Many jobs don't require a four-year degree. Instead, people complete a postsecondary non-degree credential to start working. Today, the majority of Americans believe that alternative paths like certificate programs, trade schools, and technical training offer a good return on investment, according to a recent Best Colleges report.
In this article, we answer frequently asked questions about vocational education programs and why they matter in your career path.
Q&A About Trade Schools
Fastest Growing Trade School and Technical Jobs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects vocational careers to grow between 2020 and 2030. In fact, more than half of the country's 20 fastest-growing occupations do not require a college degree.
Below are the 10 fastest-growing jobs that require a postsecondary non-degree credential from a vocational or technical program:
| Occuptation | Average Salary | Projected Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Wind turbine service technician | $59,340 | 68% |
| Theatre and performance makeup artists | $99,990 | 37% |
| Manicurists and pedicurists | $29,010 | 33% |
Massage therapists| $47,350 | | 32% |
| Skincare specialists | $41,230 | 29% |
| Computer numerically controlled tool programmers (CNC programmers) | $61,010 | 27% |
| Audio and video technicians | $53,390 | 26% |
| Phlebotomists | $37,280 | 22% |
| Hairdressers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists | $32,740 | 19% |
| Medical assistants | $36,930 | 18% |
In-Demand Trade School Jobs in Healthcare
Since the start of the pandemic, the world has been focused on public health. When you think about jobs in healthcare and medicine, you might automatically think about doctors. However, the field of health care relies on roles that require varying levels of education and professional training.
These occupations require a credential from a technical or vocational training program, and they're all growing faster than the rest of the job market:
Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN)
You can become an LPN or LVN as a stepping stone to a career as a registered nurse or advanced nurse practitioner. These roles are growing more than twice as fast as other occupations.
Projected growth: 9.3%
Average salary: $50,090
Surgical Technologists
With just a certificate or diploma, you can work in the operating room, assisting surgical teams and sterilizing equipment to prevent infection.
Projected growth: 8.7%
Average salary: $51,510
Nursing Assistants
Becoming a nursing assistant can help you break into a career in nursing in one to three months. Plus, the federal government subsidizes the cost of some training programs.
Projected growth: 8.3%
Average salary: $32,050
Where Can I Get Vocational Training or Technical Education?
Trade programs are available through a variety of outlets at the state and local levels. Some employers also offer programs. The U.S. Department of Education reports that the majority of vocational training is provided by community colleges, with the remainder distributed by four-year universities, technical and trade schools, employers, and job training centers. Read on to learn more about individual providers:
Community Colleges
These one- to two-year institutions offer an array of academic credentials such as associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in different vocational tracks.
Vocational, Technical, and Trade Schools
Vocational schools are traditionally government recognized and supported, and provide a range of training programs lasting between a few months to two years.
Career Colleges
Typically operated by for-profit institutions, career colleges offer a variety of training programs you can complete within a year.
Four-Year Universities
In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs, some four-year universities also offer associate or certificate training programs in vocational fields.
Job Corps
Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps centers provide free vocational training to individuals between the ages of 16 and 24.
Career Training Centers
Many communities have career training providers or centers for employment that offer vocational preparation in areas such as culinary arts, auto repair, construction, and health care.
Military Vocational Programs
Each military branch offers its own vocational training programs, like the Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program (Army COOL).
Pros and Cons of Vocational Training Programs and Technical Education
While more and more jobs require some level of postsecondary education, mounting student debt has highlighted the rising cost of a traditional baccalaureate education. In answer to this conflict, career and technical education programs have risen in popularity.
At the same time, bachelor's and other degree programs offer many benefits to prospective students. So, take time to analyze the advantages and drawbacks of completing a career credential, certificate, occupational degree, or diploma at a vocational school.
The table below provides a comparison of some of the most common pros and cons associated with vocational schools.
Pros
Improved marketability: On the BLS' 20 fastest-growing jobs list, more than half require some form of postsecondary training or education. Career-specific education offered by vocational schools enables graduates to join this growing skilled workforce.
Career opportunities and security: The BLS found that earnings increase and unemployment decreases for every step up the degree ladder. In 2020, individuals with an associate degree earned 20% more than those with a high school diploma, and their unemployment rates were about two percentage points lower.
Direct entry to workforce: You can typically complete vocational training in less than a year. A bachelor's degree can take four years or more in a full-time program, meaning you're out of the workforce for longer.
Cons
Degree perceotion: Even though 85% of business leaders surveyed in a recent Best Colleges poll said that different educational pathways offer a viable alternative to college, less than 60% of them believe their industry views such alternatives favorably.
Flexibility to change career fields: Because vocational training is career-specific, graduates from these programs may find it more difficult to pivot into different industries than those who completed a bachelor's degree, which covers more general skills.
Earning power: While vocational degrees improve overall earning potential compared to high school degrees, four-year degrees can help you earn even more — 67% more than a high school diploma.
No matter your background or previous education, vocational and technical education programs can fast-track you into a new career. In particular, this path might be for you if you fit one of the profiles below:
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Let's say after graduating from high school, you began working as a personal care aide. But now you're realizing that getting a credential boosts your prospects of landing a higher-paying job in health care.
You might consider completing a nine-month certificate program to start working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Later on, you could complete a year-long LPN-to-RN (registered nurse) bridge program and increase your income even more.
Maybe you've been in your current career for twenty years or more. You're not ready to retire, but you're growing tired of the daily stress associated with your current job. You want to do something more aligned with your passion for fitness and well-being.
You could become a personal trainer by completing an accredited training program and passing an exam. Then, you could continue to earn income while doing something you love.
Are you the perpetual DIY-er? Or someone who's always excelled at solving problems with their hands and easily bored by office culture? Many essential occupations rely on these specialized traits — for example, plumbers, welders, and electricians.
Frequently, these jobs require a combination of apprenticeship and certification or licensing. And they offer opportunities to work for yourself as an independent contractor or small-business owner.
Maybe you never fully pursued a career or college education because you're still searching for what you want to do in life. Many certificate and diploma programs allow you to dip your foot into a career path without having to invest the time or money that a four-year degree takes.
Becoming an EMT or nursing assistant takes just a couple of months. Even longer certificate programs, like training to become an HVAC technician or a pharmacy technician, can take as little as nine months.
What Makes a Good Trade School or Vocational Program
Your choice of training and education can have a major impact on your future career success. You'll want to make an informed decision about the type of program to pursue.
The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Education created a helpful guide of considerations for students before they select a vocational school. The list below includes several factors to review and red flags to consider prior to enrolling in a vocational program.
What to consider in a vocational education program
- Admission and Completion Rates
To gain a holistic understanding of a potential school's level of success, you should research both admission and completion rates. Low admission rates indicate the program is selective, while high graduation rates indicate that many students successfully complete the program.
- Program Accreditation and Licenses
Attending an accredited institution is an important part of the postsecondary education process. Accreditation indicates instruction meets recognized standards and educational guidelines mandated by the accrediting agency. Many agencies require students to graduate from an accredited program to qualify for professional licensure once they graduate. Private vocational schools are typically approved by the state. Students should review all accreditation and licensing prior to applying.
- Tuition and Fees
Nearly every student has concerns about the cost of their studies. Prospective students should inquire not only about tuition, but also fees, technology costs, and equipment. Also, make sure to find out about payment structure and when tuition and fees are due.
- Admission Requirements
Because the admissions process differs for every program and school, you should research the various requirements before applying. Do students need to complete specific prerequisites? Is work experience required? Do students need to submit standardized test scores?
Red flags to avoid
- Murky Career Outcomes
Most vocational programs tout the success of their former students, publicize job placement rates, and list the salary potential for graduates of each program. Review this information carefully and confirm each point independently. Make sure the program can deliver on its promises.
- Poor Resources for Vocational Training
Review the curriculum and facilities of potential programs before making a decision. Schools may overstate the type of training available or have outdated equipment, technology, workshops, or facilities.
- Limited Instructor Qualifications
Ask about the program's instructors and faculty. Do they have academic and professional experience in the area of study? Do they hold licenses and certifications? If possible, ask to sit in on a class to get a feel for the quality of instruction.
- Program Complaints
Before submitting an application, check with both the Better Business Bureau and your state's Attorney General to ensure there are no complaints filed against the institution or school.