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Join Over 1.5 Million Poeple We've Introduced to Awesome Schools Since 2001

Online Trade Schools & Colleges

By Publisher
| Last Updated

Today's aspiring college students place more and more value on a program's flexibility and ability to accommodate their needs. Online trade schools and colleges can offer students the freedom to choose when and where they do their coursework. This can truly be the key to success for those with demanding schedules, parenting and caregiving responsibilities, or other limitations in their ability to access a physical campus or attend classes in person. People want to know that if their circumstances change, they will have options to continue their education in a way that works for them.


Online programs are optimized to deliver quality education in a way that values your time and individual needs. And because online trade schools and colleges specialize in distance learning, they can offer supports that can make your life easier, improve your learning, and help you find employment after you graduate.



Platt College

  • Veterinary Technology (Online in CA)
  • Business Management (Online in CA)

University of Silicon Valley

California and Colorado Residents Only
  • Game Art
  • Game Design
  • Game Engineering

Colorado Christian University

  • Applied Psychology - Biblical Studies
  • Biblical Studies
  • Christian Ministry
  • Accountancy
  • Business - Entrepreneurship
  • Business - International Business
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Human Resource Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Organizational Management:
    • Enterprise Agility
    • Project Management
  • Communication Studies
  • Creative Writing
  • Applied Psychology - Clinical Counseling
  • Applied Psychology
  • Early Childhood Education - Licensure
  • Early Childhood Education - Non-Licensure
  • Elementary Education - Licensure
  • Elementary Education - Non-Licensure
  • Special Education, K-12 Generalist -Licensure
  • Special Education, K-12 Generalist - Non-Licensure
  • Health Care Administration
  • Nursing - RN-BSN
  • Computer Information Technology:
    • Cyber Security
    • Data Engineering
    • Database Management
    • Networking
    • System Analyst
  • Computer Science
  • Data Analytics
  • Information Systems Management:
    • Cyber Security
    • System Analyst
  • Applied Psychology - Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice

Laurus College

  • Audio Production
  • Audio Video Production
  • Business Administration
  • Business Systems Management
  • Digital Arts & Computer Animation
  • Visual Design and Multimedia
  • Web Design
  • Web Design & Development
  • Medical Billing & Coding
  • Information Technologies & Network Systems

Miller-Motte College Online

  • Business Administration
  • Allied Health Management
  • Healthcare Information Technology
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Cyber Security
  • IT Support Specialist

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Digital Photography
  • Game Art and Development
  • Graphic Design and Media Arts:
    • User Experience Design
    • Web Design
  • Accounting
  • Accounting - Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business Administration:
    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Industrial Organizational Psychology
    • International Business
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Nonprofit Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sports Management
  • Finance
  • Finance - Financial Planning
  • Human Resources Management
  • Marketing:
    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
  • Operations Management:
    • Logistics and Transportation
    • Project Management
  • Sport Management
  • Technical Management II
  • Criminal Justice:
    • Corrections
    • Criminology Crime Analysis
    • Cybercrime
    • Homeland Security & Counterterrorism
    • Human Services and Advocacy
    • Police Administration and Operations
    • Security Management
    • Substance Abuse
  • Community Health Education
  • Health Information Management
  • Health Sciences
  • Healthcare Administration:
    • Healthcare Information Management
    • Patient Safety and Quality
  • Public Health
  • Sociology
  • Sociology - Community Health
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Computer Science:
    • Data Analysis
    • Information Security
    • Project Management for STEM
    • Software Engineering
  • Cybersecurity:
    • Data Analytics Fundamentals
    • Project Management Fundamentals
  • Data Analytics
  • Data Analytics - Project Management for STEM
  • Game Programming and Development
  • Information Technologies:
    • Business Management
    • Cybersecurity
    • Project Management for IT
    • Software Development
  • Communication:
    • Business Communications
    • New Media
    • Professional Writing
    • Public Relations
  • Creative Writing and English:
    • Fiction Writing
    • Non-Fiction Writing
    • Poetry
    • Screenwriting
  • English:
    • Literature
    • Professional Writing
  • English Language & Literature
  • General Studies
  • History:
    • American History
    • European History
    • Middle Eastern Studies
    • Military History
  • Liberal Arts
  • Anthropology
  • Anthropology - Environmental Sustainability
  • Environmental Science:
    • Data Analytics in Science
    • Natural Resources and Conservation
  • Geosciences:
    • Data Analytics in Science
    • Natural Resources and Conservation
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
  • Human Services:
    • Child and Family Services
    • Gerontology
    • Substance Abuse
  • Political Science
  • Psychology:
    • Addictions
    • Applied Psychology
    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Mental Health
    • Social Psychology

Abilene Christian University

  • Child and Family Services
  • Child and Family Services - Child Life Specialist
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Health and Human Performance
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Healthcare Administration - Change Management
  • Healthcare Administration - Public and Community Health
  • Psychology
  • Applied Communication
  • Applied Communication - Healthcare Communication
  • Applied Communication - Organizational Change
  • Christian Service and Formation
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Criminal Justice
  • Information Technology Administration
  • Integrated Studies
  • Management
  • Management - Human Resources
  • Management - Leadership
  • Management - Operations
  • Marketing
  • Marketing - Analytics

Waldorf University

  • Business
  • Business Administration
    • Communications
    • Finance
    • Health Care Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Management
    • Project Management
  • Organizational Leadership - Global Leadership
  • Business Administration - Communications
  • Communications
  • Psychology - Communications
  • Criminal Justice
    • Forensic Mental Health
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Homeland Security
    • Public Relations
  • Criminal Justice Administration
  • Psychology - Criminal Justice
  • Cybersecurity
  • Emergency Management
    • Fire Science
    • Homeland Security
  • Emergency Management - Fire Science
  • Fire Science Administration
  • Fire Science Administration - Public Relations
  • Psychology - Fire Science
  • Business Administration - Health Care Management
  • Health Care Management
  • Organizational Leadership - Health Care Management
  • Psychology - Health Care Management
  • Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
  • Emergency Management - Homeland Security
  • Homeland Security
  • Business Administration - Human Resource Management
  • Organizational Leadership
    • Global Leadership
    • Health Care Management
    • Occupational Safety & Health
  • Nursing (RN to BSN)
  • Criminal Justice
    • Forensic Mental Health
    • Forensic Psychology
  • Psychology
    • Communications
    • Criminal Justice
    • Fire Science
    • Health Care Management
    • Industrial Organizational Psychology
    • Mental Health and Counseling
    • Occupational Safety & Health
  • Criminal Justice - Public Relations
  • Fire Science Administration - Public Relations
  • Public Relations
  • Occupational Safety
  • Organizational Leadership - Occupational Safety & Health
  • Psychology - Occupational Safety & Health

Columbia Southern University

  • Business
  • Business Administration
    • Finance
    • General
    • Hospitality and Tourism
    • Human Resource Management
    • Information Technology
    • International Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Sport Management
    • Supply Chain Management
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Criminal Justice Administration
    • Arson Investigation
    • Forensics
  • Forensic Investigation
  • Emergency Medical Services Administration - Emergency Medical Services Education
  • Health Care Administration - Emergency Medical Services
  • Emergency Management
  • Environmental Management
    • Sustainability
  • Fire Science
  • Health Care Administration - Emergency Medical Services
  • Health Information Science - Health Care Administration
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Information Systems and Cyber Security - Homeland Security
  • Business Administration - Human Resource Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Business Administration - Information Technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Systems and Cyber Security
  • Information Systems and Cyber Security - Homeland Security
  • Information Technology
  • Military Studies
    • Intelligence
  • Occupational Safety and Health
    • Fire Science
    • Oil and Gas
    • Sustainability
  • Psychology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Forensics
    • Industrial Organization
    • Mental Health

ECPI University

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Business Analytics
  • Crime and Intelligence Analysis
  • Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • IT Management
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Cloud Computing
  • Cyber and Information Security Technology
  • Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
  • Electronic Systems Mechatronics
  • Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Mobile Development
  • Software Development

Bryan University

  • Applied Exercise and Fitness
  • Exercise Science, Fitness, and Nutrition Management
  • Personal Trainer
  • Graphic Design
  • UX/UI Design

Stautzenberger College

Michigan and Ohio Residents Only
  • Animal Welfare Business Administration
  • Veterinary Assistant and Grooming
  • Accounting & Payroll Clerk
  • Business Administration
  • Human Resource Administration
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Healthcare Sciences
  • Medical Office Billing and Coding
  • Office Addiction Counseling and Social Advocacy
  • Construction Administration

Rockford Career College

Illinois and Wisconsin Residents Only
  • Animal Welfare Business Administration
  • Veterinary Assistant and Grooming
  • Accounting & Payroll Clerk
  • Business Administration
  • Human Resource Administration
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Medical Office Billing and Coding
  • Construction Administration

Full Sail University

  • Computer Animation
  • Game Art
  • Graphic Design
  • User Experience
  • Digital Marketing
  • Entertainment Business
  • Game Business and Esports
  • Music Business
  • Sports Marketing and Media
  • Creative Writing
  • Media Communications
  • Sports Marketing and Media
  • Sportscasting
  • Computer Animation
  • Creative Writing
  • Digital Cinematography
  • Game Art
  • Game Business and Esports
  • Game Design
  • Audio Production
  • Music Business
  • Music Production
  • Game Business and Esports
  • Sports Marketing and Media
  • Sportscasting
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Game Development
  • Information Technology
  • Mobile Development
  • Web Development

Grand Canyon University

  • Accounting
  • Applied Business Analytics
  • Applied Business Information Systems
  • Applied Cybersecurity Management
  • Applied Entrepreneurship
  • Applied Human Resources Management
  • Applied Management
  • Business Administration
  • Business Analytics
  • Business Information Systems
  • Cybersecurity Management
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Finance
  • Finance and Economics
  • Finance with an Emphasis in Financial Planning
  • Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Professional Sales and Marketing
  • Risk Management
  • Sports and Entertainment Management
  • Supply and Logistics Management
  • Digital Design with an Emphasis in Animation
  • Digital Film with an Emphasis in
    • Editing and Visual Effects
    • Production
    • Screenwriting
  • Social Media
  • Early Childhood Education - Licensure
  • Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education - Licensure
  • Educational Studies - Non-Licensure
  • Elementary Education - Licensure
  • Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major) - Licensure
  • Elementary Education with an Emphasis in
    • Christian Education - Licensure
    • English as a Second Language - Licensure
    • STEM - Licensure
    • Teaching Reading - Licensure
  • English for Secondary Education - Licensure
  • History for Secondary Education - Licensure
  • Mathematics for Secondary Education - Licensure
  • Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in
    • Childhood and Adolescence Disorders
    • Family Dynamics
    • Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
    • Substance Use Disorders
    • Trauma
  • Communications with an Emphasis in
    • Broadcasting and New Media
    • Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships
  • Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
  • Professional Writing for New Media
  • Psychology
  • Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology
  • Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance and Sports Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Health Care Administration
  • Health Information Management
  • Health Sciences
  • Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N)
  • Public Health
  • Applied Technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Technology
  • Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity
  • Software Development

North American Trade Schools

Ontario Residents Only
  • Global Supply Chain & Logistics Management Online
  • Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Online

Automotive Training Centres

Canadian Residents Only
  • Auto Body Collision Estimating
  • Automotive Business Manager
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Dispatching & Transportation Operations Specialist
  • Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
  • Transportation Safety Supervisor

CareerStep

  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Medical Office Manager
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Dental Assistant
  • Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist
  • Medical Coding and Billing Professional
  • Medical Scribe
  • Medical Transcription and Editing
  • EKG Technician
  • Hemodialysis Technician
  • Medical Assistant
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Sterile Processing Technician
  • Mental Health Technician
  • Nutrition and Personal Trainer
  • Physical Therapy Aide
  • Computer Technician
  • Healthcare IT Professional


The Growing Value of Online Learning

Many Americans lead full lives with demands and considerations that affect their ability to attend school. Online programs offer the opportunity to work toward a degree, diploma, or certificate from basically anywhere you can use a computer connected to the internet. This makes education accessible to so many more aspiring students.

Distance education has played an especially important role throughout the pandemic, as schools have had little choice but to adapt their programs to an online format (when possible). Fluctuating public health guidelines on in-person classes and physical distancing have created a much more urgent need for the availability of online program options.

A 2020 Global Market Insights (GMI) report projects that the e-learning market in the U.S. will grow 21% between 2021 and 2027. Access to 5G and high-speed internet is improving across the country, which means more people can access their courses when and where they need to. Additionally, emerging technology is making e-learning more immersive and interactive, which better simulates the classroom instruction experience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Cloud-Based Learning Management Systems (LMS) are rapidly emerging and growing in the education sector. This is significantly transforming the future of online learning by helping students to feel more engaged with their learning, communicate more efficiently with instructors and classmates, and collaborate on projects effectively from a distance.

Major Benefits of Online Programs

Flexibility and convenience

Enrolling in trade school online makes it possible to get your education while holding down a full-time job, raising a family, or keeping up with other responsibilities. Many people enjoy skipping the commute and focusing on their studies when it fits their schedule.

Many students choose to study online because it is the best option for their work-life responsibilities. Others choose online education because they simply prefer it. Of course, online learning may be the only option when public health concerns do not allow for in-person classes. That could be a significant factor in students' enrollment choices.

Reliability

You need a computer and a good internet connection to access your online program content, and often that's all you need for much of your studies. Attending classes on-campus and on a schedule involves many more uncertainties, from day-to-day issues like a missed bus or doctor's appointment to more significant issues like pandemic-related shutdowns.

If you are already accustomed to learning online, you will likely be far less affected by any future restrictions on in-person instruction. And when it comes to education, knowing what to expect is extremely important.

Comfort

When it comes to learning, many people thrive in environments that feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Feeling free to wear what you want, eat your own food, use your own bathroom, and hang out with your pets can remove unnecessary stressors from your daily routine. Here are just a few examples of the many reasons someone might be more comfortable learning from home:

  • Sensory processing issues and neurological sensitivities
    • More control over light and noise levels, odors, chemicals, and other potential triggers
  • Social anxiety
  • Compromised immunity
  • Physical disability

It's worth noting, however, that many people learn best within the more structured format of the classroom. And many people value the in-person social interaction that training on campus provides.

Savings

Working on your schooling from home can save you substantial money on things like transportation, parking, coffee shops, restaurants, and convenience food.

young female student on laptopA wide range of online trade school programs is available, including in less-obvious areas like aviation management, cosmetology, the skilled trades, medical assisting, and more. Here are the shares of online undergraduate students who completed different programs, based on the results of the national survey referenced above:

The same survey found that while an overwhelming majority of online students enroll in degree programs, 14 percent go for certificates and two percent choose licensure programs.

How Employers View Online Education

Online degrees and other credentials have gained a lot of mainstream acceptance. A 2018 Northeastern University survey of hiring managers found that:

  • About 61 percent considered online credentials to be equally as good as those achieved the traditional way.
  • More than 70 percent had hired a candidate who had completed a degree, diploma, or certificate online.
  • Over 30 percent expected that future technological advances will result in online education being better than in-person instruction.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online School

online student at table on laptop computerHere are four suggestions to keep in mind as you focus your search:

1. Look Into How the Courses Are Structured

Streaming video and virtual classrooms are popular tools. But different online schools may take advantage of other formats. So, when doing your research, look for tutorials or "test drives." Many schools and colleges, through their websites, offer students the chance to preview their online educational experiences.

A preview might be especially important for particular fields of study. For example, business administration programs may rely heavily on group projects. That means the school should make it easy for students to contact each other via email or live chat to divide coursework quickly.

Delivery is another important word to remember. Try to find out whether programs are delivered exclusively online or through a combination of media like print, video conferencing, or CD-ROM. Ask about the nature of group work, too, since some online vocational schools may encourage students to meet in person.

2. Go Over the Technical Requirements

Technology can change quickly, so ensure that you have the hardware and software required for a particular online program. It's also good to ensure that round-the-clock technical support will be just a click or call away.

Compare the specs of your home computer with the technical requirements listed on school websites. That way, you'll know whether you need any upgrades. And remember: many powerful software applications and technologies are free. So a school that uses them will help you stay up-to-date without needing to spend a bundle. OpenOffice for word processing, VLC Media Player for video, and Adobe Acrobat for document sharing are just a few basic examples.

3. Determine How Accessible the Staff and Resources Are

male student using laptop computerFind out how easy it is to reach the people who will be evaluating you. Look for instructor email links, toll-free phone numbers, and scheduled office hours. Many professors and instructors have set hours to answer questions, engage in group discussions, or chat online.

That goes for teaching assistants too. Many professors and instructors enlist assistants to grade assignments and lead discussion groups. You'll want access to those essential resources.

And since online schools allow you to study during day or night, it's helpful to take advantage of support resources at times that fit your schedule. You may not be able to speak with an instructor at 3 a.m., but access to online libraries might make completing your assignments easier.

4. Make Sure You Have the Commitment

Are you disciplined enough to thrive? Online vocational training allows you to learn at your own pace and avoid commutes. But you still have to do your part by ensuring that you have enough time in your week to complete assignments before you enroll.

Also, make sure you can create a good learning environment at home or wherever you'll choose to study. Family and friends need to know that you require alone time with no distractions.

The Number of People Who Take Online Courses

young woman with computer keyboardMore than 6.9 million post-secondary students were enrolled in at least one distance education course in the fall of 2018, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). That represented 35.3 percent of all students at degree-granting institutions.

Below are the percentages of students at each type of post-secondary school who were enrolled exclusively in distance learning that same fall.

Two-year institutions

  • Public schools: 15 percent
  • Private non-profit schools: 45 percent
  • Private for-profit schools: 8 percent

Four-year institutions

  • Public schools: 10 percent
  • Private non-profit schools: 17 percent
  • Private for-profit schools: 68 percent

Online Trade Schools Make Vocational Education More Accessible

Learning remotely offers greater convenience and flexibility than attending on-campus classes, which can significantly increase your chances of success.