Career School: The Right Option for You?

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Career schools, also called technical, vocational or trade schools, are designed for people who have career direction but simply need the knowledge and hands-on training to achieve professional success.

Specialized vocational programs connect students with the resources needed to start a lucrative career in trade fields such as automotive mechanics, medical billing and coding, cosmetology, paralegal or HVAC technology.

Obtaining a vocational degree is easier than you might think. Getting the degree—and the salary—you've always wanted is within reach if you set your mind to it.

2-Year Degrees vs. 4-Year Degrees

What is a vocational degree, and how does it differ from a 4-year degree? Vocational schools eliminate general education classes that don't pertain to your area of study—like math classes when you're paying tuition to become a cosmetologist—which means that you can graduate and start a new career within two years, instead of having to complete a traditional 4-year bachelor's program.

And while most students pursuing bachelor's degrees in areas such as psychology, sociology or English may need to tack on another two years (or more) of graduate study in order to pursue work in their chosen field (for example, to become a licensed psychologist or an English professor), career schools help place students in jobs immediately after graduation.

In fact, some technical programs even award diplomas for under one year of study, because students are receiving concentrated career-specific training and real-world experience. This means that while your peers are finishing their freshman year of college, you could be gearing up for graduation and an exciting new vocation.

Career School Myths—Busted!

1. Career schools aren't as good as traditional universities.
Not true. Accredited, well-respected career schools are designed to deliver top-notch training and education in targeted career fields. And it's precisely that targeted focus that makes career schools so great for so many people. You get the exact skills you need to be successful in the field of your choosing. Most career schools combine classroom learning and practical lab work that simulates on-the-job situations, thus arming students with everything they need to be successful.

2. Career school graduates have a harder time finding work.
In actuality, there are more jobs available in trade professions, such as medical billing and coding or automotive repair, than there are qualified applicants. This means that career school graduates are likely to find a job more quickly than their counterparts with bachelor's degrees. On top of that, most career schools help place recent graduates in internships or jobs within their field, so they transition smoothly from school to a successful career. In fact, some 4-year college graduates are enrolling at career schools in order to acquire the skills needed to land a well-paying job.*

3. Getting a vocational degree is unaffordable.
While the total cost of a quality degree can seem daunting at first, career schools are dedicated to making the cost of their programs affordable. For instance, the Lincoln Technical Institute, a nationwide network of automotive, HVAC and other technical training schools, offers intensive consultations with prospective students to go over financial options.

Counselors can help you combine federal loans and grants, state grants, scholarships and private funding to make your education goals a reality. Lincoln even offers a part-time job assistance program, offering students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in their field of study while earning money to pay for tuition.

Top Technical Degrees and Where to Get Them

With some of those myths out of the way, it's time to figure out your passion and find a school that can help you realize your goals. Here's a rundown on some of the most in-demand trades, as well as top institutions that represent what you should be looking for in a career school:

Automotive
Cars are more complex than ever, and they require highly skilled and capable mechanics to keep them running smoothly. If you've got a knack for solving mechanical problems and working with your hands, as well as an interest in operating the sophisticated computers and equipment today's cars rely on for maintenance, then this is the career for you.

Look for programs that are recognized by the key training and certification agencies for the automotive and technical trades. For example, the New York Automotive and Diesel Institute in Jamaica, NY is certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

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Medical Billing and Coding
If you have great attention to detail and a desire to support patient care behind the scenes, consider this growing field. Filing patient claims to health insurers, accurately billing patients and documenting patient treatments are just some of the day-to-day tasks of medical billers and coders. If you're interested in breaking into the administrative and business aspects of the health care industry, this is the career for you.

Westwood College, which operates campuses in six states, offers an associate's degree in medical billing and coding that's attainable in as little as 17 months. If you lead a busy life, look for programs like Westwood's, which offer day, night and online courses. Also look for accreditation to know that you're getting a top-notch degree that will be recognized by employers and other schools; Westwood is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

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Cosmetology
If you have a passion for helping people look their best, while allowing your creative side wanting to express itself, you're probably a good candidate for cosmetology school. Get ready to learn the ins and outs of manicures, pedicures, haircutting and styling, makeup, massage therapy and skin care.

When looking for a cosmetology school, be sure to find one that properly prepares you to take and pass the licensing examination for the state in which you wish to work. For instance, the Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy in Ludlow, MA offers 1,000 hours of instruction to prepare students for the Massachusetts exam.

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Paralegal
Law firms, nonprofits and public agencies employ paralegals to perform a wide range of duties, including preparation for hearings, trials and corporate meetings; assisting the elderly and the poor to find legal services; and conducting research for cases. It's a job with many facets, and it will put you right in the thick of the legal system, without the expense and time commitment of law school.

Kensington College, located in Santa Ana, CA, offers accredited training in paralegal studies, and students can complete a full-time certificate degree in six months. The 12 required classes cover business law, contract law, legal research, legal writing, civil litigation and much more. Look for accredited programs like this that offer a broad range of classes to prepare you for the field.

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HVAC Technology
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are in high demand, and if you've always had a knack for mechanics, electronics and construction, this career is right up your alley. So grab your duct tape and get the training you need to build and maintain temperature control systems and interpret detailed blueprints.

A quality certificate program in HVAC technology, such as the one offered by RETS Technical Center in Centerville, OH, will prepare students to take industry-standard certification tests, such as the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certification test, as well as the American Refrigeration Institute's Industry Competency Exam (ICE). RETS Technical Center is accredited by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).

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Vocational Career Facts

If this isn't enough information to get you excited about your future career possibilities, you may also be interested to know that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary for students graduating with vocational degrees ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 on up. Additionally, HVAC tech jobs are expected to grow 18 percent to 26 percent over the next seven years. This means that if you have specialized skills that are in demand, this increases your opportunity to earn more money later on down the road.

Vocational Programs

All Career Schools works closely with over 86 campus schools to bring you information on more than a hundred types of vocational programs. Start your career in automotive technology, aviation, cosmetology, electronics, HVAC, welding or other specialties by getting information from a wide range of vocational schools today.