Certificate Pathways Scholarship
Get your foot in the door, then get to the next level
Even if you're looking for the first step in your career, we know you're still aiming high. With a career pathway scholarship, you can get an entry level certificate, then keep adding to your credentials to get to the next phase of your career.
Thanks to a grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, we can offer a $2,000 scholarship for each of the short-term certificates listed below. And you can come back to get additional scholarships! We've laid out sample career pathways below showing how certificates "stack" up to higher positions - and higher earning potential.
Find Programs in: Health Care | Information Technology (IT) | Manufacturing
How to Apply
Eligible students may be awarded a $2,000 scholarship toward the cost of attendance. To apply, fill out a Scholarship Application Form. We'll contact you if you qualify and help you through the next steps.
- Applicants must be a resident of Ohio.
- Applicants must sign up for a certificate program listed on this page (The scholarship does not apply to associate degrees or bachelor's degrees). According to state rules, the scholarship can only pay for classes and fees that apply to your certificate.
- Program Application: For health care certitificates, which are offered for college credit, students should apply using Columbus State's standard Admissions Application. The IT and Manufacturing certificates are not offered for college credit - apply by clicking the "Program Descriptions" link in each certificate and following the directions. For questions, contact grantsoffice@cscc.edu or Patrick Bookman at pbookman@cscc.edu.
- Scholarships can be used not only for tuition, but also expenses such as school supplies, lab supplies, documentation and certifications.
- Once you complete your certificate, you may apply for another certificate scholarship.
- If you haven't already done so, you will need to apply for admission to Columbus State and register for classes. See the Get Started Guide or Returning Students.
- Don't pay your tuition yet! We can only apply the scholarship if you have an unpaid balance on your account.
Need more information? Email grantsoffice@cscc.edu or Patrick Bookman at pbookman@cscc.edu
Health Care Certificates
Build your potential: Earn a short-term certificate to qualify for a job quickly. Then, come back for additional certificates or degrees. Each new credential takes you up the career ladder and qualifies you for higher-paying jobs - we've prepared these sample paths to show you how your career can grow.
Medical Laboratory Pathway
Two Semesters: The Phlebotomy Certificate Program prepares students with entry-level skills to perform blood collections within a healthcare setting. Students complete a minimum of 100 clinical hours and 100 venipunctures. Students who complete this program will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take a certification exam.
Job Titles: Laboratory Technicians, Phlebotomists, Laboratory Assistants
Top Companies: Aerotek, Nationwide Children's Hospital, LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, American Red Cross, ProMedica
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $17/hr
One Semester: The Clinical Laboratory Assisting Certificate is designed to provide exposure to the clinical laboratory techniques and procedures needed in entry-level laboratory jobs.
Job Titles: Laboratory Assistants, Specimen Accessioners
Top Companies: Nationwide Children's Hospital, LabCorp, OhioHealth, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $16/hour or $33.2K/yr
Five Semesters: The Medical Laboratory Technology program prepares graduates to perform laboratory procedures in a variety of settings. Students learn from both online classes, hands-on campus laboratories, and clinicals at local healthcare facilities.
Job Titles: Laboratory Technicians, Medical Laboratory Technicians
Top Companies: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Actalent, LabCorp, OhioHealth, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $20/hr or $41.6K/yr
The certificate scholarship does not apply to this degree program. Check with Financial Aid for more sources of scholarship funding.
The Medical Laboratory Science Program provides students with an education in clinical laboratory science and prepares graduates to become certified medical laboratory scientists (MLS). The program has four degree "tracks" to choose from based on the future academic and professional career goals of the student.
Job Titles: Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Technologist
Top Companies: Nationwide Children's Hospital, LabCorp, OhioHealth, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $26.05/hr or $54.2K/yr
The certificate scholarship does not apply to this degree program. Check with Financial Aid for more sources of scholarship funding.
Pharmacy Science Pathway
Two Semesters: The Pharmacy Technician Program is an entry-level certificate program that prepares students for a career as a pharmacy technician. Students learn to prepare medications, perform dosage calculations, and other real-world tasks.
Job Titles: Pharmacy Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Technicians-in-Training, Compounding Pharmacy Technicians, Sterile Compounding Pharmacy Technicians, Inpatient Pharmacy Technicians
Top Companies: CVS Health, Kroger Pharmacy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Walgreens, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health Systems, Meijer Pharmacy, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $41,600/yr
Five Semesters: The Associate of Science in Biology fulfills the first two years of a bachelor's degree, preparing a student to transfer on to a four-year college. Check with your advisor before transferring.
Job Titles: Pharmacy Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Technicians-in-Training, Compounding Pharmacy Technicians, Sterile Compounding Pharmacy Technicians, Inpatient Pharmacy Technicians
Top Companies: CVS Health, Kroger Pharmacy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Walgreens, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health Systems, Meijer Pharmacy, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $41,600/yr
The certificate scholarship does not apply to this degree program. Check with Financial Aid for more sources of scholarship funding.
Addiction and Social Services Pathway
Two Semesters: The Addiction Studies Certificate prepares students for an entry-level credential in the addictions field. Students learn theories of addiction, assessment of substance use disorders, and treatment planning.
Job Titles: Counselors, Case Managers, Counselor Assistants, Patient Care Assistants, Substance Abuse Counselors
Top Companies: Maryhaven Inc., Alvis Inc., Southeast Integrated Healthcare Inc., Concord Counseling, Goodwill Columbus
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $20.65/hr or $42.9K/yr
Five Semesters: Students in this program are prepared to support persons in difficult life situations such as developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders. The program includes 315 hours of hands-on clinical experience.
Job Titles: Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors, Mental Health Counselors, Rehabilitation Counselors, Child, Social Work Assistant, Social & Human Service Assistants, Community Health Workers, Eligibility Interviewers- Government Programs, Community & Social Service Specialists, Psychiatric Technicians
Top Companies: Maryhaven Inc., Alvis Inc., Southeast Integrated Healthcare Inc., Concord Counseling, Goodwill Columbus
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $18.06/hr or $37.6K/yr
The certificate scholarship does not apply to this degree program. Check with Financial Aid for more sources of scholarship funding.
Healthcare Management Pathway
Two Semesters: Students gain vital knowledge and experience toward becoming a manager in healthcare.
Job Titles: Healthcare Office Lead, Healthcare Frontline Support Lead, Lead Technician, Healthcare Office Coordinator
Top Companies: Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, Anthem Blue Cross, Mount Carmel Health System
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $16/hr or $34K/yr
Five Semesters: Graduates of this program are qualified to manage the business of healthcare. Graduates learn about current trends in healthcare, how to evaluate and improve healthcare operations, and have a strong grasp of the legal principles inherent in the healthcare system.
Job Titles: Program Managers, First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers in healthcare, Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Medical and Health Services Managers
Top Companies: Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, Anthem Blue Cross, Mount Carmel Health System
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $24/hr or $44K/yr
The certificate scholarship does not apply to this degree program. Check with Financial Aid for more sources of scholarship funding.
Health Information Pathway 1
Two Semesters: The HIM Technician Certificate prepares students to assist in compiling orderly patient charts (paper, hybrid, or electronic) to meet the requirements for licensure and certification. Students also learn how to perform duties such as release of information to help assist in continuity of patient care.
Job Titles: Health Information Technician, Medical Records Clerk, Health Information Management (HIM) Specialist
Top Companies: Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health System, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $17.00-22.00/hr or $36-46K/yr
Three Semesters: The Medical Coding Certificate program provides students with the entry-level skills needed to code, classify, and index diagnoses and procedures for the purpose of reimbursement, standardization, retrieval, and statistical analysis. Students learn fundamental concepts of medical coding and medical reimbursement.
Job Titles: Medical Coder, Coding Specialist, Inpatient Coder, Outpatient Coder, Facility Coder, Professional Coder
Top Companies: Central Ohio Primary Care, Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health System, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $22.00/hr or $45K/yr
Five Semesters: The Health Information Management Technology AAS degree prepares the student to maintain health records systems and follow medical, administrative, and legal guidelines.
Job Titles: Disease Registrar, Medical Coder, Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist, Master Patient Index Specialist, Revenue Integrity Specialist, Privacy Analyst, Data Quality Analyst, Clinical Data Specialist, Senior HIM Specialist
Top Companies: Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health System, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $18.00-26.00/hr or $37-55K/yr
The certificate scholarship does not apply to this degree program. Check with Financial Aid for more sources of scholarship funding.
Health Information Pathway 2
Two Semesters: The HIM Technician Certificate prepares students to assist in compiling orderly patient charts (paper, hybrid, or electronic) to meet the requirements for licensure and certification. Students also learn how to perform duties such as release of information to help assist in continuity of patient care.
Job Titles: Health Information Technician, Medical Records Clerk, Health Information Management (HIM) Specialist
Top Companies: Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health System, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $17.00-22.00/hr or $36-46K/yr
Five Semesters: The Health Information Management Technology AAS degree prepares the student to maintain health records systems and follow medical, administrative, and legal guidelines.
Job Titles: Disease Registrar, Medical Coder, Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist, Master Patient Index Specialist, Revenue Integrity Specialist, Privacy Analyst, Data Quality Analyst, Clinical Data Specialist, Senior HIM Specialist
Top Companies: Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health System, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $18.00-26.00/hr or $37-55K/yr
The certificate scholarship does not apply to this degree program. Check with Financial Aid for more sources of scholarship funding.
Jump to: How to Apply
Information Technology (IT)
Columbus State offers non-credit IT workforce certificates in data analytics, cybersecurity, and network administration. Each certificate program is designed to prepare individuals for in-demand jobs by helping them build relevant, employer-desired skills. Most certificate programs include multiple courses delivered through a mix of online coursework and virtual, real-time instruction. Our certificate programs are designed for working adults with some background in technology.
See the chart below for training options and potential job titles.
31 Weeks: Columbus State’s Data Analytics Workforce Certificate begins with essentials in computer science, followed by coursework with a specific focus on data analytics in relevant business scenarios. This program will equip existing employees with practical, foundation-level skills in data analytics through a hands-on approach.
Job Titles: Business Analysts, Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Operations Research Analysts, Business Operations Specialists, Computer Systems Analysts
Top Companies: JPMorgan Chase, Ohio State University, Accenture, Anthem Blue Cross, Cardinal Health, Huntington Bancshares
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $39.05/hr or $81.2K/yr
The AWS Academy Cloud Foundations certificate prepares students for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam. This entry-level course provides an introduction to AWS cloud services and practices and is suitable for all students.
Job Title: Computer Network Architects
Top Companies: Amazon Web Services, Meta (Facebook), JPMorgan Chase
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $57.94/hr or $120.5K/yr
31 Weeks: The traditional Cybersecurity certificate is designed to provide a broad introduction to the field of cybersecurity. This program expands upon the content covered in the Network Intensive Cybersecurity Certificate with additional content in database, Linux, and Python fundamentals.
Job Titles: Information Security Analysts, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Top Companies: Ohio State University, JPMorgan Chase, Columbus State Community College, Deloitte, Anthem Blue Cross
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $36.19/hr or $75.3K/yr
8 Weeks: The Network Intensive Cybersecurity Certificate is an accelerated program that meets two days per week and is designed to prepare students for the SSCP Certification Exam. This certificate covers the same content as the Networking Fundamentals and Cybersecurity course in the traditional Cyber Security Certificate.
Job Titles: Information Security Analysts, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Top Companies: Ohio State University, JPMorgan Chase, Columbus State Community College, Deloitte, Anthem Blue Cross
Average Salary in Central Ohio: $36.19/hr or $75.3K/yr
Jump to: How to Apply
Manufacturing
Today's manufacturing workers need specialized skills, and the more skills you have, the more you can earn. The MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) program at Columbus State has also developed a number of upskill training options forworkers in the manufacturing field. You can choose a training program depending on your interests and the skills needed at your job.
See the chart below for training options and potential job titles.
Stackable Certificates: These certificates are not offered for college credit, but all of them can be applied toward an associate degree in Electro-Mechanical Technology Associate of Applied Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science, Electronic Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science
60 Clock Hours (noncredit): Electrical Certificate 1 teaches the fundamentals of AC/DC electrical systems, as well as how to install and troubleshoot electric motors, for a variety of manufacturing areas. The certificate includes online learning and hands-on training in our Integrated Systems Lab.
Program Cost: $2,400
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
30 Clock Hours (noncredit): Electrical Certificate 2 teaches the basics of electrical wiring and control wiring. It also introduces electrical circuits and works through many industry tasks in electrical systems.
Program Cost: $1,200
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
42 Clock Hours (noncredit): This course will teach how to design, program and operate a PLC to control a number of process applications used by industries all over the world. The skills learned are in high demand everywhere today.
Program Cost: $1,440
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
36 Clock Hours (noncredit): Fluid Power Hydraulics takes students from the basics to advanced skills, allowing learners to develop skills and knowledge needed to apply hydraulics in modern industry. The certificate includes online learning and hands-on training in our Integrated Systems Lab.
Program Cost: $1,440
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
51 Clock Hours (noncredit): pneumatics prepares learners to work intelligently in industry with pneumatic applications.
It introduces pneumatic power and takes learners
through key topics and skills in pneumatic power and safety, pneumatic circuits, pneumatic
schematics, the principles of pneumatic pressure and flow, and pneumatic speed control
circuits.
Program Cost: $2,040
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
63 Clock Hours (noncredit): This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to operate, install, and analyze mechanical drives and how they are used in real-world applications. Later courses in the certificate cover heavy-duty V-Belt drives and ball bearings.
Program Cost: $2,520
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
67 Clock Hours (noncredit): This certificate combines theory and hands-on practice with pump systems, process control systems, and thermal process control systems.
Program Cost: $2,760
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
72 Clock Hours (noncredit): This certificate covers Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 5500 systems, ControlLogix Process Control sytems, and PLC systems in general.
Program Cost: $3,120
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
96 Clock Hours (noncredit): This comprehensive program covers AC/DC electrical systems, basic pneumatics, electric motor control, mechanical drive systems, and beginning welding concepts.
Program Cost: $3,840
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
30 Clock Hours (noncredit): The Operator/Maintainer certificate program at Columbus State Community College
provides entry level electro-mechanical training. The program will expedite training
time, reduce workplace accidents, and enhance employee productivity.
Program Cost: $1,200
Job Titles: Manufacturing - machine operator, maintenance technician
Jump to: How to Apply