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Microcredentials at OCC
What is a Microcredential?
Microcredentials are fast, focused, flexible courses that help you develop in-demand skills and experience to meet emerging employer needs and can generally be completed within a matter of months. Being “stackable,” you can earn more than one, and they provide a pathway to additional microcredentials, certificates, or degrees so you can level-up in your career or round out your degree!
Ready to get started?
Have questions, want to talk to someone, or just learn more about our microcredentials? Please complete the interest form below:
Microcredential Interest Form
Ready to sign up for a microcredential? Please complete the Microcredential Request Form below. Create an OCC account or use your existing OCC account to access the form.
Creative and Professional Writing
Learn key writing skills across creative, professional, and technical genres. You'll be able to write for different audiences, engage effectively in workplace communication, develop technical writing, and clearly present research. It also provides a foundation and pathway to apply credits earned towards an Associate of Arts at OCC.
Digital Writing
Learn skills needed for writing, communicating, and marketing in a digital and professional world. You will take three courses focused on writing in the digital environment, developing strategies for communicating marketing content to varied audiences, and producing written communications in a professional business setting. This microcredential is eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials.
Direct Support Professional I
This Direct Support Professional (DSP) I microcredential aligns with the DSP I certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). A medical examination, a tuberculin test, a background check, and fingerprinting may be required before beginning field work placements and may require additional costs. This microcredential is eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials and monetary support from a new partnership between OPWDD and OCC.
Direct Support Professional II
This Direct Support Professional (DSP) II microcredential aligns with the DSP II certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). A medical examination, a tuberculin test, a background check, and fingerprinting may be required before beginning field work placements and may require additional costs. This microcredential is eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials and monetary support from a new partnership between OPWDD and OCC.
Teaching Assistant II
Designed to provide you with the skills needed to assist in educating in the Pre-K-12 classroom, you'll take three courses that prepare you to use written communication effectively with pupils, parents, and colleagues; to understand basic concepts of human psychology; to effectively assist in educating children from different cultures and backgrounds.
Teaching Assistant III
Designed to provide you with the skills needed to assist in educating in the Pre-K-12 classroom, you'll take three courses that prepare you to use spoken communication effectively, to utilize child psychology concepts in working with children, and incorporate literary analysis successfully in the classroom setting.
Database
A three-course sequence that stacks into the Computer Information Systems A.A.S. degree. Students will learn the role that databases play in modern information technology systems, fundamentals of database architecture and structure, how to build and access databases, how to interface databases with websites, and systems analysis and design.
Networking
A three-course sequence that stacks into the Computer Information Systems A.A.S. degree. Students will learn the role that networks play in modern information technology systems, fundamentals of network architecture and design, server configuration and management, and network and server security.
FAQ
Who can earn a microcredential?
- Students currently enrolled in a degree program.
- Professionals looking to upskill, seeking career advancement or change, and a higher salary.
- Businesses seeking to provide professional development opportunities for employees.
- Lifelong learners who’d like to explore a particular interest.
- Individuals looking to give college a test drive.
What are digital badges?
- The digital badges are a downloadable image that can be posted to platforms like Linkedin or used in an email signature to show that you earned a micro-credential and mastered a specific skill(s).
- Badges help to set you apart from other applicants when it comes time to apply for a job or grow in your current career — so display them proudly!
How do I publish and promote my microcredential badge(s)?
Congratulations on earning a microcredential badge! You finished the hard work of earning it, now follow these 5 simple steps to promote and publish it on social media, through email, your resume, or any other way you can think of:
1) You'll receive an email saying you have earned a microcredential badge. Follow the link within the email to accept your badge.
2) In your Credly account open the menu in the upper right hand corner of the screen and navigate to Badges.
3) Once there, you will see a list of all the badges you have earned. Click on the one you want to share.
4) Look for the green Share button.
5) You will see different ways to Promote and Publish your badge. Click on the links and follow the instructions.
Who should I contact if I have questions about a microcredential?
- Creative & Professional Writing and Digital Writing — contact the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Direct Support Professional I and Direct Support Professional II — contact the School of Health, Wellness, and Human Services
- Teaching Assistant II & III — contact the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Database & Networking — contact the School of Technology, Engineering, and Computing
- Questions about receiving or accepting your Credly badge — email Grad Central