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What Is A Career College?
Understanding what a career college is and what it has to offer.
If you're like many students, perhaps you're not sure what a career college is. But these private career institutions are a quiet educational powerhouse, comprising a large career training segment in the U.S., according to the Career College Association.
At career colleges, students of all ages have fulfilled their potential. A 2001 report from the Russell Sage Foundation shows that graduates of these private, post-secondary colleges and schools are 10 to 15 percent more likely to be in the labor force, and earn 8 to 9 percent more than graduates of academic programs.
Another study, conducted in 2004 by the National Assessment of Vocational Education (NAVE) showed that postsecondary vocational education proved an effective means to higher income, even without attaining a credential. A single year of study brought 5 to 8 percent more earnings to postsecondary career and technical students than to high school graduates with similar characteristics.
And the career school isn't a 20th century invention. Private career schools were established in the 1800's, when independent institutions responded to an increasing demand for skilled workers in offices and factories. Nearly two centuries later, career colleges continue the tradition of providing career education for changing employment needs. Today, career colleges have had a significant increase in enrollment, responding to major shifts in the economy and employment market.
Private career colleges are an integral source of training for tomorrow's workforce, offering programs in fields such as healthcare, which is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. Nationwide, occupations like medical assistants will experience 50 to 60 percent growth rates, and private career colleges specialize in training workers for this and other in-demand healthcare fields.
If you're considering a career college, be sure to find out more about the institution; talk to an advisor and ask for more information about courses, tuition costs, admission requirements, and job placement rates. If possible, arrange to attend a class to see firsthand what students do and what training is like in the trade or career school environment. Talk to the instructors and students, as well as graduates. Perhaps you can even contact employers that hire the institution's graduates or talk to alumni. Here's what a career college can do for you:
Specific job training: You'll find a no-nonsense approach to education and response to your individual needs at a career college. As a student, you'll be challenged in programs that stress professionalism and practical knowledge. You can learn to solve real work problems in job-like settings. Due to their specialized focus, career colleges offer more intensive training in chosen fields than more traditional institutions, enabling you to enter the work force quickly.
Flexible scheduling: If you're a working adult, you'll find that career colleges offer programs that fit your schedule. Depending on the program you enroll in, you'll have your certificate in just 8 to 10 months. Most programs only average about 20 hours of classes each week, or four hours a day, plus homework and other assignments.
Financial aid help: Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The financial aid office at your career college will look at your financial situation and help you figure out what loans and aid packages are available for you. Career college education offers an excellent return on investment
Assistance finding employment: Because of an emphasis on vocation, career colleges are geared to assist you with career placement and advice. While they can't guarantee employment, you'll receive help with interview skills and resume preparation as well as help completing job applications and valuable networking and job leads.
