Vocational schools and certificate programs train students for skilled jobs, including automotive technicians, medical assistants, hair stylists, certified nursing aids, electronics technicians, paralegals, and truck drivers. Some schools also help students find possible employers and apply for jobs.
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While many of these schools are legit and teach the skills necessary to get a good job, others may not be. They may promise more than they can deliver to increase enrollment — and their profits.
They may mislead would-be students about:
Think about whether you need more training for the job you want. Maybe you can learn the skills you need on the job. To find out, look at ads for the kinds of jobs you’re interested in. Call those employers and ask what kinds of training and experience would be helpful. Ask, too, whether they recommend any particular programs.
There are also a few free online tools that can help you compare programs, including TrainingProvidersResults.gov and College Scorecard. These websites can help you compare programs by costs, program completion rates, and post-graduate employment rates.
Also, compare the information from multiple schools to learn what is required to graduate, and what you’ll get when you graduate. For example, will you get a certificate in your chosen field or become eligible for a clinical or other externship? Are licensing credits you earn at the school transferable?
Remember that a school is not an employment agency. No school can guarantee you a job when you graduate.
Look into alternatives. Some community colleges offer professional training programs that might give you the experience, degree, or certification you need. And community college tuition may be less than at private vocational schools. Some businesses offer education programs through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Do some research and talk with people in the field. Find out if apprenticeships are an option for you.
If you’re considering a four-year university, use the Department of Education’s college search tool — College Scorecard — to find and compare colleges and career schools that fit your goals.
Do some homework before you commit to a program. You want to make sure the program you choose is reputable, trustworthy, and worth the time and money you’re about to invest. A good place to start is TrainingProvidersResults.gov. There you can search for training programs near you, and see their employment and completion rates.
When you do your research, find out:
It’s great to find a school that wants you to come. But is a recruiter or advisor for the school rushing you to commit? Are they leaning on you to decide before you have a chance to research the program and confirm the details of financial aid? Recruiters, sometimes called “counselors” or “academic advisors,” may be paid based on the number of students they bring in. So be sure the school, its program, and the cost is right for you, regardless of the rush.
If you need help paying for school, check out your options in the FTC’s article, How Student Loans Work and How To Avoid Scams.
If a school is accredited, it means that an independent organization (recognized by the Department of Education) looked over the classes and programs at the school, and said that it meets minimum academic standards. Look for schools that are accredited because it’s an important sign that your education will be recognized by future employers and other educational institutions. Check if your school is accredited by searching on this Department of Education tool. Another easy way to tell if a school is accredited is to see if it offers federal financial aid. If it does, it’s accredited.
Federal student aid programs (like federal grants, work study, and federal loans) can make your education a lot more affordable, and offer better financing terms, so you’ll want to use these programs if you can.
Ask your school’s admissions office which state agency handles its licensing, and check with that office that the school’s license is up-to-date. Most states have laws requiring that career colleges and technical schools be licensed or certified to offer classes and programs. A license, like accreditation, is another sign that a program is legitimate, and may be something that future employers or educational institutions look at.
Many vocational education and certification programs offer financial aid to help you pay for your education. Ask whether you can apply for a federal student loan; it may have better terms than loans from banks or other private sources — find out more by reading How Student Loans Work and How To Avoid Scams. Review the financial aid package with this financial aid offer tool to see if its affordable. Be sure you read the loan agreement and understand how you’ll have to repay the money before you sign.
If you’re not satisfied with the quality of the instruction or training you get from a vocational or certification program, talk to faculty members or the school administration. If you’re unhappy about your contract with the school, try to resolve your dispute with the school. If that doesn‘t work, you can file a complaint with the:
If you’ve been misled about a school or certificate program, report it to:
We sometimes get asked whether college is worth it.
And our answer is generally yes, though some colleges and degrees are, at least from a financial perspective, more worth it than others (we’ll get into some of that below).
But we also know you don’t have to go to college to have a successful career. There are alternative paths to gain valuable skills, qualifications, and a high-paying job. How? Vocational school is an option.
What is vocational school, and how do you know if it might be the right path for you? And, if it is, how do you find a reputable program so you don’t waste your time and money? (Because some programs are worth their cost, and others definitely are not.)
Good questions! We answer them in this guide. We also share information on high-paying, in-demand careers you can pursue with a vocational school degree.
Vocational schools provide hands-on training and practical skills for specific trades or careers, such as healthcare, culinary arts, construction, and technology. Sometimes “vocational school” is used interchangeably with “trade school” or “tech school”, though there can be differences (which we’ll cover below).
For example, a vocational school for automotive technology might offer courses in engine diagnostics, brake systems, and electrical systems. Graduates of the program could secure jobs as automotive service technicians.
Most vocational school programs can be completed within several months to two years. The short duration allows students to enter the workforce and start earning a living sooner than they would by attending a traditional four-year college.
Compared to four-year colleges, vocational school programs are also often much more affordable.
Vocational school, trade school, and tech school are often used interchangeably. They all provide focused training and education for specific careers or trades, emphasizing practical skills and hands-on experience. However, there are some differences.
“Vocational school” is a broad term encompassing a wide range of career-focused schools, including programs in healthcare, culinary arts, cosmetology, automotive technology, and more.
On the other hand, “trade school” typically refers to a school that focuses explicitly on skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, welding, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
“Tech school”, short for technical school, refers to schools focused on technical fields such as information technology, computer programming, and electronics.
Which one is best for you? It depends on your career goals and interests. Since vocational schools offer diverse programs covering various industries, you can start by exploring the programs and career paths below.
Here are some quick facts and descriptions of popular vocational programs and career paths (including salary information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics). If you want more information, you can also click the links to see examples of real programs currently offered at vocational schools across the country.
But an important heads up: spend time doing your due diligence, since we cannot vouch for the quality of any specific program listed below—they are just offered as examples.
Nursing assistants provide basic patient care in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
After completing a nursing assistant program and passing certification exams, you'd be eligible to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals in delivering quality patient care.
Median Salary for Nursing Assistants: $38,200
Example program: Nursing Assistant Training (CNA)
Information Technology (IT) is a rapidly evolving field encompassing the design, implementation, management, and maintenance of computer systems, networks, and software.
A vocational program in information technology prepares you for careers in various IT roles, such as network administration, cybersecurity, technical support, systems analysis, and software development.
Median Salary for IT/Computer Support Specialists: $60,810
Example program: Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology | Mesa Community College
Vocational schools offering automotive technology programs provide hands-on training in vehicle maintenance, repair, and diagnostics.
The program would prepare you to pursue a career as an automotive service technician, working in automotive repair shops, dealerships, or specialty repair shops.
Median Salary for Auto Technicians: $48,630
Example program: Automotive Technology — CNM
Culinary arts programs prepare students for careers in the culinary industry by teaching cooking techniques, food safety, menu planning, and kitchen management.
Graduates may pursue careers such as chefs, line cooks, pastry chefs, or restaurant managers in various settings, including hotels, catering companies, or cruise ships.
Median Salary for Chefs: $58,920
Example program: Culinary Arts Institute | Utah Valley University
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Vocational Education Equipment. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Welding is the process of joining metals by applying heat, pressure, or a combination of both to create a strong, permanent bond.
Welding technology programs provide comprehensive training to prepare you for careers in industries such as construction and manufacturing.
Median Salary for Welders: $48,940
Example program: Welding Technology | Austin Community College District
Cosmetology programs provide training in skills like hair styling, skincare, nail care, salon management, makeup application, and customer service.
Graduates can secure jobs such as hairstylists, estheticians, or nail technicians in beauty salons, spas, or wellness centers.
Median Salary for Cosmetologists: $35,080
Example program: Cosmetology | LATTC
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) technology programs prepare students for careers in HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair.
Students graduate with all the necessary practical skills and troubleshooting abilities to meet the demand for HVAC professionals in the construction and facilities management industries.
Median Salary for HVAC professionals: $57,300
Example program: Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC) (C.C.)
Students of electrician vocational programs learn to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Electrical work vocational program graduates can pursue careers as skilled electricians in various industries and settings.
Median Salary for Electricians: $61,590
Example program: Online Electrician Training – BMCC
Plumbers play a crucial role in ensuring the functionality and safety of plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
With hands-on training and practical experience, plumbing program graduates are prepared to work for plumbing contractors, construction companies, maintenance departments, or self-employed plumbing businesses.
Median Salary for Plumbers: $61,550
Example program: Plumbing - Forsyth Tech Community College
Dental hygienists support dentists by performing various dental procedures, including teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and periodontal screenings.
Vocational programs for dental hygienists provide comprehensive training in dental anatomy, patient care techniques, radiography, periodontal therapy, and oral health education.
Median Salary for Dental Hygienists: $87,530
Example program: Dental Hygiene - Ivy Tech Community College
Air traffic controllers monitor flight paths, communicate with pilots, and provide instructions for takeoffs, landings, and in-flight maneuvers to prevent collisions and maintain orderly traffic flow.
Some air traffic control programs recommend completing a bachelor’s degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field. However, there are also programs that offer comprehensive training that leads to a two-year associate degree.
Median Salary for Air Traffic Controllers: $137,380
Example program: Air Traffic Controller - Associate Degree | University of Alaska Anchorage
Construction managers oversee a construction site’s planning, scheduling, budgeting, and management of resources, including materials, equipment, and labor.
Vocational programs for construction management equip students with knowledge of project management principles, construction methods and materials, building codes and regulations, contract management, and safety protocols.
Median Salary for Construction Managers: $104,900
Example program: Construction Management Extended Certificate Program | UCLA Extension
The cost of attending vocational school can vary depending on the type of program, the school, the location, and additional expenses such as textbooks and supplies.
Tuition at most vocational schools ranges from a few thousand dollars to around $30,000 or more for longer programs leading to advanced certifications or associate degrees. Shorter programs, such as certification courses or diploma programs, usually have lower tuition costs.
Check out the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency List to get a better idea of what costs to expect. There, you can check costs based on the type of program you’re interested in most. The list also includes information on different schools offering the program, the average number of months to complete, and more.
And once you find a program you’re interested in, we’d highly recommend exploring this HEA Group report and this Inside Higher Ed article which discuss what schools and programs across the US seem worth it from a financial perspective—some programs (at both trade schools and 4 year colleges) are not sound financial choices.
There is no right answer. But you should continue exploring your interest in vocational school if the following statements resonate with you:
You’re interested in working in industries like healthcare, construction, automotive technology, culinary arts, or information technology. A vocational school is a good option only if it aligns with your desired career path.
You prefer a focused curriculum directly related to your career goals rather than a broad range of general education courses. Vocational programs offer targeted, hands-on training in skills and knowledge relevant to a specific profession.
You want to enter the workforce quickly and start earning a living without spending several years in college. Most vocational programs take two years or less to complete.
You're motivated to pursue a career with competitive salaries and job opportunities. Many vocational careers are in high demand, offering competitive salaries and job security.
You’re willing to do the necessary research to find a reputable vocational school. You should thoroughly research schools, checking their accreditation, reviews, and credentials. Doing so helps you avoid falling victim to fraudulent or substandard programs that may not deliver the education and outcomes you deserve.
Choosing the right vocational school that matches your interests and career goals is essential for maximizing your education and ensuring a successful transition into the workforce.
It’s also how you avoid vocational school scams or subpar institutions that may not provide the quality education and training you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Here’s how to find a vocational school.
Start by researching vocational programs in your area or online. Consider factors such as program length, curriculum, graduation rates, and job placement rates.
Accreditation ensures that the school meets specific standards of quality and academic rigor. You can usually find accreditation information on the school's website or by contacting the school directly. You can also check the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) directory of accredited schools.
Look for reviews and testimonials from current and former students to get an idea of their experiences with the school. Pay attention to feedback about the quality of instruction, career assistance, job placement services, and overall opinion of the program.
Consider the cost of tuition and other expenses associated with the program. Some programs require students to purchase textbooks, supplies, uniforms, or specialized equipment.
Also, research if the school offers financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and payment plans. Additionally, explore external funding sources, such as private scholarships or employer tuition reimbursement programs.
Visit the campuses of vocational schools you're interested in to get a sense of the facilities, resources, and learning environment. Talk to current students, instructors, and staff to learn more about the program and ask any questions you may have.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Vocational Training Equipment.