The Ultimate Guide to Trade & Vocational Schools

Mississippi State University, in partnership with ed2go, offers a substantial number of vocational certificate programs in the construction, trades, health care and legal fields through its Extension Service department. Examples of construction and trades certificate programs include CNC Machinist, Composites Technician, Electrical Technician, HVACR Certified Technician and Solar Power Professional. Health care related programs include Administrative Dental Assistant, CBCS Medical Billing and Coding, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Physical Therapy Aid and Veterinary Assistant. Legal certificate options include Legal Secretary and Paralegal. All programs are available fully online. Coursework is asynchronous, meaning that the student can access and complete coursework at their own pace. However, all coursework must be completed within a time period designated by the specific program (typically 3 months, 6 months, 12 months or 18 months). Program costs (several hundred to a few thousand dollars) and requirements also vary by program. Program prices are the same whether the student resides within or outside of Mississippi. All ed2go courses are non-credit, and therefore don't qualify for federal financial aid. Some programs, however, may be eligible for state government tuition assistance.

Through its Continuing Education & Community Engagement department, the University of Utah offers several vocational-related certificates in the health care and legal fields, all exclusively available 100% online. Health care certificates are offered in several subjects such as medical coding and billing, medical transcription editing, medical office management, pharmacy technician and veterinary assistance. Students interested in the law can earn certificates for occupations such as advanced paralegal, legal nurse consultant and legal secretary. UU's certificate programs are structured to provide students with comprehensive coverage of their respective fields of study. Program lengths vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specific program. For example, the Medical Coding and Billing Certificate typically requires 4 months of full-time study, while the Legal Secretary Certificate program is designed to be completed in 7 weeks. Program costs also vary (from several hundred to a few thousand dollars) again depending on the specific certificate's course requirements and program lengths. Many of these certificate programs are offered with no prior qualification requirements, while prerequisites may apply with others. For example the Medical Coding and Billing Certificate requires a high school diploma or GED, and the Legal Secretary Certificate requires a basic knowledge of word processing and typing of at least 50 words-per-minute.

Utica College is a private, not-for-profit university located in central New York State. Utica's Bachelor of Science in Construction degree program is offered exclusively on the school's campus in a 4-year curriculum format. This construction management program combines the foundations of management techniques, real-world learning experiences and an emphasis on professional responsibility. Students gain technical construction knowledge, as well as managerial, financial and planning skills needed for implementing construction activities. Students must complete a total of 128 credit hours with a minimum grade of "C" in all major and major-related courses. As part of the major course requirements, students must complete a minimum of 480 experiential learning contact (internship) hours under the direction of an industry sponsor. Utica offers tuition rates that are competitive with those of similar New York State public universities. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates than New York residents. This degree program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).

The University of Central Florida offers 2 program options for students interested in a non-attorney legal career: its bachelor's in legal studies degree program and its paralegal program, both of which are offered 100% online. UCF's B.A./B.S. in Legal Studies is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the basics of law and function of the legal system. Students have the option of selecting from among 7 specializations, although choosing a specialization is not required. The B.A. degree requires demonstration of 1 year of foreign language proficiency at the college level, while the B.S. degree requires 2 years of foreign language proficiency at the college level. Otherwise, the degrees are identical. UCF's Bachelor's in Legal Studies qualifies graduates to apply for the Florida Bar Registered Paralegal designation as well as sit for the national paralegal certification examinations. Other career options for degree holders include court reporter, legal assistant, legal analyst and contracts specialist, among others. Out-of-state students pay a higher tuition rate than Florida residents. UCF's Paralegal programis a non-credit, self-paced program offered in partnership with ed2go. The 12-month program prepares students to sit for the paralegal certification exams and for employment as an entry-level paralegal. Tuition for this program includes access to the National Association of Legal Assistants Certified Paralegal Exam Review self-study courses.

Medical coding is a steadily growing specialty in the health care field and Towson University offers both on-campus and online programs for students interested in this high-demand market. Medical coders compile, process and maintain medical records according to the health care industry's numerical coding system for physicians' offices and clinics. Courses cover medical insurance, medical terminology, anatomy and coding guidelines for all of the body's systems. At course completion, which is 4 months for each program, students are prepared to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders exam. Students can take advantage of many resources at Towson, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, technology support and financial aid for qualified students. Towson is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Students seeking a vocational career will find certificate programs, bachelor's degrees and an online option at the University of Florida. Certificate programs include construction management, emergency management, emergency medical services management, environmental horticulture management, landscape pest management, pest control technology, senior fire officer and urban pest management. Prerequisites may include a high school diploma or equivalent, specified courses, an associate degree or previous work experience. A range of 15-24 credit hours is required to complete the various certificate programs. The bachelor's degree in construction management requires 125 credits, and the fire and emergency services degree which also has an online option, requires 120. Students who have already earned an AA degree may apply to UF during the junior year, and then complete the fire and emergency bachelor's online. Advising, tutoring, career and financial aid resources are available to all students. The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University offers on-campus and online certificate, associate and bachelor's programs in various vocational fields such as aviation, medicine, justice and technical studies. Those interested in aviation can choose from a certificate program or an AA degree in aviation maintenance technology. Other options include a BS in aviation maintenance management either on campus or online (with a residential component), or an online BS in aviation. Aviation courses include aircraft electrical systems, landing gear systems, airframe assembly and inspections and propeller systems. Additionally, LU offers a flight attendant AA. Courses such as flight attendant orientation, airline operations and accident prevention/care prepare students for careers as national or international flight attendants. The school also offers 2 paralegal options - an undergraduate certificate and a BS, both online. Students gain a foundation in law, legal writing methods, real estate transactions, and procedures of criminal and family law. Students in the online medical office assistant AAS program learn the business and administrative sides of the medical field, from front-end administrative duties to diagnostic coding to medical billing. The school's on campus technical studies AAS degree can be focused on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing or welding. Academic support and financial aid is available. LU, located in Lynchburg, VA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Appalachian State University offers a vocational career option in its Bachelor of Science degree in building sciences with a concentration in construction management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of construction managers is projected to grow 11% through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. In this program, students learn the management and the technological sides of the construction industry. Courses include building systems, materials and methods, planning and scheduling, statics and strength of structures, occupational safety and sustainable architectural design. The 4-year program requires 122 semester hours and a professional internship. The university offers global learning opportunities in the form of short-term, focused, study abroad programs led by building sciences faculty in Austria and Switzerland concerning renewable energy and architecture, Nicaragua and Costa Rica focusing on sustainable technology, Peru concentrating on building and designing for nature, and South Korea and Taiwan addressing sustainable energy and architecture. Graduates can expect to pursue careers as a construction manager, contractor, home builder, industrial engineer or project manager. The school offers academic advising, career and financial aid services. Appalachian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) at Ohio State offers 29 associate degree and certificate programs in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, business and hydraulics. ATI's programs emphasize experiential learning, including paid industry internships. The ATI campus includes a horticultural complex, landscape construction laboratory, 1,700-acre working farm, and specialized labs in renewable energy, engineering technologies, sciences and floral design. AA or AS degrees options include environment and natural resources, floral design and marketing, food business management, greenhouse and nursery management, landscape horticulture, livestock production and management, sustainable agriculture and turfgrass management. ATI also offers industrial technician certificate programs for industrial maintenance technician, electrical and controls technician and mechanical technician. OSU offers orientation for new students, academic support and tutoring, career exploration, counseling and wellness support and some 20 student organizations, many with a career focus. OSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The BS in construction management at John Brown University integrates engineering and design concepts, project management and business skills, the latest computer applications, hands-on experience and communication skills to develop construction industry leaders. In their senior year students oversee a project from start to finish, including planning, estimating, procurement, execution, supervision and coordinating subcontractors. The 4-year program requires completion of 133 semester hours. Possible career options for construction management majors include field engineer, quality control engineer and contract administrator. JBU also offers a minor in construction management that requires 19 hours and a 2-year AS degree that takes 62 hours. The school offers academic and career counseling and financial aid. John Brown University, located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Arkansas State University-Mountain Home offers associate degrees, technical certificates and certificates of profiency in a range of vocational and trade fields including agriculture, automotive, health, hospitality, HVAC, machining and welding. All courses are taught on the campus in Mountain Home, AK. The various programs run from 1 semester for a certificate of proficiency to 2 years for an associate degree. Graduates are prepared for various careers after completing their program. For example, graduates of the A.A.S. in Hospitality Management program are ready to work in all areas of hospitality management, including hotel and lodging facilities, travel and tourism and food service and recreational facilities. But the degree is not intended to transfer. However, the A.A.S. in Agriculture and Natural Resources program is designed for students to ultimately transfer to a 4-year university, with their knowledge of animal science, plant science, field crops and economics. And graduates of the paramedic program, which has A.A.S. and technical certificate options, are eligible to apply for the National Registry of Emergency Technical Paramedic certification testing and gain the ability to function as a team member on an advanced life support ambulance. Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling and financial aid are available. ASUMH is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A wide selection of vocational career programs in diverse fields such as health care, tourism and nutrition await students at Indiana University. All of the undergraduate certificate programs are online and taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Medical coding students learn the process of assigning universal medical code numbers to medical diagnoses and procedures. Graduates can become medical coders, benefits coordinators or medical billers. The 9-month dental assisting program encompasses lecture, laboratory and clinical instruction. Courses include oral pathology, dental therapeutics and restorative dentistry. IU's certificate programs in tourism planning and development and cultural heritage tourism can land graduates positions as travel agents, members of cruise line management, tour guides, event planners and museum educators. Students in the nutrition program learn to make well-informed nutrition choices for themselves, their families, their clients and patients. Graduates can continue on to professional programs in health care such as nursing or physical therapy or work as a nutrition consultant in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or physicians' offices. IU's dedicated services for online students include admissions and orientation support, math and writing support, success coaching, career counseling and financial aid. Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD, offers a wide range of degree, diploma and certificate programs, on campus and via "eDegrees," a blend of online and on-campus learning. On-campus programs include agriculture, automotive, aviation, building trades, cosmetology, electronics, heavy equipment, med/fire rescue, medical and welding. Choices for eDegrees, where some classes are online and others involve hands-on training and/or clinical experiences on campus, include ranch management, dental assisting and emergency medical technician. The on-campus cosmetology program, in which students are trained in hair, nail and skin care, for example, runs 15 months. Students learn the latest techniques while cutting and coloring hair as well as how to apply cosmetics and perform manicures, pedicures and facials in a fully operation salon on campus. The ranch management A.A.S. eDegree program takes 4 semesters to complete. Students learn about beef and sheep production, breeding and grazing practices. Support services for both online and on-campus students include counseling, career services and financial aid. LATI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Siena Heights University is a private 4-year school affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church whose main campus is located in Adrian, Michigan. SHU offers Associate of Applied Scienceand Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, both of which can be individually tailored and earned in a wide range of vocation-related fields. These degrees are structured using the "inverted major" concept, building the degree program around a combination of general education courses and other major subject-related coursework (completed at SHU and/or other accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, etc.) and previously obtained subject-related licensure, college-equivalent prior learning and professional experience. Examples of vocation-related fields of study include construction management, cosmetology, electrician, HVAC, mechanical engineering technology, occupational therapy assistant, paralegal technology, paramedic/firefighter, pharmacy technology, radiography, respiratory therapy and veterinary technology, to name just a few. Some applicable SHU coursework may be available online. However, all coursework, as well as the individually chosen study field, requires prior approval by SHU. Program lengths and tuition rates vary depending on the individual program.