Attending a healthcare trade school can be a fast way to jump into new career opportunities. However, there are many factors to consider before investing your time and money into a life-changing career program. Prism Career Institute provides healthcare training programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey. Here, we provide a guide for evaluating medical trade schools to find your best fit.
How Do You Know if a Medical Trade School Is Accredited?
Accreditation is the first and most basic indicator of quality. Educational institutions in the U.S., including medical trade schools, are weighed against a universal standard set by an impartial governing agency. Schools that meet this standard are accredited. The standard for accreditation requires every aspect of a trade school to excel, including:
- High-quality curriculum
- Useful and accessible student resources
- Knowledgeable faculty with qualifying credentials
- Modern and well-maintained facilities
- Fair processes, including admissions and graduation
- Financial stability and transparency
- Effective administration
- Commitment to safety and ethics
Most schools, including Prism Career Institute, list their accreditations on their website. If you have trouble locating accreditation information about a school you’re considering, you can contact the school by phone or email to learn more.
Does FAFSA Cover Healthcare Trade School?
Accreditation is also essential for financial aid. Federal student loans will not pay for a program that doesn’t meet the standards for accreditation. If the program is accredited, however, then federal aid may be available. To find out your eligibility, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may qualify for federal grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, veterans aid, and more, making your trade school education more affordable and accessible.
What Should You Look for in a School’s Curriculum?
After confirming that the school is accredited, it’s time to check the curriculum. Make sure that it meets your state’s requirements for a medical trade school program. Often, this involves a minimum program length, along with a minimum number of hands-on learning hours, such as externships, lab experience, or clinicals. Each state has its own requirements, so do your research carefully.
You should also make sure the program teaches the skills you will need to pass the licensing exam and succeed in a future workplace. Medical trade school isn’t just about meeting the requirements to graduate. Whether you plan on becoming a practical nurse or medical assistant, you want to ensure a strong start for your new career.
Should You Choose an Online or In-Person Program?
While researching the curriculum, you should also decide whether you want to study in person or online. Both formats deliver the same training, and they have different advantages. In-person classes come with the following benefits:
- Access to on-campus resources
- Closer connections with peers
- Increased interactivity
- Instructor office hours
Online courses may not provide the same benefits as in-person training. They have perks of their own, however, including:
- Flexible learning environment
- Online study tools
- Learning at your own pace
There is no right answer to this question. Instead, you should choose the format that best fits your needs. Also, keep in mind that the hands-on portion of your training, including an externship or clinical, still needs to be completed in person.
Do Healthcare Trade Schools Help with Job Placement?
Your goal at trade school is to start a new career. When choosing a school, therefore, don’t just consider the training itself. You should also think about what happens after. The best trade schools provide job placement assistance with a variety of career services, including:
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Interview practice and tips
- Career fairs
- Networking opportunities
- Employment agency contacts
These services give you a head start in the workforce after graduation, helping you make the most of your career education.
Learning More
Finally, no amount of research is too much. Enrolling in trade school is a big step. You want to be sure that your time and financial investments are made wisely. If you still aren’t sure about your selection, do not hesitate to reach out to an admissions representative. Questions to ask include:
- What is your average student-to-instructor ratio?
- What is a typical day like for a student in your program?
- How do you assist with internship or clinical placements?
- Do you have connections with area employers?
- What do you look for in an applicant?
You can also learn from past and current students. Prism Career Institute features reviews and testimonials on our website so you can find out what other students think of their experience. Their insight can help you feel confident about your trade school decision.
Make the Right Choice: Enroll at Prism Career Institute
Choosing a healthcare trade school is a major decision. If you are looking for a high-quality medical education in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, Prism Career Institute checks all the boxes. We are an accredited institution with career-focused curricula, financial aid, and dedicated career services to help you succeed. Make the smart choice for your future and contact us today to apply.