Career and technical programs are designed to help you get a job immediately after you have completed the program.

Requirements for Admission

For admission to a career or technical program, you are simply required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Generally, you must be more than 17 or 18 years of age. There are schools that ask students to present their high school records and take an entrance examination. There are a number of schools that require students to present their SAT or ACT scores.

Some other schools have 'open admissions' or 'open door' policies. With these policies, anybody who wants to take a course can go ahead, irrespective of whether or not they have a high school diploma.

Types of Programs

Career and technical institutes have a wide variety of programs. These programs offer technical certificates for the completion of two-year associate degree programs and one or two-year diploma programs. In addition, there are bachelor's degree programs, short-term courses, and long-term learning courses available. There is a pool full of diverse programs for technical students to select from, with a corresponding list of majors and minors.

Programs encompass health care, engineering, architecture and liberal arts. Some other available training programs include criminal justice, computer sciences, business and law.

How to find out if career or technical education is right for you:

-Number of Students: Career and technical schools should have small classes, where there is generally more personal attention given to every student.

-Working Days: Some institutions offer classes conducted at night, as well as on weekends along with class programs during the day. This is perfect for students who already have a full time day job. In addition, a number of technical schools have courses available in the summer, so students can complete the programs more quickly.

-Time Constraints: You may want to pursue a degree that will get you to a career that is in great demand, but may not have the time or funds for a conventional degree that lasts for four years. Enrolling in a career or technical program is a good alternative.

Don't let the fact that lots of people have traditional degrees discourage you. Graduating from a technical or career program, particularly if you have good grades and stellar references, is a viable alternative and will enable you to get the job you want in less time.