What Are the Requirements for Attending Career Schools?
The requirements for attending career schools, also commonly referred to as trade or vocational schools, vary greatly depending on the school and the student's educational interests. Some requirements may include an entrance exam and/or placement test. Read on to learn more.
Applying for Admission
Students wanting to attend a career school will generally need to go through an application process, such as filling out application forms and paying entrance fees. Some career schools require students to have a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED). Others require students to take placement or entrance exams and may also require SAT or ACT scores and high school transcripts for entrance into the career school program. Many career schools offer some sort of financial aid program as well, and students are advised to check availability for their chosen career school. Some institutions have age stipulations as well.
Important Facts About Career School Programs
| Degree/Certificate Levels | Diplomas, certificates, associate's degrees |
| Programs | Professional training and continuing education |
| Common Courses | Massage therapy, X-ray technician certification, paramedic certification |
| Online Availability | Some courses are available online |
Overview of Career Schools
A career, vocational or technical school is generally described as a school designed to teach the skills and hands-on experience required for particular jobs. Such examples of career school programs may include welding, truck driving, mechanics, boat assembly and repair, carpentry, plumbing, construction trades and phlebotomy technician, among many other choices.
Training
Career school training is more focused than a program at a four-year institution, and many career schools require an internship or field experience to increase the access to hands-on experiences within the curriculum. Most programs take a minimum of eighteen months to two years to complete. Some trade schools may also offer apprenticeship programs, which may take two or more years to complete.