Attending college far from home after high school can be tough for many reasons. Online trade schools provide a flexible solution, letting you earn degrees, certificates, or diplomas from the comfort of your own home. These programs offer many of the same resources as well-known four-year colleges but come with the added perk of lower tuition costs, making education both accessible and affordable.
Online trade schools are especially beneficial for students who are working or have family responsibilities. Many programs let students progress at their own speed, offering a convenient learning experience. If you're thinking about enrolling in an online trade school, keep reading to discover more about this option.
What is a Trade School?
You may be wondering what a trade school is and how it differs from other institutions of higher learning. Trade schools and other institutions offering vocational programs, prepare students for a specific job. Students often gain the knowledge they need to work as paralegals, nursing assistants, electricians, occupational therapy assistants and more.
Vocational programs can often be completed in one year or less. When a student completes a program, they typically receive a diploma, certificate, or non-degree award. Many community colleges offer vocational programs as well, but often, these programs take around two years to complete and students are awarded an associate degree when they finish.
Benefits of Online Trade Schools
You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars and four years to get the education you need to advance in your career. If you are ready to take your career to the next level without sacrificing your current commitments, you may want to consider an online trade school program. These programs help you gain the knowledge and develop the professional tools you need without relocating or commuting to a college campus. They allow you to learn comfortably from your own home.
A considerable number of trade programs allow students to complete their coursework at their own pace. This allows you to work around your current schedule and fit your education into your life. Online trade programs can also offer the following benefits:
- Convenience – You can work from any place at any time.
- Length of program – Vocational programs are less time-consuming and shorter than bachelor’s degree programs.
- Affordability – Vocational programs typically cost considerably less than four-year degree programs.
Since you will be in charge of learning at your own pace and motivating yourself to complete your assignments, you must have a strong sense of determination and the ability to manage your time effectively. If you prefer direct instruction in a traditional classroom setting, you may fare better in a standard in-person learning environment.
Cost of Online Trade Schools
Continuing your education can be costly, making the investment unfeasible for many individuals. Spending tens of thousands of dollars and resorting to multiple loans may be out of reach. However, vocational programs offer a more affordable alternative. Compared to bachelor's degree programs, these programs have shorter completion times and considerably lower costs. In fact, they often pose a more economical choice than four-year programs offered by public universities.
Common Vocational Programs
Vocational programs vary in format (part-time, full-time), length, and the award they issue. Here are some of the most common types of vocational programs.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships offer students invaluable hands-on training opportunities. Typically, students are paired with licensed professionals who provide supervision, while also receiving academic instruction. Formal on-the-job training is an integral part of the apprenticeship, and it's worth mentioning that apprentices may even earn a wage for their work. The duration of apprenticeships ranges from two to six years. Upon successfully completing the program, students are required to pass a licensure exam, granting them the ability to work independently.
Preparation for Certification/Licensure
Certificate programs often serve as a study guide for a certification or licensure examination. Classes in licensure prep programs typically focus on the material you need to pass the exam. After a student passes the exam, they may enter the workforce. Some programs only take a few weeks, but longer programs can take months and students may be supervised by professionals in their desired fields.
Certificate or Diploma
Many vocational and trade schools issue diplomas, which are often referred to as non-degree awards. Most of these programs are relatively short, lasting only a few weeks to a year, and like other vocational degree programs, they require students to enroll in classes that will teach them how to excel in a certain job.
Associate Degree
Community colleges and technical schools offer two-year associate degrees. There are two types of associate degree programs – Applied Science and Academic Transfer (AA or AS degrees). Both of these degree programs require students to enroll in general education courses, which reduces the amount of time and money they will need to put toward earning a bachelor’s degree.
Students who prefer to earn an Applied Science (AAS) degree may choose to focus on a specific trade. However, unlike the AS or AA degree programs, these programs are very specific to the field of study and students typically do not enroll in courses that prepare them to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Hands-On Training
Even if you enroll in an online vocational program, your program may still require you to obtain hands-on training. Such training helps students develop skills you can’t acquire from a textbook or computer screen. The method each program utilizes to weave academic instruction with hands-on training varies, but it is typically done in one of three ways:
- Vocational school partnerships: Often, schools will partner with local facilities to provide you with hands-on training.
- Hybrid vocational programs: These programs allow students to take some classes online, but they must attend school on campus to complete course components such as labs. These components are part of your syllabus, so you will know about them in advance.
- Student choice: Some schools don’t partner with local facilities. Instead, students can choose where they want to train. More than likely, a student’s institution will need to approve the training site beforehand.
What to Consider When Choosing an Online Trade School
There are many online vocational programs available, but not all of them are created equal. Some simply don’t provide students with the education and training they need to excel. When choosing an online vocational school, be sure to consider the following.
Licensure
In the majority of states, career and technical colleges must have a license to operate. Being properly licensed allows them to offer vocational programs and classes within the law. Licensed schools are also allowed to offer the training certification boards require. If students are unclear about whether a school is licensed, they should check the state agency that handles educational licensing.
Accreditation
Accredited online schools meet the guidelines for training and academics. Accreditation is monitored by a trusted third-party organization. When a school is properly accredited, its students may be eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government. Not all schools are accredited, and if a student is unsure about a school’s accreditation status, they should check with the U.S. Department of Education.
Student Services
Good online schools also provide exceptional support to students. The services they provide to students, such as tutoring, job placement, access to libraries, and financial aid can make a major difference in whether a student succeeds.
Practical Curriculum
A reputable educational institution should provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed on their own. Institutions should offer courses that are applicable to the trade a student plans to pursue. Course materials, such as syllabuses should also be clear and easy to comprehend.
Qualified Faculty
The professional and academic backgrounds of a school’s instructors are important. Students should enroll in schools where instructors have the education and training to guide and inform them. How do instructors interact with students? Are courses taught by someone with relevant education and training? Are instructors accessible? Students must ask themselves the previous questions before enrolling in a program.
Hands-On Experience
Vocational schools often mix hands-on training with career-oriented classes. Schools should clarify training and academic requirements before students enroll. This will prevent any confusion later on.
Is Online Trade School Right for You?
Is an online vocational program right for you? If you are ready to further your education, you may be ready to enroll in such a program if you:
- Want to enter the workforce soon
- Prefer hands-on and practical career courses
- Are open to online learning
- Need a flexible curriculum that fits into your busy life
- Desire to earn money sooner
If the following statements apply to you, you may be ready to pursue a vocational degree, diploma, or certificate online.
Online Trade Schools
San Juan College
Opened in 1956, San Juan College historically only offered evening classes. Today, more than 15,000 students are educated by SJC each year. The school offers students the opportunity to take courses on four campuses, including the primary location in Farmington, New Mexico.
The college offers nine online associate degrees. Students can earn degrees in psychology, business administration, occupational safety, veterinary technology, physical therapist assistant, and health information technology.
Accelerated pathways offered by the school’s distance learning programs can help students save money and time. Accelerated learning programs are perfect for working students who want to transfer to a four-year college or university, as well as those who want to change careers. For example, in just 16 months, students can earn an associate degree in business management in addition to a certificate.
Online students have direct access to a variety of career services, including career assessments and resume assistance. SJC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and maintains an open admissions policy.
New Mexico Junior College
Regarded as one of the premier online technical schools in the Southwestern United States, New Mexico Junior College offers two-year degrees, as well as a variety of career training programs. NMJC’s programs are ideal for working students, and the school offers online associate degrees in criminal justice, energy technology, business, and computer information science. Prior to starting an online program, students may take a self-assessment to determine if distance learning is the right path for them.
Academic counselors also help students create individualized learning pathways. Online students must complete 31 general education credits in subjects such as fine arts, math, science, communications, rhetoric, and composition. Transfer students will need to complete at least 15 credits to obtain an associate degree.
Scholarships are also awarded through the New Mexico Junior College Foundation to applicants with a GPA of at least 2.0. The Higher Learning Commission has also accredited NMJC.
Metropolitan Community College
One of the most popular online technical schools in the state of Nebraska, Metropolitan Community College offers more than 100 programs. The school has eight locations and its enrollment tops 25,000. The school’s online certificates and degrees are geared toward working professionals who desire flexible scheduling choices. MCC offers associate degrees in computer technology, business, accounting, health information management, office technology, and criminal justice.
Students also have the option to pursue career certificates in customer service, general management, and financial studies. Academic counselors and advisors help online students craft their educational pathways. MCC partners with a number of four-year colleges and universities to provide transfer options for students.
To earn an associate degree, students must earn 40 general education credits. Students may also apply for more than 125 scholarships, and the school is regionally accredited.
State Fair Community College
Founded with just 436 students in 1968, State Fair Community College has a virtual campus and seven locations. Today, the school enrolls more than 4700 students, and the college offers online programs through Canvas. There are more than 260 online courses to choose from. Students may earn an associate degree in health information technology or business management. Both programs require students to earn 60-64 credits, and their goal is to prepare students to enter the workforce after graduation.
SFCC also offers online certifications in nursing aide, medical coding, and pharmacy tech. Students may complete their program in a hybrid format or completely online. Students who prefer in-person classes may take courses at the Clinton, Eldon, Lake of the Ozarks, Boonville, Warsaw, or Sedalia campuses. Classes are also held at the Whiteman Air Force Base.
The college provides an abundance of tutoring and online technical support services, and online students may access information from more than 500,000 digital library resources. The school is regionally accredited.
Southwest Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College was established in 1927 and is currently regarded as one of the best online trade schools for working students. SVCC provides students with the option to choose from more than 80 programs, as well as online or on-campus classes. Its associate degree courses are affordable and students can major in subjects such as psychology, early childhood education, accounting, administrative support, and business management. There are also online certificate programs in health sciences, legal studies, and medical records.
Students may take courses at their own pace, and Canvas allows students to access their assignments and discussions from anywhere at any time. Some students, such as those who live in Buchanan or Tazewell counties, may not have to pay tuition.
Online learners can communicate with their advisors via email, chat, or phone. There are also digital library and online tutoring resources. SVCC is accredited by the Schools Commission on Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky, WKCTC offers students the opportunity to earn a vocational trade degree, certificate, or diploma in some of the most in-demand fields. Students may earn an associate degree in fields like logistics and operations management, computer and information technology, and marine technology. Students seeking immediate employment may earn a certificate in the previously mentioned field in a few months.
To earn a diploma, students must earn between 39 and 43 credits in a year. The school offers diploma programs in computer-aided drafting, medical information technology, and business administration systems.
If you want to apply to an associate program, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). You do not need a diploma to apply for a certificate program. WKCTC is accredited by the Schools Commission on Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges.
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
WITC is located in Shell Lake, WI, and it offers 37 online certificates, technical diplomas, and associate degrees. Students can choose from 11 associate degree programs in fields such as early childhood education, accounting, health information technology, and medical administration. There are also certificates in management, customer service, tax preparation, and group childcare. Students may earn technical diplomas in medical billing, office technology, and office support.
Students may earn credit for previous coursework, and a high school diploma is not required for applicants. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Jumpstart Your Career by Enrolling in an Online Trade School
If you want to continue your education or jumpstart your career, enrolling in an online trade school can be a great decision. Online programs allow you to work around your own schedule and learn from anywhere in the world. Technical schools also provide you with the option to skip unnecessary filler courses and immediately enroll in classes that will be of use.
