Career schools: your guide to career education

Americans face a challenge when it comes to employment, especially younger people.  The percentage of American teens and young adults who currently have jobs is at the lowest point since the end of the Great Depression, according to the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s report, “Pathways to Prosperity”.

Why a high-school education isn’t enough to get a good job

What happened? The economic crisis of the late 2000s is not the only cause.  In 1973, workers with a high-school education (or less) comprised 72% of the U.S. workforce. When manufacturing was a dominant industry in America, jobs were plentiful in fields like auto manufacturing and textiles. It was possible for workers with only a high school diploma to earn a wage that covered living expenses and provided disposable income through employment at a factory or production facility.

In the last forty years, the U.S. economy has changed drastically. Technology has advanced and companies have cut costs by sending nearly all of their manufacturing and production operations overseas. For example, in 1964, 95 percent of American clothing companies made their products in the USA. By 2009, that figure was 5 percent, as reported by the HBO documentary “Schmatta: From rags to riches to rags”. In the current job market, a high school diploma and a willingness to work are no longer enough.

Faced with this reality, what is the best way to prepare for a career with a livable wage, job security, and the chance for advancement? Enrolling in a four-year college or university has often been recommended as the best goal for all high school students.  However, many people must juggle education with family needs and the jobs they do to pay for necessities like housing, food and transportation.

Career schools defined and a surprising salary statistic

Career schools are two-year educational institutions that prepare students for entry-level jobs with a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree. Career schools can be operated by a school district or state department of education, by a non-profit organization, or by a private, for-profit company. Many of the programs are offered as online or hybrid courses, where students can do some of their coursework from home, then get hands-on training through a campus school.

In a nutshell, career schools offer a faster, more focused option for learning a skill that will help you start a career in a high-demand industry. But will earning a diploma, certificate or associate’s degree give you the earning power you need? “Pathways to Prosperity” offers this surprising statistic:

“27 percent of people with post-secondary licenses or certificates—credentials short of an associate’s degree—earn more than the average bachelor’s degree recipient.”

It’s clear that getting a career-focused education is a very useful way to make yourself attractive to employers. So what are your options for attending career school?

Career schools from A to Z

Here are the broad categories for career schools. Some schools offer all of these career training programs, but most specialize in one or two disciplines. Read on for information about each type of training and average salary information.

• Art school
• Cosmetology school
• Culinary school and hospitality training
• Health care administration & technology
• HVAC/R training
• IT training
• Mechanic schools
• Massage school
• Nursing school
• Paralegal training
• Plumbing & electrician training
• Truck driving school
• Veterinary technicians

Art school
Art and design schools provide students with education in programs such as animation, fashion design, filmmaking and photography, graphic and multimedia design, and interior design. Art schools typically train students with an interest in one of the disciplines on up-to-date technology and tools to learn how to become a professional designer or to work in the photography, film or sound industries. Art school students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in subjects including animation graphics, graphic design and photography. Entry-level positions for graduates include photographer’s assistants and graphic designers. According to the BLS, graphic designers earned a mean annual wage of $47,820 in 2009.

Cosmetology school
People who enjoy beauty and building one-on-one relationships with clients might consider a career in cosmetology. Cosmetology school teaches students techniques in hair cutting, coloring, and styling, skin care, hair removal and nail care. After learning the basics, students can choose a specialty to become a hairdresser, esthetician, or nail technologist, graduating with the knowledge needed to obtain a cosmetology license (licensing requirements vary by state). Cosmetologists earned a mean annual wage of $27,070 as of 2009. Half of all cosmetologists are self-employed, making this field a great choice for people interested in running their own businesses.

Culinary and hospitality training
Culinary arts students study food preparation, nutrition and food science.  Culinary training includes a comprehensive education on types of cuisine ranging from appetizers to desserts. Students learn technical kitchen skills such as knife work, how to prepare and serve meat, how to create sauces and soups, and baking techniques. Culinary students also learn about food science, the study of how food goes from harvest to table.  

Culinary students can graduate with an associate degree, diploma, or certificate. Associate degrees are typically awarded for longer, comprehensive programs such as culinary arts, while shorter, more specific courses – such as baking and pastry arts – result in a diploma or certificate. Culinary school graduates are qualified for entry-level positions in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and other food-service companies. Managers of food preparation and workers earned a 2009 mean annual wage of $31,460.

Culinary programs often go hand-in-hand with hospitality management programs, where students earn bachelor or associate degrees in programs such as hotel and restaurant management, beverage management or culinary management.  

IT training
Information technology training teaches students to provide a number of IT services, including help desk administration, application development, network administration and database development. IT students can earn associate degrees in information technology or more specialized programs, and are qualified for entry-level IT jobs upon graduation. The mean annual wage for computer specialists in 2009 was $78,010.

Health care administration and technology
Health care technician training programs include radiology technicians (also known as X-ray technicians) and ultrasound technicians.  Each program provides students with specialized training on equipment, medical terminology and testing procedures. X-ray and ultrasound technicians typically earn associate of science or applied science degrees to obtain entry-level jobs in the field. Radiology technicians earned a 2009 mean annual wage of $54,180; ultrasound technicians earned $63,640.

Medical billers and coders specialize in coding medical information for insurance reimbursement purposes. Medical coding professionals work in an array of health care-related settings, including hospitals and doctor’s offices. An associate degree program in health information technology programs includes classes such as classification and coding systems, medical terminology and health care reimbursement methods. Medical billers and coders typically earn an associate degree in medical information technology; many employers prefer further credentials such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Medical billers and coders earned a mean annual wage of $33,880 as of May 2009.

In medical and dental assistant programs, students learn how to prepare patients for exams, take medical histories, administer diagnostic procedures, and assist physicians or dentists in a wide variety of other duties. Medical and dental assistants typically earn a diploma that qualifies them for entry-level employment. In 2009, medical assistants earned a mean annual wage of $29,450; dental assistants earned $34,000.

HVAC/R training
HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; some programs include refrigeration as well.  HVAC/R programs teach students to install, maintain and repair domestic and commercial heating, ventilation and cooling systems. HVAC/R students learn to use the latest equipment and technology.  HVAC/R graduates are qualified for positions as HVAC technicians, earning a mean annual wage of $43,670 in 2009.

Massage school
Massage school students are educated in human anatomy and learn a variety of massage modalities. In addition, massage school teaches students about the business of massage therapy, from employer expectations to building a client base. Students typically spend from 500 to 650 hours practicing massage techniques before receiving massage school diplomas. Depending on which state they work in, massage school graduates may have to pass a licensing exam before they are able to provide massage services in settings that include spas, health clubs, doctor’s offices, and hotels. In 2009, the mean annual wage for massage therapists was $39,780.

Mechanic school
In mechanic school, students learn how to repair and maintain automotive and diesel, motorcycle, aircraft, and marine vehicles. Students spend much of their time being trained in automotive technology -- the complex electrical systems of modern vehicles and the diagnostic equipment used to find problems. Graduates of mechanic schools are qualified to become automotive, aviation, or marine technicians. The mean annual wage for automotive technicians was $37,880 in 2009.

Nursing school
Nursing school can start you on the path to a satisfying career as a nurse. Students who earn associate degrees in nursing and pass their exams can become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), or registered nurses (RNs). Entry-level nursing careers can advance in a number of ways, from earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing all the way to becoming a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). In 2009, LPNs earned a mean annual wage of $40,900; LVNs earned $39,820; and RNs earned $66,530.

Paralegal training
Paralegal or legal assistant students learn how to prepare legal documents, investigate legal case facts and assist attorneys in court. Completing a paralegal studies program typically involves earning an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. Most paralegals work in law firms, where they earned a mean annual wage of $50,080 in 2009. 

Plumbing and electrician training
Students who study plumbing and electrical systems have many types of career options in construction or repair services for residential or commercial customers. Plumbing career training includes learning how to assemble, install and maintain plumbing systems as well as any appliances that use water. Electrician training includes conduit fitting and supports and electrical installation. Graduates of plumbing and electrical courses typically receive a diploma or certificate. The 2009 mean annual wage for plumbers was $49,870; electricians earned $50,850.

Truck driving school
Ever wanted to drive a big rig? To do so, you’ll need a CDL (commercial driver’s license). Truck driving school trains students on the driving techniques and safety knowledge they need to drive trucks. Graduates are prepared to obtain a CDL and start a career behind the wheel. The 2009 mean annual wage for tractor/trailer truck drivers was $39,260.

Veterinary technician training
Veterinary technicians care for animals and assist veterinarians in a number of ways, including administering tests and medications, taking samples for testing and educating pet owners about animal wellness. Earning an associate’s degree in veterinary science will give you the education needed to obtain a veterinary technician license. Vet tech's mean annual wage in 2009 was $30,580.

Before you enroll: Questions to ask career schools

Once you’ve settled on attending a career school, it’s time to do some research. With so many options in the public and private sector, it’s important to get enough information upfront so that you know what to expect and feel confident that your chosen school will provide the training they advertise. If a potential school is unable to provide answers to the questions below, it’s wise to keep looking.

• Is the school accredited? Accredited schools must meet basic academic standards.  
• How often are course materials updated? Technology in all fields moves quickly, so courses should be updated regularly to give students up-to-date-training.
• Who’s your faculty? Ask the school for information on instructor’s backgrounds and qualifications.
• Do you provide career services? Find out what kind of career counseling and job placement services are available to students.
• What’s your graduation and job placement rate? Get information on how many of the school’s graduates are employed in their field. Many schools keep a list of employers who have hired their graduates.
• Will your credits transfer? If you intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree, find out if the school has transfer agreements with desirable 4-year institutions.

Finding a good career school is a first step to getting an education that matters. Good planning for your career will give you a path to follow for professional success for the rest of your life. Good luck!