Career Training Programs
Vocational Ed – Quicker To Finish = Quicker To Work
What’s the difference between the auto engineer who designs the car and the auto mechanic who repairs it? They illustrate two equally important, but distinct career paths: the professional and the vocational.
Professional careers require significant investments in time and money to complete a four-year college education, if not more. Vocational jobs, on the other hand, require specific skills and knowledge that can be imparted in two years of comparatively low-cost training, sometimes with additional certification. Vocational careers are wide ranging. Some jobs are hands-on, while others require more brain power than physical strength. Many are a combination of both, like licensed practical nurses or dental assistants. It’s the quickest, most affordable way to get skilled training for in-demand jobs, with some opportunities for flexible hours and tuition reimbursement. In this tough economic market, what’s not to love?
When Should You “Go Vocational?”
People who crave practical learning, and jobs that will have them skill-ready upon graduation, will thrive in vocational careers. Most vocational programs require a certain amount of on-the-job experience while students learn – even a paying job, which can defray tuition costs. It will also appeal to people in professional careers who need to refresh skills or learn something new after being laid off. For this demographic group, especially, vocational degrees, vocational certificates, or vocational diplomas may be the most expedient road to future, fulfilling employment.
Pick Your Career Path Carefully
The future is rosy for certain vocational job paths, but not all of them. Computer programming, with its high salary range ($40,000-$113,000) might be tempting, but with many jobs being outsourced to India and other foreign countries, jobs are expected to decrease over the next decade. Among the hot careers on the vocational horizon are dental assistants, computer network systems analysts, and paralegals. Generally, vocational careers that require some education command better pay than those offering on-the-job training.
Career Outlook for Vocational
The future is so bright for some vocational careers you’ll have to wear shades! Take a look at the following predicted job growth for vocational based careers:
Things look particularly good in the medical and health fields, but also in beauty, fitness, law and computers, according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. While many computer programming jobs are heading overseas, computer network systems analysts – who design, test and evaluate computer network systems – top the list with an anticipated 50% job growth by 2018. Hot careers in the medical field include physicians assistants (a 39% increase), dental hygienists and assistants (36%), medical assistants (34%), physical therapy aides (33%), occupational therapy aides (30%) and radiation therapists (27%). The health and beauty field will also see an upswing in hiring for skin aestheticians and aerobics and fitness instructors, with ten-year job growth anticipated at 38% and 29%, respectively. Love animals? Become a Vet Tech (36%). Attracted to law? Paralegals are expected to increase by 74,000 jobs – or 28%.
Salary Forecast for Careers in Career Training
A Little Education Goes A Long Way Towards Bumping Up Salary
In the current list by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., not all jobs require education – but those that require even a small amount show a significant improvement in salaries. A physical therapist aide, who receives only on-the-job training, makes about $23,000 per year. But a physical therapist assistant, requiring two years of study, averages a $46,000 salary. It’s the same in the dental field: a dental assistant can get training on job, and salaries average at about $32,000. A dental hygienist, who requires an associate’s degree, makes an average of $66,000. In other words: a little bit of education can go a long way towards boosting your earning potential. An added benefit is that you can probably work as a lower-paying dental assistant or physical therapist aide while earning your degree in either field, because both careers are anticipated to be booming. Some jobs might even offer partial or full tuition reimbursement, and plenty of career advancement.
Education Requirements for Vocational
Vocational Degrees Take One to Four Years to Complete
The majority of vocational careers require at least two years of study, or an associate’s degree. Some expect more - computer network administrators, for example, can be hired at the two-year degree level, but a four-year degree, ultimately improves your marketability and advancement opportunities. For the paralegal degree, training programs are one to five years a long (a certification program up to a master’s degree), but some law firms will also consider on-the-job training for bright candidates who are a quick study. Beyond the fact that the two-year degree takes less time and is often offered on a flexible schedule so students can work and attend school, the biggest advantage of an associate’s degree is its low cost. If you are attending an instate community college, or working on an online degree, you’ll pay as little as $300-$500 per credit, compared to an average of $1,000-$1,500 or more per credit at a traditional four-year university.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with related Career Training programs
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh — Online Division
Kaplan University

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BS in Fire and Emergency Management
Earn your bachelor's degree to pursue or enhance a career in fire services. The curriculum includes analytical approaches to fire protection and investigation, the role of the fire service within the community, and the technical, legal, and social aspects of arson. The degree serves fire service professionals seeking enhanced skills and a broad spectrum of knowledge in the field of fire science. It may be a good fit for individuals aspiring to become firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, first-line supervisors, or managers of firefighters.
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AAS in Fire Science
This program is designed to provide students with foundational skills in firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics. Students completing the program can seek employment as firefighters, fire inspectors, and fire investigators, among other positions.
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BS in Fire Science
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BS in Fire and Emergency Management
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business
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Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology Business
Must currently have a Cosmetology License to apply and be accepted into program.
Earning an associate degree in our Cosmetology Business program will prepare learners to reach a higher level of knowledge and business skills to manage a salon, start their own business, or work as a marketing or sales professional in the cosmetology industry. Our program emphasizes practical business principles and valuable communications techniques to help build successful business relations. Students will also learn strategic planning and develop a complete business plan to apply the knowledge they are gaining to real-world situations.
Anna Maria College

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Bachelor in Fire Science
The online bachelor's degree in Fire Science offered by Anna Maria College prepares you for an entry-level career in fire prevention and protection as a firefighter or member of a fire service agency. The undergraduate-level program covers the essentials of fire prevention, safety and management. It also emphasizes strategic and leadership skills that are valuable throughout a career in the fire service.
Coursework emphasizes the technical aspects of fire and safety, fire detection and control systems, and hydraulics as well as areas related to operations and the community, such as the organization and communication of emergency services, legal issues, and public education. The curriculum has been approved by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) committee at the National Fire Academy, the educational arm of the U.S. Fire Administration.
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Master of Arts in Fire Science and Administration
Anna Maria College offers a Master of Arts in Fire Science is designed for firefighters and other fire service professionals looking for more responsibility and increased earning power. The curriculum emphasizes the specialized administrative and organizational skills required to ascend to the upper ranks of a fire service agency, such as disaster response and control, effective communication within and across emergency response agencies, and the management and planning of human resources. Students will be prepared to take on management roles in fire departments and other emergency service agencies.
Ashworth College

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Career Diploma - Gourmet Cooking and Catering
Earning a diploma in Gourmet Cooking and Catering can prepare students with the knowledge and skills involved in running and managing a catering business. Courses will cover the proper handling and selecting of foods, developing menus for all occasions, planning special events banquets, and providing excellent table service. The program also includes hundreds of recipes for actual practice in food preparation and lessons in the business related end of opening an actual business.
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Career Diploma - Auto Mechanics
Earning a diploma in Auto Mechanics prepares students with the basic skills involved to diagnose and repair vehicles using hands-on, comprehensive lessons that covers the operations, components, performance standards, and inspection procedures of every automobile system. Graduates will learn through stimulating and challenging exercises and exams including reviews and vocabulary lessons for every system of the vehicle.
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Career Diploma - Motorcycle Mechanics
Our Career Diploma in Motorcycle Mechanics program provides instruction in two- and four-stroke engines and the various systems that keep motorcycles running and functioning properly. Students will learn how to diagnose, repair, and maintain motorcycles for peak performance. Graduates will be able to replace headlights, spark plugs, tires, and signal lights and learn about career options available to them after completion.
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Career Diploma - Heating and Air Conditioning
Our Career Diploma in Heating and Air Conditioning program can prepare students to work year round with climate control systems and the mechanical and electrical processes of most common types of equipment. Students will learn about the basic components of systems, the tools of the trade, and soldering techniques as they learn how to diagnose problems, install new systems, and fix defective parts of the equipment. Graduates will learn how to work on refrigerant devices, and gas, oil, and electrical furnaces as they complete the program.
Liberty University Online
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Aeronautics
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics! The online Bachelor of Science degree completion program in Aeronautics is designed for people who possess a commercial pilot's certificate but have not completed a college Bachelor's degree. Liberty offers seven advanced online aviation courses that marry up with the credits received for a commercial certificate to complete the required aeronautical classes. If a student has not previously completed the required general education and investigative studies, they are also conveniently offered through Liberty University Online. This degree will prepare students to become commercial pilots, corporate pilots and missionary pilots. This unique degree enables Liberty University Online to fulfill a need for an online aeronautics degree for students worldwide.
Penn Foster Career School

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Diploma - Veterinary Assistant
A diploma as a Veterinary Assistant trains students to work with animals to keep them healthy and possibly help save their lives as they work with licensed vets. Assistants provide specialized nursing care and even assist in surgical procedures. The importance of washing, caring, and feeding the animals is also emphasized as students can graduate in as little as 1 year.
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Diploma - HVAC Technician
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Technician diploma programs can teach students how to work year round in climate control management. Students will learn the different heating and cooling systems operations and how to diagnose and maintain existing equipment. Installation in new buildings will also be covered as students can graduate in as little as 6 months.
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Diploma - Electrician
Students that earn a diploma as an Electrician will be ready to work in residential, commercial, and industrial installation projects. As they learn about the classifications and categories of electricity, they will also have hands-on training in conduit fittings and supports as well as conductor properties and characteristics. Graduation can be done in as little as 1 year.
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Diploma - Auto Repair Technician
Our diploma for Auto Repair Technician can prepare students for a challenging new career. Courses cover the electrical, fuel, exhaust, and braking systems, with hands-on training to enable them to diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles for maximum performance. Trained technicians keep vehicles running on the road safely and efficiently. Graduation can be done in as little as 1 year.