Top Online Vocational and Trade Degrees
Online trade schools offer affordable options to help students launch or advance their career. Most vocational and trade programs are available through a community college or a private institution. Community colleges typically offer associate degrees, apprenticeships, diplomas, and certificates. Many two-year colleges deliver fully online programs.
Learners can earn associate degrees and certificates in fields such as occupational safety, auto bodywork, physical therapy, and veterinary technology. These programs typically require 1-2 years of study. Learners at community colleges can also obtain a commercial driver’s license. Others pursue a diploma and apprenticeship in diesel technology, electrical work, surgical technology, or welding. After earning a diploma or certificate, students can transfer their credits toward an associate degree or immediately join the workforce. Salary potential for graduates depends on their specific career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians earned a median salary of $55,190 in 2018, and dental hygienists earned a median of $74,820. This guide explores opportunities for students attending vocational and trade schools, along with career options for graduates.
Top 5 Best Online Vocational and Trade Schools
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Vocational Training FAQ
Four-year programs require significant financial and time investments and may not fit every student’s budget and career goals. Many learners seeking a direct and affordable pathway to career advancement choose trade schools. Online trade schools allow students to continue working while they earn an associate degree, certification, diploma, or license.
Programs from online trade schools typically require one to two years. Learners who decide to pursue further education can often transfer credits from their associate degree, diploma, or certification toward a four-year degree. The following section includes answers to common questions about vocational and trade schools.Expand All
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What is vocational training?
Vocation training helps students develop technical skills necessary to work in a certain field, such as electrical technology, plumbing, web development, or respiratory care technology. Unlike academic programs, vocational programs typically require few if any general education credits in areas such as humanities and English.
Learners at vocational schools often earn certifications and complete apprenticeships to build knowledge and practical training. These programs usually require 31-38 credits and often cost less than $64 per credit.
Trade school programs generally include internships and labs, during which students gain marketable skills that can lead to employment. Applicants to vocational programs may need to take prerequisite courses or exams. However, some schools require applicants to submit only high school transcripts or GED scores.
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Where is vocational training offered?
Vocation training helps students develop technical skills necessary to work in a certain field, such as electrical technology, plumbing, web development, or respiratory care technology. Unlike academic programs, vocational programs typically require few if any general education credits in areas such as humanities and English.
Learners at vocational schools often earn certifications and complete apprenticeships to build knowledge and practical training. These programs usually require 31-38 credits and often cost less than $64 per credit.
Trade school programs generally include internships and labs, during which students gain marketable skills that can lead to employment. Applicants to vocational programs may need to take prerequisite courses or exams. However, some schools require applicants to submit only high school transcripts or GED scores.
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How do vocational schools compare to traditional schools?
Online vocational schools often appeal to students who work full time and those without the budget for a four-year program. As tuition costs at four-year schools continue to rise, many students choose vocational training as an affordable alternative.
Vocational schools and community colleges generally charge lower tuition rates than four-year institutions. As a result, students enrolled at online vocational schools typically incur less debt. Additionally, the technical training students receive often leads directly to job opportunities. Students at online trade schools generally take one to two years to complete their program. The short completion time allows individuals to quickly enter the workforce and pursue career advancement.
Career outcomes and salary potential depend on the learner’s field of study. Many vocational schools offer career services to help students secure employment in positions such as pharmacy technician and plumber.
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How are hands-on training and clinical experiences integrated into online programs?
Students attending online vocational schools often complete their program remotely, without ever visiting campus. However, some programs include synchronous components, which require learners to log in at set times. Students may also need to take proctored exams and complete internships or labs in person.
Internships help students gain practical skills and make connections that can lead to job opportunities. Internship locations vary by program. For example, learners studying the culinary arts may undertake an internship in the kitchen of a restaurant, while automotive maintenance students may complete repair labs at an auto shop.
Online learners can generally complete internships in their community. In some cases, students can fulfill internship requirements at their current job.
Types of Online Vocational Training Programs
The duration, cost, and career outcomes of a vocational program depend on the field of study, school, and type of program. Online trade schools generally offer four types of vocational training programs: apprenticeship, certification or licensure preparation, diploma or certificate, and associate degree.
Students should choose a program that aligns with their career goals. Working professionals often pursue an apprenticeship, certification, or diploma to achieve quick and affordable results. Learners who plan to continue to bachelor’s studies may earn an associate degree. The following sections examine various types of vocation programs.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships reinforce classroom learning through practical experience, preparing students to practice a trade. Students typically complete apprenticeships as part of an associate degree, certification, or diploma program. Apprentices apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
After completing the required courses, students complete apprenticeships under the supervision of professionals in the field. Schools determine specific guidelines for apprenticeships. For example, a fashion apprenticeship may require students to work 120 hours at a fashion company. A plumbing apprenticeship may involve experience supervised by a licensed plumber.
To satisfy state requirements, schools often administer a final exam and require general education coursework in English and math. An apprenticeship can last up to one year. Some apprentices receive pay, though typically less than the salary of a fully qualified tradesperson. Tuition rates for apprenticeships vary, and some programs offer discounts for ungraded apprenticeships.
Certification/Licensure Prep
Apprenticeships reinforce classroom learning through practical experience, preparing students to practice a trade. Students typically complete apprenticeships as part of an associate degree, certification, or diploma program. Apprentices apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
After completing the required courses, students complete apprenticeships under the supervision of professionals in the field. Schools determine specific guidelines for apprenticeships. For example, a fashion apprenticeship may require students to work 120 hours at a fashion company. A plumbing apprenticeship may involve experience supervised by a licensed plumber.
To satisfy state requirements, schools often administer a final exam and require general education coursework in English and math. An apprenticeship can last up to one year. Some apprentices receive pay, though typically less than the salary of a fully qualified tradesperson. Tuition rates for apprenticeships vary, and some programs offer discounts for ungraded apprenticeships.
Diploma/Certificate
Most community colleges offer career-focused diplomas and certificate programs. These options are ideal for students who plan to immediately enter the workforce rather than pursuing a four-year degree. While earning a diploma or certificate, learners gain in-depth knowledge in a technical career or trade. Learners can study topics such as automotive analysis and repair, machine shop operations, Java programming, landscape design, and fire science.
Certificates typically require up to 60 credits and take two years to complete. Students earning a diploma generally complete 30-48 credits, including on-the-job training. Most diploma programs last one year.
Learners can usually apply credits from a diploma or certificate program toward an associate degree. A certificate can help individuals pursue a new career or advance within their current trade.
Associate Degree
An associate degree can serve as an affordable first step toward a bachelor’s degree. This two-year degree helps recent high school graduates and working professionals gain foundational knowledge necessary to land entry-level careers. Community colleges often maintain articulation agreements with four-year schools to help students easily transfer to bachelor’s programs. Community colleges typically charge lower tuition rates than universities.
Students can earn an associate of arts, an associate of applied science, or an associate of science. Associate of applied science degrees provide technical career training through classwork, internships, and labs. Online learners can pursue associate of arts degrees in subjects such as art, journalism, communications, and religious studies.
Common majors for students earning an associate of science include math, computer science, engineering, and science. Associate programs require 60-65 general education credits, and full-time students usually graduate in two years.
Best Online Vocational and Trade Schools
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San Juan College offered only evening classes when it opened in 1956. Today, SJC educates more than 15,000 students every year. Learners can take classes on four campuses, including the main location in Farmington, New Mexico.
San Juan College delivers nine fully online associate degrees. Online students can earn an associate degree in business administration, psychology, health information technology, occupational safety, physical therapist assistant, or veterinary technology.
Many of the online trade school's distance programs offer accelerated pathways that save students time and money. Accelerated options are ideal for working professionals who intend to transfer to a four-year school or change careers. For example, students can earn an associate in business administration degree with an accompanying business management certificate in 16 months.
Online students can access career services, including resume assistance and career assessments. SJC maintains an open admissions policy and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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New Mexico Junior College
One of the best online technical schools in the Southwest, New Mexico Junior College delivers two-year degrees and career training programs. Learners can study online or at the flagship 243-acre campus in Hobbs.
Ideal for working professionals, NMJC offers fully online associate degrees in business, computer information science, criminal justice, and energy technology. Before beginning an online program, students can take a self-assessment to determine whether distance learning is right for them. Academic counselors help students design individualized academic plans.
Online learners complete 31 general education credits in subjects including composition and rhetoric, communication, fine arts, math, and laboratory science. Transfer students must complete at least 15 credits through NMJC to receive an associate degree.
The New Mexico Junior College Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to applicants with a minimum 2.0 GPA. NMJC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
