Are you looking to jumpstart a new career or enhance your current skills rapidly? Austin Community College (ACC) offers Fast Track Career Programs designed to equip you with the in-demand abilities that Central Texas employers are actively seeking. These accelerated certificate programs, available in both noncredit and for-credit formats, provide a quick and affordable pathway to achieving both immediate career entry and long-term professional growth.
Discover Discounted Noncredit Fast Track Career Programs
ACC’s Continuing Education Division is making career advancement more accessible than ever with noncredit skill certificates. These programs are specifically structured to get you job-ready faster, whether you’re starting a new career path or aiming for a promotion in your existing field. For a limited time, you can save 50% on most programs, making this an incredibly affordable opportunity to invest in your future. The discounted prices are already reflected in the program costs detailed below. Furthermore, financial aid options may be available for those who qualify; we encourage you to inquire with the specific program for more details.
Ready to take the next step? Register through the Continuing Education registration page or reach out to us at 512-223-7542 to learn more about enrolling in a fast track career program.
[Looking at a table with program details and costs for different career paths]
Business Fast Track Programs
Launch your business career with these fast track career programs, designed to provide you with essential skills in high-demand areas.
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting & Bookkeeping | $14.52 → $20.64 per/hr | $30,201 → $42,931 annually | 12 Weeks | $495.00 |
| Administrative Assistant | $12.79 → $20.27 per/hr | $26,603 → $42,161 annually | 8 Weeks | $723.00 |
These fast track career programs in Business offer efficient routes into stable and growing professions. For example, the Accounting & Bookkeeping certificate can be completed in just 12 weeks, positioning you for entry-level roles with a solid earning potential. Similarly, the Administrative Assistant program, lasting only 8 weeks, opens doors to various office environments.
[Image of business professionals collaborating in a modern office setting, symbolizing teamwork and career progression in business, with alt text “Business professionals collaborating on project, illustrating fast track career growth in business programs.”]
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | $16.70 → $46.90 per/hr | $34,736 → $97,552 annually | 12 Weeks | $1,249.50 |
| Translation & Interpreting | $19.31 → $38.51 per/hr | $40,164 → $80,100 annually | 3 Semesters | $592.00 |
For those seeking leadership roles, the Project Manager fast track career program provides comprehensive training in 12 weeks, potentially leading to significant salary increases. If you have a passion for languages, the Translation & Interpreting certificate offers a pathway into a rewarding career field over three semesters.
Design, Manufacturing, Construction & Applied Technologies Fast Track Programs
Get hands-on skills and enter in-demand trades with these fast track career programs focusing on design, manufacturing, construction, and applied technologies.
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified CAD Drafter | $17.87 → $27.13 | $37,169 → $56,430 | 10 Weeks | $996.00 |
| Certified Production Technician | $12.94 → $19.05 | $26,918 → $68,578 | 4 – 8 Weeks | $1,100.00 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $14.62 → $20.04 | $30,409 → $41,683 | 3 Weeks | $1,975.00 |
These fast track career programs are designed to quickly get you into the workforce. Become a Certified CAD Drafter in just 10 weeks or a Heavy Equipment Operator in a mere 3 weeks. These roles are crucial to the Central Texas economy and offer competitive wages.
[Image of a construction site with heavy equipment in operation, representing hands-on training and career opportunities in applied technologies, with alt text “Construction site with heavy equipment, symbolizing fast track career opportunities in applied technologies programs.”]
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC | $14.31 → $20.31 | $29,764 → $42,244 | 12 Weeks | $1,450.00 |
| Lineworker* | $19.43 → $30.28 | $40,414 → $62,982 | 6 Weeks | $1,461.00 |
| Plumbing | $14.40 → $26.43 | $29,952 → $54,974 | 5 Months | $1,399.50 |
| Truck Driving* | $9.98 → $18.07 | $20,758 → $37,585 | 5 Weeks | $4,500.00 |
| Welding | $14.29 → $20.14 | $29,723 → $41,891 | 12 Weeks | $900.00 |
Consider the HVAC, Lineworker, Plumbing, Truck Driving, and Welding fast track career programs for secure and essential roles. These programs range from a few weeks to several months, offering a quick path to employment in vital industries.
Education Fast Track Programs
Make a difference and start your journey in education with these fast track career programs.
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paraeducator | $8.91 → $11.81 | $18,532 → $$24,564 | 3 Weeks | $126.50 |
| Teacher Certification | $16.90 → $27.90 | $35,152 → $58,032 | 12 months +Paid Teaching Exp. | $3,000.00 |
Become a Paraeducator in just 3 weeks with this fast track career program, allowing you to quickly enter the education field and support students. For those aiming to lead their own classrooms, the Teacher Certification program offers a comprehensive route, combining coursework with practical teaching experience over a longer period.
Information Technology Fast Track Programs
Enter the booming tech industry with these fast track career programs in Information Technology.
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Certified Network Associate | $18.21 → $33.10 | $37,876 → $68,848 | 6 Months | $2,608.50 |
| CompTIA Security+ | $18.71 → $36.61 | $38,916 → $76,148 | 12 Weeks | $297.50 |
| Information Security | $18.71 → $36.61 | $38,916 → $76,148 | 56 Hours | $447.50 |
These IT fast track career programs are designed to get you skilled and certified rapidly. Obtain your CompTIA Security+ certification in just 12 weeks or gain foundational Information Security knowledge in only 56 hours, setting you up for roles in cybersecurity and network administration.
[Image of diverse IT professionals working on computers, symbolizing fast-paced careers and technological advancement in IT, with alt text “Diverse IT professionals working on computers, illustrating fast track career paths in technology programs.”]
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Technician | $18.21 → $33.10 | $37,876 → $68,848 | 3 – 6 Months | $1,150.00 |
| Software Developer Bootcamp* | $16.86 → $34.51 | $35,068 → $71,780 [c] | 6 Months | $8,600.00 |
| Web Developer | $16.86 → $34.51 | $35,068 → $71,780 | 12 Months | $1,980.00 |
For those looking to build software or manage web platforms, the PC Technician, Software Developer Bootcamp, and Web Developer fast track career programs offer various entry points into the IT sector, ranging in duration and specialization.
Health Sciences Fast Track Programs
Begin a fulfilling career in healthcare with these fast track career programs in Health Sciences.
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Nurse Aide | $8.09 → $10.33 | $16,827 → $21,486 | 12 Weeks | $554.00 |
| Dental Assistant | $13.77 → $20.11 | $28,641 → $41,820 | 12 Months | $2,099.00 |
| Medical Assistant | $12.78 → $16.65 | $26,582 → $34,642 | 6 – 12 Months | $3,837.00 |
These fast track career programs provide quick entry into the healthcare field. Become a Certified Nurse Aide in 12 weeks or a Dental Assistant in 12 months, contributing to patient care and support in essential healthcare settings.
[Image of healthcare professionals in a hospital setting, representing compassionate care and career opportunities in health sciences, with alt text “Healthcare professionals in hospital, symbolizing fast track career opportunities in health sciences programs.”]
| Career / Credential | Hourly (Entry→Median) | Annual (Entry→Median) | Est. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding | $12.79 → $16.94 | $26,603 → $35,235 | 9 Months | $2,875.00 |
| Medical Office Support | $12.80 → $17.02 | $26,624 → $35,401 | 1 Semester | $1,161.00 |
| Ophthalmic Assistant | $13.15 → $16.92 | $26,561 → $38,667 | 8 Months | $1,926.50 |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $8.33 → $16.40 | $17,326 → $34,112 | 12 Weeks | $900.00 |
| Veterinary Assistant | $9.68 → $16.47 | $34,257 → $42,411 | 12 Months | $1,988.50 |
Explore further healthcare roles with fast track career programs like Medical Billing & Coding, Medical Office Support, Ophthalmic Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and Veterinary Assistant. These programs offer diverse pathways within the healthcare industry, catering to various interests and time commitments.
*Salary information is derived from data analysis of traditional and real-time labor market insights (LMI) in partnership with Emsi (Economic Modeling Specialists International), a Strada company.
Interested in for-credit certificates? Visit the for-credit registration page or contact 512-223-4636 to explore additional fast track career program options that offer college credit.
Enhance Your Job Search Skills with a Free Course
ACC Career Services is dedicated to your success, offering a free, 4-week course titled “Strategies for Today’s Jobs.” This valuable resource will teach you effective job search techniques, including how to identify job openings, craft compelling resumes, and excel in interviews in today’s digital job market. Learn more about this free course and gain an edge in your job hunt.
Ready to Get Started on Your Fast Track Career?
The registration process varies depending on whether you choose a noncredit or for-credit certificate program. Take the first step towards your new career today!
