Vocational Degree
All You Need to Know about Vocational Degrees
What is a vocational degree, and how does it differ from a standard bachelor's degree? It’s an important question, as more high school graduates – and mature students – are choosing to follow the vocational degree study path than ever before.
There was a time when vocational degrees were limited to a few select subjects. Today, one can study for a vocational degree in many fields, hence the improved popularity. Should you study for a vocational degree, and how do you begin? Let’s talk about vocational degrees in more detail.
Benefits of a Vocational Degree
A standard bachelor's degree will cover a variety of subjects. This is to enable the student to get a grasp of English, for example, or mathematics. While it will major in one specific subject, that is only a part of the program.
A vocational degree takes you straight into the relevant profession. It will only cover other subjects in a minor fashion, if at all. This is the degree to take should you know your chosen profession and career path.
The wide range of markets that vocational degrees now cover is vast. Whereas once they applied only to select trades, now you can study to qualify as any of the following:
- Commercial pilot
- Website developer
- Personal trainer
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Paralegal
- Customer care
- Retail
- Dental hygienist
The list is far from comprehensive but should give you an idea of the available choice. How do you choose a vocational degree that is right for you?
Choosing a Vocational Degree
There are certain considerations when choosing a vocational degree study path. The first is that you should be committed to the profession you wish to follow. Next, you need to think about the following:
- Accreditation Not all vocational degrees are accredited by a recognized industry body, so you need to ensure that the one you choose is. You also need to think about whether to study to a certificate, diploma, or degree level.
- Personal attention Hands-on teaching needs a good deal of one-to-one attention. Ask about the ratio of this to classroom learning in advance.
- Length, of course, An associate's degree is a two-year course, while a diploma or certificate may be shorter. Ensure you have all the details before you commit.
A vocational degree is a sensible option if you are certain of the profession you wish to follow. They can even be studied if you want to join the police or fire services, and many other careers in addition to those we have listed above.
Conclusion
A vocational qualification may give you a head start in terms of gaining employment. Employers recognize that this type of degree gives you knowledge and skills in the chosen trade or profession in a comprehensive fashion.
With a vocational degree in your chosen trade to hand, you are ready to get in the role and get the job done straight away, so research the possibilities now and advance your career.
FIND COLLEGES FOR VOCATIONAL DEGREE
6 schools found
Allen School of Health Sciences
163-18 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432
Years
Private For-Profit
Since 1961 we have helped thousands of students jump start their healthcare careers. Right now thousands of our graduates are working in healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors offices and nursing centers.
From the moment you step on our campus or speak to one of our students, you’ll quickly discover that the Allen School of Health Sciences truly is a special place where your goal of becoming a healthcare professional can be achieved.
Bryan University
4255 S Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804
Years
Private For-Profit
Bryan University has been providing focused, relevant career training programs to students since 1982, and we’re just as passionate and committed to our students’ success now as we were back then. Bryan was founded on an unwavering desire to improve the lives of our students. That’s why it’s a part of our Mission Statement:
Our mission is to improve the lives of our students, our team and our employers. We accomplish our mission by providing quality education in an environment that enables our team to thrive and our students to realize their potential, creating a positive impact within our communities.
More than 30 years later, these things remain at the core of our goals and mission as a career training school. We strive to improve the lives of our students, whether they have a family, are in the military, or are just looking for a fresh start in life.
Centura College
2697 Dean Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Years
Private For-Profit
Centura College, with campus locations in Virginia, and South Carolina, is dedicated to helping students gain the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed. Drawing from over 30 years of career school experience, we are committed to the education and personal enrichment of each student. Whether you are a recent high school graduate just starting out, planning to return to the workplace in a new career field, or a member of our Armed Forces preparing to enter the civilian workforce, Centura College can get you the training you need quickly. At Centura College, it's all about the training!
Davenport University
6191 Kraft Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Years
Private Non-Profit
Quality & value puts Davenport among best colleges in Michigan</strong>
Create lifelong opportunities through Davenport University, a private, not-for-profit university in Michigan.
Davenport’s efficient, career-centered focus is what sets our in-person and online bachelor’s degree programs, graduate degree programs, professional development and certifications apart from any other university in Michigan. Plus, Davenport’s “Excellence System” prepares students with real-world competencies sought by top employers, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as program-specific competencies.
Dawn Career Institute
252 Chapman Rd, Newark, DE 19702
Years
Private For-Profit
Dawn Career Institute is a private post-secondary institution of higher education serving Delaware, south-central and south-eastern Pennsylvania, and northern Maryland. The institute offers both campus-based and online career-focused diploma programs, leading to professional certifications and licenses in a variety of healthcare, trades, and wellness fields. DCI was established in 1976 as Dawn Aeronautics. This full-service aviation center provided aircraft sales, maintenance, charters and international flight training. In 1993 the school changed its focus to the health and wellness fields, and the institute's name was changed to Dawn Training Institute, located in New Castle, DE. The first program was Health Insurance Claims Examiner, followed by Medical Billing/Health Claim Specialist and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner in 1997, and Medical Administrative Specialist in 1999.
Eastwick College
250 Moore St, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Years
Private For-Profit
Quick Facts About Eastwick:
- Four local campuses in Ramsey, Hackensack, Nutley and Paterson
- Program length starts at just 6 months
- Affordable tuition compared to many area colleges
- Up to $3000 in book grants when you enroll
- Externships and clinical rotations are included as part of your schedule
- Emphasis on hands-on training for in-demand skillsets
- Lifetime placement assistance for all graduates