Many people think the only option for higher education is to head straight to a 4-year college, but that’s not the answer for everybody. Fortunately, technical school presents a fabulous opportunity to further your education in a slightly different way. Even if you’ve been out of school for a while, technical school will allow you to develop and hone skills that can take your career to new heights.

What is a Technical School?

Technical schools, also known as vocational and trade schools, are designed to groom students for their potential careers. If you know what you’d like to do professionally and want to get started as soon as possible, it’s a great option. A technical school education can also be ideal for people hoping to change careers.

Once you’ve finished your technical school program, you’ll receive certification that will attest to your new skill set. In a competitive job market, this can be the tool you need to get ahead.

4-Year College vs. Technical School

You might be surprised to learn that technical school programs have numerous advantages over the 4-year college path. These advantages include:

Time and Cost Effectiveness

In general, you can complete a technical school program in as little as 1 year. That means you can begin your career that much sooner than if you’d pursued a 4-year degree. When it comes to higher education, time saved is money saved. Spending just one year at technical school will cost much less than investing in a 4-year college degree.

Specialized Programs

While obtaining a bachelor’s degree offers general enrichment, technical school courses are laser-focused on helping you obtain career-specific skills. They’re more precise in their outlook, which is why they’re such a good fit for individuals who have their minds made up about what they’d like to do with their lives.

Mentorship

Instructors at technical schools are skilled professionals who bring years of hands-on experience to the classroom. It’s in your best interests to learn practical skills from industry pros, rather than focusing on abstract concepts. As a bonus, your mentors may be able to help you make job connections after you graduate.

Networking

On a similar note, many technical schools integrate externships into the regular coursework. This has the dual effect of allowing you to make useful connections while gaining hands-on experience. You might also have the opportunity to attend career fairs, thereby broadening your horizons further.

Flexible Scheduling

Do you already have personal responsibilities that you need to manage to pay the bills while you attend technical school? Fear not, many technical schools offer night classes, so you can adjust your class schedule around your work hours.

High Admission Rates

Admissions for 4-year colleges can be competitive. By contrast, the entrance criteria for technical school students isn’t as lofty. You’re bound to be accepted even if your GPA is a bit lower than you expected.

Smaller Classes

You won’t get lost in a large lecture hall when attending class at a technical school. The average technical school class is smaller than the average college class. That means more hands-on learning and personalized attention from the instructors.

What Trades and Vocations Can I Study at a Technical School?

When you enroll in technical school, you’ll have plenty of options. Chances are, you already have a career path in mind, that’s one of the perks of this type of education.

When you’re finished, you might become a medical assistant or dental assistant. You’ll learn the medical office skills to support physicians and dentists alike. An engaging personality and basic customer service skills are a must.

From healthcare to information technology to the worlds of art and business, the possibilities are numerous. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the other fields and vocations you might explore at Meridian College.

Cosmetology

Armed with a license in cosmetology, you’ll provide hair, nail, facial and makeup services. This is a rapidly growing field, in fact, cosmetology is one of the most sought-after careers in the US. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cosmetologists is projected to grow 19 percent in the coming decade.

You don’t have to stick to hairstyling, although that is perhaps the best-known aspect of the business. Qualified nail technicians are currently in high demand, and you can eventually open your own salon if you’re so inclined. Those of you who enjoy applying makeup and engaging in skin care can focus on those areas as well.

Medical Assistant

Since it’s critical for doctors and nurses to focus on patient care, medical assistants provide a vital service. By taking care of administrative and clinical tasks, they keep healthcare facilities running smoothly.

As a medical assistant, you can expect to spend your days taking phone calls, checking patients in and out, scheduling appointments, and updating patient records. Other tasks include billing, preparing exam rooms and equipment, and assisting physicians with treatments and procedures.

Dental Assistant

As you might expect, dental assistants are similar to medical assistants, with the distinction of providing support to dentists rather than physicians. As a dental assistant, you’ll work behind the scenes to ensure that the dentist can provide the patients with more effective care.

Common tasks include completing intake paperwork and billing, updating patient records, performing routine cleanings, taking X-rays, and sterilizing dental tools. You might also be responsible for filling out lab work under the dentist’s supervision.

Medical Billing and Coding

In the medical billing and coding field, professionals are responsible for identifying diagnoses, medical procedures, tests, and treatments, then translating the data into codes. These standardized codes will then be used to bill insurers (at the government and commercial levels) to ensure payment.

You’ll need a keen eye for detail if you want to pursue a career in medical billing and coding. It also helps if you have basic knowledge of compliance guidelines and a general interest in healthcare.

Medical Administration

This is a general description, encompassing, but not limited to, the following jobs:

• Medical secretaries
• Transcriptionists
• Insurance and billing specialists
• Admissions clerks
• Medical coders

Depending on where you land a job, you might spend your days ordering medical supplies, answering phones, and scheduling appointments. Other tasks include transcribing reports and processing coded insurance bills.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what a technical school is, it is time to learn more about Meridian College. Whether you’re a new graduate or a professional who’s hoping to embark on an exciting new adventure, enrolling in technical school could be the wisest move for a rewarding career.

Want to Learn More?

We will assist you through the school’s application process. At Meridian College, we work with you to make sure that you are in the right vocational training program for your career goals. When you are successful, we are successful.

At Meridian College, our Admissions Representatives specialize in removing the roadblocks that lie between you and the new career of your dreams. If you dream of a new vocational career, contact us today.