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Many students choose to pursue technical training instead of
attending a four-year college program immediately after high
school graduation. A technical education can offer the benefits
of an accelerated, two-year, or three-year program, which can
then be transferred into university or college of choice after
completion. Many technical colleges offer certificates and
specializations in specific tech career fields. This allows
students to gain hands-on experience and formal training in a
tech school environment. After graduation, these students may
choose to further their
education
with a Bachelors degree, Masters degree, or other formal
education course of study.
What Is a Technical
School?
Tech
schools and technical colleges may offer one semester certificates, when you
diplomas, associate degree programs, and a variety of transfer credit classes.
Most tech schools and technical colleges are part of community-based college
programs, and have lower educational requirements for admission than area
colleges and universities. The most common fields of study at technical schools
are areas in the applied sciences and certification in the service industry.
Graduates of technical schools, often pursue management careers in supervisory
positions, but will have limited opportunities for advancement without
furthering their education. Technical school programs that specialize in a
hands-on industry, such as culinary, automotive, or nursing, offer varied
opportunities for growth depending on skill level achieved a number of years
worked with in a position.
How Technical
Schools
and Tech Colleges Differ from Regular Colleges and Schools
Technical schools and tech colleges differ substantially from regular colleges
and schools. For many students, a technical school serves as the training
grounds for a formal degree program. Enrolling in a technical college may
involve taking classes that transfer directly into a long-term program. In other
cases, technical training provides key skills and one-on-one instruction to
develop specific talents and abilities. Many technical institutes and technical
colleges offer innovative equipment, laboratories, and high-tech environments
for concentrated learning. The opportunities for an internship, either during or
after completing technical education, are also an attractive opportunity for
those who attend a technical school.
A few
examples of common technical school training programs include:
Typical Courses and
Programs Offered with Technical Training
The
typical courses and programs offered through technical training and technical
institutes include:
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Automotive
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Business Programs
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Computer and Information Technology
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Cosmetology
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Engineering Technology
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Golf Course Management
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Hospitality and Culinary Arts
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Landscape Gardening
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Nursing and Health Sciences
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Social Services
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Humanities
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Fine Arts
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Social and Behavioral Sciences
Most
of these technical training programs offer one year diplomas and two year
associate degree programs, and in some cases these may transfer onward to a four
year bachelors degree program. The choice and number of tech schools varies by
region and state.
Choosing the Right
Technical School
Choosing the right technical
school involves understanding the programs available, learning about
accreditation, and finding out it's a specific course programs and classes can
transfer to the area universities for further study. Accrediting and state
licensure agencies ensure that local and national standards are being met with
any formal education program.
Choosing the right technical
school will also involve understanding the requirements for admission. In most
cases, a high school diploma or GED required, and prospective students can
contact the school to ask about specific admission requirements. Some technical
schools may offer retroactive credits for students who have experience with
specific subjects, or work experience may be considered for additional credit.
It is important for all students attending a tech school to learn about
coursework transfer options, as well as distance education programs that allow
them to take additional classes that are not offered on-campus.
Visiting the school for
orientation is a good idea, as this gives students a chance to understand the
general culture and technical school environment. In many cases a technical
school is the right choice for students who are not ready for a formal
university or college, and serves as a transition before attending a larger
campus.
Another important area to
consider when choosing a technical school is the price and cost of each course
credits. While most technical schools offer financial aid, student loans, and
even scholarships, it is essential to understand any personal financial
contributions that may be required.
Enrollment and Admissions for
Technical
School or
Technical Training
Enrollments at a technical
school takes place on a semester by semester basis, and the majority of
technical schools offer programs during a Spring, Summer, and Fall term.
Technical colleges and technical institutes often require signing an enrollment
contract, which outlines which program the student plans to pursue, and when
they expect to complete their courses of study. It is important to review this
contract, thoroughly before enrollment and admission, and this can serve as a
guide for signing up in particular classes.
Pursuing a
successful tech career as an attractive opportunity for many students who enroll
at a technical school or technical training program.
A distance
learning technical training program, or online education program, is another
opportunity for students interested in a technical education. The most common
areas of study with an online technical training program include:
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Business Administration
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Criminal Justice
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Information Technology
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Education
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Nursing
Technical School Accreditation
Technical school accreditation varies from state to state and in most cases, the
Commission for Higher Learning and Education is one of the main accrediting
parties.
Future Employment Prospects and Earning Potential of Technical School Graduates
Employment prospects are promising for those who graduate from a technical
school, technical institutes, and technical colleges. However it is important to
understand that a tech career does have limitations in advancements and growth
in a position. Many students who complete technical training, often enroll in a
formal training or development program. Technical colleges may lead to
enrollment in the program through a college, university, or even with an
employer. Technical school graduates may also look forward to immediate job
placement with the help of tech school counselors and career planners.
Average
salaries for technical school graduates vary based on the program completed and
the skill level obtained. If certification or licensing is achieved during the
technical education program, this provides students additional advantages as
they pursue a tech career. The earning potential for or technical school
graduates is limited to entry-level salaries in almost every industry, and
career growth is possible as skills and work experience are developed.
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