Traditional colleges are designed to teach a combination of liberal arts, theory and skills that may help students in jobs after graduation. Some students elect to go to vocational schools that skip education that isn't essential to a specific career path.
The vocational programs may be taught in high schools, four-year colleges or specialty technical schools. Some of the programs are offered through online trade schools, enabling students to work from the convenience of home and with flexible scheduling. After choosing a specialty, prospective students should visit the campus, ask about courses that are offered and learn what opportunities exist after completing the program.
Criminal Justice
As crime statistics rise, so does the need for law enforcement. Community minded peacekeepers may find any of the careers in this field rewarding. Schools that offer a criminal justice program prepare students for one of several areas in the field.
Those enrolled in one of these programs learn to protect citizens and may become employed as police officers, private investigators or federal agents. Although some of the larger police forces may require a bachelors degree before hiring, some of the smaller forces may accept an associates degree.
Nursing
LPNs and certified nursing assistants are often hired by hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices and home health care companies. LPNs are qualified to take vital signs, get health information from patients, perform basic lab tests, feed and care for babies or the elderly, work with patients on basic care and supervise nursing assistants. Nursing assistants perform routine hands-on tasks, and they interact with the patients to insure good care.
Licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants may be able to get certified through vocational nursing schools. Depending on the need in each area, local hospitals may offer tuition reimbursement.
Culinary Arts
One of the fastest growing types of business, the food industry offers a wide variety of careers—from general hospitality to being a chef and running a large-scale, commercial kitchen. Other food service jobs can be found in hospitals, cruise ships, corporate cafeterias and with major food manufacturers.
People interested preparing for a career in the food business may want to look into attending a culinary arts college. Students receive methods training and hand-on experience in a well equipped kitchen in most of the accredited culinary arts college programs.
Drafting
Drafters, also known as draftsmen, draw technical sketches for engineers, architects and other professionals. The various forms of drafting include both manual and computer aided sketching.
Drafting schools teach courses in drawing, animation, engineering graphics, industrial management and CADD. Students learn to prepare drawings for a variety of industries, including construction and filmmaking. Each program varies in the duration of classroom training and coursework.
Cosmetology
Creative people interested in the beauty field may consider becoming hairdressers, nail technicians or makeup artists. Jobs are available in salons, at television stations, with magazines and with modeling agencies.
Cosmetology school training teaches students about a variety of beauty programs. Students learn to work with hair, nail, skin care and makeup. Some schools allow students to choose a specialty, while others expect their graduates to be generalists. When visiting the schools, prospective applicants should ask questions about what they will be qualified to do after graduation.
Additional Programs
There are many more vocational career programs to choose from. Other medical-related careers include dental assistant, X-ray technician, medical records clerk and ultrasound technician.
Additional vocational career programs:
- Auto repair
- Bookkeeping
- Carpentry
- Electrician
- Floral design
- Home inspector
- Administrative assistant
- Massage therapy
- Appliance installation and repair
A vocational program is an excellent way to start a career without spending four or more years in college. Choose from criminal justice, nursing, culinary arts, drafting, cosmetology or any other of a variety of career programs offered in vocational and technical schools.
References:
U.S. College Search. Criminal Justice Colleges and Universities (accessed on July 7, 2010).
Culinary Ed. Make a Living Doing Something You Love (accessed on July 7, 2010).
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
