Education is the key to a long and rewarding career. But not all jobs require the same type of training. Some work is hands-on and not ideal for 4-year college degree programs. Vocational training is a better option in many fields, including some popular career choices.
What Kind of Training Program Would be Considered Vocational?
A vocational school, also called a technical or career college, is an educational institution that offers job-focused training programs for specific trades or professions. The emphasis is on the practical skills workers need for entry-level positions in in-demand fields, from HVAC to nursing.
Popular vocational programs include:
Network Engineer
Network engineers design, repair and maintain computer networks. Graduates can work in the business, healthcare or public sectors as network administrators, data security technicians, and IT support specialists.
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians manage climate control and refrigeration systems. Responsibilities range from cleaning ducts to installing commercial kitchen equipment.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative work in doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. As the healthcare system expands, so is the medical assisting field. Duties include scheduling, rooming patients, performing diagnostic tests, and phlebotomy. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth at 16 percent for medical assistants through 2031.
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Licensed vocational nurses are entry-level professional caregivers. They work in the same settings as registered nurses, hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, long-term care facilities and private homes, but their duties are less complex. Most provide bedside care under the supervision of an RN. Responsibilities include protecting patient safety, administering medications, performing treatments, and assisting with activities of daily living.
Vocational schools are at the forefront of healthcare education because the number of available jobs exceeds the number of qualified workers to fill them.
What Is the Difference Between a Vocational Diploma and a Two- or Four-Year Degree?
Vocational school diplomas and college degrees both have merit, but which you pursue should reflect your career aspirations. Key differences include:
The Curriculum
Vocational diploma programs are career focused. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training and practical knowledge that are relevant to your field.
Degree programs offer more comprehensive education, including both core classes and general courses designed to broaden students’ general knowledge and perspectives without necessarily teaching pertinent skills.
Program Length
Without general education courses, vocational school programs are shorter. Students can graduate with a diploma in less than a year.
Degree programs are of different lengths depending on the program and the credentials they confer. Two years in college gets you an associate degree, or you can earn a bachelor’s in four.
Career Outcomes
A diploma is the gold standard in some professions. Having a bachelor’s degree won’t make you a better HVAC technician. But in professions like nursing, a degree can lead to greater opportunity. Vocational nurses, for example, are generally excluded from managerial positions because they have less clinical and administrative training. And RNs with a two-year degree rarely qualify for leadership roles.
The more you want to achieve in your profession, the more education you should have. But starting at the bottom and working your way up has advantages. You can earn money while gaining experience before choosing your next step.
What Are the Benefits of Attending a Vocational School?
Vocational schools have personal and practical advantages that appeal to today’s students.
Benefits include:
Targeted Education
Vocational schools offer targeted training. If you want to be a vocational nurse, you’ll only take courses that are relevant to the profession. Students in vocational programs graduate job-ready and well-prepared for industry certifications or licenses.
A Well-Rounded Curriculum
Vocational programs are shorter because the curriculum is focused. It’s critical for students regardless of their chosen occupation to be as well-trained as possible for their fields, so diploma programs cover what you need to know for an entry-level position.
Small Class Sizes
Small class sizes are ideal for adult learners. So, why be a number in a large lecture hall when you can be a person with a name at a vocational school? With a limited number of students per class, instructors can personalize lessons and ensure that every student gets a quality educational experience. Everyone is encouraged to participate, and no one is left behind.
Industry-Seasoned Instructors
Life doesn’t happen in a lab, there’s always a disparity between what students learn in school and what they encounter in the field. Vocational schools hire industry-seasoned instructors to bridge the gap with wisdom found only through work experience.
Hands-On Training
If you learn best by doing vocational training is for you. You’ll spend some time in a classroom, but programs emphasize the hands-on training that makes graduates more confident in their skills. What your hands do, your head remembers.
Career Services
A vocational school’s mission is to educate students for in-demand occupations. The goal is to fill gaps in the workforce with skilled graduates. Beyond training you for a job, they’ll help you find one with comprehensive career services that begin on day one of your program and last a lifetime. You’ll always have someone in your corner.
Final Thoughts
Today’s students are rethinking their training options, 4-year college is no longer the only way to get a job. Lifestyle-friendly diploma school programs are designed to support both students and employers in an ever-changing job market. Build your future today with vocational school training.
CyberTex offers short-term technical training programs in the Information Technology, Medical, Healthcare, and Construction Trades fields. We are a student-centric institute that equips students with workplace skills for initial employment, paving the way for desired and financially stable careers.
Contact us today to learn more about our CyberTex campuses.