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This three-course non-credit professional development certificate program is designed to train entry-level translators in Portuguese to meet the needs of doctors' offices, hospitals, public health settings, courts, legal offices, schools, etc.

Who should take Portuguese/English Translation?

The program is intended for bilingual (English-Portuguese) speakers with no formal training in translation who wish to improve or expand their knowledge and skills in written translation.

The online format is ideal for professionals who, due to career and family obligations, cannot attend face-to-face classes.

What Will You Learn?

Upon completion of the program, students will have attained the following:

• Practice translating medical, legal, and business content from English to Portuguese and Portuguese to English
• Knowledge of English/Portuguese health, legal and business terminology and of how to expand on it
• Knowledge of how to make translation decisions on the basis of the translation requirements
• Training in cultural competency
• Preparation to work in health and legal settings

A University of Arizona non-credit Certificate in Translation is awarded upon successful completion of the program (three courses).

Apply Now

Courses

Each course is usually 16 weeks long and offered one time per year. Courses start in January, May and September.

Course Format and Schedule

Courses are self-paced, with weekly deadlines for activities such as reading, translation assignments and exams. You do not need to be online at a particular time to complete your course work.

The focus of the Translation Certificate courses is not on theoretical content. These are skills-based courses, whose goal is to facilitate acquisition of translation competence, more specifically the transfer component of competence. Given the short duration of the program (each course is only 16 weeks), we focus on core skills, which require rich feedback (from instructors and peers) and guided practice.

Unlike transfer competence, content (terminology, field specific knowledge) can be learned independently and through intensive specialized webinars, widely available in the field. Certificate courses teach content and terminology in the context of translation tasks (rather than as separate discrete units) and aim to teach students how to identify and remedy knowledge gaps (something they will have to do throughout their careers as translators).

The Translation Certificate courses are practical, workshop-style courses, as indicated on the syllabus. The assignments provide opportunities to learn (with purposely selected texts and guided activities to help students learn translation skills). Exams do not test content, but skills and thus, no preparatory materials are needed. Students prepare for exams throughout the entire course (through guided practice and feedback).

Application, Registration and Payment

To apply, you will need to complete and submit a background information form and a written entrance exam to test your proficiency in English and Portuguese. Applying to the program is free, and you can apply any time. Please allow 2 weeks before contacting us about the results of your application.

If you are accepted into the program, you will be notified when classes open for registration.

Discounts are available for University of Arizona employees and military, as well as early registration (1 month before course start). Only one discount can be used per registration.

Payment plans are not available for the May 2026 session. However, learners can reserve a seat by selecting the third-party payment option at checkout. You will receive a payment link 10 days before the course start date, at which point full payment will be due.

For more information, please contact us or see the Portuguese-English Certificate Program FAQs.

The certificate in Spanish/English Translation is designed to respond to the increasing local, national, and international demand for professionals, educators, and students interested in meeting the challenges of an increasingly multicultural and multilingual society.

This three-course non-credit professional development certificate program is designed to train entry-level translators in Spanish to meet the needs of doctors' offices, hospitals, public health settings, courts, legal offices, schools, etc. 

Who should take Spanish/English Translation?

It is intended for bilingual (English-Spanish) speakers with no formal training in translation who wish to improve or expand their knowledge and skills in written translation.

The online format is ideal for professionals who, due to career and family obligations, cannot attend face-to-face classes.

Upon completion of the program, students will have attained the following:

• Practice translating medical, legal, and business content from English to Spanish and Spanish to English
• Knowledge of English/Spanish health, legal and business terminology and of how to expand on it
• Knowledge of how to make translation decisions on the basis of the translation requirements
• Training in cultural competency
• Preparation to work in health and legal settings

A University of Arizona non-credit Certificate in Translation is awarded upon successful completion of the program (three courses).

Apply Now

Courses

Each course is usually 16 weeks long and offered 1-2 times per year. Courses start in January, May and September.

Courses are self-paced, with weekly deadlines for activities such as reading, translation assignments and exams.

The focus of the Translation Certificate courses is not on theoretical content. These are skills-based courses, whose goal is to facilitate acquisition of translation competence, more specifically the transfer component of competence. Given the short duration of the program (each course is only 16 weeks), we focus on core skills, which require rich feedback (from instructors and peers) and guided practice.

Unlike transfer competence, content (terminology, field specific knowledge) can be learned independently and through intensive specialized webinars, widely available in the field. Certificate courses teach content and terminology in the context of translation tasks (rather than as separate discrete units) and aim to teach students how to identify and remedy knowledge gaps (something they will have to do throughout their careers as translators).

The Translation Certificate courses are practical, workshop-style courses, as indicated on the syllabus. The assignments provide opportunities to learn (with purposely selected texts and guided activities to help students learn translation skills). Exams do not test content, but skills and thus, no preparatory materials are needed. Students prepare for exams throughout the entire course (through guided practice and feedback).

Awards

The University of Arizona Spanish/English Translation Certificate Program was the recipient of the 2021 University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) West Region Outstanding Non-Credit Program Award.

Application and Registration

To apply, you will need to complete and submit a background information form and a written entrance exam to test your proficiency in English and Spanish. Applying to the program is free, and you can apply any time. Please allow 2 weeks before contacting us about the results of your application.

If you are accepted into the program, you will be notified when classes open for registration.

Discounts are available for University of Arizona employees and military, as well as early registration (1 month before course start). Only one discount can be used per registration.

Payment plans are not available for the May 2026 session. However, learners can reserve a seat by selecting the third-party payment option at checkout. You will receive a payment link 10 days before the course start date, at which point full payment will be due.

For more information, please call 520-626-3343 or see our FAQ section.

This noncredit professional development course will equip you with in-demand, practical network operations and cybersecurity skills.

Who Should Take Network Security?

No prior cybersecurity experience is required. These courses are perfect for those who:

• Are tech-savvy and enjoy the challenge of learning new tools and technologies.
• Are curious about cybersecurity and want to go beyond the theoretical by using real-world cybersecurity tools.
• Have some information technology (IT) experience or training and want to add in-demand cybersecurity skills to their resume.
• Want to fill cybersecurity skills gaps in their organization.

What You Will Learn: Practical Network Security Skills and Tools

Upon successfully completing the course, you will be able to use the data collected from a variety of cyber defense tools (e.g., IDS alerts, firewalls, network traffic logs) to analyze network events for the purpose of detecting and mitigating attacks against the network.

The hands-on experience and cybersecurity labs will prepare you to immediately apply and use what you learn.

Course topics include:

• Network Design and Protocol
• Introduction to Network Security
• VPN
• Network Monitoring Tools
• Network Vulnerability Analysis
• Network Attacks
• Network Intrusion Detection Systems
• Unified Network Management and Security

Hands-on labs include: Setting IP addresses, subnet masks and gateways; using Wireshark; launching simulated DoS and DDoS attacks; port scanning attacks; using network mapping tools; configuring firewalls; allowing and blocking traffic; network monitoring with TCPdump, IPtraf, and P0f; network vulnerability analysis with OpenVas; using intrusion detection tools such as Snort.

Earn a Certificate and Digital Badge from a Name Employers Trust

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital Certificate of Completion and a digital badge from University of Arizona Continuing and Professional Education.

Digital badges are an increasingly popular way to record and recognize professional development activities. Digital badges include rich detail regarding what you did to earn the badge, such as learning outcomes achieved, lab exercises completed, skills and tools learned in the course, and more.

Digital badges can also be added to your resume and to LinkedIn and other professional networking sites. A potential employer can click on the badge to see exactly what you did to earn it.

Network Security Course Schedule and Format

Course Format

This fully online course allows you to learn in-demand cybersecurity skills at your own pace.

The course is completely online, and you have 24/7 access to materials, including:

• Video lectures
• Quizzes to ensure you understand the material
• Hands-on online labs, where you will practice using network and computer monitoring tools, intrusion detection and prevention tools, and other IT security tools

The instructor is available to answer your questions via email and during weekly scheduled office hours.

Requirements: Because this course contains online labs, participation in the course requires high-speed and reliable Internet access and a computer (minimum Windows 7 or MacOS X or Ubuntu 12.04 or a tablet with similar capabilities).

This program prepares medical professionals for a career in the legal field as legal nurse consultants. 

Legal nurse consultants use their medical education and experience to advise law firms, health care providers, insurance companies, government agencies and other organizations regarding medically-related issues and appear in court as expert witnesses.

What You Will Learn

The course provides a comprehensive analysis of the principles and practices of legal nurse consulting (LNC), with an emphasis on law and expert witness testimony. 

Who Should Take the Legal Nurse Consultant Course?

The course is designed for medical professionals who wish to start a career as legal nurse consultants. The course is also open to anyone interested in the field of forensic testimony and medical-legal issues.

Class Schedule and Format

This noncredit professional development course includes 42 clock hours of instruction/learning. 

The course is available in two different formats:

• In the online format, you will complete your course in one seven-week session. You will complete weekly activities and assignments, averaging 10 hours per week of course work. As long as you complete your work by the assigned deadline, you can work at your own pace, and you don't need to be online at a particular time.
• In the self-study format, you can register and start learning at any time. Once you register, you will have four months to complete the program. Because it is a self-paced program, you will not have weekly assignments or a specific course schedule to follow. Therefore, you will need to be organized, persistent and motivated to stay on track to complete your training.

Online course dates: see start dates in the right sidebar.

Online Self-Study course dates: start any time and complete your program within four months.

What Is Included

• 42 clock hours of training
• A Certificate of Completion from University of Arizona Continuing & Professional Education upon successful completion of the program
• A digital badge upon successful completion of the program

Note: books and materials are not included in registration fee.

With the expanding legalization of recreational and medical cannabis nationwide has come an increased need for well-trained people to work in the highly-regulated, complex cannabis industry.

The legal cannabis industry already supports over 428,000 full-time jobs nationwide, and the industry is growing significantly faster than other industries. Arizona alone exceeded $1 billion in total annual cannabis sales in 2022.

The need for credible cannabis information extends beyond the cannabis industry itself - to health professionals, legal professionals, law enforcement, and many other professions affected by cannabis legalization.

About the University of Arizona Cannabis Certificate Programs

The University of Arizona Continuing & Professional Education non-credit Cannabis Certificate programs are designed to meet the current and future cannabis industry workforce needs and position participants for professional success in this thriving industry.

Instructors are experts in the cannabis industry, including cannabis entrepreneurs, board-certified physicians, pharmacologists, attorneys and public policy specialists.

Participants can choose to earn a Certification in the 8-week Cannabis Associate Certificate program or in the 16-week: Cannabis Retail & Sales Specialist, Cannabis Cultivation Specialist, Cannabis Compliance Specialist, Cannabis Product Development Specialist, or Medical Cannabis Specialist. Each Specialist program includes the eight-week Associate course plus eight more weeks of advanced training in
high-growth job sectors.

• Cannabis Associate Certificate: This 8-week program is designed to provide foundational knowledge in the cannabis industry. Students will learn about cannabis biology, cultivation techniques, product knowledge, legal regulations, and essential business practices. Ideal for those aspiring to pursue careers in cultivation, retail, or management, this program equips participants with the skills needed to succeed in the evolving cannabis landscape.
• Cannabis Retail & Sales Specialist: Prepares students for successful careers in the cannabis retail industry. This course covers essential topics such as product knowledge, customer service techniques, compliance with regulations, and effective sales strategies. Ideal for aspiring Retail Associates and Store Managers, this program equips participants with the skills needed to thrive in the growing cannabis marketplace.
• Cannabis Cultivation Specialist: This in-depth online program focused on the science and art of growing cannabis is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for careers in the cannabis cultivation sector. Students will learn about essential cultivation techniques, plant health management, and the operational aspects of running a grow facility. This program is ideal for those seeking hands-on roles, including Grow Assistants, Cultivation Technicians, and Cultivation Managers.
• Cannabis Compliance Specialist: This certificate program aims to prepare students for roles in cannabis compliance and regulatory oversight. This course covers critical topics such as state and federal regulations, compliance strategies, and best practices for maintaining operational integrity in the cannabis industry. Ideal for individuals seeking careers as Compliance Officers or Regulatory Specialists, this program provides the necessary expertise to navigate the complex legal landscape of cannabis.
• Cannabis Product Development Specialist: This program educates students on the diverse range of cannabis products, how they are made, and their applications. Participants will explore topics such as product formulation, quality assurance, and market trends. This program is ideal for those aspiring to work in roles such as Product Developers and Quality Assurance Specialists, equipping them with the knowledge to excel in the evolving cannabis market.
• Medical Cannabis Specialist: Aimed at providing students with knowledge about the medicinal applications of cannabis. Participants will explore the therapeutic properties of cannabis, patient care practices, legal aspects, and current research developments. This program is perfect for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone interested in the medical uses of cannabis, empowering them to better assist patients in their needs.

Each Certificate consists of 8-16 weeks of online coursework. Students can study at their own pace and on their own schedule, as long as they complete the final exam within the course timeline.

Who Should Earn a Cannabis Certificate?

The Cannabis Certificate Programs are ideal for a diverse range of individuals seeking to enhance their careers in the cannabis industry, including:

• Cultivation Enthusiasts: Those interested in hands-on roles such as Grow Assistants or Cultivation Technicians, looking to gain expertise in cultivation techniques and plant health management.
• Retail Professionals: Aspiring Retail Associates or Store Managers who want to develop skills in product knowledge, customer service, and compliance within the retail landscape.
• Compliance Specialists: Individuals aiming for roles as Compliance Officers or Regulatory Specialists, seeking to understand the complexities of cannabis regulations and compliance strategies.
• Product Developers: Those interested in working as Product Specialists or Quality Assurance Specialists, eager to learn about product formulation, quality control, and market trends.
• Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals or caregivers wanting to deepen their understanding of the therapeutic uses of cannabis and how to support patient needs effectively.

Learn More

Course Schedule and Format

Each non-credit Specialist Certificate starts with the Cannabis Associate Certificate 8-week course, introducing the history, culture and industry of cannabis. After completing the first 8-weeks, participants complete an additional 8-week specialized course to earn their non-credit Cannabis Specialist Certificate.

The courses are fully online and asynchronous, meaning you do not need to be online at a specific time to complete your coursework. There are weekly assignments and activities to keep you engaged and on-track to complete your Certificate. You will also develop a portfolio of case studies and projects that you can use to demonstrate your sector-specific cannabis knowledge.

You should expect to dedicate 6-10 hours per week to complete your coursework. 

What Is Included in the Cannabis Certificate Program?

• 8-(Associate) to 16-(Specialist) week courses
• Completion of a portfolio of case studies and projects to demonstrate your cannabis industry knowledge
• A Certificate of Completion from University of Arizona Continuing & Professional Education upon successful completion of the program

• Access to the GF Institute Employer Network upon successful completion of the program: includes a digital badge to display your credential, as well as membership to the GF Institute, the professional organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of professionalism, credibility, and equity in the cannabis industry

  All graduates also gain access to the Cannabis Career Resource Center — a free platform unlocked the moment you complete any of these programs.
  Here's what's inside:
  1. The Employer Network – Direct access to cannabis companies that are actively hiring and have agreed to recognize our Certificate holders when they apply for a job.
  2. Continuing Education – A growing library of training videos covering career development, advanced cannabis knowledge, entrepreneurship, and more.
  3. Exclusive Opportunities –  So you can keep learning and growing to expand your cannabis career. 
   

Paying For Your Program

Payment plan options are available for qualifying participants. Payment plan options may include additional fees.

Questions?

For additional information, please contact Green Flower at cannabis-ce@arizona.edu.