When you think of the word “vocation,” what comes to mind? Perhaps it is a passion area, a dream career, or a profession that you’re dedicated to. Many people feel called to pursue certain occupations, and follow these paths by attending a vocational school or a career-focused college.

Vocational schools and career-focused colleges are both great options for individuals who are drawn to certain professions that do not require an advanced degree. These institutions provide the training needed to qualify for specific careers in a short amount of time. Unlike the many broad majors taught at universities, vocational schools and career-focused schools offer skills-based and job-oriented programs. Both types of schools offer a streamlined pathway into the workforce; however, there are key differences between vocational schools and career-focused institutions. We explore these more below.

What are vocational schools?

Vocational schools, also referred to as trade schools or technical schools, are postsecondary institutions that prepare students for very specific career paths. The programs found within vocational schools are entirely career-oriented, having very few (if any) general education requirements. This structure allows students to focus solely on developing the skills and knowledge needed to pursue their career of choice.

Vocational colleges offer practical training in a variety of dedicated specialties. It’s important to note, however, that vocational schools can be limited in terms of their levels of program offerings. In most cases, vocational programs are tailored to skilled trade jobs that do not need a college degree, such as HVAC or carpentry. Vocational schools prepare students for entry-level positions in these fields. As such, you will not find bachelor’s or master’s degree programs in vocational schools. Instead, vocational schools offer diplomas, certificates, and (sometimes) associate degrees.

Some of the most common vocational programs include:

• Automotive repair
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Electrical installation & maintenance
• Hotel and restaurant management
• HVAC systems
• Locksmithing
• Massage therapy
• Medical assistance
• Plumbing

One of the biggest advantages of vocational school is the short time investment involved. Students can typically complete their career training in a matter of months, with a maximum of two years total.

What are career-focused colleges and universities?

A career-focused school is another type of postsecondary institution designed to prepare students for successful careers. Like vocational schools, career-focused colleges provide hands-on training, education, and experiences that allow students to develop job-ready skills. However, career-focused colleges step beyond the boundaries of job training alone—they also teach students critical thinking, ethics, theory, communication, and other valuable skills that employers are seeking in job candidates.

In a career-focused college program, students can expect learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Classes might involve simulation labs, the use of industry equipment, as well as lectures. Students in these schools also gain in-field experience through internships and apprenticeships. Unlike a typical liberal arts school, career-focused colleges and universities place a heavy focus on gaining experience in real-world industry settings, and connecting students with prospective employers. Career-focused colleges and universities also offer many career placement and preparation services, including resume building, cover letter workshops, networking events, mock job interviews, and more.

What also separates career-focused colleges from vocational colleges is the level of educational awards available. In a career-focused college or university, the options for advancing your education are limitless. You can complete a short-term certificate program in just a few months, spend a couple of years earning your associate degree, or take your career to the next level with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

At Goodwin University, you can earn a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree, depending on your major and career requirements. The best part is, our degree and certificate programs are flexible and designed to meet our students’ needs:

• Goodwin offers three academic sessions each year for faster degree completion. Full-time students have the potential to earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as three years.
• Part-time students can benefit from a full range of evening and weekend course offerings.
• Select classes can be taken either on-campus or online, or in a hybrid format.

Learn more about our flexible career-focused degree and certificate programs.

Additionally, there are many types of financial aid you can receive from a career-focused college. For example, Goodwin University offers scholarships, grants, federal loans, work study jobs, and veteran’s educational benefits. This level of financial assistance is not typically offered through a vocational school.

Weighing your options: Vocational school or career college?

There are advantages to vocational schools and career-focused colleges. Both institutions offer an alternative pathway to the traditional college experience for those who are not ready for college or who wish to develop job-specific skills on a short timeline.

However, it’s important to do your research and weigh your options carefully, before choosing the best school for you.

Vocational schools are great for individuals who have hyper-focused career goals, but need some postsecondary education to get into their desired field. These schools enable students to develop career-ready skills and training, without a large investment of time (or money).

Students are often drawn to vocational schools for the shorter length of the programs. You can obtain the skills and certificates needed to pursue a career in just a few months. However, remember that career-focused colleges and universities also offer shorter length programs for fast workforce entry.

Unlike vocational colleges, career-focused colleges (like Goodwin) offer many different levels of training programs, depending on the specialty of interest. While vocational colleges are usually limited to diplomas and certificates, career-focused colleges offer these awards as well as associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree options. This provides students with more room for growth.

Additionally, the credits earned in a career college can transfer to other accredited colleges and universities, should you wish to continue your education down the road. Meanwhile, vocational school credits do not transfer over to any further academic undergraduate programs, which can be limiting.

Another limitation of the vocational school structure is that students do not always learn the soft skills that are increasingly in demand in the workforce—things like critical thinking, communication, writing comprehension, teamwork, and ethics. Career-focused colleges and universities, however, offer a broader curriculum to accomplish this. These programs create well-rounded students with in-demand skillsets that modern employers value and look for in hiring.

Is a vocational college or career-focused school right for you?

Both vocational schools and career-focused colleges are great choices for driven students who are looking to get ahead in their careers. The challenge, however, lies in deciding on the educational path that best fits with your needs and job aspirations.

The type of school you choose will depend on your career interests, the educational approach you prefer, the requirements of your future employers, as well as your schedule needs. To help get you started, ask yourself these questions:

• Which field do I want to pursue, and which school offers a relevant program?
• Will this school qualify me to achieve my career goals?
• Will this school position me for growth opportunities in the future?
• Is the school reputable and recognized by employers?
• Is the school and program accredited?
• Is there a possibility I would like to continue my education down the road?

These are just some of the many questions that can help direct you towards the right career school.

You may be thinking that the whole point of avoiding the traditional college experience is to avoid spending years in college. With a career-focused college, however, you can count on flexibility. Goodwin’s programs are offered in different formats, with the option to take many programs at an accelerated pace, in an online format, or even part-time for those with active jobs. For example, Goodwin University offers an accelerated CNC program that you can complete in as few as five months, which allows you to get working in the field fast. You may also become a medical assistant in as few as 12 months, or earn a business degree at an accelerated pace. Goodwin has six class starts a year, allowing for faster degree completion. Part-time or working students benefit from a full range of evening, weekend, and online course offerings as well.

The Goodwin University Difference

Goodwin University is an innovative learning community that empowers graduates to become successful professionals and industry experts in their chosen field.

Our career-focused programs are designed to address the needs of busy, working students. Classes are conveniently offered year-round — days, evenings, weekends, and online. Degrees may be flexibly layered across certificate, associate, and bachelor’s programs in a variety of in-demand fields. We understand that life is busy – whether you have a full-time job, kids, or even a part-time job to hold down. We accommodate most schedules to make it possible to advance your career.

Check out our full list of programs offered here.

We also provide our students with the personal support and the professional guidance​ they need — not just to earn degrees, but to change lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. You always have our support in the process of landing your dream job or next level of success.

Opportunity awaits with the quality education at Goodwin University. Jump-start your career by contacting us online or calling 800-889-3282 to request more information.