Going to college has been a decades-long goal for most American students. But the job market has changed, and graduates are often left job hunting as employers seek workers with more practical skills. Vocational schools offer more job-focused training for careers that are in demand now. You’ll be work-ready in half the time of your college-educated peers and better prepared for success in today’s relevant fields.
What Is a Vocational Class?
A vocational class, also known as a trade class or technical class, is an educational curriculum that specializes in training students for specific professions. Classes focus on occupations that are in high demand, preparing students for essential industry certifications.
The classes are comprehensive but career-focused, eliminating general coursework that broaden your educational experience but don’t contribute to your skills in your chosen field. You’ll graduate with a diploma in months instead of the years it takes to get a degree.
What Are Examples of Vocational Classes?
There are dozens of vocational programs in every field from cosmetology to healthcare. Course offerings change as workforce needs evolve. A few of today’s most popular programs include:
HVAC
HVAC technicians design, repair and maintain heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Programs teach students how to:
- Install residential and commercial HVAC equipment
- Test HVAC wiring and electrical components
- Clean ducts and replace filters
- Replace or repair worn parts
- Estimate design, installation, and maintenance costs for HVAC systems
- Troubleshoot energy-efficiency issues and recommend HVAC upgrades
On a hot July day, you’ll be the most popular person in town.
Business Management
Business management programs help students turn strong customer service skills into leadership potential. The curriculum includes courses in:
- Business fundamentals
- Accounting and finance
- Marketing and sales
- Supply chain management
- Human resources
- Customer care
- Inventory management systems
- Business technology
Information Technology (IT)
IT specialists help businesses establish and maintain computer networks. Courses cover:
- Computer hardware, software, and mobile technology
- Operating systems
- Routers and LANs
- Basic coding
- Multimedia applications
- Network design, cybersecurity
Tech-savvy students with crack analytical skills can build rewarding careers in the business, healthcare, and government sectors.
Medical Office Administration
Providing quality healthcare is a partnership between clinical and administrative professionals. Geared toward entry-level skills, courses focus on the practical skills students need to succeed. You’ll learn about:
- Medical terminology
- Health information management
- Medical office procedures
- Healthcare law and ethics
- Billing and coding
- Medical software applications
- Professional communication and development
Among the many programs vocational schools offer, medical office administration is among the most timely and meaningful. The healthcare system is growing exponentially and with that comes opportunity.
Hospitals, clinics, and private practices are hiring graduates as patient registrars, office managers, human resource assistants, and billing representatives. If you’re a people person interested in a healthcare career with no clinical responsibilities, the time to seek training is now.
What Do You Learn During a Medical Office Administration Program?
Vocational school programs cover a broad range of administrative practices used in healthcare settings. You’ll learn how to manage front office responsibilities in medical facilities and private practices. Programs explore:
Greeting Patients
As a medical office administrator, you’ll guide patients through the registration process. This class covers:
Office policies and procedures — rules for office behavior and standardized care practices
Data entry — how to enter accurate information into healthcare records
Patient privacy and confidentiality laws — how to maintain strict confidentiality while interacting with patients
Informed consent — what patients need to know about billing and treatment
Professional behavior and hospitality — how to meet patient and employer expectations
Students learn to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that builds patients’ trust in their healthcare providers while gathering personal and billing data.
Appointment Scheduling
Medical office administrators work with the clinical team to run a tight schedule. Programs teach students to:
Use scheduling software — computer programs that replace paper schedules
Optimize equipment and human resources — coordinating the equipment and personnel needed for appointments and procedures
Handle cancellations and urgent care requests — how to meet patient needs and minimize wait time without overwhelming staff
Recognize healthcare emergencies — what to look for and who to contact if a patient is in distress over the phone
Medical Billing and Coding
Billing begins during the registration process, so medical office administrators need a primer in billing and coding. Topics include:
Healthcare terminology — how to understand complex terms by breaking them down into parts
Medical coding systems — ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS
Electronic health records — digital versions of paper charts
Insurance claims — how data entry during registration affects the billing and insurance claim processes
Collections — how to accept payments and rules for requesting payment
Students will discover their role in the healthcare revenue cycle and how to participate in billing activities.
HIPAA, OSHA, and JCAHO Standards
Healthcare is regulated by the government and governed by accrediting agencies that create standards of care. As members of the administrative team, medical office administrators must comply with these rules and best practices. Programs review:
HIPPA regulations — how sensitive health data can be used, shared, and stored
OSHA safety standards — workplace rules to prevent accidents and injuries among workers and guests
JCAHO guidelines — the evidence-based, best practice recommendations that guide treatment decisions
Quality improvement processes — how to improve regulatory compliance and patient care
Graduates are well-prepared to function safely and effectively in a multidisciplinary setting.
Customer Relations
As a medical office administration specialist, your job is to create a warm and positive environment that builds patients’ trust in their healthcare providers. Easier said than done, it requires greater-than-average skill in a fast-paced, professional setting.
Key topics in this class include:
Patient education — how to inform patients about their healthcare options, treatment plans, and support services
Communication skills — how to project empathy and compassion when interacting with patients
Cultural sensitivity — accommodating religious and cultural preferences to ensure that all patients feel comfortable and respected
Patient privacy — respecting the privacy of individuals to name those with whom health information can be shared
Conflict resolution — how to assess situations objectively, find practical solutions, and resolve conflicts in a respectful and timely manner
Stress management — how to manage stress and maintain your composure in challenging situations
Students learn how to best establish rapport with patients of all ages and from different backgrounds.
Final Thoughts
Among the best values in education today, vocational school classes are a wide-open door to career opportunities. Medical office administration, HVAC, Information Technology and Business Management programs are leading the way, preparing a new generation of students for a new and exciting role. It’s just what the modern workforce needs.
Want to Learn More?
We offer Vocational Classes that can help you get started on a new career or advance your current one. You’ll get hands-on vocational training, industry recognized certifications, and real-world experience prior to graduation! We also offer continuing education courses to refresh and build on your technical skills.
So, let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
