Broward College First in State for Industry Certifications for Fourth Consecutive Year

Fort Lauderdale, FL (June 14, 2017) – For the fourth consecutive year, Broward College is ranked first in the state for the number of industry certifications earned by students. During the 2016-2017 academic year, 1,339 certifications or licenses were earned in the areas of healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and transportation. Hillsborough Community College was second with 1,122 industry certifications awarded.

In an effort to develop a stronger connection between skills needed in the job market and education programs, the Florida Legislature created a performance incentive for colleges to increase the number of certifications and licensures earned by students. Broward College will receive approximately $1.09 million in funding as a direct result of student success. This funding will continue to support student success in technical programs by providing opportunities for students to earn industry credentials.

Industry certifications are approved third-party tests which demonstrate students meet or exceed the established industry standard.

“Broward College continues its strong relationship with its business community, and our students’ success in securing industry certifications confirm our efforts to align curriculum with real-world skills,” said Dr. Mildred Coyne, executive director of Workforce Education and Economic Development. “Industry certifications give our students an advantage by validating that our programs produce highly-skilled graduates who meet the needs of employers.”

The success of Broward College in identifying opportunities to promote certifications to its students directly addresses critical local and statewide economic needs for current and emerging industries. Some of the specialized certifications earned by students include aircraft airframe mechanics, massage therapy, pharmacy technician, and dental assisting. 

There are over 150 postsecondary industry certifications in high-demand industries. Last year, the College recommended 47 new industry certifications to the state, anticipating growth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, and continued high-demand for licenses in nursing and health sciences. New certifications were added within the marine technology, nursing, manufacturing, automotive, and information technology industries.

For more information on the certification programs available through Broward College please visit  www.broward.edu/academics/ or call (954) 201-7350.