Trine offering professional certifications through dual enrollment

Students in Trine University’s dual enrollment programs will have the opportunity to earn one of four professional certifications beginning this fall.

Trine will offer certificates in Healthcare Billing and Coding, Administrative Professional, Information Systems and Accounting, allowing high school-age students to gain in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials.

For students entering the work force, the certificates will provide a direct pathway to entry-level employment in high-demand fields, giving them a significant head start on their careers.

“By allowing students to take meaningful steps toward their futures before graduating high school, we’ve added even more value to our dual-enrollment offerings,” said Kim Bennett, vice president for enrollment management. “These certificates will help students stand out on college applications, improve workforce readiness and fast-track their path toward a college degree or career. It’s all part of Trine’s overall commitment to innovation, student opportunity and real-world impact.”

Samantha Fulton, director of dual enrollment, said the certificate programs also provide benefits to the broader community and to local industries.

“Raising the educational and economic standards in the region contributes to long-term community stability,” she said. “When students can access relevant training close to home, they’re more likely to stay and work locally — helping build stronger, more resilient communities.”

She added that by aligning education with workforce needs, Trine is helping to future-proof the regional economy.

“Industries such as healthcare billing, IT, accounting and administrative support consistently face staffing shortages,” she said. “Trine’s certification programs help address these gaps by providing a steady pipeline of trained, credentialed individuals. Local employers will gain access to young professionals who are already skilled in critical areas, reducing onboarding time and training cost.”

The certificate programs are part of Trine University’s ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to higher education. By offering reduced tuition rates, Trine’s dual enrollment programs make college-level learning more accessible to a wider range of students, including homeschooled and first-generation college students, and those from underserved backgrounds.

Certificate programs

The Accounting certificate will prepare students for jobs in public accounting, private industry, government and non-profit organizations. They also will be equipped to pursue an accounting degree.

Coursework explores topics that include processing accounting information, accrual accounting, budgeting, comprehensive accounting theory and practice, basic concepts of tax law, and income tax preparation and research. Students will develop their accounting skills by using tools to complete the accounting cycle, including software applications.

The Administrative Professional certificate will prepare students for organizational and managerial positions in government, law, banking, health care, education, manufacturing, franchising and other career opportunities, or for degree programs where office management and related expertise are essential. Students will be equipped to succeed in both small and large employment settings.

The Healthcare Billing and Coding program introduces students to the fundamentals of medical billing and coding, and will prepare them to function in medical billing or coding departments as well as billing or coding facilities. Students who complete the program will be able to recognize the association between the delivery of healthcare services and the need to appropriately secure reimbursement.

Students who complete the Information Systems certificate will be qualified for positions in the information technology (IT) industry. Students will explore topics including computer processing, operating systems, using programming to solve complex business problems, networking management, and data management and visualization.

The program will prepare students to advance in the workforce or to pursue a degree in the field.

For more information, visit trine.edu/certificates.