Skill Standards Council
  • 8 Months  |  18 Credits

This certification program provides a foundational understanding of the technologies that influence manufacturing production processes and quality control, including additive (3D) manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics. During the program, students demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of advanced manufacturing production through successful completion of the certification assessments. Graduates will obtain the CPT credential, which is highly valued by employers throughout the manufacturing industry.

For more information about this program, please email Professor Eva Suarez, chair of Engineering Technology Department, at suareze@palmbeachstate.edu or call 561-207-5727.

 

 

 

Design student sitting at computer

 

Arts

College Credit Certificate

  • 6 Months  |  15 Credits

This program prepares students to enter the graphic design field, especially as it relates to the printing industry. Each student will develop a portfolio, crucial for employment, while enrolled in the program, and learn design fundamentals, Macintosh computer applications, typography, photography, and color design. Graduates are hired as graphic designers, webpage designers, illustrators or printing preflight administrators.

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: Avid Certified User for Media Composer
  • 8 Months  |  16 Credits

Gain marketable skills in film and sound editing as well as film production. Students add to their résumés by serving in production crew positions on student film projects. This certificate is valuable to students who plan to enter the field, as well as those who already work in the industry and wish to update their skills. Graduates are employed in television, advertising, or film and video production.

 

 

Information Security Student looking at a circuit board with a teacher

 

Information Technology

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: CompTIA
  • 1 Year  |  18 Credits

Master the fundamentals of developing and maintaining software applications using various computer languages and platforms. Learn to write code, evaluate problems, and test, monitor and debug computer programs. Graduates are ready to work as entry-level programmers or programmer specialists.

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: CompTIA
  • 9 Months  |  21 Credits

Build the essential skills required to configure, install, troubleshoot and administer local area networks, including UNIX/Linux, and gain competencies for A+ and Network+ certifications. This program prepares students for employment as help desk and computer support specialists.

 

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: CompTIA and Microsoft
  • 1 Year  |  30 Credits

Develop proficiency in programming, network design and operations, cybersecurity, ethical hacking and penetration testing. These key competencies will qualify students for positions in the information security industry.

 

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: CompTIA and Microsoft
  • 1 Year  |  24 Credits

Gain expertise in wide and local area networks, including UNIX/Linux. Students also tackle enterprise-level network administration (Windows Active Directory/DNS), programming logic and competencies for Network+, Linux+ and MCSA certifications. This program equips students to pursue a network administration career.

 

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: CompTIA and Microsoft
  • 9 Months  |  21 Credits

Learn to maintain the hardware and software of computer network systems and gain competencies for A+ and Network+ certifications. These fundamental skills prepare students to work as technicians in network administration or network security.

 

 

 

Students working with solar panels

 

Energy

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: OSHA-30 General Industry certification from U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • 1 Year  |  18 Credits

Build a dynamic career and contribute to a sustainable future. Through high-tech, hands-on activities, you’ll study biofuels, wind and solar energy, and environmental mapping, among other relevant topics in green energy generation. This unique certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions and opens new career doors for electrical power employees.

 

 

 

Two people in hazmat suits

 

Environmental Science

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) Certification from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • 8 Months  |  14 Credits

This program prepares students in the analysis, handling, storage and dispensing of hazardous materials in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations governing proper chemical management. Students learn to develop and implement hazardous materials handling procedures; plan emergency responses to hazardous materials incidents; and protect workers and communities from hazardous material exposures. Graduates pursue positions with public agencies, environmental consulting firms, and engineering, construction and manufacturing companies.

 

 

 

Medical Assisting students taking blood pressure

 

Health Care

Career Certificate Program

  • Certifications: Eligible to take the Florida Certification Exam for Nursing Assistants, which is required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
  • 3.5 Months  |  290 Clock Hours

Take the first step on the nursing or health care career ladder in this state-approved program. Patient care assistants provide support for nursing staff in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They also work as home health aides, assisting with the care of the elderly, as well as children, new mothers and infants.

 

Career Certificate Program

  • Certifications: Eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is required to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
  • 1 Year  |  1,350 Clock Hours

Licensed practical nurses make a real difference for patients every day in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies and physician offices. The satisfaction of helping all types of patients, from an acutely ill elderly man to a new mother and baby, makes this in-demand profession very rewarding. Students learn current theories and gain a wide range of clinical experiences in this state-approved program.

 

 

 

 

Woman with clipboard at food hall

 

Hospitality & Tourism

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe®)
  • 10 Months  |  30 Credits

Besides learning how to cook professionally, you’ll gain marketable skills in dining room management, quantity food production, food safety, cost control and purchasing. Graduates start on a management track in restaurants, hotels, country clubs and various food service settings.

 

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP)
  • 10 Months  |  30 Credits

Land a great job in hotels, timeshares, resorts and other hospitality venues by gaining practical knowledge of property management, hotel/motel front office procedures, purchasing and more.

 

 

 

 

Students in the Fire Acdemy using the water hose

 

Public Safety

College Credit Certificate

  • Certifications: Eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam, which is the Florida-approved route to becoming a state-certified EMT-B.
  • 4 Months  |  12 Credits

In ambulance services, fire departments and hospital emergency rooms, EMT-Bs help save lives by providing basic emergency care, such as stabilizing patients, controlling bleeding and giving oxygen. This one-semester, limited-access program prepares students for this vital career.

 

Career Certificate Program

  • Certifications: Eligible to take the state written and practical certification exams; passing is a requirement for employment as a Firefighter II.
  • 3.5 Months  |  492 Clock Hours/3 Credits

This intensive Firefighter program gives students top-notch training to fight any blaze. Instruction includes vehicle fires and extrication, apparatus and equipment as well as structural and wildland fires. Students must meet physical ability and other criteria to be placed in the selection pool for this limited-access program. Applicants are further evaluated based on their work experience and status as a certified EMT or paramedic.

 

Career Certificate Program

  • Certifications: Certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher through the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials
  • 4 Months  |  232 Clock Hours

When you call 911, who answers? Public safety dispatchers play a critical role as the initial first responders. Under Florida law, 911 dispatchers must complete 232 hours of training and pass a certification exam. This state-approved program devotes time to test preparation and takes students on field trips to see dispatchers in action. Once certified, graduates are ready to start careers as dispatchers for police, fire and ambulance units.

 

 

 

PBSC student welding

 

Trades

Career Certificate Program

  • Certifications: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Electronic Systems Technician Levels 1-4 credentials
  • 6 Months  |  750 Clock Hours

Master the low-voltage electrical skills required to install and repair the latest smart technologies, including security and home automation systems, telecommunications, remote access control systems, whole house audio and video, closed-circuit television, nurse call and fire alarms, turnkey gate automation and intrusion detection systems. Low voltage technicians work in existing homes, new home construction, and industrial and commercial buildings.

 

Career Certificate Program

  • Certifications: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Electrical Levels 1 & 2 credentials
  • 1 Year  |  1,200 Clock Hours

Taught by licensed electricians, students learn all aspects of the electrical trade and undertake challenging projects that develop essential skills in wiring installation and repair for residential and commercial properties. Graduates are ready to launch a career in electrical construction, maintenance, public utilities or contract work. This program also may lead to electrician apprenticeship opportunities.

 

Career Certificate Program

  • Certifications: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Welding Levels 1 & 2 credentials
  • 11 Months  |  1,050 Clock Hours

Train to become a welder in well-equipped facilities, featuring individual booths and tools for learning all major welding processes, including torch cutting, MIG/TIG, flux-cored arc, plasma arc and pipe welding. Hands-on lab activities focus on industry standards and fabrication techniques for welding carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum metals. Graduates are ready to work in a fabrication or repair capacity in a variety of industries, such as agriculture, aviation, utilities, marine and many more.

 

 

 

Two students and a teacher looking at a boat motor

 

Transportation

Career Certificate Program

  • Certifications: American Yacht and Boat Council (ABYC) Certified Technician; Automotive Service Excellence certifications (ASE T1 and T2)
  • 1 Year  |  1,350 Clock Hours

Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations and extensive hands-on training in labs and on boats, students gain a full understanding of marine industry standards and best practices, safety, and workplace organization. Students are prepared to pursue careers as entry-level marine mechanics and service technicians at marine dealerships, boat repair shops or yacht maintenance facilities.

 

 

Want more options? Explore all PBSC's short-term programs.

 

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