Vocational-technical programs are geared for employment rather than academic study. They offer a specialized practical education instead of a college degree. Vocational programs are taught in both public and private institutions. At the completion of a vocational-technical education program, students earn either a degree or a certificate.

Public Vocational-Technical Education Programs

There are different state requirements for licenses to practice certain trades or professions and for accreditation for completing specific courses of study. Your community may offer public vocational-technical education services in one or more of the following institutions:

Community Colleges

At two-year community and junior colleges you can combine occupational training with liberal arts.

Two-year Technical Institutes

Also known as technical colleges, two-year technical institutes offer degree programs in skills you will need to enter and advance in specific occupational fields, such as business management, insurance, law enforcement, animal health, automotive maintenance, graphic communications, and social services.

Area Vocational-Technical Center/Career Centers

These centers usually offer training in a wide range of occupational areas. The amount of time required to complete course work depends on the requirements of the particular occupational areas. Vocational-Technical centers usually do not grant degrees. After you complete a course of study, you will earn a certificate in a specific occupational area.

Single-Specialty Public Vocational-Technical Schools

In a few areas of the country, publicly supported schools offer training in single-specialty skills. Depending on the area, such schools may specialize in such fields as aviation, truck driving, barbering, or cosmetology.

Private Schools

Private (proprietary) schools are trade, technical or business schools that offer training in a variety of occupational skills. These small, single-purpose schools specialize in practical training. They offer programs in fields that generally require up to two years of training to gain skills needed for employment.

Questions to Ask

To help you decide which vocational school is right for you, ask the following questions when researching schools:

• How much time is needed to complete the coursework?
  
  
• What degree or certificate will I get when I complete this program?
  
  
• Does this program accommodate students with learning disabilities?
  
  
• What job placement opportunities are generally open to people who enroll in this program?