Are career specialization certificates (diplomas) a waste of money?

I was looking to pursue some classes in the culinary arts. There are (what they call) career specialization programs where you concentrate on an aspect of culinary arts that most interests you...ex baking, cooking, management etc.
These courses are 17 credits (instead of the associate degree program where you learn everything about culinary arts...that is 66 credits)
I wanted to do the baking/pastry course to gain more credentials than I have already in food service...i know nothing technical about baking or pastries.
so do you guys think these certificates are hooey or a worthwhile investment? If I applied to a bakery, supermarket or private..or if i worked for a catering company would i get the job over any other entry level person if i had this?

also (yes i know the actual degree would be better) but i can't afford it...no i don't want a 21 thousand dollar loan...do you..that's a lot of money when you make 8 bucks an hour and nobody can help you out.

The Culinary Institute of America, especially a branch located in Pasadena, California offers a 2-year fully degreed program for $58,000 as well as an affiliate 6-months hands-on cooking class for $20,000 [via the Red Kitchen in South Pasadena and Hollywood, CA].

A more reasonably priced culinary course is a 2-year offering at Los Angeles Trade Tech College ("LATTC") for $975 total.

Good luck!