Thankfully, there are other options students can explore, and one of them is getting a technical education. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the different careers you can explore with a technical degree and give you the best ROI. 

Careers To Explore With a Technical Education

Technical education has many benefits, including small class sizes, affordable tuition fees, and faster time to graduate. Here are five careers you can study for at a vocational or technical school:

1. Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are trained to provide direct patient care, including basic nursing duties such as taking medical histories, administering some medications, and monitoring vital signs. LPNs may also assist with medical procedures or wound management. 

To become an LPN, you must earn a diploma or associate degree in practical nursing. After completing the program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam, you can begin working as an LPN. 

If you’re already working as a licensed practical nurse, consider pursuing further education to become a registered nurse (RN). Doing so will allow you to work independently with patients and grow your career options.

2. Sonographers

Sonographers are medical professionals who use ultrasound to capture images of the inside of the body. These images are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and congenital problems. 

The sonographic examination is performed using a transducer that sends sound waves that bounce off internal tissue structures and back to an electronic receiver. The strength of these returning signals can be measured by software installed on a computer or handheld device.

Sonography requires special training in anatomy, physiology, physics, and mathematics. It also requires strong communication skills because you’ll speak with patients about their symptoms during each visit.

3. Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical services (EMS) is a field in which there are a series of careers you can access with a technical education to become part of an ambulance team. The EMT-Basic and EMT-Intermediate programs are the most common, but there are other options as well. 

Paramedics are those who have earned their certification and can now provide advanced medical treatment to patients on the scene, along with basic life support procedures. Other people looking for this kind of career could consider becoming Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (CEMTs). This program enables you to take care of injured or ill individuals, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and manage trauma cases within emergency rooms or hospitals. 

Many people in the medical field are required to take courses that help them learn how to perform certain procedures or manage specific situations. This is especially true for those looking for jobs as EMTs or paramedics. 

The training program can vary depending on where you live and what your state requires. Most include certain minimum hours of training and practical experience before taking a certification exam. For example, EMTs in Florida must complete a , with 20 hours of clinical supervision and 10 hours in a hospital emergency department. 

4. Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary assistants work in veterinary clinics and hospitals, helping with a variety of tasks, and can get started in as little as 10 months.

The duties of a veterinary assistant vary based on the employer but generally include tasks such as: 

• Performing diagnostic tests, such as blood work and radiographs
• Keeping records and doing administrative work
• Cleaning cages or kennels
• Monitoring animals that are recovering from surgery
• Feeding animals

Vet assistants also have a good career path that can land them better-paying jobs in the future. 

5. Veterinary Technologist

Veterinary technology is a step up from veterinary assistant, and is a growing field that’s a good choice if you want to work with animals. Veterinarians need veterinary technicians to help them with their jobs, from assisting with patient exams to ensuring that equipment is in working order. 

Vet techs are also responsible for taking care of the animals themselves. They feed them, clean their cages, and give them medicine on a schedule. They must communicate effectively with veterinarians to ensure the best care.

Vet tech programs typically take about two years (or three semesters) to complete, depending on where you go for school. Vet tech programs are usually offered at community colleges and vocational schools. 

Invest in a Technical Education

Technical careers are a great way to earn a decent salary while still having the flexibility to pursue other interests. The cost of technical education isn’t as burdensome as getting a college degree, and it allows you to become part of the workforce sooner, which gives you the freedom to explore a field quickly. 

Learn more about a technical education program today. Check out our Programs. 

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This becomes extremely important at a time when the national unemployment rate continues to rise. According to the , the unemployment rate increased by 3.7 percent in August alone. 

With lower costs, faster graduation, and better opportunities for landing a job, more and more students prefer a technical education. In response, the number of technical schools has ballooned to in the US, representing a 0.8% increase annually from 2017 to 2022. 

Choosing the Right Technical School

While technical schools can help students succeed in their plans, it all comes down to how efficient and effective their education and training have been. That’s why it’s important to choose the right school. Here are seven tips:

1. Decide What You Want to Study

Before choosing the institution, you must first decide what industry you want to work in. Technical schools often have areas of specialization to help their students prepare for their future careers. For example, 51łÔąĎ College focuses on health science courses, such as Nursing, Medical Assisting, Paramedics, Emergency Medical Training (EMT), and Veterinary Assisting. 

Identifying the area of study you want to focus on helps you research what is currently in demand. Match demand with your career and personal goals. 

2. Check School Accreditation

It can be enticing to enroll immediately in a technical school once you see how affordable they are. However, it pays to first check the school’s accreditation status. You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money and hours to discover later that the school diploma isn’t acceptable to employers. 

Check with your state’s education department to see if your preferred school is among those granted a license. For example, the Florida Department of Education releases an listing all academic institutions they’ve provided with licenses. 

Attending an accredited technical college means their curriculum is within the state’s or an accrediting institution’s acceptable standards. Graduating from a non-accredited school can affect your chances of being admitted for licensure exams and financial aid. 

3. Know Their Class Sizes

One of the main advantages of technical schools is their hands-on training. Since most of these schools offer technical courses in specialized industries, instructors must focus on each student. This ensures they provide the necessary training. 

For example, in an EMT training program, instructors have to teach the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Since this is about saving a life, the instructor must ensure the student understands anatomy and physiology. In addition, they should also know how to apply the technique properly. 

Students learn better if their instructor is available to each one of them, so ask about the student ratio to better understand how the classes work. 

4. Decide on a Budget

Choosing the right technical school means also considering your budget. While they are far cheaper than traditional colleges, you still have to consider the costs. Aside from tuition fees, add the cost of books and learning materials. Even an estimate can help you decide if you need to take out a student loan or ask for financial assistance. 

This will factor in choosing the right technical school for you because some offer student aid. 

5. Know the School’s Graduation Rates

When choosing the right technical school, you must consider their graduation rates. This will give you an insight into the number of students able to complete their studies. This reveals much about the school’s curriculum and the teaching quality you can expect. 

6. Learn About Graduate Employment Rates

Most educational institutions have established partnerships with employers. Ask or find out about how many of their students were hired after graduation.

Graduate employment rates tell you about the school’s reputation and how it prepares its students during their course of study. A high rate means the students are well equipped with the skills and knowledge that help them become successful in their job hunting.  

7. Determine Career Services Offering

Career service departments are critical in ensuring that students find the best jobs suited to their academic background and skill set. Students who can take advantage of career services can receive valuable assistance in discovering financial aid, exploring career opportunities, and planning their future. 

According to the , many students now leverage career services, particularly career coaching. The number of students in virtual career counseling doubled compared to last year. 

Choosing the Right Technical School Is the First Step

Choosing the right technical school means considering several factors – costs, class size, program offerings, accreditation, and other services. Always check if these align with your career goals and, of course, your budget. 

Check out our Programs to learn which best fits your professional goals. 

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87% of companies are either experiencing the existing skills gap or expect it to affect them within the next few years. ()

As a result, considerable resources are dedicated to training and upskilling current employees. However, the problem needs to be addressed at its root cause—hiring people with the right skills. Talent acquisition teams willing to reconsider their hiring processes will enjoy the benefits of recruiting top talent from technical schools.

What is the Skills Gap?

“Skills gap” refers to the misalignment between employees’ capabilities and the employer’s needs, especially one that impacts operational productivity. When organizations can’t find people with the appropriate skills to fill roles,  productivity, revenue—and even the economy—are all impacted. 

4 Ways Technical Schools Solve the Skills Gap in the Job Market 

Vocational education is gaining popularity among learners. Here are some reasons technical schools are key to addressing the skills gap in the job market today. 

1. Technical Schools Produce More Students with Less Student Debt

Technical schools are more affordable than traditional colleges. Hiring employees with no worries about student debt benefits organizations a great deal: employees with lower financial burdens are . 

Reskilling and upskilling are much easier for engaged employees, who are free to focus on the tasks at hand, suggest creative solutions, and develop strategies that will help organizations remain competitive in their industries. 

2. Technical Schools Are More Industry-Focused

The manufacturing industry, in particular, is facing a critical shortage of . The challenge will become even more prevalent, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics that demand for blue-collar jobs will grow until 2030. 

While there may be enough applicants, not all will have the training and skills needed for the job. This is where technical schools come in. Technical schools provide work-ready workers equipped with industry-focused knowledge and expertise. 

3. Technical Schools Produce Graduates Faster

Another major advantage of a technical school over a traditional college is the time required to complete the curriculum. Since lessons in technical skills are industry-focused, students study only subjects necessary to become successful in their field. This reduced time-to-market, so to speak, helps a great deal in resolving the skills gap in the job market. 

Consider the current nursing shortage. The skills gap in the healthcare industry is substantial, with many nurses retiring and more people requiring medical care. In many cases, hiring medical assistants trained within 10 months to a year can ease the burden, rather than waiting for registered nurses to complete their four-year education. 

4. Technical Schools Provide Hands-On, Practical Skills

In almost all technical schools, the curriculum gives students more than just theoretical knowledge. They also get hands-on, real-life experience. For instance, students enrolled in a paramedics training program spend clinical hours in an actual hospital setting to get a feel for the real working environment. For employers, particularly in fast-paced industries like healthcare, this means new hires become effective on the job more quickly. 

Technical School Graduates Are Ready to Work

The skills gap will continue to be a problem if businesses rely on colleges and universities to produce fully-equipped workers. Knowledge and skills don’t all come from books and lessons within the walls of a classroom—practical skills and capabilities are developed through the hands-on education earned on a technical campus. Employers who recognize the benefits of vocational education will be taking a big step ahead in the race to close the skills gap.  

Check out our Programs section to learn more about what career pathways technical schools offer. 

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released in the 2020 National EMS Assessment showed there were more than 42 million local emergency medical service (EMS) responses to 911 calls for medical emergencies and injuries. Of these, 70% were 911 responses to an emergency scene, while 9% corresponded to specialty care transport or interfacility transfer. 

Given the nature of their job, paramedic and EMT training includes how to operate a wide variety of medical equipment properly. They undergo in-depth training to arm them with the skills that enable them to respond to medical emergencies. 

The Tools of the Trade: Medical Equipment Every Paramedic Should Know

During any shift, responders can face many different kinds of calls. If you plan to pursue paramedic or EMT training, apart from developing the necessary attributes needed by an emergency responder, you also have to learn how to use the tools and equipment that become part of your daily routine. 

1. Defibrillators

Heart disease remains a public health crisis in the US. According to the latest numbers from the American Heart Association (AHA), the incidence of . That means EMTs receive calls to respond to cardiac arrests on a daily basis, which further highlights the importance of knowing how to operate a defibrillator. 

Defibrillators help revive someone having a heart attack or if their heart stops and there’s a disruption in the heart’s electrical activity. Defibrillators can also be used when the patient has rapid, irregular heartbeats or extremely rapid heartbeats. Cardiac rhythm problems can cause the heart to stop beating and pumping blood. When this happens, the vital organs are deprived of oxygen and stop functioning. That’s why it’s crucial to “restart” the heart as soon as possible. 

Defibrillators are often used in conjunction with an electrocardiogram.

2. Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors the patient’s heart rhythms. When used accurately, it helps identify the treatment needed and can save lives. EMTs must recognize the circumstances in which an ECG is needed and know how to attach the sensors and read the results.

3. Infusion Pumps

Patients often need medications to keep them stable. Infusion pumps are critical in ensuring they receive the medications in accurate dosages. This is particularly important when patients need IV fluids. Infusion pumps guide paramedics in the proper titration of the fluids, especially during transport. 

4. Suction/Suction Pumps

Most patients with secretions or fluids that block their airway benefit from a suction unit to help clear it. The paramedic should know how to properly connect the catheter to the suction unit.

5. Spinal Board

One of the most essential tools that EMTs and paramedics have in their vehicles is the spinal board. This tool is often used to provide rigid and stable support for patients suspected to have spinal injuries. In some instances, these boards can also be used to provide support when providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and transporting patients over short distances. 

6. EMS Bag

EMTs and paramedics have a special bag that contains valuable life-saving medical devices or tools they need when responding to an emergency. It’s a small bag that paramedics can carry while responding to a call. Sometimes, these padded bags can also carry surgical tools, such as bandages, syringes, and dips. Knowing how to keep these bags stocked and organized is a critical skill that can save lives. 

7. Stethoscope

Every EMT or paramedic should know how to use a stethoscope. A stethoscope helps emergency responders assess whether the patient’s problem is related to the cardiac or respiratory system. High-quality stethoscopes can hear and identify heart tones and lung sounds with high accuracy. 

8. Ventilators

Specialized EMTs and paramedics should also learn how to operate a ventilator. This medical equipment is critical to help provide mechanical respiration to patients who may be breathing inadequately or not at all. Emergency responders need to know how to adjust settings, including the depth and rate of ventilation based on the patient’s needs. 

Keep in mind, paramedic and EMT training also means becoming skilled in the necessary tools and equipment it takes to fulfill the professional, and save lives. To learn more about being an EMT or paramedic. Explore our Programs. 

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Qualities Every Paramedic Should Have

Paramedics and EMTs have a challenging and physical role to play in providing fast and sometimes life-saving treatment to those in need, and not everyone is up to the responsibilities. If you’re thinking of becoming a paramedic, here are some attributes that will help you.

1. Problem-Solving Skills

Emergencies can be complex and patients often have difficulty communicating with emergency responders. Paramedics must quickly evaluate situations at a glance, using problem-solving skills to determine the best course of action for the patient’s welfare. 

2. Teamwork

Collaboration is key as a paramedic. Providing emergency medical care requires coordination with others. Responders must communicate with one another when planning an evacuation, stabilizing a patient, administering drugs, and keeping records. When paramedics respond to a call, they have to make sure the medical team receiving the patient is accurately informed to continue care. Collaboration ensures a more efficient team that can handle the workload of a paramedic career. 

3. Mental Agility

Paramedics need mental agility to overcome the stress and trauma they constantly face in their profession. A systematic review found that .

Constant exposure to trauma leaves paramedics vulnerable to fatigue and distraction, and sometimes struggling to meet the demands of the work. Having strong mental agility will help them to carry out their duties according to industry best practices. Since they need to make swift decisions on the spot in most cases, mental alertness plays a huge role to ensure patients receive the best care possible at any given moment.   

4. Physical Fitness

Being a paramedic requires strength and agility in order to move quickly, work in difficult spaces, and lift patients. The physical demands of the job predispose paramedics to develop injuries. A study showed that as much as . Paramedics must undergo technical training and meet physical requirements before being employed. 

They need to undergo color vision tests to determine color blindness because it can impede their ability to provide proper patient care. While paramedics are not necessarily required to have 20/20 vision, they must have good eyesight to ensure life-threatening mistakes are avoided.

In addition to good vision, paramedics should have stamina and endurance as they often lift and transport patients. Some situations may also call for them to kneel, bend, or work in awkward positions. 

They also need to be physically coordinated since many of their tasks require precision. Fine motor skills are required to administer intravenous medications or apply bandages, and gross motor skills are needed for climbing stairs, carrying equipment and patients, and moving in tight, confined spaces. 

Paramedics must always exercise caution to maintain their health and safety at work while also saving other people’s lives. 

5. Compassion

Paramedics can take better care of their patients if they show compassion. A has shown that empathy from healthcare providers can result in patients communicating better. This helps paramedics assess and treat their patients. When patients feel their primary care provider has compassion, they are more open to receiving treatment, which can reduce complications. 

6. Communication Skills

Since paramedics work in high-stress situations, they often have to deal with patients, family members, and even witnesses who may be emotional. Paramedics need to communicate with them for critical information to provide appropriate and immediate patient care. 

Aside from communicating with people on the scene, paramedics must also relay information about the patient’s condition and the initial care administered to the receiving medical team to ensure continuity of care. 

7. Hunger for Learning

Working in the medical field means continuous learning. Innovations and updates in medical care, drug dosing, and even technology, are constantly being introduced in the medical field. Paramedics must stay up to date with the latest developments and procedures.

Furthermore, the fast-paced environment in which paramedics work means they may inevitably make mistakes. While they are trained to be meticulous, they need to learn from their mistakes and continue to develop their skills throughout their career. 

Paramedics and EMTs fill a challenging and indispensable role in providing immediate patient care in emergencies. In addition to the required skills they must learn, those considering a career as a paramedic should keep in mind the attributes needed for the job. If this sounds like you, explore our programs page to learn more about becoming a paramedic 

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EMT training opens up a world of opportunities. EMTs can choose to advance and become a paramedic, or they can branch out to other areas in the medical profession, such as nursing or medical assisting.

Career Options for EMTs

EMT training can be a stepping stone to move up the career ladder. Here are some career options for EMTs:

1. Paramedic

For many EMTs, the next step in their career is to become a paramedic. Like an EMT, a paramedic is a medical professional trained to provide emergency treatment. They work together with medical doctors and other health professionals to provide life-saving care for patients until they can get access to appropriate medical treatment. 

While EMTs can help stabilize and transport patients, there are some limitations on what care and treatment they can provide. However, paramedics, since they have more training, can engage in more advanced emergency medical care, such as starting intravenous (IV) lines and managing compromised airways. 

Most paramedics work in the emergency department or ambulances. They can also serve well in different settings, such as cruise ships, air rescue, firefighting teams, special forces, and other private firms. 

2. Registered Nurse

EMTs can also aim to enter the nursing field should they want to advance their career. Becoming a registered nurse (RN) can provide EMTs with a significant increase in their salary, especially since there is a nursing shortage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), .

Since EMTs have the basic knowledge and skills for patient care, it’s relatively easy for them to transition to a nursing career. EMTs who wish to become nurses can enroll in a bridge program to learn nursing skills, clinical exposure, and the degree required to work as an RN. 

3. Medical Assistant

Working as an EMT can be physically and emotionally taxing. Those who still want to work in the healthcare industry but prefer a more relaxed atmosphere can shift to being a medical assistant. This profession will allow them to continue working in the medical field, apply their basic skills and knowledge, and still enjoy job security. 

Medical assistants are among the most in-demand healthcare professions, with an . Medical assistants enjoy greater freedom and flexibility in their working hours while still earning a . 

While they are technically within the same level in the healthcare industry, most medical assistants undergo a more extensive education pathway. EMTs would usually complete a diploma program from two to eight months, while medical assistants study for ten months at a minimum. 

Since EMTs have an emergency care background, they do well if they choose to become emergency room medical assistants. An EMT background can help in practical skills, while a medical assisting diploma can help strengthen theoretical knowledge. 

4. Emergency Services Educator

EMT training can also be a good background to transition to a career as an emergency services educator. Instructors can use their years of experience to transfer their practical knowledge to EMT students and aspiring EMS providers. As an instructor, they can have a direct hand in designing and implementing training programs in trade schools. 

This is usually the most straightforward transition since there are no additional educational requirements except for having one or more years of field experience. Do note, however, that some employers prefer emergency services educators with a bachelor’s degree. 

5. Physician

An EMT can also aim to become a physician. While it may take them more years of study compared to the other mentioned professions, many EMTs have taken this route. Many EMTs have become successful physicians because they have the necessary training to work under pressure while providing emergency medical care for patients. They also have clinical skills since they work so closely with patients in the field. 

EMTs can explore various career paths and find success. Their EMT training makes them attractive candidates for various healthcare careers—you just need to identify which of these career goals suits you.

If you want to learn more about different healthcare career paths available for you, please visit our programs page. 

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