Vocational and trade schools offer countless degree and certification programs attainable in a fraction of the time as their four-year counterparts. That puts you into the workforce ahead of your peers who chose a more traditional route. Whether you have a flare for fashion or a knack for fixing car engines, there is a vocational program designed to meet your needs.
The first step is to determine what careers interest you. Then you must choose a school. Most schools have entrance requirements ranging from age restrictions, proof of high school diploma or GED and residency requirements. Individual programs often have requirements that must first be met, such as completion of a beginner-level course.
There are several important factors to consider when making your post-high school education/training decision:
LOCATION. The school’s location will determine whether you will commute or need housing near the campus. If the school is out of state, you will have to find out about residency restrictions. Oftentimes tuition is substantially higher for out-of-state students.
COST. A high-priced school doesn’t necessary mean it’s the best school for you. Nor does the least expensive school mean it is the best bargain. When considering a school, find out what, if any, financial aid is available.
You may need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If aid is not available, private funding options, such as scholarships and loans, may be viable alternatives. Be advised that tuition usually is not the final figure.
Frequently, programs will charge materials fees for special supplies or equipment. Generally, textbooks are required for each course and are not covered by tuition. Ask if there are licensing or testing fees associated with courses. Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-4-FED-AID for a free copy of the Student Guide for grants, loans and work-study programs.
CAREER SERVICES. It’s a good idea to inquire if your prospective school provides career advisors or counselors that can help with interviewing preparation, resume writing, networking and portfolio presentation, as well as job placement and alumni services.
Program length and credentials awarded. An appealing aspect of trade schools is that they are typically shorter than traditional university degree programs. Ask your school’s representative or department chair how long the program will take to complete. Additional factors to consider when choosing a vocational school include accreditation, class size, attendance and refund policies. Popular programs offer certifications and degrees in these fields, among others: healthcare, information technology (IT), hospitality and industrial. Following is a sampling of programs and careers available at vocational and trade schools nationwide.
ADMINISTRATIVE CLINICAL SPECIALIST With this degree, you will be part of a healthcare team in a physician’s office, hospital, clinic or related business. For example, Allentown Business School (PA) offers a specialized degree that encourages students to obtain proficiency in office skills and a background in medical terminology and procedures. You’ll be prepared for jobs such as medical secretary, medical office assistant, medical claims processor, medical claims examiner and insurance assistant. Additional healthcare jobs include those of dental assistant, medical laboratory technician, practical nursing, respiratory therapist and health unit coordinator.
CULINARY ARTS Imagine having a job that fulfills one of our greatest needs (and wants)? The culinary world has infinite career opportunities from short-order cooks to pastry chefs, maitre d’s to nutritionists. The Art Institutes offer a culinary arts program that takes about 21 months. Their program will prepare you for jobs such as cook, pantry cook, assistant dining room manager or sommelier. Gain experience on cruise ships or at resorts, hotels, restaurants and corporate dining rooms. The Art Institutes have locations in many cities throughout the U.S.
HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) The concern over energy efficiency has created the need for trained professionals in heating and cooling technologies. Those interested in this line of work can obtain jobs with companies that install, operate, troubleshoot and service commercial and domestic air conditioning, refrigeration and heating equipment in private homes, office buildings and factories. Coyne American University in Chicago, for example, offers a 36- and 48-week HVAC diploma program through which students study mechanical and electrical servicing, commercial controls and applications, gas heating and electric heat and heat pumps. Other industrial careers include auto body repair, machine tool technology and over-the-road truck driving.
GRAPHIC DESIGN A graphic design degree can open doors to a myriad of companies, such as ad agencies and magazines. Degrees in these programs combine the fundamentals of computer graphics, advertising, design and general education courses to provide students with the skills necessary to function as a graphic designer, package/product designer, marketing/advertising designer, illustrator or media designer.
C++ PROGRAMMER According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programmers and computer analysts will be among the 10 fastest growing occupations between now and the year 2010. For example, St. Paul Technical College offers several programs in this area, awarding degrees and diplomas to students who go on to successful careers as computer programmers in business, manufacturing, government and education. Examples of jobs include programmer, database project specialist, applications programmer, technical programmer or software developer.
Opportunities abound for vocational and trade school graduates. In addition to the programs and careers mentioned above, there are other options, such as legal careers and business administration. There is a plethora of information available on the Internet to assist in finding the right program and school for you.
