Finding a Community College or Technical School
Community colleges and technical education schools offer a wide variety of courses and majors. You’ll want to find the program that best matches your skills, abilities, and interests, which can lead to a successful career. Before deciding on a school, make sure that it is an accredited or licensed institution and find out the program’s success rate and job placement rate. The following are other considerations to think about when choosing a school or program:
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1. Flexible schedules
Community colleges and technical education schools offer courses throughout the day and evening, and sometimes on weekends. Many schools also offer online courses.1 The flexible class schedules allow students to fit their studies around their work, family, medical needs, or other interests.
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2. Cost of tuition
Lower tuition is one of the major benefits of attending a community college or career and technical school.1 If you need additional help, there are many financial aid programs that can help you pay for tuition, including federal student aid, student loans, grants, and scholarships.2 Learn about the Education Advantage program that offers financial aid and more.
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3. HTC location
When choosing a school away from home, find the location of the nearest treatment center. You may want to consider the distance between campus and the HTC and whether there is dependable transportation for getting there at any time.
As with any decision affecting your medical care, you should always consult with your physician beforehand.
- CollegeBoard. Six benefits of community colleges. Available at: www.collegeboard.com. Accessed September 9, 2009.
- US Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sources of education, training, and financial aid. In: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009. Available at: www.bls.gov. Accessed September 9, 2009.
