Vocational schools, commonly referred to as trade schools or technical schools, are designed to prepare students for specialized careers that require specific training. These institutions are a great option for students who wish to pursue skilled labor jobs (like welding or culinary arts) without spending years in a traditional college or university.

Let’s face it. Earning a college degree is the expectation, the norm, in our society today. Roughly half (48.4 percent) of Americans, aged 25 and older, have a college degree. And an astounding 86 percent of high school students today admit they feel pressured to get a bachelor’s degree. After all, a college degree can qualify you for more jobs, increase your salary potential, and build your professional network, among other benefits. However, the traditional pathway (i.e. getting a four-year degree) is not right for everyone. There are great career prospects available through other means of postsecondary education — which is where vocational schools come into play.

What is a vocational school?

A vocational school is a type of educational program that teaches students the skills needed to launch specific careers and perform these jobs successfully. Vocational schools provide practical, hands-on training through programs that are geared towards certain professions. For example, medical assisting, machining, and licensed practical nursing are all skills-based programs you might find in a vocational school.

Vocational training programs are typically short in length or offered in an accelerated format, enabling students to get into the workforce fast. As such, vocational schools do not offer bachelor’s degrees — only certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs at maximum. These programs, being so career-focused, do not include the typical liberal arts courses you might find in a traditional college curriculum. They are entirely focused on developing the skills you need in a given career.

Is a vocational school a college?

Most vocational schools are postsecondary institutions, offered to college-age students after high school is complete and before entering the workforce. However, while vocational colleges are the most common, there are other types of vocational programs available. In addition to college-level vocational schools, you can also find vocational training through:

• Apprenticeships
• College prep programs
• High school CTE (career technical education) programs
• On-the-job training

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, secondary vocational programs are offered through various types of high schools. However, it is difficult to label these “vocational schools” because students take a variety of courses, both general and vocational, during their high school experiences. In high school, a vocational course might refer to a business course or technical communications class, where students gain hands-on experience with computer programs. On the other hand, a vocational college will offer a clear sequence of courses that students must fulfill to achieve their career goals — such as practical nursing courses.

How does vocational college differ from college?

Vocational colleges are different from traditional colleges in that they are hyper-focused on career readiness, offering fast-paced programs that can get students into the workforce in less than two years’ time. With that in mind, however, vocational colleges have limited program offerings when compared to the traditional college. In most cases, vocational training programs are tailored to fields that do not require a college degree. Vocational schools typically offer certificates and diplomas, and occasionally associate degrees, that qualify graduates for entry-level positions in specific career fields.

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What types of programs are offered in vocational colleges?

Vocational schools, at the postsecondary level, offer programs that prepare students for highly skills-based careers. Again, these programs typically result in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, and can be completed in one to two years (or less). Common programs found in vocational schools include, but are not limited to:

• Art and design
• Auto mechanics
• Cosmetology
• Culinary arts
• Dental hygiene
• Electrician
• HVAC
• Manufacturing and machining
• Medical assisting
• Nursing
• Pharmacy technician
• Plumbing
• Respiratory therapy
• Welding

Who should consider vocational school?

Vocational schools are a great option for students who have hyper-focused career goals, but need some level of postsecondary training to accomplish them. These students know exactly what they want to do in life, and their desired career does not require an advanced degree.

It’s also worth noting that the credits earned in vocational schools, trade schools, and technical schools typically do not transfer over to other schools or academic programs. If there is any possibility that you will go back to school later in your career trajectory, to advance your title or level of education, we do not recommend attending a vocational school.

See more: Is a Vocational School Right for You?

What are alternatives to vocational college?

So, if you have a career goal in mind, but are hesitant to pursue a vocational school — whether due to the restricted program offerings or transfer limitations — what are your other options?

One of the best alternatives to trade school or vocational school is a career-focused college or university. Career-focused colleges and universities are also largely focused on preparing their students for careers, with practical training being a big component of the curriculum. However, career-focused colleges go beyond job training in that these institutions also offer courses that promote other valued skills in the workforce — like critical thinking, ethics, theory, and more.

Career-focused colleges and universities also offer a range of certificate and degree programs, so students never feel like their education is limited. At Goodwin University, for example, you can earn your certificate in medical assisting, and go back to school for an advanced degree in health science. Or, you can start your manufacturing career through a fast-paced certificate program, and later go back for a manufacturing management degree. The ceiling is much higher at a career-focused university.

Career-focused colleges also differ from traditional liberal arts colleges, in the sense that practical job training is still an important focus. Like vocational schools, career-focused colleges value hands-on experience, in-field internships, and career placement services that work to get students into careers they love.

Are you interested in launching a career fast, but confused on whether a vocational college is right for you? Reach out to Goodwin University to learn about our flexible, career-focused degree and certificate programs. Contact us online today.