| College is not for everyone, but that does not mean | | | | 4-year Colleges |
| you shouldn't pursue some sort of higher education | | | | Some people like to learn just for the sake of |
| or job training. When you think about your future, | | | | learning, while some are more focused and driven and |
| what do you envision? Are you doing something you | | | | use school as a steppingstone for job advancement. |
| love, or are you just working for a paycheck? | | | | If you are interested in more scholarly pursuits a |
| If you are one of the many who is trying to make a | | | | traditional 4-year college might be your best option. |
| decision about where to spend your money and | | | | Benefits: liberal arts training applies to many fields, |
| invest your future, read on. This article provides a | | | | diverse topics to explore, prestige, "college life" |
| comparison of 4 year colleges and technical schools. | | | | Disadvantages: expensive, time consuming, may get |
| Which one is right for you? | | | | degree in area you no longer wish to pursue, high |
| How to choose between 4-year colleges and | | | | admission standards and prerequisites, job market |
| technical schools: | | | | may be slower upon graduation-may require additional |
| Ask yourself these questions and then consider the | | | | training |
| benefits and disadvantages of each type of school. | | | | Technical Schools |
| What are your goals? Do you have a specific career | | | | If college was for everyone, technical schools would |
| goal? What are your educational goals? Do you want | | | | not exist. Some people may feel a stigma is attached |
| to learn as much as you can about a variety of | | | | to technical schools. In a society where attending |
| subjects? Do you want to learn as much as you can | | | | college has become standard, we lose sight of the |
| about one specific topic (become an expert)? | | | | value of skills training. People feel abnormal and may |
| What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Would you | | | | be angry if they don't want to go to college but feel |
| benefit from a shorter more targeted program? | | | | pressured to do so anyway. |
| Lifestyle. How will school fit into your life? Would you | | | | Benefits: shorter duration, focused programs, easier |
| benefit from non-traditional scheduling such as online, | | | | admission standards, flexible scheduling, certifications |
| evening, or distance learning? 4-year colleges and | | | | not necessarily offered at 4-year colleges, hands on |
| technical colleges both offer such options, but it | | | | training |
| varies by school so check with any schools you are | | | | Disadvantages: may be viewed as less prestigious, |
| interested in attending. | | | | can be expensive, may be less room for exploration |
| What do you need? Realistically, what sort of degree | | | | of other subjects, accreditation, for-profit institutions |
| or training do you need to pursue your dreams? | | | | Many of the fastest growing jobs do not require a |
| Research your desired field--know what the | | | | bachelor's degree but do require post-secondary |
| requirements are and how they compare to the | | | | education (education beyond high school) These jobs |
| programs you are considering. The US Department of | | | | include:o Medical Assistantso Social and human service |
| Education website offers resources for career and | | | | assistantso Home health aideso Medical records and |
| training research. | | | | health information technicianso Physical therapist |
| Be a consumer. Check equipment; is it new and | | | | aideso Physical therapist assistantso Fitness trainers |
| up-to-date? How does it compare to the equipment | | | | and aerobics instructorso Veterinary technologists |
| you will be using on the job? Trust me, this can be | | | | and technicianso Hazardous materials removal |
| tedious but it is quite important. After graduation I | | | | workerso Dental hygienistso Occupational therapist |
| realized I should have taken more time to research | | | | aideso Dental assistantso Personal and home care |
| the computer programs employers expected me to | | | | aideso Self-enrichment education teacherso |
| know for technical writing jobs. Had I been better | | | | Occupational therapist assistantso Environmental |
| informed, I could have taken extra courses dealing | | | | science and protection technicians, including healtho |
| specifically with those programs. | | | | Preschool teachers, except special educationo |
| Investigate the following: campus size, current and | | | | Respiratory therapists |
| former students, faculty and staff; | | | | For more information on job growth statistics see |
| Find out if the school is accredited and licensed; Do | | | | the Bureau of Labor Statistics webpage. |
| they make extraordinary claims? Will your credits be | | | | Remember, the best way to determine what is right |
| transferable? | | | | for you is to simply know yourself and be informed. |