How to Choose Your College for Healthcare

Your high school days are coming to an end! As exciting as that sounds it also means it’s time for you to start talking about what you are going to do with the rest of your life! Most of you have already decided: I know I want to help others. I know I want to give back to my community. I know I want to have a career that I’m proud of and that’s financially stable. I KNOW I want to work in healthcare! 

So that’s it, you know what you want to do after graduation. Now it’s time to figure out the best way to accomplish this goal. 

What is an accelerated career college?

Some form of healthcare education is offered at universities and community colleges with programs that can last up to 4 years so the question is, why do career colleges and 2-year programs work? Have you considered the opportunities that an accelerated career college offers? You know, like a trade school? But did you know colleges that offer education and training in a skilled trade build the programs so students, like you, focus only on what you need to know for your career choice? Skilled Trade jobs can range anywhere from construction, technology, and even healthcare. 

What is the difference between a university and an accelerated career college?

It is important to know what you are getting into when you decide on the college career path you choose to take. You could spend 2-4 years in school, or you could finish in as little as 10 months. You could spend the first several semesters taking general education classes like Math, Science, English, or the ever so popular Modeling and Simulation of Mechatronic systems! Or you could avoid general education classes altogether and take only on the courses you need for your new career. You could spend a lot of money, with rising tuition costs, textbooks, mandatory housing and meal plans, online fees, supply fees, homework fees, parking costs, graduation fees, classroom fees, and diploma fees, it can get overwhelming.  Or you could know your total cost of the program even before you enroll. There. Are. No. Extra. Fees! 

Are you more of an accelerated path kind of gal – or guy? That makes sense, this path is a practical, manageable, possible, sensible, feasible, usable, attainable, and most importantly achievable! But not all Career Colleges are the same! 

How do I know which college is right for me?

There are many paths you can take to determine how to find the right college for you. Here are a few examples: 

• Do your research!  Visit their website, read the reviews, check collegenavigator.com, and ask a bunch of questions.  
• The school you choose must be accredited! Accreditation is very important and sets the guidelines that the school must follow so you receive the highest quality education.
• Once you’re in, are you really in? Do you have to take prereqs before you can even begin learning about the program of your choice? Don’t waste money on classes you do not need.
• Have you compared the length and cost of the program with other colleges offering the same certification, diploma, or degree? Your time is valuable and the reason you chose the accelerated path.
• Do they provide externship opportunities? What better way to refine your skills learned on campus than with actual patients. 
• Do they offer job placement assistance? Once you graduate you are going to be ready to put all the skills and knowledge you have learned to work! Find a college that can guide you through career services for success so you can start working immediately.

Once you have narrowed down your list of colleges. Go ahead and schedule a tour of the campus! Use this visit to determine a few things:

• Can you relate to the environment?
• Can you picture yourself in the clinical lab practicing new skills?
• Was the staff friendly and welcoming?
• Do you feel a sense of trust when talking with your rep?

How you feel about these answers is important but so is the first impression – so pay attention. Ultimately deciding on your future is overwhelming and can sometimes be a little scary. You know you want to get an education. You know you want to make the right decision. You know you have the support system to do it. You KNOW you’ve got this! 

At MedQuest College, we truly believe that finding the right college – for you – is important. If you are trying to determine if an accelerated career college is a path you should take, reach out to an admissions advisor today! There is no commitment required to ask questions and better understand the opportunities available to you.