Your Guide to Technical Trade Schools

There are different advantages and disadvantages to attending a four year college or a technical trade school.  Really it is a matter of what your goals are academically and professionally and how either option fits into that equation.  If you want to become a doctor, technical trade school is not going to get you there.  Four year college offer more formal degrees, but has more intense scheduling restrictions.  If you are trying to decide which one is the best option for you, consider asking yourself the following questions:

• What are your goals?  This includes career, academic, and subject matter oriented.  What do you want to know and what would you like to do with your time?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?  Are you self motivated for online trade schools, or do you need a structured class schedule when working towards a degree or certificate?
• How will school fit into your lifestyle?  Will you need to keep working and therefore need a non-traditional work schedule?
• What do you need to achieve your goals?  What degree or certificate program will get you there?

You can check out the US Department of Education to help get a better idea on many of these topics.  Knowing what you want out of school in addition to doing research for what it takes to get it will guide your decision of a four year college vs. a technical trade school.

Other things to consider include tuition costs and time commitments.  Just be sure to know all the facts before you make a decision either way.