Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools or career colleges, offer highly focused education programs designed to give students the technical knowledge and skills they need for highly skilled jobs such as automotive mechanics, HVAC installers, licensed practical nurses, and more.
The U.S. is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled laborers, particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors, making this an optimal time for students to pursue a trade school education. Read on to learn more about what jobs are available to students with a trade school education and the differences between trade schools and traditional colleges.
Trade Schools and Career Programs
Online programs
- Dental Assistant
- Fire Science
- Medical Billing and Coding (Certificate)
- Medical Coding (Degree)
- Respiratory Therapy
- Sonography
- Trade Schools and Programs
Traditional programs
What You Can Do With A Trade School Education
Trade schools and career prep programs teach students the specialized technical skills they need for a specific job. Therefore, students should have clarity on the type of job they’re seeking before enrolling in a trade school program to ensure they’re selecting a program that meets their needs.
According to a 2024 report from consulting firm McKinsey & Company, there will be nearly 27,000 new jobs in critical trade categories through 2032. Critical trades include carpentry, construction, plumbing, welding, and HVAC installation and maintenance.
An increase in ‘green jobs’ is also creating opportunities for skilled workers, including wind turbine service technicians and solar panel installers.
Healthcare is another industry that employs many skilled workers and is expected to experience growth over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there will be, on average, 1.9 million job openings per year for healthcare workers, including dental assistants and hygienists, paramedics, and medical records specialists.
Career outlook
- Dental assistants: Perform a variety of tasks in dental practices, including patient care, recordkeeping, appointment scheduling, sterilizing equipment, and assisting dentists during procedures and exams.
- Median annual salary: $46,540
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 8%
- New jobs projected: 54,900 per year
- Education required: Post-secondary certificate or diploma in dental assistance
- Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers: Work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings to ensure that heating and air conditioning systems work properly.
- Median annual salary: $57,300
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 9%
- New jobs projected: 42,500 per year
- Education required: Post-secondary certificate or diploma
- Massage therapists: Provide treatment to clients to relieve pain and health injuries, alleviate stress, and aid in general wellness by applying pressure to manipulate the body’s soft tissues and joints.
- Median annual salary: $55,310
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 18%
- New jobs projected: 22,800 per year
- Education required: Post-secondary certificate or diploma
- Medical records specialists: Compile, process, and maintain patient files. They also may classify and enter patients’ medical information into the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system.
-
- Median annual salary: $48,780
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 9%
- New jobs projected: 15,000 per year
- Education required: Post-secondary certificate or associate degree in medical office administration
Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Schools
What are the differences between trade schools and traditional colleges?
Trade school programs emphasize teaching technical skills and knowledge for specific jobs, while traditional college programs help students gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge in their major area of study as well as transferable skills applicable to a range of jobs.
The curriculums for trade school programs are designed to be highly focused and completed in a short time frame. Most trade school programs can be completed in two years of full-time study, although some programs may be shorter. Trade school programs typically award a certificate or diploma upon successful completion, although some may award associate degrees.
Meanwhile, traditional college programs give students the opportunity to study a broad range of topics related to the humanities, business, education, social and biological sciences, the arts, and more. Programs, especially those at the undergraduate level, include general education requirements to expand the base of students’ knowledge. These schools offer a robust array of post-secondary educational programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, undergraduate and graduate certificates, and diplomas.
It’s common for students to choose a traditional college because they want a traditional college experience, including living on campus, participating in athletics and extracurriculars, and expanding social and professional networks.
Should I get a trade school diploma or a college degree?
This decision ultimately comes down to the student’s career goals, personal needs, and interests.
Students who want to prepare for highly skilled jobs and enter the workforce as quickly as possible may find that a trade school program is most suitable. Meanwhile, students who want to enter fields such as education, business, humanities, or engineering, or develop a range of transferable skills, will be better served earning a full degree from a traditional or online college.
Each type of education has its advantages and drawbacks. Trade schools can help students develop the specialized knowledge and skills they need for in-demand careers, and have faster completion times and fewer barriers to entry than traditional college programs. However, because of their narrow focus on career preparation, students do not develop as many transferable skills, which can be a disadvantage if students need to change careers.
A traditional college education benefits students by teaching them a variety of transferable skills. A college degree typically prepares students for a range of different jobs and can lead to higher earning potential. However, these programs also take longer to finish and may cost more than a trade school diploma program.
What should students consider when choosing a trade school?
Students should start by clarifying their career and educational goals to ensure they find a program that meets their needs. Review the educational and training requirements for the jobs you plan to seek so you know what to look for in the curriculums of programs you’re researching.
Reviewing a school’s accreditation status and profit structure is also essential. Many trade schools and career colleges are for-profit, which means their primary purpose is to make money for shareholders. This can lead to predatory recruitment practices and a lack of investment in students’ needs and school infrastructure. Students should seek out trade and career prep programs at schools that are regionally accredited to ensure the legitimacy and quality of the education they provide.
Cost and financial aid eligibility is another factor to consider when attending a trade school. While these types of programs may be cheaper than a traditional degree, not all trade programs are eligible for federal financial aid, such as federal student loans and grants. If students plan on using this type of aid to help them pay for their program, they should consult with a financial aid counselor to find out what types of financial aid are available to them.
Should I attend trade school online or in person?
Determining whether to attend trade school online or in person is a personal decision based on a student’s needs and learning preferences. Quality programs exist online, in person, and in a hybrid format.
A student’s area of study may influence what type of program they enroll in, as many trades require hands-on experience that can only be gained in an in-person setting. Students considering enrolling in an online trade program should research how the program delivers practical skill-building to ensure they’re getting the proper training necessary to qualify them for the jobs they seek.
Students should also consider their logistical needs. In some cases, online programs may make learning more accessible and convenient, particularly for students who are working full-time, juggling multiple family and life obligations, or don’t live within commuting distance of a reputable trade school.
Types of Credentials You Can Earn From a Trade or Career Program
Certificate
Post-secondary certificate programs are designed for students with a high school diploma or GED, and are available from trade schools, career colleges, and traditional two- or four-year colleges. The coursework in certificate programs typically focuses on developing the necessary skillset for a particular job, with an emphasis on practical knowledge. Some certificate programs may also include an experiential learning component, like an internship.
The number of required credits and completion time for a post-secondary certificate program varies. Some can be completed in as little as 10-12 weeks, while others may take up to two years to complete.
Diploma
A diploma is a post-secondary course of study in a technical or vocational field. Diploma programs offer a narrower curriculum than degree programs, and they focus on developing a specific set of technical skills necessary for a particular job or career path.
As with certificates, the time it takes to earn a diploma varies by program and is largely dependent on the total number of required credits and a student’s pace of study. Most diploma programs can be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study. Students can earn diplomas from trade schools, career colleges, industry-specific training programs, and traditional two- and four-year colleges.
Associate degrees
Associate degrees require a minimum of 60 credits and can typically be completed in two years of full-time study.
Some students may choose to earn an associate degree in their trade as a stepping-stone to further education at the bachelor’s degree level. While it may take longer to earn an associate degree than a diploma or certificate, this education credential can open up more job opportunities and increase earning potential.
For trades and technical fields, the most common associate degrees are an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).