What is a Technical College?

A technical college, also known as a vocational or trade college, offers post-secondary education programs that provide you with specialized training in a specific technical skill. Job-focused, the curriculum emphasizes the hands-on skills that are directly related to your chosen profession. Plus, you graduate with a diploma or degree that prepares you for immediate employment.

What is the Difference Between a 4-Year College and a Technical College?

While both 4-year and technical colleges have advantages, there are many differences between them. These differences include:

Cost

Choosing a post-secondary education is an investment in your future. However, attending a technical college for 1 to 2 years will use less resources than a 4-year college. It can be costly to pay for tuition, commuting, and other expenses for four years.

Time

How much time can you be out of the workforce? One, two, four years? Attending a technical

college prepares you for a career in less time than a 4-year college. Plus, technical colleges offer flexible schedules so you can work while you learn. You can have the best of both worlds. With hybrid and online options, you can learn from the comfort of your own home and still take care of other responsibilities.

Another element of time and the difference between 4-year and technical colleges is that most 4-year colleges offer two semesters per year. Not ready to start in September or February? Then, you must wait another six months for your opportunity to attend a 4-year college. On the other hand, technical colleges offer programs that start every 12 weeks.

General Education

Technical college programs focus on the skills you need to succeed. You’ll leave the classroom faster, ready for a rewarding career. On the other hand, attending a 4-year college involves many general education courses. While you will complete classes in College Math and English at 51�Թ�, there is no need for a 15th Century Art Appreciation course to make you a well-rounded student.

Class Size

At a technical college, you won’t get lost in a large lecture hall with hundreds of students, all vying for the attention of the faculty or teachers’ assistant. Class sizes are smaller, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors.

Job Availability

Learning technical skills prepares you for an in-demand job in many disciplines like healthcare. For example, diagnostic medical sonographers are in demand and their employment is projected to��. Plus, 51�Թ� offers career services to help you find the right opportunity after graduation.

Career Services

Technical colleges, like 51�Թ�, offer career services to help you find the jobs you are passionate about. They help you write an eye-catching resume, prepare you for interviews, and introduce you to employers in the community who are looking to fill open roles with highly trained individuals. Employers know 51�Թ� graduates need less on-the-job training and are ready to start working on day one.

Hands-On Training

You’ll appreciate a technical college’s hands-on training if you learn best by doing. You’ll use the same industry-standard equipment as in your employment settings, familiarizing yourself with the instruments and equipment of the trade while building real-world skills. As a graduate, you’ll feel confident, capable, and ready to make a difference.

Want to Learn More?

At 51�Թ�, we focus on teaching real-world skills and knowledge so that you are immediately prepared for a successful career. Embark on your fast-track path to a successful and rewarding career in healthcare through hybrid and fully online learning. New sessions start every 12 weeks. Don’t hesitate – launch your career today!

now to learn more.

The post What is the Difference Between a 4-Year College and a Technical College? appeared first on 51�Թ�.

Begin Your Education Towards A Healthcare Career at 51�Թ�

Learn more about our Diploma Programs at 51�Թ�!

According to U.S. News and World Report (the global authority in rankings and consumer advice), healthcare jobs comprise 4 out of the Top 5 Best Jobs.�� They dominate the 2018 Top 100 rankings due to a combination of high salaries and low unemployment rates.��Take a closer look at 5 programs 51�Թ� has to offer and kick start your career in the healthcare industry!

Why Study at 51�Թ�?

51�Թ� is a Non-Profit Healthcare Career College that has been providing educational and career training services to the community for over 35 years. Since its foundation in 1982, 51�Թ� has grown to become one of Los Angeles’ best Non Profit resources for healthcare career training and career advising for students of all nationalities, interests, and means.

• Benefit from a non-profit environment where experienced professionals and volunteers in the various healthcare fields dedicate countless hours of research and development to the program
• State of the art labs with industry-specific equipment
• 51�Թ� provides on the job experience in a wide variety of clinical settings
• Learn from dedicated instructors with extensive, real-world experience in the fields in which they teach
• Personalized attention to each student.
• Dedicated faculty and staff
• Hands-on training and personal feel
• ����-�����ٱ���Career Services Department��will assist you to find a job
• Federal��Financial Aid��available to those who qualify

When you consider��career training, there are two questions you should ask yourself:

1. &/blog/category/admissions-enrollment/feed/8220;What are the employment prospects in the field? and
2. &/blog/category/admissions-enrollment/feed/8220;How much can I expect to be paid?&/blog/category/admissions-enrollment/feed/8221;

51�Թ� can provide positive answers to both questions.�� Continue reading to explore our Diploma programs!

Dental Assistant

51�Թ�’s 40- week Dental Assistant Program prepares graduates with a strong focus on hands-on training. ��It culminates in an externship in a modern-day dental office. 51�Թ� invests in providing an intensive environment with cutting-edge dental technology to carry out general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. ��Our students provide greater patient comfort and better accuracy, setting them apart from in the job market.

“Our instructors have real-world experience with at least 2 years working in the dental field as an RDA. We also attend continuing education seminars to keep our RDA licenses current. ��This allows��us to acquire current knowledge and practice techniques,” commented Program Director, Nicole Alvarez.�� Read on to see what the Dental Assistant Job Outlook is like.

Why Become a Dental Assistant (DA)?

• Above-Average Job Growth:��Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow��19%��from 2016 to 2026.*
• Excellent Pay:��As of May 2017, the annual mean wage for dental assistants in California was��$39,930.*
• The baby-boom population ages and people keep more of their original teeth than previous generations
• The need to maintain and treat teeth will continue to increase the need for dental assistants.
• Being a dental assistant will allow for career advancement; become a tech, dental hygienist, or a dentist!
• Clean, calm and professional work environments
• Flexible work opportunities and normal scheduled hours

*��According to the��

What Does it Take to Become a DA?

The DA program provides students with the basic knowledge and skills that will qualify them to work as entry-level dental assistants both chairside and front office in dental offices and clinics.�� Upon completion, graduates may work as a dental assistant under a licensed dentist as a vital part of the dental office team.

The program focuses skills such as:

• Preparing patients for treatments and procedures
• Processing x-rays and completing lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist
• Sterilizing dental instruments
  • Helping dentists by handing them instruments during procedures
• Instructing patients in proper oral hygiene
• Scheduling patient appointments
• Working with patients on billing and payment

In the final module, students will participate in a 260-hour Dental Externship and gain practical on-the-job experience to supplement in-class experiences.

Pending approval by the Dental Board of California graduates of the program will receive the following, graduates will have their dental radiography license, coronal polishing certificate, pit and fissure sealant certificate, infection control certificate, 2 hour Dental Practice Act Certificate, CPR certification, and will qualify to take the California Registered Dental Assistant exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant.

To view our recent posts and get an inside look at the Dental Assistant Program at 51�Թ�, head to our��Facebook Page and .

Call��213-472-2200��or fill out the form on the right to find out how you can become a��Dental Assistant��in as little as��10 months! ��Our next start date is June 13th, 2018.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

51�Թ�’s 40- week MRI Technician Diploma Program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). 51�Թ�’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging Program is offered following two different pathways and modality of instruction: Online Diploma MRI Program: ARRT Post-Primary Pathway and AAS MRI Program: ARRT Primary Pathway.�� In this article, we’ll hone in on our Online Diploma MRI Program. We have students who are being prepared for their MRI Clinical Externship with advanced hand on training and asynchronous online instruction, offering great flexibility.�� Read on to learn more about the MRI Technician Job Outlook!

Why Become an MRI Technician?

• Above-Average Job Growth:��Employment of MRI technicians is projected to grow��14%��from 2016 to 2026.*
• Excellent Pay:��As of May 2017, the annual mean wage for MRI technicians in California was��$87,520.*
• In as little as 11 months the Online Diploma in MRI Program that follows the ARRT Post-primary Pathway (open to ARRT, ARDMS, and NMTCB registered technologists), will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you will need to fulfill the responsibilities of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist.
• Work side-by-side with physicians and radiologists and enjoy a challenge in a technologically advanced field.

What Does it Take to Become an MRI Technician?

• Preparing and maintaining diagnostic imaging equipment
• Performing appropriate MRI scanning examinations and procedures
• Recognizing the differences between normal and abnormal tissues in the obtained images and other diagnostic information
• Analyzing images and recording data for interpretation by a radiologist
• Recording findings and keeping track of patients&/blog/category/admissions-enrollment/feed/8217; records
• Demonstrating excellent communication skills with patients and other healthcare professionals, and acting in an ethical and professional manner

Where Will You Work?

• Private and Public Hospitals
• Medical imaging centers
• Diagnostic Clinics
• Doctors’ offices
• Outpatient care centers
• Higher education institutions
• Research field

To view our recent posts and get an inside look at the MRI Program at 51�Թ�, head to our��Facebook Page and .

Call��213-472-2200��or fill out the form on the right to find out how you can become MRI Certified in as little as��11 months! ��Our next start date is July 9th, 2018.

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Medical Assistant

51�Թ�’s 41-week Medical Assistant Program is nationally accredited by ABHES and includes morning and evening classes training. ��It leads to a clinical experience in a variety of healthcare facilities. 51�Թ� invests in providing an intensive environment in a state- of- the- art labs that replicate real-life clinics and hospitals.�� Read on to see what the Medical Assistant Job Outlook is like.

Why Become a Medical Assistant (MA)?

• Above-Average Job Growth:��Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow��29%��from 2016 to 2026.*
• Excellent Pay:��As of May 2017, the annual mean wage for Medical Assistants in California was��$36,630.*

• As the Baby Boomer population ages, the job outlook for qualified Medical Assistants has steadily risen to meet the demand. This means more job opportunities for you!

*��According to the��

What Does it Take to Become an MA?

Medical Assistants are trained in both administrative and clinical procedures of a healthcare facility. Due to their training in pharmacology, laboratory procedures, medical law, patient care, and the health sciences, Medical Assistants are able to meet a diverse range of roles within the healthcare setting, including:

• Take medical histories
• Prepare patients for examination
• Assist the Doctor during examination
• Explain medical procedures
• Administer medications
• Draw blood
• Remove stitches
• Perform basic lab tests
• Authorize drug refills (as directed by doctor)
• Take EKGs
• Record vital signs
• Using a variety of computer applications to record, analyze, and share data
• Answering phones, make appointments, and communication with patients and their families
• Greet patients when they arrive at the facility and making them feel at ease
• Coding and filling of forms, including insurance, referrals, and similar records
• Arrange for transportation to another hospital, handle admissions, and manage lab results
• Handle correspondence with different doctors, specialist, billing and bookkeeping personnel
• Teaching patients proper self-care measures and assisting with medication or dietary needs
• Serving as a point of communication between the patient and the medical professionals

As you can see this is a very extensive list, but it shows the wide variety of training someone may receive as a Medical Assistant student. The role of a Medical Assistant often means that one will be working alongside doctors and other medical professionals daily. It is imperative that one be flexible, dedicated and open-minded as they will be required to multitask on a regular basis.

Where Will You Work?

• Physicians&/blog/category/admissions-enrollment/feed/8217; Offices
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Medical Specialist Office
• Industrial Health Care
• Urgent Care Facilities
• Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Anywhere you find doctors and other skilled medical professionals, you will find Medical Assistants at work right alongside them. They can’t do it without you!

To view our recent posts and get an inside look at the Medical Assistant Program at 51�Թ�, head to our��Facebook Page and .

Call��213-472-2200��or fill out the form on the right to find out how you can become a��Medical Assistant��in as little as��10 months! ��Our next start date is June 13th, 2018.

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Pharmacy Technician

51�Թ�’s 36- week Pharmacy Technician Program prepares graduates with a strong focus on hands-on training for the PTCB National Exam and a career that is portable among states. ��It culminates in an externship where pharmacy technicians are in great demand.�� Our students provide greater patient comfort and better accuracy, setting them apart from in the job market.�� For many, their pharmacy tech certificate might just be the beginning of other educational or career opportunities they want to pursue. ��You may even find the training useful in helping you decide to become a degreed pharmacist.�� Read on to see what the Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook is like.

Why Become a Pharmacy Technician (PHT)?

• Above-Average Job Growth:��Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow��12%��from 2016 to 2026.*
• Excellent Pay:��As of May 2017, the annual mean wage for Pharmacy Technicians in California was��$40,890.*

• As the Baby Boomer population ages, the job outlook for qualified Pharmacy Technicians has steadily risen to meet the demand. This means more job opportunities for you!

*��According to the��

What Does it Take to Become a PHT?

• Administer medications
• Compound chemotherapy medications
• Specialize in inventory management
• In-depth medical or administrative tasks of the pharmacy department
• Nuclear pharmacy, handling and preparing radioactive medications
• Install, maintain, or troubleshoot equipment

Where Will You Work?

• Retail Pharmacies
• Hospitals
• Long-term Care Pharmacies
• Home Infusion Pharmacies
• Grocery Stores
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Herb Stores

To view our recent posts and get an inside look at the Pharmacy Technician Program at 51�Թ�, head to our��Facebook Page and .

Call��213-472-2200��or fill out the form on the right to find out how you can become a��Pharmacy Technician��in as little as 9 months! ��Our next start date is June 13th, 2018.

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Surgical Technology

51�Թ�’s 60- week Surgical Technology Program is nationally accredited by ABHES and provides morning and evening classes.���� Surgical Technologists are key members of a highly skilled and respected team that includes physicians, surgeons, nurses and other healthcare workers. Our state-of-the-art mock surgery center and dedicated faculty and staff prepare graduates with a strong focus on hands-on training. ��The program ends in a clinical experience at a variety of surgical settings. Read on to see what the Surgical Technologist Job Outlook is like.

Why Become a Surgical Technologist (ST)?

• Above-Average Job Growth:��Employment of Surgical Technologists��is projected to grow��12%��from 2016 to 2026.*
• Excellent Pay:��As of May 2017, the annual mean wage��for Surgical Technologists��in California was��$61,240.*

• Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.

*��According to the��

What Does it Take to Become an ST?

• Prepare��the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, before surgery
• Prepare��patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites, positioning the patients on the operating table, covering them with sterile drapes, and taking them to and from the operating room
• Prepare��sterile solutions and medications used in surgery and check that all surgical equipment is working properly
• Help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves
• Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants, during an operation.
• Much more!

Where Will You Work?

• Hospitals and operating rooms
• Ambulatory Surgery Centers
• Physicians&/blog/category/admissions-enrollment/feed/8217; offices
• Outpatient care facilities
• Laser centers

To view our recent posts and get an inside look at the Surgical Technologist Program at 51�Թ�, head to our��Facebook Page and .

Call��213-472-2200��or fill out the form on��the right to find out how you can become a��Surgical Technologist��in as little as��15��months! Our next AM start date is July 2^nd, 2018!�� The start date for PM classes is September 9th, 2018!��

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