Why Attend a Career College?

Of course, we here at Concorde believe strongly in the value of education and training at a career college. It's what we do. We've seen success stories of students completing our programs and gaining meaningful employment in the health care career they desired.

Don't just take our word for it. The Imagine America Foundation recently published a list of benefits for many students. The Imagine America Foundation promotes trade schools and career colleges through scholarships. It works with employers to understand today's hiring needs.

Five compelling reasons to consider a career college training

1. Faster and more efficient timelines for completion: Because of the accelerated nature of career college programs, like Concorde's, students are able to complete coursework for a diploma or degree in a fraction of the time than four-year traditional degree tracks. For graduating high school students or working adults who need to get into a career quickly, a career college might be the right choice.

2. Growing fields from which to choose: Many career college programs, such as dental and medical assisting, focus on giving students skills that open doors in expanding industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in health care fields are projected to increase 18 percent from 2016-2026, a rate more than doubles the national average. It's no wonder why many students throughout the U.S. see career college training as an efficient path toward a rewarding career.

3. Relationships with employers: Many career colleges like Concorde have direct partnerships and relationships with local employers. Many Concorde students get hired directly out of their externships or clinical sites. It's a great way of opening opportunities to get a foot in the door of a new career after completing their program.

4. Several start dates: A lot of career colleges like Concorde offer multiple start dates to choose from. This flexibility gives students an opportunity to move forward when the time is right for them. Proof that this strategy is successful lies in the fact that many traditional colleges and universities are now offering this benefit.

5. Hands-on programs: The most important hiring requirement for employers is that new employees can do the job. Most career colleges have a hands-on approach to training. Nothing beats applying what you've learned with your own two hands under the guidance of experienced professionals. This is where many career colleges, like Concorde, thrive.

Attendance matters in Learning

Keeping good attendance is important in any educational endeavor. It's the rare exception where one learns more by NOT attending a class or lab than attending. So when it comes to accelerated career training, like that offered at Concorde, you can imagine the importance of good attendance is magnified.

We sought the advice of one of our campus's academic deans to help explain a little more about what makes good attendance so important in accelerated career training.
Why Attendance Matters in Career Training

Attendance is critically important for students in accelerated career training programs for several reasons. Each day, hour and minute of classes include lecture, lab, and interaction with instructors. This prepares students for completion of their program and successful employment, said Denise Greco, Academic Dean at Concordes campus in San Bernardino, Calif.

"I tell my students at orientation that when they have a day when they just don't feel like coming to class, that is the exact day they should attend," Greco said. "Because of life issues such as flat tires, babysitting problems, and sickness, students need to come to school each day they can to accommodate unforeseeable absences."

Greco also encourages students to "buddy-up" and find others in their class. These are people they'll interact with the most during their education at Concorde.

"It is helpful to have someone to study with, discuss lectures with and forge new friendships with," she said. "This will carry over long after graduation."

Greco encourages students by telling them she holds three degrees.

"Each one has opened a door for me," she said. "I invite students to visit me in my office if they would like to hear the stories behind this... and, they often do."

Good Self-care can help Attendance

Self-care is the act of taking steps to keep yourself mentally, emotionally and physically fit. Eating a balanced meal, sleeping at least 7-8 hours per night, and setting aside time to do things you enjoy are examples of self-care.

Any act that you take to reduce stress and anxiety will help you throughout your time as a health care training student. It will also help you once you graduated and have begun full-time work caring for your patients and co-workers.

One simple act you can take to help reduce stress and anxiety is to attend your classes and know what is being taught and expected. When you miss a class you can fall behind and that causes stress and anxiety.

Consider Career College Training

We know learning at a career college isn't for everybody. But, taking into account the reasons listed above, there can be little doubt that a career college can be a viable, even preferable, choice for many high school graduates looking to become qualified for a meaningful, rewarding career quickly and effectively.

Maybe it's time to consider Concorde!