Microcredential badges over laptop

Microcredentials

Microcredentials are focused, flexible learning opportunities designed to help you build practical skills and real-world competencies. Unlike traditional degree programs that require a longer time commitment, Barton’s microcredentials are short-term programs that provide specialized knowledge in a variety of career pathways.

This approach allows learners to quickly gain new skills, upskill in their current field, or reskill for new career opportunities. Microcredentials do not replace traditional college programs but instead complement them by offering stackable learning experiences that can lead to customized credential pathways. Upon completion, learners receive a digital badge that verifies the specific skills and knowledge gained through the coursework.

Microcredentials are ideal for individuals exploring a career path, professionals already in the workforce, those considering a career change, and lifelong learners focused on professional growth. Skill-based learning helps demonstrate valuable competencies to employers and highlights the practical expertise learners bring to the workplace. 

Mental Health Microcredentials

Explore Barton’s current offerings in Mental Health Microcredentials with Larned State Hospital: 

Basic Mental Health Badge
Basic Mental Health Badge

Basic Mental Health Microcredential - Mental Health Pathway

 Basic Mental Health Badge:

    General Psychology

    Interpersonal Communication

    Abnormal Psychology

 

Mental Health Communications Badge
Mental Health Communications Badge

 

Mental Health Communications Microcredential - Mental Health Pathway

 Mental Health Communications Badge:

    Documentation & Special Report Writing

    Communication in Mental Health

Patient Navigation for Mental Health Badge
Patient Navigation for Mental Health Badge

Patient Navigation for Mental Health Microcredential - Mental Health Pathway

 Patient Navigation for Mental Health Badge:

    Forensic Psychology

    Trauma Informed Care in Behavioral Health

    Pharmacology for Mental Health

Mental Health Microcredentials Contact
Courtney Metcalf
Coordinator of Student and Faculty Services
(620) 786-7480
metcalfc@bartonccc.edu 


 

Explore Barton’s current Occupational Safety and Health microcredential offerings. These flexible, focused learning opportunities are designed to build practical, job-ready skills. The short-term programs deliver specialized knowledge that supports upskilling, reskilling, and career advancement without the time commitment of a traditional degree.

Microcredentials can be stacked to create customized pathways and, upon completion, provide a digital badge that verifies the competencies gained. Whether you are entering the field or strengthening your expertise, Barton’s microcredentials help you stay competitive and prepared for evolving workplace demand

Occupational Safety and Health Microcredentials

Environmental & Hazardous Materials Compliance
Environmental & Hazardous Materials Compliance

 Environmental & Hazardous Materials Compliance (12 Credit Hours)

  Courses: • HZMT 1903 Introduction to Environmental Management (3hr)

   LIFE 1413 Environmental Science (3hr)

   HZMT 1917 Dept. of Transportation Regs (3hr)

   HZMT 1907 Resource Conservation Recovery Act (3hr)

Ergonomics & Human Factors Safety Specialist
Ergonomics & Human Factors Safety Specialist

Ergonomics & Human Factors Safety Specialist (9 Credit Hours)

    Courses:    

    PSYC 1000 General Psychology (3hr)    

    HZMT 1940 Introduction to Ergonomics (3hr)    

    OSHA 1931 Safety Training Methods for Adult Learners (3hr)

Industrial Hygiene & Exposure Control Specialist
Industrial Hygiene & Exposure Control Specialist

    Industrial Hygiene & Exposure Control Specialist (9 Credit Hours)

    Courses: 

    HZMT 1912 Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology (3hr)

    MATH 1806 Technical Mathematics or MATH 1828 College Algebra (3hr)

    HZMT 1905 Environmental Sampling & Monitoring (3hr)

Occupational Safety and Health Associate in Applied Science
Occupational Safety and Health Associate in Applied Science

    Occupational Safety and Health Associate in Applied Science (64 Credit Hours)

    Courses:

    All courses from Micro-Credentials and Occupational Safety & Health Certificate (48 credit hours)

    ENGL Requirement (3hr)

    COMM 1200 or COMM 1230 (3hr)

    Business/Office Technology (3hr)
    
                                                       OSHA 1927 or OSHA 1928

     (Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health General Industry or Fundamentals of
      Occupational Safety and Health Construction Industry)
     (Whichever one was not taken for the micro-credential) (3hr)

     OSHA 1930 Practicum in Occupational Safety & Health (3hr)

     Any HZMT/EMHS/OSHA Course not listed elsewhere on this Degree Map as a requirement (1hr)

Safety Investigation & Compliance Specialist
Safety Investigation & Compliance Specialist

    Safety Investigation & Compliance Specialist (9 Credit Hours)

    Courses: 

    OSHA 1927 or OSHA 1928

    (Completed from Occupational Safety Foundation Micro-Credential) (3hr)
    (If the student completes the micro-credential in Occupational Safety Foundations this class will
    already be completed)

    OSHA 1933 Workplace Accident Investigation (3hr)

                                                       OSHA 1932 Work Practice Controls/Safety Audits(3hr)

Osh Microcredentials Contact
Laura Pratt & Michelle Rutherford
PrattL@bartonccc.edu 
RutherfordM@bartonccc.edu

Why Barton?
  • Small Class Sizes
    Receive one-on-one attention and personalized support from instructors.
  • Interactive Instruction
    Learn through engaging, hands-on teaching methods designed to enhance understanding and retention.
  • Affordable Learning
    Many courses use Open Educational Resources (OER) to reduce or eliminate textbook costs.
  • Dedicated Faculty
    Instructors are available in and out of the classroom, offering study sessions, academic advising, and career guidance.
Microcredential FAQs

What is a microcredential?

Microcredentials are short, focused learning programs designed to help you build practical, job-ready skills. They provide targeted training in specific subject areas without the time commitment of a traditional degree.


How are microcredentials different from a degree?

Unlike degree programs, which take longer to complete and cover broader topics, microcredentials are short-term and skill-specific. They’re designed to help you quickly gain or strengthen competencies relevant to today’s workforce. 


What are the benefits of earning a microcredential?

Microcredentials allow you to:

  • Gain in-demand skills quickly
  • Upskill in your current career
  • Reskill for a new career path
  • Build confidence through hands-on, practical learning

Can microcredentials be combined with other programs?

Yes. Microcredentials are designed to complement traditional programs. They are often stackable, meaning you can combine them to create a customized learning pathway that supports your career goals.


What do I receive after completing a microcredential?

Upon completion, you’ll earn a digital badge that verifies the specific skills and knowledge you’ve gained. This can be shared with employers or added to your resume and online profiles.


Who should consider a microcredential?

Microcredentials are ideal for:

  • Students exploring a career path
  • Working professionals looking to upskill
  • Individuals considering a career change
  • Lifelong learners focused on professional growth

Affordable pathways to in-demand skills.

Apply to Barton

Complete the Admissions checklist of requirements to become a Cougar today.

Barton Benefits

At Barton, our areas of study are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in today’s world. Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, we offer flexible and rigorous programs that support your goals.