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Vocational and Technical Programs
If you are interested in learning a new skill or updating
an existing one, consider a short-term program offered at
a two-year community or junior college, a vocational or technical
institution, or a private training center.
Ranging in length from several days to more than a year,
these programs are designed to meet specific, practical training
requirements, and are intended to prepare students for immediate
employment. Hands-on learning activities are a major component
of vocational and technical education. Common fields of study
include data processing, computer programming, construction,
automotive mechanics, drafting, and secretarial services.
Technical education requires students to learn concepts,
theory, and design in addition to practical skills. These
programs may be found not only at community and junior colleges,
but also at some four-year colleges and universities. Please
read Undergraduate Study
for more information about community colleges and universities.
Technical and vocational programs lead to certificates of
completion or diplomas, not to university degrees. Before
you apply to a technical or vocational training program, check
to make sure that your training program and any certificate
or diploma you might earn will be recognized upon return to
your home country. Most of all, it is important to verify
that the college you are considering holds the appropriate
type of accreditation. Accreditation is the system of recognition
and quality assurance of educational institutions and programs
in the United States. Accreditation of technical and vocational
schools is carried out by national bodies, such as the Career
College Association, or by the relevant divisions of institutional
accrediting bodies. Specialized accrediting bodies also exist
for some vocational fields such as allied health areas. See
accreditation for information
on its significance and a detailed explanation of institutional
accrediting bodies and specialized accreditation.
Before you apply to a technical or vocational training program,
find out as much information about it as possible. See the
section "Factors to Consider"
at the beginning of this chapter for further guidance on choosing
a program. It is also wise to make sure that there are opportunities
for employment in your country in the career that you are
considering.
Many EducationUSA information and advising centers have information
on technical and vocational education programs. In addition,
further resources can be found under "Related
Links " and in the bibliography
at the end of this section.
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