Going to college is a noble goal, but vocational school enrollment is becoming more common as students seek more efficient alternatives. The truth is many in-demand careers don’t require a 4-year degree. Vocational institutes offer affordable, accessible, and lifestyle-friendly training programs that get you out of the classroom and into the workforce fast, doing something you love. The perks are too valuable to ignore.
What Are the Benefits of Attending a Vocational School?
College has advantages. Students have four or more years to make friends and explore their interests and aptitudes but at a cost. Vocational schools take a different approach to education, offering results-driven training in trade, technical and healthcare occupations.
The many benefits include:
A Quick Start
It takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, maybe more if you change majors like many college students. That’s a long time to attend classes full-time and pay your bills.
Vocational school programs average 6-24 months to complete, depending on your field of study. It’s a faster route from the classroom to a job, a plus if you’re an older adult transitioning from one career to another or a recent high school graduate searching for independence.
A Stress-Free Admission Process
College admissions can be a three-ring circus. Applications are due a year or more before classes start, kicking off endless requests for documents to submit, such as transcripts, essays, references, and SAT or ACT scores. It’s a battle to get someone’s attention.
Vocational schools focus more on students than paperwork, and most offer rolling admissions. Your application is reviewed as soon as it arrives, and you get an admission decision promptly. There’s no waiting game.
Accessibility
Academic performance is a barrier to higher education for too many students. A single missing credit or one mediocre grade can get your college application declined. However, vocational schools have more relaxed admission criteria and rarely require standardized testing. All you need to apply is a high school diploma or general equivalency certificate and enthusiasm for learning. Advisers will help you fill in any gaps,
A Variety of Programs to Choose From
Vocational schools cater to various interests, focusing on industries that need workers now.
Popular options include:
Medical Assisting
Medical assistants manage clinical and administrative responsibilities in healthcare settings. Graduates room patients, take vital signs, perform diagnostic tests, and more in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
While medical assisting students can seek a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, most choose vocational training because they graduate sooner while qualifying for similar roles. The curriculum is job-focused but complete and includes laboratory and off-site clinical training. If education is an investment, why pursue a degree when a shorter vocational program offers as high a return?
Medical Billing and Coding
Medical billing and coding specialists handle insurance claims in healthcare facilities. Responsibilities include verifying insurance coverage, completing forms, submitting claims, and tracking payments. Employed in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and medical billing services, they play a crucial role in the healthcare revenue cycle.
Training options for billing and coding specialists range from diploma to bachelor’s degree programs. However, as with medical assistants, more education doesn’t necessarily translate into a better job. Vocational school graduates are eligible for certifications and many of the same positions with opportunities for advancement through experience and continuing education courses. It’s the fast track to a good job.
Cosmetology
Cosmetologists work in salons and resorts. They cut, color, and style hair for both men and women. Safety and cleanliness are essential, and cosmetologists must adhere to OSHA guidelines. A cosmetologist may offer additional services, including manicures, pedicures, facials, shampooing, and makeup advice.
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants work in dental offices alongside dentists and hygienists. They prepare instruments, sterilize equipment, and keep patients comfortable. The dental assistant’s job is to educate the patient on proper hygiene and post-procedure care. Some dental assistants administer X-rays and complete lab tasks. They may also support the administrative staff with appointment scheduling and billing duties.
Timely and Relevant Skills
Vocational schools play a significant role in workforce development. Their goal is to train the next generation of students to meet the growing demand for skilled workers. By focusing only on professions for which employers have a need, schools do the public and students a service. Businesses get the talent they want, and graduates have more employment opportunities. It’s a win-win.
Industry-Experienced Instructors
College professors are experts in their study area but don’t always have practical work experience in your industry. Vocational schools hire seasoned instructors with insider knowledge to serve as teachers and mentors. They’ll help you understand the nuances of your field, from workplace expectations to potential career paths, and how to position yourself for professional development opportunities.
Small Class Sizes
Research suggests that students in smaller classes perform better academically. Having fewer students means instructors can adapt their lesson plans to fit individuals’ and groups’ learning needs.
Small class sizes also promote a sense of camaraderie among peers, creating a mutually supportive learning environment. Students are empowered to ask questions, engage in discussions, and share their concerns and inspirations. You’ll feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and asking for help.
Flexible Scheduling
Vocational schools attract non-traditional students with lifestyle-friendly schedule options whenever possible. Most offer part-time, full-time, and hybrid programs, including online and on-campus learning.
Ideal for students with work or family commitments, the ability to study anywhere, anytime, while minimizing trips to campus, can be the difference between getting an education and not. If you have a computer and internet access, there’s no need to put your career aspirations on the back burner.
Preparation for Certification and Licensure Exams
Graduation day is just the beginning of your career. Certifications are a critical part of professional development. In some fields, a license to practice is required.
Vocational schools emphasize certification and licensure preparation from day one of your program. Curricula align with exam content, ensuring you’re exposed to the specific knowledge that tests evaluate.
A school’s reputation is primarily determined by its students’ success on certification exams. It’s important to employers, so most provide prep courses or workshops to improve your odds of success as well as encourage peer study groups. You’ll also have access to study material and guidance from instructors who’ve survived the licensure or certification process. They can teach you a lot.
Career Services
Vocational schools offer comprehensive career services. Counselors work with applicants to help them identify their strengths, interests, and career goals. They guide choosing a career path, providing advice on the skills and qualifications required for success in specific fields.
Upon graduation, schools leverage their business connections to help students find jobs. Graduates often have access to private job boards with listings not found on other platforms.
Schools also host job fairs, meet-and-greets, and other networking events to help students connect with potential employers. And once you find a lead, they’ll help you with resume and interview preparation.
Final Thoughts
Education should be an open freeway and not a series of hurdles. Life is challenging enough without jumping through unnecessary hoops to train for a new career. Vocational schools make learning easier by saying yes to what you need to succeed, helping you balance today’s struggles to meet tomorrow’s goals.
Want to Learn More?
We will assist you through the school’s application process. At Meridian College, we work with you to ensure you are in the right vocational program for your career goals. When you are successful, we are successful.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about attending a vocational school.