A career and technical school is basically a shorter, less expensive, career-driven alternative to traditional education. This type of school appeals to students who wish to pursue careers in business and industry, trades for which most traditional learning institutions do not provide training. In most cases, the curriculum at a technical school is focused for each particular program of study, rather than providing an educational overview, and is aimed toward immediate employment after graduation.

What do I need to get in?
Most career and technical schools have high acceptance rates, although admission requirements may vary. For admission to some schools, you need only to have a high school diploma or its equivalent and meet a minimum age requirement (at least 17 or 18 years old). Some schools require students to submit their high school transcripts, take an entrance exam, or submit SAT or ACT scores, and additional entrance requirements may be required for particular programs. Other schools in this category have "open door" or "open admissions" policies, whereby anyone who wishes to take courses can do so, regardless of whether or not they have earned a high school diploma.

What programs are offered?
Career and technical schools offer a variety of programs, including 1-2 year diploma programs, technical certificates, and 2-year associate degree programs, and sometimes including short-term courses, continuing education courses, and bachelor's degree programs. There are hundreds of different areas of concentration for technical students to choose from. Ranging from one end of the industry-driven spectrum to the other, the list of majors may include aviation maintenance, computer science, auto collision technology, culinary arts, nuclear engineering technology, radio and television broadcasting, legal assisting, and paramedic training.

When searching for a career or technical school, make sure that you research the programs and majors that are offered and the specific entrance requirements for your desired area of study. Some schools may offer a wide range of options, while others may cater to one or more specific trades.

How do I know if career or technical education is right for me?

• I hate crowds: Career and technical schools tend to have small classes, which translates to more individual attention for each student.
• Can't... stop...: Night and weekend courses are usually offered, in addition to the daytime course schedule, which is ideal for students who work full-time. Most technical schools also offer a full course load over the summer to make the completion of programs more expedient.
• Maximum efficiency: If you're hankerin' to obtain a marketable degree that leads to a job that's in high demand, but you don't have the time or money to complete a traditional four-year degree, your best solution may be a career or technical school.

What careers can I get with a CTE?
Here's just a sample of the careers that are available in three different fields.

Business: