Trade schools are becoming an increasingly popular option as more students realize the earning potential of vocational degrees. These career-focused programs can be completed in roughly half the time of a bachelor's program, and graduates often earn a comparable or even higher salary than they would with a four-year degree. In this article, we'll discuss some of the different types of trade and career degrees available as well as the jobs and salaries associated with these various credentials.
Trade and Career Degrees in Health Sciences
OverviewAccording to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), the most popular field for trade and career students is the field of health sciences. The center's research found that 36% of students pursuing a vocational degree are studying for a career in healthcare.
Types of Trade/Career Degree Programs in the Health SciencesThere are dozens of different types of trade and career degrees available in the vast field of health sciences. The ideal one for you will depend on your specific interests and career goals. Below are some examples for your reference:
Associate of Science (AS) in Health Sciences
AS in Health Services
AS in Health Information Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Care Management
AAS in Health Sciences
AAS in Health Information Management
AAS in Radiologic Technology
AAS in Emergency Medical Services
AAS in Medical Office Management
AAS in Health Care Management
AAS in Clinical Medical Assisting
Associate in Cardiovascular Technology
Associate in Medical Diagnostics
Associate in Sonographic Technologies
Associate in Respiratory Therapy
Trade and career degrees in the health sciences are available from community colleges and vocational schools, and increasingly, some programs are offered online as well. These plans of study usually take between one and two years to complete and provide students with foundational skills and knowledge in the healthcare field. Courses will vary depending on the specific type of degree you choose as well as the school you attend. To give you a general idea, though, we've listed some sample classes below.
Sample Course Titles for Health Sciences Trade/Career DegreesBiology for Health Sciences Majors
Community and Public Health
Infectious Diseases
Ethics in the Health Professions
Medical Terminology
Healthcare in the United States
A trade degree in the health sciences can significantly increase one's earning potential in the field of healthcare. Your specific wage will depend on a number of factors, however, the most important being the specific position you take on. Here are some examples of careers in the field available for those with a health sciences trade and career degree alongside their mean annual wages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Dental Assistants: $37,630
Dental Hygienists: $74,070
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: $71,410
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians: $55,270
EMTs and Paramedics: $33,380
Massage Therapists: $39,980
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians: $51,770
Medical Assistants: $32,480
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians: $39,180
Medical Transcriptionists: $35,250
Nuclear Medicine Technologists: $75,660
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians: $49,960
Health Technologists and Technicians: $43,590
Physical Therapists Assistants: $57,430
Radiation Therapists: $80,570
Radiologic and MRI Technologists: $60,070
Respiratory Therapists: $59,710
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians: $33,400
Trade and Career Degrees in Business and Marketing
OverviewAnother very popular choice for students attending a vocational school is a trade/career degree in the field of business and marketing. The NCES reports that nearly 20% of students pursuing an occupational degree plan on working in the business arena upon graduation. These programs introduce students to basic skills in business and marketing and prepare them to fill entry-level roles in the field.
Types of Career and Trade Degrees in Business and MarketingThere are many different kinds of business and marketing trade degrees available, depending on the specific niche you want to work in after you graduate. Below are some examples of the various types of business and marketing degrees one can earn from a trade school.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Administration
AAS in Business Information Systems
AAS in Business Management
AAS in Fashion Merchandising
AAS in Information System Management
AAS in Hospitality Management
AAS in Office Administration
AAS in International Business
Associate in Management Information Systems
Associate in Logistics
Associate in Accounting
Associate in Administrative Assisting
Associate in Applied Management
AAS in Fashion Marketing
Associate of Arts (AA) in Economics
AA in Marketing
Associate in Human Resource Management
Associate of Science (AS) in Global Business
AAS in E-Commerce
AA in Acquisition and Contract Management
Associate of Business Administration (ABA)
Associate of Business Science (ABS) in Interior Design
Trade and career degrees in business and marketing arm students with the professional skills and foundational business knowledge they need to break into the corporate world. Traditionally, these programs take around two years to complete, but accelerated tracks are often available. The curriculum for these programs will vary depending on the type of degree being pursued as well as the school attended. Some examples of course titles for this type of career and trade degree are listed below for the purpose of illustration.
Sample Course Titles for Trade and Career Degrees in Business and MarketingIntroduction to Marketing
Business Law
Managerial Accounting
Human Relations in Administration
Business Communication
Business Ethics
Introduction to Accounting
Graduates of trade degrees in business and marketing are poised to earn handsome wages, even as entry-level professionals. Payscale.com reports that individuals with an associate degree in business earn approximately $52,000 a year on average. Different jobs in the field are associated with varying salaries, though. Below are some examples from Payscale.com:
Administrative Assistant: $38,480
Office Manager: $45,442
Executive Assistant: $53,392
Retail Store Manager: $47,293
Operations Manager: $58,560
Human Resources Manager: $58,796
General Manager (Restaurant): $44,727
Accounting Manager: $57,323
Human Resources Director: $71,300
Production Supervisor: $58,098
Property Manager: $47,224
Accountant: $46,169
Financial Controller: $63,498
Customer Service Manager: $56,550
Bookkeeper: $41,703
Executive Assistant to CEO: $64,157
Logistics Manager: $54,812
Marketing Manager: $55,336
Trade/Career Degrees in Architecture and Engineering
OverviewAnother common category for trade and career degrees is the field of architecture and engineering. According to the NCES, this is the fifth most common area of study for vocational students. Students with natural proficiencies in science and mathematics may find this field of study particularly appealing.
Types of Career and Trade Degrees in Architecture and EngineeringAs you might expect, there are dozens of different trade and career degrees in architecture and engineering, depending on the sub-field you're interested in. Here are some examples:
Associate in Engineering Technology
Associate in Industrial Engineering
Associate in Auto CAD Drafting
Associate in Biomedical Equipment Technology
Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology
Associate in Electronics Engineering Technology
Associate of Civil Engineering Technology
Associate in Drafting Technology
Associate of Mechanical Engineering
Associate of Robotics
Associate in Telecommunications Technology
Associate in Architectural Design
Associate in Computer Engineering
Though the curriculum for trade and career degrees in architecture and engineering will vary depending on the specific type of degree in question, there is some overlap. Generally, these plans of study will include foundational classes in science and mathematics as well as introductory to courses in engineering and architecture such as programming, graphics, and technical drawing, for instance. Below, you will find some sample course titles for reference.
Sample Course Titles for Architecture and Engineering Trade and Career DegreesIntroduction to Technical Drawings
Precision Machining Operations
Engineering Graphic Communications
Advanced 3-D Modeling
C++ Programming
General Physics
Linear Algebra
Ordinary Differential Equations
Vector Calculus
Trade and career degrees in architecture and engineering tend to be very lucrative. Below is a list of occupations in the field associated with vocational degrees along with their mean annual wages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians: $67,240
Civil Engineering Technicians: $51,620
Drafters: $54,170
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians: $63,660
Electro-mechanical Technicians: $56,740
Environmental Engineering Technicians: $50,230
Industrial Engineering Technicians: $54,280
Mechanical Engineering Technicians: $55,360
Career and Trade Degrees in Computer and Information Technology
OverviewThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in computer and information technology are growing faster than average, so it should come as no surprise that the field is a popular one for students interested in a trade/career degree. It's estimated that over half a million new jobs in computer and information technology will become available in the decade between 2016 and 2026. Many of these jobs require only a trade degree.
Types of Career/Trade Degree Programs in Computer and Information TechnologyBecause the field of computer and information technology is so vast, there are numerous types of trade and career degree programs to choose from. Some of these options are listed below.
Associate of Arts (AA) in Computer Information Systems
Associate of Science (AS) in Information Technology Security
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Applications
AAS in Computer Game Design
AAS in Computer Programming
AAS in Computer Web Development
AAS in Computer Wireless Networking
AAS in Network System Security
AAS in Network Administration
AAS in Information Technology
Associate of Business Administration (ABA): Computer Programming
Like other types of trade and career degrees, vocational plans of study in computer and information technology are typically two year-programs. Though coursework will vary depending on the specific type of degree you pursue, it's safe to say you'll take both foundational courses in math and science as well as introductory classes in various computer and information technology concepts. Some sample course titles are listed below for reference.
Sample Course Titles for Career and Trade Degrees in Computer and Information TechnologyProject Management in Information Technology
Computer Platform Technologies
Software Development Concepts
Foundations of Technical Communications
Website Development and Design
Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design
Networking and Telecommunications
Salaries associated with trade and career degrees in computer and information technology tend to be on the higher end of what one might expect to make with a vocational degree. Of course, your exact salary will depend on the specific type of trade and career degree you hold as well as your specific job title and employer. The following list of jobs and their respective annual wages are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is provided for the sake of example only.
Computer Network Support Specialists: $62,340
Computer Support Specialists: $52,810
Computer User Support Specialists: $50,210
Web Developers: $67,990
Frequently-Asked Questions About Trade and Career Degrees
Q: What other types of trade and career degrees are available?A: Trade and career degrees are available in a wide variety of fields, including education, protective services, consumer services, manufacturing, construction, communications, design, agriculture, social services, and more.
Q: Can I complete a trade and career degree online?A: Yes. More and more career and trade schools are being offered via distance education. Some of these programs are offered entirely online while others are available via a hybrid format. In many cases, you will receive the same diploma as on-campus students.
Q: How long does it take to complete a trade and career degree?A: It takes approximately two years on average to earn a trade and career degree. Scheduling options are available to reduce this time or to expand it based on students' individual needs, however.
Q: Can I work while earning a trade/career degree?A: Yes. Some trade and career degree programs are specifically designed for the working professional, often featuring night, weekend, and/or online classes to accommodate a busy schedule.
Q: Do I need a professional certificate in addition to a trade/career degree?A: It depends on your specific job and employer. In cases where you do need some type of certification, your vocational program will likely prepare you for your exam. Check with your school and any potential employers for details.