What Is a Vocational Degree?
Let me explain what a vocational degree really is. It's an academic certificate you get after completing the requirements for a specific trade or career. These degrees are popular because they usually take less time than a traditional program like an associate or bachelor's degree, and once you're done, you're often ready to jump right into working in that trade.
A regular college undergraduate degree builds your overall intelligence and critical-thinking skills, but it might not prepare you for a particular job. Vocational degrees, on the other hand, train you directly for careers such as medical coding and billing, auto mechanics, cosmetology, electrical work, or legal secretary roles.
Key Takeaways
Here's what you need to know at a glance. Vocational degrees are certificates awarded for meeting requirements in a specific trade or career. Finishing one typically takes less time than a traditional undergraduate program, but that can vary by state. And since careers and business demands change, some workers pursue these degrees to stay competitive in the job market.
Understanding Vocational Degrees
You should understand that sometimes you can get a bachelor's degree in a field that's also available as a vocational degree, but not every vocational degree comes from a traditional four-year college. For instance, you could become a paralegal with a law degree from a university or through a vocational program, but you'll rarely find bachelor's degrees in something like cosmetology at colleges.
Requirements for a Vocational Degree
The rules for what counts as a vocational degree can differ depending on the state. Take two years of nursing education in California—it's considered a vocational or technical degree there, but in other states, the same training might not qualify as vocational. Program lengths vary a lot, from just a few months to two years.
The value of these degrees isn't uniform either; some data suggests shorter programs give you better career returns on your investment. Salaries for jobs that require vocational degrees can range widely.
Special Considerations
People who already have a career in one area sometimes go for vocational degrees to add skills in related fields. This happens often in industries that evolve, requiring new abilities to keep your job. For example, many roles now demand knowledge of information technology and computer programming as part of everyday tasks.
Vocational degrees also suit those switching careers entirely, even if they already have college degrees in other fields. It's a way to access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, especially in industries with sudden demand spikes and few qualified people available. Pursuing such a degree could lead to a higher salary quickly if you target those in-demand skills.
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