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Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Career College
The road to a career can be long and winding with lots of dead ends and wrong turns. Perhaps you've hit some of these occupational detours--unnecessary coursework, scattered employment opportunities, and wandering around the Internet, looking for just the right profession. But with a career college, you can be on the fast track to a rewarding career in a respected field. "I received training in exactly what employers are looking for," said one career school student. “I didn’t waste time taking classes that I didn't really need for the job market.”
If you’re thinking about earning a certificate from a career college that trains you for a specific healthcare support position, such as a pharmacy technician, medical assistant, or health claims examiner/medical biller, and other challenging positions--it’s important to ask questions before enrolling. You’ll want to feel confident about your decision before embarking on your studies. According to educational experts, here are some criteria to guide you as you evaluate the pros and cons of a career college:
1. INTERESTS AND GOALS:
What kind of career and technical training do you want to receive? If you’re interested in medical support careers, you’ll want to consider a career college that specializes in that type of preparation. Look for an established college with a good reputation.
Will the education you receive be adequate training for your job? If you’re interested in being a pharmacy technician, for example, you will want to gain technical knowledge and practical skills such as dosage calculations, drug distribution systems, and product recognition.
2. CHOOSING A SCHOOL:
Is the school accredited and will you receive a certificate of completion? Accreditation means that the institution’s programs and policies have been reviewed and meet the criteria set by an outside agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or specialized industry group. This ensures that you’ll receive a quality education with high standards and lends credibility to your certificate of completion, for potential employers.
Does the school have convenient locations? Look for a career college that has campuses in different counties and is accessible by public transportation as well as freeways. Check to make sure parking is available.
Does the school have modern classrooms and advanced medical equipment? Modern classrooms and labs with advanced equipment mean that you’ll have the tools you’ll need to be prepared for the first day on the job.
What are the requirements for admission? Typically, applicants are required to complete an application form and participate in a personal interview with admissions representatives, as well as visit the campus. If you need a GED, some schools will assist you in preparing for and taking this high-school equivalency test if you have been approved for testing by the school administration. If you don’t have a high school diploma or GED, some programs only require that you pass a nationally recognized ability-to-benefit test.
3. FINANCIAL AID:
How will you pay for your training or program? Career colleges are very affordable, and financial aid is available to those who qualify. The financial aid office can help qualifying students apply for the funds they need. You’ll also have several options for tuition payment. Grants and low-interest loans can help those with financial needs.
4. OTHER SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Does the career college offer career development or employment assistance? You should look for a school that offers the help of a career services department to help you find employment after you graduate. For both students and alumni, this can include interviewing techniques and resume preparation; job leads and networking workshops; and time management planning.
