TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Florida A&M University (FAMU), through its Office of Continuing Education, is introducing a new series of career-focused healthcare and information technology certificate programs delivered by MedCerts, a Stride Inc. portfolio company and national provider of online workforce training.
These programs create direct routes into some of the fastest-growing healthcare and IT careers, allowing students to increase their earning potential while providing others with a quicker, more flexible alternative to a traditional degree.
“The addition of 50 MedCerts certificate programs diversifies the educational opportunities available to our students and university community,” said FAMU Provost Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D. “These certificates not only prepare individuals for meaningful, well-paying careers, but they also strengthen Florida’s healthcare system, IT workforce, and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.”
According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, healthcare and IT represent two of four career fields where workforce needs are highest and expected to shape the state’s economy and quality of life for residents in the years ahead.
The certificate programs can be completed online in a matter of months, making them especially appealing to adult learners, job seekers, and working professionals looking to reskill or upskill into healthcare and IT careers. Programs include Medical Assistant, Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, Health IT Support, and Cybersecurity Analyst—all fields where hiring demand is high and projected to grow by more than 10 percent nationally over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By adding these programs, FAMU—ranked the nation’s No. 1 HBCU for Online Programs by Forbes—is helping students and residents train for careers in fields where employers nationwide are urgently seeking qualified talent, due to critical staffing shortages.
“FAMU opens doors for learners at every stage of life,” said Phyllis Watson, Ph.D., director of continuing education. “As demand for qualified, work-ready professionals continues to rise, we remain committed to serving as a vital part of the pipeline that prepares students for success.”
MedCerts’ digital learning model makes education accessible to learners who need flexible scheduling options. Each program is designed with content mastery and employability in mind, ensuring learners gain practical skills that translate directly into the workplace.
These programs also respond directly to the needs of employers. For example, healthcare providers in Florida and nationwide are reporting staffing shortages in patient-facing and administrative roles. Programs like these provide individual career mobility and strengthen the broader healthcare system by preparing more trained professionals for frontline and administrative roles.
As one of the brands in Stride’s portfolio, MedCerts equips adult learners with in-demand skills and certifications for career success. MedCerts has trained more than 100,000 students nationwide in healthcare and IT careers.
“These programs are about more than filling jobs,” said Jennifer Kolb, vice president of partnerships and workforce development at MedCerts. “They’re about creating long-term opportunities for individuals in the community while supporting employers with the skilled workforce they need to deliver exceptional care.”
The new MedCerts programs also align with Health Informatics as a Program of Strategic Emphasis designated by the Florida State University System, further advancing FAMU’s role in preparing graduates for careers that support Florida’s workforce priorities.
Enrollment in FAMU’s new MedCerts programs is now open, with courses available on a rolling basis.
To learn more or to enroll, visit famu.medcerts.com or contact the FAMU Office of Continuing Education at (850) 599-3474.
About MedCerts
MedCerts provides innovative, online career training programs that prepare adult learners for in-demand roles in healthcare and IT. With interactive eLearning, expert instruction, and strong industry partnerships, MedCerts has helped over 100,000 students gain the skills and certifications needed for career success. Through MedCerts Partner Solutions, the company collaborates with employers, higher education institutions, and workforce agencies to bridge the gap between training and career opportunities. MedCerts is a portfolio brand of Stride, Inc., a leader in online education. Learn more at medcerts.com. For more information on MedCerts Partner Solutions, visit partners.medcerts.com.
About FAMU
Founded on October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university in Tallahassee, Florida. What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to a high-quality, affordable education with programs and services that guide students toward successfully achieving their dreams.
FAMU is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.
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