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There are lots of myths about career colleges…

And here's the truth- they're awesome!

Lesson Summary: 1. Career colleges for dummies? 2. Good jobs or no good jobs? 3. How expensive? 4. Can you get the jobs without career colleges? 5. What about the social life?

Here are 5 common misconceptions about career colleges, and the truth behind them!

Myth 1: Career colleges are for dummies with low marks. Many people believe that since career college programs are short, have a very industry-oriented curriculum, and are considered less academic than regular universities, this means career colleges are intended for those people who can't make it into good programs. Others believe career college graduates are not as smart as graduates of regular programs.

Fact: This couldn't be further from the truth! Despite popular beliefs, career colleges are NOT catered towards those who can't make it into university. They represent a great option for any student who doesn't want to study abstract academic topics and would rather focus on real-life job-specific skills. In fact, the graduation percentages of career colleges are significantly higher than 4-year programs. Placement rates are also higher, and some colleges have over90% of their graduates secure a job within 6 months of graduation or less. Students at a career college need to have a strong focus and desire to learn in order to succeed, just like anywhere else.

Myth 2: You can't get a good job with a career college education. This relates to myth 1, as people believe that unlike bachelor programs, career colleges offer a teaching that won't be able to get you a good job placement when you graduate because of their less academic-oriented curriculum.

Fact:

The exact opposite is true. Career colleges prepare you specifically for high-demand jobs. While their curriculum isn't academic-oriented, it cuts down on elective and liberal arts courses in exchange for more focused skill-based courses. You'll find career college programs in areas such as:

1. Computer technology
2. Radio and television broadcasting
3. Business administration
4. Nursing
5. Culinary arts
6. Paralegal
7. Mechanical engineering
8. Commercial art

For example, take the healthcare industry, a fast-growing industry with high demand for good workers. Why study in a 4-year program when you can go to a career college and become a medical/dental receptionist, a pharmacy technician, a medical/dental administrative assistant and receptionist,or a health information specialist? As a matter of fact, it may be easier to get a job when you graduate with a certificate from a career college than when you graduate from a university or a liberal arts college, since the specific hands-on training makes you ready for the job.

Myth 3: Career-specific programs are more expensive than general ones. Some people assume that the modern equipment, highly experienced instructors, and professional training offered by career colleges means that tuition rates must be higher than other types of programs.

Fact: Sure, there's some truth to that. Many career college programs require sophisticated, up-to-date equipment in order to provide a good education, which is costly. But looking at the facts, career college programs are actually less expensive- mostly because they're usually shorter than regular programs, which means you pay for a year less than you would otherwise. In our economic reality, that's great news.

Myth 4: Career colleges are stupid, you can get the same jobs without studying. This is quite a common belief- a career college is unnecessary in order to find good jobs in the healthcare or business industries. If you have a bachelor's degree or some experience, a career college certificate or diploma won't help you advance.

Fact: A lot of students do believe that they don't need any extra education after high school, they can just get a good enough job after graduation. Most often, that's not the case. No one in his right mind would hire a computer installation expert who never learned about hardware, or a pharmacy technician who doesn't know any chemistry, or even a television broadcast intern with no knowledge of telecommunication networks. Most jobs out there require some degree of knowledge, skill and training, and if you don't want to go to school and study boring things like math or literature, a career college is the right way to go.

And not only that- of you already have a degree, a career college certificate can help you get ahead without having to spend a lot of money on a master's or a PhD. You will find career college students who are enrolled in programs to improve their career prospects and salary after they spent a few years in the workforce and seen what it's like- a certificate from a career colleges can make a big difference in your life. The average increase in pay immediately after graduation can be around 10, with further increases down the road.%

Myth 5: Career colleges don't offer the same social life as traditional colleges. Due to their smaller size, small classes and generally the high focus on studies, some people believe that career colleges offer no social activities at all. They think that while universities have many student organizations and opportunities to get to know people, career colleges don't have similar benefits.

Fact: This used to be true. In the past, career colleges tended to be small and focus only on studies. Nowadays, however, you'll find that even small career colleges have social activities for students. They offer things like political and professional student associations to help you network and find contacts and friends. International students and those who go to career colleges away from home will find this especially true. In a new environment you'll meet a lot of new people both in class and outside of class, you'll see new places, and have a great experience. A career college may not offer the same experience as a community college, but it's still a valuable experience, and you'll have a social life even if you're really only here to study.

So you see?

Career colleges are not for people for marks that are too low to get into university, they're for those people looking for a short, focused program that can help them further their career. There are many great jobs you can get after studying at a career college, and without a career college education you'll find it harder to get these jobs. Career colleges are less expensive than other types of programs, and they offer a great social life and other opportunities as well.

Career colleges are great!

Photo Credits: interplast, UMDNJ, Marquette.

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