Vocational School Description

Vocational schools, which may also be known as trade schools or career colleges, exist primarily to provide students with the education they need to perform a certain job. Vocational schools are not institutions that focus on a liberal arts' 'well-rounded' education.

Vocational schools can be everything from local career centers, high schools, and technical institutes, to actual vocational school facilities. Three types of vocational school systems exist: public, private (non-profit), and private (proprietary, or for-profit.)

Just some of the many occupations a student can learn from vocational schools are as follows: automotive technician, electronics technician, paralegal, truck driver, hair stylist, welder, medical assistant, and licensed practical nurse (LPN.) While they may have remedial classes to bring students up to speed and more advanced classes in writing and other courses, the main focus is on the job which a student trains for. Another difference between traditional colleges/universities and vocational schools is the fact that vocational schools are similar to the apprenticeship style of learning; as such, vocational schools emphasize on-the-job training.

Researching Vocational Schools

While most schools sincerely assist their students get good education and don't make any (or at least very many) claims they can't back-up, potential students should do some research before making a commitment to their vocational school. The age-old adage that if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is applies here. The problem sometimes comes from certain for-profit vocational schools. In this case, more students equal more money for the people in charge, and that can lead to unsubstantiated claims made by the school for the sole purpose of boosting numbers of students.

The following questions and research tips adapted from the Federal Trade Commission website, www.ftc.gov may help you in looking for a vocational school:

• Is the school/program accredited? If so, by whom?
• What are the instructors' credentials?
• Could I obtain the training I want from another school such as a community/junior college?
• Do I even need this additional education, or will the employer likely train me on-the-job?
• What is the total cost (include tuition, books, uniforms, lab fees, etc.)?
• Obtain a list of recent graduates and ask them for input about the school/program.
• Is financial aid available?
• Have any complaints been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?.
• Compare this program with other school programs. If you decide to transfer in the future, ensure the classroom credits/units you earn at this school transfers to others.
• Find out about the equipment in the labs. For example, are computers outdated?