Updated Content 09/10/2025
If you are a graduating high school senior, you may already be thinking about what you will do after high school. There are numerous career paths you could begin, like enrolling in an accelerated college degree program, attending a traditional university, or starting work at an entry-level job.
As you consider which option works best for you, consider the benefits of choosing an accelerated degree program from East Ohio College (EOC), including starting your career sooner, taking career-focused classes, and preparing for professional certifications*!
Keep reading to discover how these benefits can support your journey to achieving a rewarding career!
Start Your Career Sooner
How do accelerated degree programs work? Deciding to attend an accelerated degree program can give you the ability to start your career sooner. Depending on the career training program you select, you can start school right after graduating high school and be ready to begin your new career in as little as 18 months.
Choosing an accelerated college degree means you can complete your education in less time than a traditional university, where earning a degree often takes four to six years or more. As a high school senior who has spent the past 12 years in school, you may be looking for a program that will have you starting your new career sooner.
For instance, students in our Clinical Medical Assistant program receive hands-on training to prepare for careers in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and outpatient clinics. The Dental Assisting program combines at-home simulations with in-person clinical experiences, allowing students to build practical skills in dental impressions, x-ray development, sterilization, and more. Meanwhile, the Business Administration program equips students with a strong foundation in customer service, marketing, accounting, and consumer behavior, preparing them for a wide range of roles across various industries. Each of these accelerated programs is designed to be completed in two years or less, providing students with the real-world experience and job-ready skills they need to launch their careers with confidence.
Take Career-Focused Classes
At EOC, our accelerated career training programs offer the advantage of taking classes tailored to the skills and knowledge you’ll need for your new career. By studying subjects that align with your career goals, you not only gain relevant experience but also stay more engaged. Many people learn better when they’re interested in what they’re learning and know it will be helpful in their future career.
In comparison to traditional universities, where students spend four or more years completing their degrees, this approach avoids the waste of time on general education courses that aren’t tailored to their chosen career.
Our accelerated online/hybrid Nursing program trains you to become a registered nurse in just 18 months. This exciting program offers direct admission, allowing students to start their nursing courses immediately, without the need for years of general studies. Students learn a variety of essential nursing areas, including nursing values, the nursing process, and health promotion and maintenance. While completing this accelerated nursing training program, students also prepare to sit for the NCLEX-RN^ licensing exam.
Prepare for Certifications
With an accelerated training program, students often have the opportunity to prepare for professional certifications while earning their degree. Many employers require candidates to hold certifications specific to the job they are applying for, making certifications valuable to candidates and employers alike. For jobs that don’t require a certification, having these credentials can give you an advantage over other candidates who don’t have any certifications.
Professional certifications demonstrate to employers that you possess the necessary skills and abilities for the job, as they are created by third-party organizations with specific standards.
Students in our Medical Office Administration program prepare for a professional healthcare certification, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)*. Our Medical Coding program students have the opportunity to sit for the Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice** certification exam. The Cybersecurity program prepares students to sit for multiple certification exams, including Network+*, Security+*, Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+)*, and ITF+*.
Choose An Accelerated Degree With East Ohio College
With more and more students wanting accelerated degree programs and the many benefits of enrolling in this type of training, East Ohio College is here to guide you every step of the way. We offer online and online/hybrid programs, so students can choose the best way to earn their degree while balancing family, work, and life.
Request information now to start your path to an exciting career today!
^Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required to become a Registered Nurse.
*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Required/Included in Tuition/Fees.
**Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Required/ Included in Tuition/Fees. The Institution does not have a reportable recent pass rate (2022-2023 academic year) for the Certified Professional Coders exam because this is a new program with no graduates prior to July 1, 2023. See catalog for details.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to East Ohio College in any manner.