A vocational school---also called a technical or career school---is a way for students to obtain the appropriate credentials necessary for working in a specific career, trade or profession. Vocational schools are generally private institutions.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, training at a vocational school can lead to a degree, diploma or a certificate in an industry-specific program, such as automotive technology or cosmetology. Potential vocational school candidates should make sure that the school of their choice offers the appropriate licensure needed for an entry-level position in their desired field.
Most vocational programs can be completed in a relatively short period of time, ranging from a few months to a couple of years. Because the training is shorter and more specialized, programs are generally cheaper than the traditional four-year university model of education.
Some institutions boast small class sizes, and many institutions offer financial aid, which two-thirds of students take advantage of, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Many vocational schools are accredited or licensed by a national organization to help guarantee to potential students the validity of the school. Not every school chooses to be accredited, though.
Unlike liberal arts colleges, most vocational schools don't require that students take general education courses. Because vocational schools provide direct-entry training for a specialized profession, these students might miss opportunities to learn about other topics that might interest them or to improve language or math skills, for instance. Many vocational schools do, however, offer some general education courses that are specifically geared toward that profession.
While many vocational schools do adequately train their students, the Federal Trade Commission suggests that prospective students make sure that the school is reputable. Some schools enroll large numbers of students simply to increase their profits. They might also inflate salary expectations of graduates or jobs availability in a certain fields. Sometimes these schools might also overstate instructors' experience or potential impact with the job market.