It’s no secret that thousands of Americans are looking for a new career. Whether they’ve been laid off, experiencing corporate burnout, or looking for something more exciting, an increasing number of adults are looking to change their career.

Certificate programs, which generally consist of five or six courses, are gaining in popularity among mid-life career changers because they’re practical and relatively short. However, not all certificate programs are created alike. Some involve earning university credit and rigorous study, while others emphasize technical skills and training. So, for those of you who are looking to make a change, a certificate program provides lots of options for people who want to switch careers.

Below are five of the most popular fields for career-changers:

Not-for-profit organizations
According to the Independent Sector in Washington, employment in philanthropic foundations has grown by more than 30 percent in the last ten years. Non-profit organizations provide workers with the ability to manage their own careers and feel good about the work that they’re doing. Non-profits are especially in need of people with good marketing, business, and money-making skills because they rely heavily on grants in order to continue their good work.

Information Technology
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that technology is one of the fastest growing industries. However, it is also important to note that employers are looking more closely at the credentials of hopeful techies. Getting your degree in information technology, network security, computers, or graphic design is a great way to get your foot in the door.

Nursing
The need for qualified nurses is greater than ever. More than one million additional nurses are projected to be needed by 2012 due to an aging baby boomer population, the onslaught of new illnesses, and the influx of new medical technologies. According to the National League for Nursing, the age of nursing students ranged between 31 to 50 years old, making it a popular choice for a second career.

Real estate
Due to the flexible hours and the potential to earn a high commission, real estate has traditionally been an attractive option for people who are transitioning into another career. Due to the flexible work-week, real estate agents need to be self-starters and highly motivated in order to make a lot of money in commission.

Teaching
With the student population growing more and more each year, schools are counting on new teachers to help fill the student-teacher gap. If you have a willingness to work in high-need school districts, the education profession is in constant need to quality teachers.