To get into a school for trade skills such as Kaplan College--which trains in areas including medical office specialist or phlebotomy technician work--students must have a high school diploma or GED. At schools such as Fortis College, where students can study massage therapy or even the electrical trades, students additionally must interview with the admissions staff to go over their career goals.
Potential trade school students must be willing to complete training that lasts anywhere from 10 weeks or less to two years. Some trade schools actually combine a high school junior's or senior's high school education with career education credits so that they can enter the workforce when they graduate. Adults also can choose to attend schools for trade skills to learn a new trade or to receive technology training for their current careers. In addition, some trade schools offer online courses.
When choosing a school for trade skills, students should make sure their school of choice is accredited by the appropriate accrediting body. For example, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredit medical trade schools that train students in fields such as vocational nursing or pharmacy technician work. Meanwhile, the American Dental Association accredits dental assisting trade schools, while heating and air conditioning trade schools are accredited by organizations including HVAC Excellence. Accreditation proves that a school for trade skills is committed to rigorous training standards.
The goal of schools for trade skills is to adequately prepare students to focus on a single field such as medical transcription, locksmithing, barbering, welding or automotive repair. As a result, classes in a school for trade skills vary depending on a student's chosen career industry. For example, aspiring nail technicians might learn about acrylic nails and water-based pedicures, while aspiring plumbers take courses on blueprint reading or plumbing codes and regulations. Many courses also include hands-on lab experiences.
As part of training at schools for trade skills, students often must complete a hands-on internship experience. For example, medical assisting students might have to work in a doctor's office. Meanwhile, veterinary assisting students can find a hands-on training opportunity in a local veterinarian office. Even online students can have their trade school arrange an internship site for them in their location.