More Information About Vocational Programs

• Vocational education provides specific job training.
• If there is a specific type of work you are interested in, there is most likely a vocational program that trains in that area.
• Most vocational programs require a high school diploma or GED for admittance.

What is vocational education?

Vocational education is aimed to specifically train people in a type of work. This is different from a traditional 4-year university, which provides a more holistic educational background. University students learn about Victorian literature or organic chemistry, for example, while a vocational student learns the particular skills needed to work in a very specialized career field. Some examples of vocational schools include cooking school, beautician school, medical assisting school, and electrician school. Many programs require a certain amount of apprenticeship, or internship working in the field in order to graduate. The entrance requirements for vocational schools depend on the school. Some require a high school diploma or GED, while others require professional experience or college credit.

What kinds of vocational programs are out there?

Hundreds and hundreds of programs exist within the realm of vocational education. The areas of concentration most frequently offered by vocational education programs focus on business, trade and industry, health, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, marketing, and technology. If there is a specific type of work you're interested in, there is most likely a vocational program to help you get into the field. Even if the career requires an advanced college degree, starting out with a vocational program and working in the field could help get someone on the road to a great career. For example, if your desire is to become a veterinarian, there are vocational schools that train veterinary assistants.

How do I find a vocational program that is right for me?

Do your research. When it comes to vocational programs, pay close attention to exactly what a school offers for the money it is charging. Also, an aspiring vocational student should get some exposure to the field their looking into so they don't end up hating the job after spending money on vocational training. The second most important thing to know is whether a school is accredited. If a school is accredited this means that a respected government or educational agency has deemed it a school of integrity. Students can be assured that any degree or certificate earned from an accredited school will be honored by an employer or another school. Students who go to a school that is not accredited may get a good education, but also may run the chance of not getting a job or not being able to transfer to another school.

Some other things to look into when you're researching a vocational school are: student completion rates, program prices, and technology and career placement services offered. The best bet is to pick up to a dozen schools to choose from and then compare them and narrow them down to a few finalists. Just a warning: because of the narrow specialization aspect of a vocational program it's good to be sure it is a field you'll enjoy, or you'll just end up wasting money on a degree you won't use.

• University of Maryland University College Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility. ( More Info )
• Upper Iowa University Online Upper Iowa University Online serves over 6500 students around the world. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Upper Iowa University offers Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degrees through the schools nationally regarded online program. ( More Info )
• Anna Maria College Online Anna Maria College is a private, four-year, Catholic liberal arts school located in Paxton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1946, the school focuses on combining a strong liberal arts education with professional preparation for a variety of careers; including fire science and emergency management careers. ( More Info )
• Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC) Nashville Auto Diesel College, located in Nashville, TN, offers program concentrations in Automotive & Diesel Technology and Auto Body Repair Technology. ( More Info )
• Ashford University Founded in 1918, Ashford University specializes in Teacher Education and Organizational Leadership. Students choose from associate and bachelor degrees in business, psychology, criminal justice, and teaching. The accelerated classes will offer you a swift path to program completion. ( More Info )
• Lewis University Lewis University is a Catholic university which offers a broad and diverse liberal arts education. Online students receive the same quality education as those enrolled in brick and mortar programs, but with the convenience of learning whenever and where ever they choose. ( More Info )
• San Joaquin Valley College Online San Joaquin Valley College Online offers certificate and Associate Degree education via 24/7 accessible online classes in as little as 9 months for certificate and 18 months for Associate Degrees in Business Administration, Clinical Medical Assisting, HR Administration, Medical Office Administration, Project Management, or Construction Management. ( More Info )
• ICS Canada ICS Canada offers career training in Business, Design, Education, Vocational, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Information Technology fields through flexible distance learning. ( More Info )
• Lincoln College of Technology (National) Established in 1943, Lincoln College of Technology offers specialized degree training and career preparation.The four campuses of Lincoln College of Technology are backed by over 50 years of successful educational history. Students earn associate degrees and career diplomas in automotive, business, information technology, vocational, and healthcare fields. ( More Info )
• Penn Foster Career School - Vocational Programs Penn Foster Career School is one of the world's largest distance learning institutions, offers Vocational Diploma programs in the fields of Automotive Technology, Catering & Gourmet Cooking, Electrician, Fitness & Nutrition, Home Inspection, HVAC, Motorcycle Repair and more. ( More Info )
• Penn Foster College Penn Foster College is one of the largest and most respected Distance Learning Institutions offering Associate degree programs. Penn Foster College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. ( More Info )
• Ashworth College Founded in 1987, Ashworth College is a career-oriented online education institution providing training in business, healthcare, and criminal justice fields. Students may also develop specialized vocational skills or earn their high school diploma. Individually-guided study and flexible schedules enable busy adults to receive a quality education and prepare for a new career. ( More Info )