certification Archives - Â鶹AV /tag/certification/ Career Training For A Better Life Wed, 05 Jan 2022 16:17:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-Untitled-design-56-32x32.png certification Archives - Â鶹AV /tag/certification/ 32 32 What Is Trade School? /what-is-trade-school/ Tue, 04 Jan 2022 17:00:38 +0000 /?p=6538

To summarize, a Trade School (also referred to as a vocational school or career college) is a postsecondary educational institution that prepares people for careers in different skilled trade industries. Additionally, industry certifications are awarded as part of the training programs. 

Moreover, trade schools use hands-on lessons that are concentrated on a specific career. Trade schools also have connections with local and national employers that allow students to find jobs right after graduation.

This article explains in detail what a trade school is and explains how you can apply for enrollment. So let’s get started!

What's In This Article?

What's The Diffence Between Trade Schools, Vocational Schools, Technical Schools, And Career Colleges

certification-maine-trade-schools-nti
One of the benefits of a trade school education is receiving industry certifications that you can take wherever you go.

To begin, it’s important to know the difference between a trade school, vocational school, technical school, or career college. While the terms are mostly interchangeable, there are some important differences.

Trade School

Overall, trade schools are postsecondary institutions that train people to work in the skilled trade industries. During training, students learn using hands-on lesson plans in shops and labs. Students must also meet a required number of on-the-job hours to graduate.

Vocational School

To sum up, vocational schools are either secondary or postsecondary institutions that teach specific job skills. Usually, they’re funded by the government and taxpayers. And, it takes a year or two to finish their programs.

Technical School

Basically, Technical Schools (also known as technical colleges) are educational institutions similar to trade schools. But, the training at a technical school is less hands-on and more like a traditional college classroom or lecture.

Career College

For the most part, career colleges are privately owned and offer associate’s level degrees for specific careers. Their programs also take a couple of years to finish.

Patient-services-representative-Classroom
Trade school students can learn in classrooms or online using distance learning

Trade Schools And 4-Year Colleges: What's The Difference?

To be clear, there is a long list of differences between a trade school and a traditional 4-year college. For example, trade school students graduate in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional college students.

And another example is the cost of school. Because on average, 4-year college students spend about 3-4 times the amount trade schools charge.

But there are too many differences to list here without this article turning into a novel. That is why you should read our blog post: Trade School vs College: What’s The Difference?

Career Training Programs

Skilled trade work in recent decades has been scrutinized and seen as low-paying jobs that no one wants. But, in reality, skilled trade workers are well paid and highly in demand across the country.

And chances are that you don’t realize how many skilled trade industries exist and how important they are for society.

Currently, Â鶹AV’s curriculum includes healthcare programs, HVAC/R programs, technology programs, and commercial trucking programs.

Healthcare Career Training Programs
HVAC/R Career Training Programs
Technology Career Training Programs
Truck Driver Career Training Programs
View All Training Programs

The Benefits Of Trade Schools

There are numerous benefits to career training. To summarize, those benefits include:

  • Nationally Recognized Industry Certification. Firstly, one of the biggest benefits of a career program is the certifications you earn along the way. Certification proves to employers that you are professional, knowledgable, and qualified to work in your field. Industry certification also leads to higher wages and more opportunities.
  • Time To Graduate. Secondly, training programs at Â鶹AV can all be completed within 1 year. And some programs, like Phlebotomy/EKG Technician, can be completed in under 2 months.
  • Tuition Costs. Thirdly, due to the shorter programs, trade schools are much cheaper than other schools. And, most programs qualify for Federal Financial Aid. Additionally, you can begin the financial aid process by visiting .
  • Focused Hands-on Training. Next, career school training programs specifically focus on the skills you need to know to work in your chosen field. And, those skills are taught using hands-on learning. To clarify, that means you’ll spend more time in shops and labs than in a classroom.
  • Job Placement Assistance. Finally, after you graduate you’ll have a full team supporting you in your job search. Because trade schools focus on career training, they offer things like resume prep and employer connections. That is why trade school graduates find jobs so quickly after graduating.

Career Training Programs

Programs at Â鶹AV are designed to teach the skills that employers are looking for
Learn More About Career Training Programs

How Do I Enroll In A Career Training Program?

Simply complete the form below and we’ll contact you with more information about career training at Â鶹AV.

Related Â鶹AV Blogs

]]> Trade School vs College – What’s the Difference? /trade-school-vs-college-whats-the-difference/ Thu, 27 May 2021 14:57:24 +0000 /?p=4881

For the most part, Americans think that a 4-year college is the only option for higher education. And over the past couple of decades, we’ve been taught that the natural path after high school is to attend a college or university.

As a result, the common idea is that you can’t be successful without a bachelor’s degree. But, there are other options. And one of those options is a Trade School (also known as a technical or vocational school).

Misconceptions have told us that trade schools are “alternatives” for folks who don’t have the skills to attend college. So, the job skills gap has widened and college debt has risen exponentially. Now, more and more people are starting to look to trade schools as an affordable and quick alternative to college.

What's In This Article?

Healthcare Career Training Programs
HVAC/R Career Training Programs
Technology Career Training Programs
Truck Driver Career Training Programs

What Is Trade School?

A trade school is an educational institution that trains students in a number of fields that translate directly to a job. Trade schools have on-the-job training integrated into coursework so that a student is fully prepared to enter the field of their degree immediately after graduating.

5 Key Differences Between College & Trade Schools

There are a lot of differences between a four-year college and a trade school like Â鶹AV. Hut we’re going to take a deeper look at the 5 differences that matter the most.

1. The Cost of Going to School

The cost of higher education is a major factor for anyone choosing a school to attend. In 2020,Ìý with the average student owing just under $33,000 after graduation. Those costs increase each year.

Trade school is much cheaper than a four-year school. At Â鶹AV, the total cost of tuition ranges from $6,000 – $20,000 depending on the program.

Do you need help paying for your career training? Â鶹AV career programs are eligible for the  as well as  grants and loans.  Â鶹AV offers a scholarship to its students, also. The Charlie Liponis Scholarship was established in 2010 to help students achieve their goals without building debt.

These savings mean fewer student loans and more financial freedom when you move into your career. That’s a huge advantage for people shopping for their first home and building a family.

Healthcare-Trade-School-Career
The Phlebotomy/EKG Technician program teaches the safe practice of drawing blood for tests.

2. Time to Completion & Graduation

A Bachelor’s degree program requires at least four years of classes, lectures, labs, and internships before you graduate. At a trade school, you’ll get your career diploma, certifications, or licenses within 6 weeks to a year. That difference adds up to a lot of money when you consider how soon you can start earning a professional’s salary.

The graphic below illustrates what 4 years at a trade school looks like versus a four-year college:

college-vs-trade-school-timeline
HVAC/R Technicians are in high demand

3. Type of Coursework

There are plenty of ways to learn a subject. The traditional college experience involves many different classes intended to round you out as an experienced student. An English major takes their English courses with math, history, psychology, and many other courses. This approach works for many people, but not everyone.

But, at a trade school coursework is focused solely on training related to your chosen field. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the industry and any technology involved. For example,ÌýHVAC students focus on learning about heating and AC units. So, they won’t have to worry about passing a class outside of their program of interest.

4. Job Availability

In modern fluctuating economic conditions, many graduates of a four-year institution have trouble finding jobs in their field. Bachelor’s program graduates might decide to earn a Master’s degree to make them better candidates for high-paying jobs. But sadly, the added qualification may not be enough to get the job.

Trade schools train students for skilled careers that prepare them to work as soon as they leave school. Â鶹AV trains students using the same technology and techniques used by industry professionals. As a result, this makes our graduates the top candidates for open positions in their fields.

Â鶹AV also provides assistance to all students during their job hunt. Our career services department helps all students with resumes, cover letters, and interview prep. Â鶹AV also has partnerships with many local employers which gives our graduates a foot in the door to a new career.

Commercial-Trucking-Program
Learn to drive commercial trailer trucks in one of the Â鶹AV truck yards

5. Career Stability & Job Security

With the advancement of technology and the internet, it’s never been easier for companies to outsource their labor to foreign countries. In 2018, U.S. overseas affiliates employed . The biggest industries at risk include call centers, human resources, and manufacturing.

The skilled careers taught at Â鶹AV and other trade schools are not as vulnerable to the threat of outsourcing. For example, a phlebotomist can’t draw blood from a person in a different country. A commercial truck can’t be driven from India. When an AC unit breaks down a technician is required on-site to fix that unit.

A trade certificate or license gives students guaranteed job security. It allows them to have more stability and earning potential throughout their lives.

What Can I Learn At A Trade School?

Currently, Â鶹AV’s curriculum includes healthcare programs,ÌýHVAC/R programs,Ìýtechnology programs, and commercial trucking programs.

See What You Can Learn At Â鶹AV

Graduate in less than a year with job offers.
Learn More About Training

Conclusion

For many Americans, a four-year college may be the right choice. But, trade schools provide another option. Trade schools train and prepare you for your new life in less time and for less money. Â鶹AV offers:

  • Hands-on learning
  • Flexible schedules
  • Distance learning options
  • Experienced instructors
  • FAFSA and GI Bill ® eligibility
  • And an opportunity for a better career

What are you waiting for? Schedule a meeting with an Admissions Advisor, today. Or, take a tour of the campus nearest to you and see for yourself why Â鶹AV has been Maine’s premier trade school for the past 25 years.

Request More Information About Career Training

Related Â鶹AV Blogs

]]> Federal Commercial Driver Medical Requirements Are Changing /federal-commercial-driver-medical-requirements-are-changing/ /federal-commercial-driver-medical-requirements-are-changing/#respond Mon, 01 Feb 2021 20:57:01 +0000 /federal-commercial-driver-medical-requirements-are-changing/ is updating rules and regulations regarding commercial driver medical certifications.  

For many years, CDL drivers have been required to pass a regular health examination from a medical professional. Commercial drivers are also required to carry proof that they passed their exam (usually a certificate) whenever they operate a commercial vehicle. The medical exam requirement itself isn’t changing. But, the way that a driver obtains that certification is being tweaked.

The previous rules and regulations

Previously, drivers were allowed to use any doctor they wanted to perform their exam. It didn’t matter what kind of doctor signed off on the exam, and it wasn’t a matter of concern for the FMCSA. Their only concern was that a driver could provide proof that they passed the DOT (Department of Transportation) physical exam. This meant that a doctor, a dentist, or even a podiatrist could issue the exam.  

There were also no limitations on how frequently an exam could be administered. That meant that if a driver failed an exam, they could just go to a different doctor the next day for a passing grade. Some doctors even allowed drivers to retake the exam multiple times before giving the final grade. So, drivers with borderline medical conditions like high blood-pressure could fail and then pass on the same day or very soon after.

New rules and regulations

With the new rules, the process of giving and receiving a physical exam has gotten more difficult. The FMCSA is taking more control over who can perform the exam. They’ve created the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This is a list of licensed doctors who have been certified to administer the test. Drivers who need to find a licensed doctor can find a complete list here:

Since doctors need to be registered, drivers also have to register their certificates with the state that issued their license. Failure to register could result in suspension or revocation of the license. Drivers must also report to the state whether they’re operating in interstate or intrastate commerce. They also have to indicate if they’re an exception to the exam. Exceptions usually include individuals who drive fire trucks, school busses, etc.  

If a driver fails the physical exam the FMCSA requires that the problem be corrected before they can drive again. The driver may have to report to their personal physician for help correcting the issue.

]]> /federal-commercial-driver-medical-requirements-are-changing/feed/ 0 Â鶹AV Continues its Support to the Community /northeast-technical-institute-continues-its-support-to-the-community/ /northeast-technical-institute-continues-its-support-to-the-community/#respond Fri, 01 Apr 2016 19:04:46 +0000 /northeast-technical-institute-continues-its-support-to-the-community/ Donations to be made to Camp Sunshine in 2016

Scarborough, ME | April 5, 2016 | – – Â鶹AV, a career school with campuses in Scarborough, Bangor and Lewiston, once again lives up to its commitment to support those less fortunate in Maine. Effective April 15th and continuing through the year, Â鶹AV will contribute half of all application fees to . The students and staff at Â鶹AV take their civic responsibility seriously and hold regular events to highlight and support others.

A retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Camp Sunshine is located on Sebago Lake in Casco. They inspire hope in families from all over Maine affected by life-threatening childhood illness through their unique, supportive programs and are the only full time facility in the nation whose sole purpose is to provide respite for the entire family. Their programs are all offered free of charge to the families. They  remain grateful to their donors and are committed to showing the utmost respect for every dollar contributed by ensuring the greatest possible impact on children and their families.

This ongoing contribution follows a recent generous contribution to Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston. Each year, Trinity helps thousands of hungry people by providing not only hot meals and healthy groceries, but assists their clients in addressing the reasons they are hungry and helping people find jobs, housing and to negotiate the challenges in their lives.

Â鶹AV’s staff, students and alumni are committed to helping those in need and supporting our local community.

Â鶹AV also sponsored and donated to the WCYY Mark-A-Thon to benefit the Telethon. Â鶹AV has participated in the Mark-A-Thon since 2012 in support of the Center for Grieving Children and this year Â鶹AV donated $1000.00. The Center, based in Portland, Maine, serves more than 4,000 grieving children, teens, families, and young adults annually through peer support, outreach, and education.

About Â鶹AV
Â鶹AV is Maine’s only locally owned and operated accredited career training school with campuses in Bangor, Scarborough and an extension campus in Lewiston. Â鶹AV is a VA approved school in Bangor and Scarborough and offers Federal Financial Aid, grants and scholarships for many of its programs and for those who qualify. With its short-term, hands-on approach to training, Â鶹AV graduates are job-ready, may earn national certification and are prepared to meet the industry’s staffing needs for qualified professionals. The school offers in-demand training for a range of medical programs, including Medical Assistant, Medical Lab Assistant, Medical Coding and Billing, Phlebotomy.  HVAC/R and CDL Truck Driving are offered at the school’s Scarborough and Bangor campuses. The Scarborough and Lewiston campuses also offer Information Technology (PC Repair, Network Administration). Classes start each week or month for most programs.

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