Radiation Therapy vs Respiratory Therapy: Career ROI

If you want to enter the healthcare field, one option is to pursue a therapy career. Cancer is a prevalent disease that has consumed 5.5% of the US population. If you want to help treat patients with this chronic disease, you may work in Radiation Therapy. Its main goal is to shrink tumors, mediate symptoms, and eventually kill cancer cells.

On the other hand, if you want to delve more into pulmonary care, where you want to help patients suffering from pulmonary disorders, it’s worth pursuing a Respiratory Therapy career. Take a look at both fields and decide which one is a better match. 

The Path to Becoming a Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapy uses high-energy or high-powered X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink many types of tumors. It entails a series of predetermined treatments over a period of time.

Radiation therapists are highly trained individuals, but a four-year bachelor’s degree isn’t a requirement in this profession. To pursue this trade career, an associate degree or a vocational or technical program is sufficient.

That said, your employer may require radiation therapists to hold specific credentials. Relevant practical and clinical experience is typically a must. Because companies often value applicants with specialized training, prioritize earning your Radiation Therapy academic training and credentials from accredited, top-ranked institutions.

Radiation therapists operate and maintain the radiological equipment. They find jobs in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and outpatient clinics. In most states, radiation therapists must be certified or licensed. They must earn credentials from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which certifies and registers technologists.

Career Options in Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapists enjoy a high-demand occupation in the healthcare industry. It is, in fact, one of the most lucrative trade jobs!

Alternatively, Radiation Therapy can lead to these jobs, as long as you possess a solid background in Mathematics, Physics, Medicine, or Dentistry or pursue advanced training, obtain formal education, and pass specific national examinations to meet the requirements of the practice.

  • Radiation Oncologist
  • Health Administrator
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Radiation Physicist

Radiation Therapy is a good fit if:

  • You possess the necessary technical skills to operate the radiation machinery. 
  • You want to acquire techniques for sharpening your attention to detail.
  • You possess strong interpersonal abilities.
  • You have no problems adhering to care guidelines and safety protocols.

Radiation Therapy is NOT a good fit if:

  • You don’t have enough physical stamina to assist patients physically.
  • You have difficulty paying close attention to detail.
  • You are not a fan of math and the sciences.
  • Patient care isn’t your strong suit.

Let’s Explore: Radiation Therapy vs Respiratory Therapy

Radiation Therapy Respiratory Therapy
Average Salaries$89,530$70,540
Job Growth (2022-2032)2% (400 openings annually)13% (16,700 openings annually)
Common Jobs/Roles– Radiation oncologist therapist
– Radiation Therapy technologist
– Chief radiation therapist
– Radiation monitoring
– Critical care specialist
– Pulmonary function technologist
– Respiratory care specialist
Work Settings– Hospitals
– Doctors’ offices
– Clinics
– Outpatient centers
– Universities
– Nursing homes
– Hospitals
– Cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs
– Home health agencies
– Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center
Equipment Used/Operated– Cobalt 60-units
– Brachytherapy units
– Linear accelerators
– Caesium-137 therapy units
– Nebulizers
– Oxygen cylinders
– Suction canisters
– Ventilators
– Nasal Cannula
– CPAP Oxygen concentrators

The Path to Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

An allied health specialization, Respiratory Therapy involves the diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of a patient’s breathing. Exercise suggestions, progress tracking, and breathing assessments are its major components.

A certified professional with training in treating patients with heart and lung conditions is called a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), sometimes referred to as a Respiratory Therapist. An RCP may treat patients of all ages.

To be considered for a career in the industry, you have to, at the very least, obtain an associate degree in this field from an accredited institution! Practitioners are expected to be skilled in both therapeutic techniques that support pulmonary health maintenance and the diagnostic assessment of lung function. Respiratory therapists are also expected to have sufficient background in Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology.

Respiratory Therapy is a medical trade career that requires completing a vocational program. However, additional degrees are highly encouraged to boost your credentials. Pursuing higher degrees like a bachelor’s or master’s leads to higher-earning prospects and career progress.

Except Alaska, all states require respiratory therapists to hold a license to practice. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is the primary certifying body for respiratory therapists.

Career Options for Respiratory Therapists

About 81% of respiratory therapists are employed by hospitals. They also work in cardiac diagnostic labs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities, and home health agencies.

With Respiratory Therapy training, you also qualify for these job titles:

  • Critical care specialist
  • Pulmonary function technologist

Respiratory Therapy is a good fit if:

  • You work well under pressure. 
  • You are passionate about learning technology and medical tools.
  • You don’t mind studying science courses.

Respiratory Therapy is NOT a good fit if:

  • You don’t want to apply for certifications.
  • You are passive about educating others. This role requires you to educate patients and families about lung diseases and breathing disorders.
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation basics and advanced aren’t of interest to you.

Final Word

Both Radiation Therapy and Respiratory Therapy are great career pathways to pursue. It’s a matter of choosing which one that will match your skills and knowledge.

Respiratory and Radiation Therapies share common grounds, providing healthcare and medical assistance to patients. They are similar to Radiography and Sonography professionals who operate medical equipment or machines for purposes of diagnosis and treatment.

Elevator and Escalator Mechanic vs Electrical/Telecommunications Line Technician: Career ROI

If you’re considering trade careers that provide opportunities for contributing to essential infrastructure, then perhaps you’re considering the Elevator and Escalator Mechanic and the Electrical/Telecommunications Technician careers. Both jobs make use of technical skills and require hands-on work that can lead to endless possibilities for professional fulfillment.

However, since time and resources are limited, you will want to know which careers will provide the most rewarding return on investment (ROI) so that you can start venturing through the right path the first time.

Read further to explore the differences between these two technical careers and to help you determine the occupation that will best suit your personal aspirations and career objectives.

Elevator and Escalator Mechanic as a Trade Program

To become a repairer and installer of escalators and elevators, a high school diploma or equivalent educational credential, such as a GED, is all you need. You can then attend an online elevator mechanic program in a top-rated trade school where you can:

  • Engage in paid on-the-job training and
  • Receive technical instruction, usually on the subject of Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology.

Apprenticeship programs are typically sponsored by an employer, union, and other organizations in the industry, and thus, you can be sure of obtaining skills and knowledge of the best practices that align with relevant laws and regulations.

You can typically find apprenticeship opportunities through community colleges and similar institutions, which collaborate with government agencies and industry groups.

Becoming an Elevator/ Escalator Mechanic

Starting Salary$47,850 per year
Average Salary$93,960 per year
Duties– Installation and assemble of elevators and escalators
– Wiring and rewiring of electrical units
– Testing of equipment to ensure safety and proper operation
– Conduct scheduled inspections and maintenance to ensure equipment’s compliance with safety regulations
– Troubleshooting of malfunctioning equipment
– Repair or replacement of broken equipment and components
– Upgrades older elevator/escalator systems with newer technology
– Responds to emergency calls for repairs
– Interacts with building owners, managers, or tenants for issues and maintenance schedule
– Maintains accurate records of services done to equipment
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)1%
Largest Employer(s)Building equipment contractors (85%)
Highest Paying Employer(s)Local Government (except hospitals and schools)

Advance Your Career as an Elevator/Escalator Mechanic

As an escalator and elevator mechanic, ongoing training and continuous education are necessary for you to stay on top of technological trends. Furthermore, you can consider obtaining optional certifications to showcase your proficiency and competence in this trade career.

Certification options (and professional development opportunities) include the following:

When it comes to licenses, the requirements will vary depending on where you are, considering that most states will require escalator/elevator technicians to be licensed.

Why you should be an Elevator and Escalator Mechanic

  • You have good aptitude in physics, math and mechanical drawing
  • You can comfortably work at heights without problems
  • You are detail-oriented with good troubleshooting skills

Why you should NOT become an Elevator and Escalator Mechanic:

  • You do not have the strength and stamina to endure the physical demands of the job
  • You prefer a job where a typical day doesn’t have to involve constantly moving from one site to another
  • You struggle to understand mechanical and electrical concepts

Let’s Compare Elevator and Escalator Mechanic vs Electrical and Telecommunications Line Technician

 Elevator and Escalator MechanicElectrical/Telecommunications Line Technician
Starting salaries$47,850 per year$47,070 per year (Electrical Powerline Technicians) $37,060 per year (Telecommunications Line Technicians)
Average salaries$93,960 per year$74,010 per year (All Line Installers and Repairers)
Job Growth (2022-2032)1%3% (Electrical Powerline Technicians)6% (Telecommunications)
Certifications/Licensing– Licensing is required in most states.
– Certifications are optional through the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International and the National Association of Elevator Contractors.
– Certification requirements differ by state.
– Optional certifications available from the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers, the Fiber Optic Association, and many others.
Largest Employer(s)Building equipment contractorsUtilities/Telecom Companies
Highest Paying Employer(s)Local Government (except hospitals and schools)Natural Gas Distribution Companies (for both Electrical and Telecommunications Line Technicians)

Electrical/Telecommunications Line Technician as a Trade Program

A high school diploma or an equivalent is usually the minimum educational requirement for becoming an electrical and telecommunications line technician, especially when you have a solid foundation in mathematics.

Technical and associate education in a relevant field, however, will provide you with a stronger set of skills to excel in one of the best trade careers! These programs can range from the one-year Certificate to the two-year Associate’s degree programs for becoming an Electrical and Telecom Line Technician. They are offered by community colleges and technical schools.

Education and training programs typically focus on either electrical power line courses or telecommunication courses. In essence, they will cover essential topics such as:

  • Line construction
  • Electrical and/or telecommunication distribution
  • Work safety protocols
  • Computer networking
  • And many others

The hands-on training opportunities available to you as an Electrical/Telecommunications Line Technician include the following:

  • Internships and apprenticeships
  • On-the-job training when newly employed by the company
  • Manufacturer-specific training, especially for telecommunication equipment

Becoming an Electrical and Telecommunications Line Technician

Starting Salary$47,070 per year (Electrical Powerline Technicians)
$37,060 per year (Telecommunications Line Technicians)
Average Salary$74,010 per year (All Line Installers and Repairers)
Duties– Installation of electrical and communication lines, cables and equipment
– Repair and maintenance of electrical and telecommunication systems and network
– Testing and inspection of networks and their components
– Upgrade and expansion of infrastructure
– Adherence to work safety protocols and regulations
– Compliance with industry standards and regulations
– Responds to emergencies promptly to minimize downtime
– Communicate electrical or telecommunication issues and instructions to customers
– Maintain documentation of installation, repair and maintenance activities
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)3% (Electrical Powerline Technicians)6% (Telecommunications)
Largest Employer(s)Utilities and Telecommunications Companies
Highest Paying Employer(s)Natural Gas Distribution Companies (for both Electrical and Telecommunications Line Technicians)

 

Advance Your Career as an Electrical and Telecommunications Line Technician

Trade certification requirements for many types of technicians generally differ from state to state. Certain optional certifications can boost your credentials in this career, such as the various certifications in multiple disciplines offered by the Electrical Training Alliance (previously called NJATC).

There are also optional certifications that will help boost your career in this fun and rewarding trade career in the telecommunications industry. Below are some examples:

Why you should be a Line Technician:

  • You have a technical aptitude for electrical and telecommunication concepts.
  • You are enthusiastic about troubleshooting circuits, wiring systems, equipment and related constructions.
  • You like a trade career that lets you work outdoors and endure physical demands.

Why you should NOT become a Line Technician:

  • You have eyes that struggle to identify colors, which is necessary for the job because standard wires are color-coded
  • You struggle when working at heights
  • You have difficulty communicating technical information effectively and clearly

Final Word

By understanding the differences between Elevator and Escalator Mechanic and Electrical/Telecommunications Line Technician careers, you can make a well-informed decision on which educational path to start and invest in today.

Decide toward a fulfilling and high-paying career journey filled with growth and opportunity!


For more valuable information, see the following:

Chef vs Cook: Career ROI

Chefs and cooks both play essential roles in the culinary industry. Although these two careers may initially seem to have many similarities, understanding the differences in educational commitment, job responsibilities, skills, and career paths is essential to ensure you’re getting the most rewarding return on investment (ROI).

Chef as a Trade Program

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally the basic education you need to start working as a chef. However, to boost your employment and career growth opportunities, you may want to obtain postsecondary education, such as the culinary programs offered at four-year colleges, technical or vocational schools, community colleges and culinary arts schools, among other institutions.

You can enroll in the fastest trade degree programs in Culinary Arts from the best schools! You obtain practical, hands-on learning experiences and build a solid knowledge base and become a successful chef.

Courses for becoming a chef typically include:

  • Basic to advanced food preparation techniques
  • Culinary presentation
  • Garde Manger or cold kitchen preparation
  • Local and international cuisine
  • Classic and modern cuisine
  • Internship courses
  • Preparation for standard certificate exams

Other ways for you to become a chef or head cook include:

  • Mentorship programs where you work under experienced chefs
  • Apprenticeship programs are usually sponsored by professional culinary establishments and industry groups

Becoming a Chef

Starting Salary$33,750 per year
Average Salary$60,210 per year
Duties– Oversees kitchen operations
– Recipe creation
– Menu planning and development
– Supervision and training of kitchen staff
– Inventory management and supplies procurement
– Food quality and safety management
– Monitoring of sanitary practices
– Compliance with kitchen safety standards
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)5%
Largest Employer(s)Restaurants and dining establishments
Highest Paying Employer(s)Financial and investment companies

What It Takes to Become a Chef

Hard skills:

  • Proficiency in various cooking methods
  • Knowledge of ingredients
  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Knife skills
  • Recipe-making and menu planning
  • Time management to meet service times
  • Inventory management
  • Equipment operation

Soft skills:

  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Stress management
  • Adaptability to changing schedules, staff shortages, kitchen emergencies and menu changes, among others
  • Creativity in creating new dishes or adapting existing recipes
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer service
  • Business skills

Advance Your Career as a Chef

If you haven’t done so, obtaining an Associate or Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts or a relevant field can help further your career as a chef because the curriculum often includes courses in business management, customer service and hospitality operations.

These credentials, coupled with years of hands-on experience, can open doors to management roles, leadership opportunities, and high pay in Culinary Arts. You’ll also have the chance to open your own restaurant or catering business.

For certifications, here are some considerations:

  • Chefs may require a food handler’s certification in some localities or states.
  • The American Culinary Federation or ACF can provide optional certifications for various types of chefs, e.g., Certified Master Chef (CMC), Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and Certified Sous Chef (CSC).

Why you should be a Chef:

  • You love cooking and have a passion for leading a team of cooks
  • You have natural skills in food handling, preparation, and presentation
  • You are interested in witnessing the joy and satisfaction your culinary creations bring to people

Why you should NOT become a Chef:

  • You panic under pressure, particularly during busy dining hours in the kitchen
  • You lack interest in creating flavors
  • You’re not interested in the business aspects of running a kitchen or restaurant

Let’s Compare: Chef vs Cook

 ChefCook
Starting salaries$33,750 per yearAround $21,990 per year ($10.57 per hour – cooks are typically paid hourly)
Average salaries$60,210 per year$32,080 per year
Job Responsibilities– Overseeing kitchen operations
– Recipe creation
– Menu planning and development
– Supervision and training of kitchen staff
– Inventory management and supplies procurement
– Food quality and safety management
– Monitoring of sanitary practices and compliance with kitchen safety standards
– Assisting chefs in the kitchen
– Food preparation and cooking based on recipes and instructions
– Kitchen equipment cleaning and maintenance
– Adhering to food cooking standards
Entry-Level EducationHigh school graduate or equivalentNo formal education is required, but employers may prefer cooks who are at least high school graduates.
Certifications/LicensingAmerican Culinary Federation provides optional certification for various chef types as well as fundamental cooks and pastry cooks.Food Handler’s Certification in some states/localities
Projected Employment Growth (2022-2032)5%6%
Largest Employer(s)Restaurants and dining establishments
Highest Paying Employer(s)Financial and investment companiesMaritime support and marine logistics services

Cook as a Trade Program

Although you can start your career as a cook without any formal education, some employers prefer hiring cooks who have at least graduated from high school. To increase your chances of qualifying for an entry-level cook position in restaurants, however, you may want to attend cooking-related programs and courses from culinary training institutes, colleges, or vocational schools.

Some of the courses include:

  • Basic food and kitchen safety and sanitation
  • Knife selection, handling and maintenance
  • Kitchen equipment operation
  • Specific culinary areas like egg dishes, vegetables, soups/stocks/sauces, bread and pastry, and herbs and salads
  • International, local and ethnic cuisines

Just like chefs, aspiring cooks can also obtain the training and experience they need through:

  • Mentorship program
  • Apprenticeships
  • Training programs conducted by hotels or restaurants for their staff

Becoming a Cook

Starting SalaryAround $21,990 per year ($10.57 per hour)
Cooks are typically paid hourly.
Average Salary$32,080 per year
Duties– Assisting chefs in the kitchen
– Food preparation and cooking based on recipes and instructions
– Kitchen equipment cleaning and maintenance
– Adhering to food cooking standards
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)6%
Largest Employer(s)Restaurants and dining establishments
Highest Paying Employer(s)Maritime support and marine logistics services

What It Takes to Become a Cook

The hard and soft skills required for cooks are essentially the same as those required for chefs. However, cooks generally have a more hands-on role in the kitchen, and thus, certain skills are more pronounced or uniquely emphasized in their role.

Hard skills:

  • Food preparation techniques, e.g., slicing and chopping
  • Station-specific skills, e.g., sauté station, pastry station, and grill station
  • Portion control, especially when following standardized recipes
  • Adept at working efficiently and quickly
  • Equipment operation

Soft skills:

  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Attention to detail
  • Team collaboration
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, tasks or stations to meet the demands of the kitchen
  • Physical stamina and endurance

Advance Your Career as a Cook

The ACF can provide non-mandatory certifications for Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) and Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC), which can boost your career. On the other hand, cooks may be required to earn a food handler’s certification in some states or localities.

Your professional development as a cook will be influenced by various factors, such as your education and training from a leading trade school, hands-on working experiences, and proficiency in specific cuisines. Your career growth opportunities include:

  • Supervising and training kitchen personnel
  • Becoming a chef, head cook, or food service manager

Why you should be a Cook:

  • You’re passionate about culinary arts and eager to start working at a young age, as postsecondary education for cooks often requires only a few months
  • You love working with food and delighting others through cooking
  • You seek creative outlet through cooking, even in fast-paced environments

Why you should NOT become a Cook:

  • You lack attention to detail in food preparation
  • You dislike working in hot and fast-paced environments
  • You struggle with repetitive tasks

Final Word

You may aspire to lead a kitchen as a chef or prefer a more hands-on role as a cook. Before you choose which career to invest in, however, you may also have to consider your personal and career goals as well as your skill sets and interests. By doing so, you can be sure you’re on the right path toward a fulfilling career in the culinary arts!


For more information, see the following:

Dental Hygienist vs Dental Assistant: Career ROI

With advancements in technology and oral hygiene practices, the field of dental health has greatly evolved over the years. Dental health professionals are dedicated to promoting oral health and providing comprehensive care to patients.

Dental hygienists and dental assistants are top-paying medical and healthcare trade roles. They work with dentists to ensure patients receive quality dental treatment. These professions highlight the importance of preventive care and show the diverse career opportunities available in the dental world.

Exploring the Role of Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists provide preventive dental care and educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices. They use specialized instruments to:

  • perform thorough teeth cleaning
  • remove plaque and tartar build-up
  • conduct oral screenings to detect signs of gum disease or oral abnormalities

Becoming a Dental Hygienist

Aspiring dental hygienists usually pursue an Associate in Dental Hygiene from accredited institutions. Associate programs are usually quick, taking two to three years to finish depending on their structure and requirements. A dental hygienist trade program is fairly affordable as well, considering the high-paying trade job that it is!

Most programs offer technical training in important areas like dental instrument usage, radiography equipment operations, and oral health assessment techniques. Some of the common course topics include:

  • Dental anatomy
  • Periodontology
  • Pharmacology
  • Patient care protocols
  • Community dental health

After graduating, you’ll be ready to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and earn state or regional licensure to practice. You may also continue learning through short courses and certifications, such as those offered by the American Dental Association (ADA) or the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA).

Career options for dental hygienists extend beyond traditional clinical practice. They become in schools, nursing homes, research institutions, or specialized areas like teledentistry or mobile dental clinics. You may also pursue roles like dental hygiene educators, public health coordinators, or dental product sales representatives to earn more and advance your career.

A Dental Hygienist job could be for you if:

  • You enjoy performing meticulous tasks and have a keen eye for detail.
  • You’re passionate about educating patients on oral hygiene and preventive dental care.
  • You thrive in a collaborative healthcare environment and enjoy working closely with patients.
  • You seek a career with opportunities for professional growth and advancement in the dental field.

A Dental Hygienist job may NOT be for you if:

  • You’re uncomfortable with performing oral examinations or cleaning teeth.
  • You prefer a role inside the laboratory with limited interaction with patients.
  • You struggle with managing your schedule and adapting to different patient needs.
  • You seek a career with no educational requirements or opportunities for specialization.

Let’s Compare: Dental Hygienist vs Dental Assistant

The comparison table below provides a concise overview of the important features that you may consider when exploring these professions.

CriteriaDental HygienistDental Assistant
Annual Salary Range$75,100 – $96,870$52,544 – $96,325
Job Growth (2022-2023)7%7%
Main Job Responsibilities– Perform dental cleanings
– Assess oral health
– Share oral hygiene practices with patients
– Assist with dental procedures
– Prepare treatment rooms
– Sterilize instruments
– Take patient X-rays
Occupational Hazards– Exposure to infectious diseases
– Repetitive strain injuries
– Risk of needlestick injuries
– Exposure to chemicals
– Back strain from prolonged standing

Exploring the Role of Dental Assistants

Working alongside dentists and dental hygienists, dental assistants provide chairside assistance during dental assessments and procedures.

Essentially, they:

  • assist with patient care tasks like taking dental X-rays, preparing dental instruments and materials, and sterilizing equipment to keep the clinic safe and hygienic
  • assist with patient communication to lessen patient anxiety and address dental concerns
  • perform administrative duties like scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and handling billing and insurance claims

Becoming a Dental Assistant

If you’re planning to start a career as a dental assistant, your first step may be to enroll in a dental assisting program that is Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited.

Spanning two years, these programs provide comprehensive training in dental assisting techniques, patient care, and clinic administration. Courses include:

  • Radiography
  • Dental anatomy
  • Dental materials
  • Chairside assisting
  • Clinical administration
  • Infection control

In addition to coursework, you’ll also need practical training through internships that will allow you to experience how it is to assist dentists during patient examinations and treatments.

After completing your associate degree, you can pursue the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification to enhance your credentials as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Licensure requirements vary by state but most of them require dental assistants to be licensed or registered to practice.

As a dental assistant, you may work in :

  • general dental clinics, hospitals, or dental schools
  • specialty clinics (to handle orthodontics, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry

While entry-level positions may offer competitive salaries, you may earn more by becoming a lead dental assistant or office manager.

A Dental Assistant job could be for you if:

  • You have strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • You enjoy assisting others and working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • You seek a career with diverse responsibilities and opportunities to learn new skills within the dental field.
  • You’re interested in entering the dental profession but prefer a shorter educational pathway compared to other dental roles.

A Dental Assistant job may NOT be for you if:

  • You’re uncomfortable with performing tasks involving patient care or dental procedures.
  • You struggle with following instructions and prefer making your own choices when working.
  • You prefer a career with clear advancement opportunities or specialized roles.
  • You’re looking for a profession with minimal patient interaction or limited exposure to medical settings.

Final Word

Both dental hygienists and dental assistants play pivotal roles in the dental industry, each contributing their skills and expertise to ensure patients receive top-notch care. While dental hygienists focus on preventive care and patient education, dental assistants provide essential support during procedures and ensure the safety of dental clinics.

By taking note of the responsibilities of these professions, you’ll be more equipped when starting your career. It’s important to match your capabilities and interests with your chosen profession and its job requirements. In order to grow in the dental industry, you must be open to continuous learning, personality development, and patient care training.


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5 Best Online Plumber Trade Schools in 2024

Plumbers are trade professionals working with water fixtures, water heaters, piping systems, and the like. Plumbing schools usually require students to get their high school diploma to get started. Coursework includes courses that focus on the basics of working with pipes, plus an apprenticeship to understand the industry even more.

Different states have different requirements for their plumbers. Some even require both a practical and written exam to earn a certification.

Plumbing programs are completed toward a career diploma or an associate degree. A plumbing program is designed to help students prepare for full-time careers as plumbers and can be completed online.

Lessons are delivered via physical media like CDs, DVDs, or textbooks that are shipped to the student at the start of the program. Assignments are usually turned in through emails or forwarded via online education software.

What is a Plumber?

A plumber specializes in the repair, maintenance, and installation of plumbing systems. Plumbing systems consist of fixtures, pipes, and appliances that facilitate the distribution of gas, water, and waste systems in commercial, residential, and industrial settings.

Plumbers ensure that all these systems work properly and efficiently, allowing for effective drainage, clean water supply, and the overall safety and health of occupants.

Plumbers perform so many tasks, like installing and connecting plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances like toilets, sinks, water heaters, showers, and irrigation systems. These trade workers also read blueprints and building codes to create and execute plumbing installations.

Plumbers also evaluate and troubleshoot common plumbing issues like clogs, malfunctioning components, or leaks, using specialized techniques and tools to identify and repair problems.

The Labor Statistics Bureau says plumbers, steamfitters, and pipe fitters have a median annual wage of $60,090 as of May 2022.

Based on the BLS occupational outlook handbook, employment for these jobs is projected to increase to 2% from 2022-2023, just as quickly as the average for all other types of occupations. This translates to 42,600 openings for plumbers, steamfitters, and pipe fitters each year over the decade.

Methodology

This list of the best online plumber trade schools is based on several key factors. Online plumbing trade programs are offered by only a handful of trade schools and community colleges.

Prospective students must choose a school based on the program’s depth and the degree to which the trade school supports students’ hands-on learning. Other factors considered include:

  • Instructional format: Online plumbing trade courses are designed for students to take asynchronously. Assignments are due via email or through the education software of the online trade school.
  • Programs are designed to combine the fundamental skills, technical knowledge, and apprenticeship of plumbing based on recent international plumbing codes.
  • Online learning promotes leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
  • May require an apprenticeship or experience to easily become a successful plumber and secure full-time employment.
  • Professional instructors who are industry experts in the field of plumbing. Career guidance and student assistance to help students reach their career goals are provided.
  • Most hold relevant accreditation from certifying bodies.

Top 5 Best Online Plumbing Trade Schools

Johnston County Community College

Johnston County Community College
  • Location: Smithfield, North Carolina
  • Online Delivery Method: Online; Self Paced; In Person
  • Time it takes to complete: 6 months
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: none

The plumbing training program is available online at Johnston County Community College. The continuing education program is an accredited program that will prepare students to become entry-level plumbers and land a rewarding career in plumbing.

This online program by JCCC helps students learn new skills and further hone the talents they use regularly. Some of the courses include:

  • Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Certification
  • Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Recertification
  • Plumbing Exam Preparation.

This online plumbing program is handled by experienced plumbing instructors and plumbing professionals. The course materials are always up-to-date, the training programs are top-notch, and the instructors know industry trends.

This plumbing school offers training plans based on the student’s goals and experience. Regardless of the reason why students go for online plumbing training, JCCC ensures all students are given easy access to their numerous online courses, including its online plumbing courses.


Penn Foster

Penn Foster
  • Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Online Delivery Method: Online, Self Paced
  • Time it takes to complete: 5 months (fast track); 9 months (average)
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Military Benefits

For those who wish to have an in-demand plumbing career that allows them to use their troubleshooting skills, the online learning plumber program at Penn Foster is a wise option. Penn Foster’s Plumber Career Diploma prepares a student to become a plumber. Through this online course, prospective students will:

  • Learn the basic skills necessary to become a licensed plumber, like reading blueprints, pipefitting, installing fixtures, and more.
  • Prepare to become entry-level plumbers, plumbing technicians, steamfitter technicians, pipefitter technicians, and fire sprinkler installers.

This online plumbing course includes a modern plumbing introduction, how-to videos, and animations that allow recent graduates to use what they learn in real-world plumbing situations.

This program was originally offered by Ashworth College Central Network until it formally stopped accepting enrollments. Since then, the plumbing training program has been offered at Penn Foster, Ashworth College’s partner school.


Tyler Junior College

Tyler Junior College
  • Location: Tyler, Texas
  • Online Delivery Method: Online
  • Time it takes to complete: 12 months
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: undisclosed

The plumbing technician program offered by Tyler Junior College is dedicated to preparing students for the numerous career opportunities in the plumbing field. This online school for plumbers offers the best online courses that allow learners to gain entry-level skills needed to jumpstart a career in plumbing.

The main goal of this program is to prepare students to perform entry-level plumbing repair tasks and maintenance. This will also provide them with knowledge on safety issues and practices, use of critical safety information, personal protective equipment, and confined-space safety.

Students are also introduced to applicable math and plumbing tools, as well as plumbing drawings, interpretation, and application to layout and installation. They will also learn more about pipes and fittings, fixtures, and water systems. National certification is available for those who can complete this course, including OSHA 10-hour Certification.


SUNY Westchester Community College

SUNY Westchester Community College
  • Location: Westchester County, New York
  • Online Delivery Method: Online, Self Paced
  • Time it takes to complete: 12 months
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Military Tuition Assistance

If you search for plumber programs that handle the basics of plumbing, the Fundamentals of Plumbing offered by SUNY Westchester Community College is the answer. This is an online career diploma course that teaches students about the basic concepts of plumbing safety, as well as the safety procedures for plumbing equipment and material use.

Students can complete this online course at their own pace and learn all the functions of the components needed for the construction of standard water supply and piping systems. They will Laos learn how to use specialty drawings associated with construction detail and master how to identify fixtures and piping materials used in plumbing works.


Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College
  • Location: Waterloo, Iowa
  • Online Delivery Method: Online, Self Paced
  • Time it takes to complete: 144 training hours
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: no data

Hawkeye Community College offers four levels of online plumbing apprenticeship programs approved by the Department of Labor. Each level varies based on the needs of students, but all the classes are designed for apprentices who are sponsored by their employers but reside away from the school’s Cedar Falls Center.

This plumbing school also offers onsite plumbing classes for licensed plumbers who need to fulfill license requirements, learn new techniques, or brush up on their skills. All these plumbing classes offered at Hawkeye are approved by the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board to provide continuing education units for people working in hydronic, plumbing, HVAC, and refrigeration fields.

What Do Plumbers Do?

While the roles and responsibilities of a plumbing technician generally vary depending on the job, some other common tasks include:

Installation of Plumbing Systems

Plumbers install plumbing systems, including fixtures, piping, and appliances. They are adept in reading blueprints and building codes to ensure proper connection and placement of components. They may also install sprinklers or irrigation systems.

Maintenance and Repair of Plumbing Systems

Plumbers repair and maintain existing plumbing systems, including checking issues in water systems like clogs, leaks, and other damaged components. They use specialized plumbing tools like snakes, augers, and hydro jets in unclogging drains and pipes.

Plumbers also repair or replace damaged fixtures and pipes or troubleshoot issues in the plumbing industry, like temperature fluctuations or low water pressure.

Installation and Maintenance of Gas Lines

Plumbers install and maintain gas lines in commercial, residential, and industrial settings. They ensure that gas lines and appliances (ovens, stoves, water heaters) are properly installed and connected. They also assess gas leak repair and detection.

Interpretation of Building Codes and Regulations

Plumbers are very sharp about building and plumbing codes and regulations that are related to plumbing systems. They read and interpret blueprints to ensure that projects are compliant with state, local, and federal codes and regulations. Plumbers also secure the necessary inspections and permits for plumbing projects.

Customer Service

Plumbers keep in touch with their clients to better understand their plumbing concerns. They can also provide recommendations and advice on plumbing solutions and even cost estimates for plumbing projects.

Online Plumber Trade Schools - fact

Types of Plumbers

There are different types of plumbers, each having their own field of specialization. Below are some of the most common types.

Residential Plumbers

These plumbers focus on the plumbing systems in apartments, houses, and other residential properties. They handle several tasks, including repairing and installing plumbing fixtures. They also work on drainage systems, water supply lines, and sewage lines within residential buildings.

Commercial Plumbers

Commercial plumbers specialize in plumbing systems for commercial buildings like retail stores, schools, restaurants, and offices. These plumbers also handle bigger projects that need extensive knowledge and experience with commercial plumbing codes and regulations.

They work on installing and maintaining difficult plumbing systems, including fire sprinkler systems, water supply and drainage systems, and large-scale water heaters.

Industrial Plumbers

These types of plumbers work in industrial settings like manufacturing plants, factories, and power plants. They focus on handling specialized plumbing systems and equipment relevant to industrial environments.

Sometimes, they may also install and maintain large-scale piping systems, cooling systems, boilers, and other industrial plumbing equipment.

Service and Repair Plumbers

Service and repair plumbers focus on evaluating, diagnosing, and fixing plumbing issues. They’re the ones who respond to service calls from industrial, commercial, or residential clients to deal with plumbing emergencies like clogs, leaks, or broken fixtures.

These plumbers use their knowledge of troubleshooting issues and problem-solving skills to perform work necessary to restore plumbing functionality.

Construction Plumbers

You can see these types of plumbers in new construction projects. They work with builders, architects, and other construction professional to install plumbing systems in new buildings. These plumbers can also read blueprints, install appliances and fixtures, or lay out piping systems according to the specifications and building codes.

Construction plumbers make sure that the project’s plumbing systems are seamlessly integrated into the overall construction process.

Green Plumbers

These plumbers practice environmentally friendly plumbing practices and focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable plumbing solutions. They usually recommend and install plumbing fixtures like water-saving faucets, low-flow toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Frequently asked questions

What is the accreditation you need to check for online courses for plumbing?

In the plumbing industry, two of the certifying agencies are the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the International Accreditors for Continuing Education & Training (IACET). Certificate programs and courses that hold this accreditation certify that the school is legitimate.

How difficult is plumbing to learn?

Becoming a master plumber takes years of experience and hundreds of practical exams. However, anybody can become a successful plumber as long as he has a strong work ethic and is equipped with the determination to learn the trade one skill at a time.

What are the usual qualifications plumbers need?

Entry-level plumbing apprentices are normally required to have a high school diploma and a clean background. Master-level plumbers, on the other hand, are required to have a certain length of time in the industry, together with passing practical exams.


For more valuable information, see the following:

5 Best Online Carpenter Trade Schools in 2024

Carpenters are among the most commonly skilled tradespeople in the construction industry. They play essential roles in residential and commercial construction projects, from erecting wooden building frameworks to finishing with aesthetic and functional doors, windows, and cabinets, among other interior elements.

Even when you have natural carpentry skills and experience, enrolling in traditional or online carpenter trade schools, as well as engaging in carpentry apprenticeship programs, can further upgrade your woodworking and other essential carpentry skills and allow you to explore various fields in carpentry that you could not have explored on your own.

What’s a Carpenter?

A skilled tradesperson, a carpenter constructs, installs, and repairs structures, fixtures, and furnishings using wood and related materials for residential and commercial use. Following construction drawings relating to the project, carpenters utilize various tools and techniques to shape and join wood for functional and aesthetic purposes.

Their roles and responsibilities include the following:

  • Interpreting construction blueprints to understand the requirements and specifications of the project
  • Estimating and procuring materials required for projects within a specific budget
  • Preparing and assembling the structural wooden building frameworks
  • Constructs the formwork for concrete construction projects
  • Installing wooden doors, windows and frames and ensuring they fit correctly and function smoothly
  • Installing wood flooring and other materials
  • Providing finishing work like wooden trims, moldings, baseboards and other decorative elements
  • Planning, building and installing cabinets, countertops and other custom storage solutions
  • Maintaining, repairing and replacing damaged or deteriorating wooden structures or fixtures in existing buildings
  • Ensuring that every job is conducted safely and in compliance with building codes and regulations
  • Collaborating closely with other tradespersons like plumbers, electricians and painters

Recent US Labor Statistics data show that the median annual wage for carpenters as of 2022 was $51,390 per year. While the growth in employment opportunities within this trade is limited, the industry is projected to have an ongoing demand for approximately 79,500 carpenters each year over the next decade. These new carpenters will be needed to replace those who are retiring or transitioning to other careers.

Other occupations closely related to those of carpenters (and their median annual wage as of 2022, according to the Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook) include the following:

  • Woodworkers, $37,590. Around 23,400 woodworkers are needed annually over the decade to replace those who exit the workforce.
  • Roofers, $47,920. About 12,200 roofers are required in the next ten years.
  • Flooring Installers, including wood flooring installers, $47,890. The industry is expected to hire an average of 9,800 flooring installers annually over the decade.
  • Construction and Building Inspectors, $64,480. Despite declining employment growth, the industry still needs 15,700 inspectors annually in the next ten years.
  • Construction Laborers and Helpers, $39,520. The job outlook from 2022 to 2032 looks promising at 4%, which is as fast as the average of all occupations.

Methodology

We have compiled a comprehensive list of trade schools and programs offering online Carpentry classes across the country. Our list includes a traditional, in-person program in carpentry, as online or blended programs in this trade are less common.

Each carpentry program included in our compilation adheres to the following specific criteria:

  • Provides courses and training in online or hybrid formats to accommodate flexible scheduling options for students,
  • Features a well-rounded curriculum that covers various aspects of carpentry, like woodworking and construction practices, and modern techniques like concrete work framing insulation,
  • Prepares students for relevant certification examinations essential for establishing their careers in the carpentry field,
  • Delivered by faculty members and staff who are industry experts with practical experience and qualifications directly relevant to carpentry,
  • Offered by institutions with accreditation from agencies recognized by the Department of Education to ensure they meet high-quality education standards,
  • Acknowledged and respected by well-established organizations within the carpentry and construction industry.

5 Top Online Carpentry Trade Schools

City College of San Francisco

City College of San Francisco
  • Location: San Francisco, California
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 13 units (1 semester)
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Free City (for San Francisco residents), California College Promise Grant (CCPG), Other Grants, Federal Work-Study program, Loans, Scholarships

City College of San Francisco offers a range of Construction Technology programs that are available fully or partially online. One of these is the Carpentry Certificate of Accomplishment program, which requires students to complete 13 units.

There are four required courses under the Carpentry program, namely:

  • Blueprint Reading
  • Carpentry – Rough Framing
  • Construction Safety
  • Introduction to Construction Applications

Students will also have to choose one of the following Elective courses:

  • Adv. Project Furniture Making I
  • Carpentry-Advanced Framing
  • Concrete Applications
  • Contractor License Preparation
  • Finish Carpentry
  • Furniture Making & Woodworking

The accreditation for City College of San Francisco has earned the nod of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges or ACCJC, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.


Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville Technical Community College
  • Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 3 semesters
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Scholarships, Title IV Financial Aid, Veteran’s Services

The Carpentry Diploma program offered by Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) will equip students with technical skills and knowledge to construct, install and repair wooden fixtures and structures. Students will also be prepared for entry-level carpentry careers in the fields of construction, construction management, architecture and other related professions.

The program requires students to complete 45 credits to obtain the Carpentry Diploma, with many of the courses available online. The courses include the following:

  • Blueprint Reading
  • Intro to Carpentry
  • Carpentry I to III
  • Planning/Estimating

Students will also have to complete the Freshman Composition (ENG 110) and Interpersonal Psychology (PSY 118) courses as well as a 3-unit Major Elective, which can be replaced with pre-approved Cooperative Education of up to three credit hours.

FTCC also provides carpentry students with hands-on, experiential learning by engaging in active projects like Habitat for Humanity houses. Furthermore, the school collaborates with many construction companies as part of its membership with the Home Builders Association of Fayetteville.

The Carpentry program covers the educational requirements for North Carolina’s General Contractor License.

Fayetteville Technical Community College meets the accreditation standards established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges or SACSCOC.


Sheridan College

Sheridan College
  • Location: Sheridan, Wyoming
  • Online Delivery Method: Online
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 24 credit hours
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: FAFSA, Scholarships, Grants, Student Loans, Childcare Assistance Grant

Sheridan College offers an online Carpentry Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion program, which is designed to prepare students to become journeyman carpenters and, ultimately, become licensed general contractors.

The apprenticeship program requires students to complete 24 credit hours in order to obtain the Certificate recognition. Aside from equipping students with technical carpentry knowledge and skills, the program also aims to provide students with the ability to communicate effectively in industry settings and apply mathematics in construction projects.

This program meets the educational requirements under the Sheridan area state-approved Carpentry Apprenticeship that qualifies students to sit for the journeyman’s exam.

The program accepts applicants who are working for a licensed contractor recognized by the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship in Cheyenne.

The Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD), under which Sheridan College is a part, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or HLC.


Fox Valley Technical College

Fox Valley Technical College
  • Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 37 credits (around three semesters)
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: FAFSA, Military Benefits, Grants, Loans, Federal Work-Study Program

Fox Valley Technical College offers a full-time Technical Diploma (TD) in Woodworking Technology program, which provides a foundation of valuable skills in this field of work. The curriculum is facilitated through a blended learning format that combines online and laboratory carpentry classes.

Students are required to complete 37 credits to obtain the Technical Diploma recognition, 33 of which are occupational-specific courses, and the rest are Occupational Supportive courses. The courses include:

  • Blueprint Reading for the Woodworking Industry
  • Drafting for the Woodworking Industry
  • Frameless Cabinetry
  • Furniture Exploration 1 and 2
  • Layout and Sawing Operations
  • Milling Operations
  • Shaping and Molding
  • Tool Design and Maintenance

Students are trained to build projects with their hands, power tools, and stationary woodworking equipment like computer numeric controls or CNC machines.

The program accepts High School graduates, GED certificate holders and Associate degree graduates.

Fox Valley Technical College maintains institutional accreditation from the HLC. It’s also recognized as an institution of higher education by the U.S. Department of Education and a comprehensive technical college by the Wisconsin Technical College System or WTCS Board.


Columbus State Community College

Columbus State Community College
  • Location: Columbus, Ohio
  • Online Delivery Method: Onsite
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 2 semesters
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Customized Payment Plans, Third-Party Sponsors, FAFSA

Columbus State Community College offers a Construction Carpentry Certificate program exclusively to students actively engaged in apprenticeship programs formally acknowledged by the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council.

The program requires students to complete 19 credit hours spanning two semesters to obtain the Construction Carpentry Certificate. The curriculum covers the study of interior systems, concrete material, construction material science, scaffolding systems, and safety and loss prevention.

This Certificate program is delivered by the school’s Skilled Trades Department, which also offers the following carpentry programs:

The Higher Learning Commission has granted institutional accreditation to Columbus State Community College.

Carpentry Career Paths: More than Just Industrial Carpenters

While online Construction courses typically train students to become carpenters, the coursework generally provides students with a well-rounded education and diverse skill sets applicable to various roles and industries.

Custom Woodworkers/Cabinet Makers

Carpenters with artistic and woodworking skills can create custom furniture, cabinetry and woodcraft, among other decorative and functional structures and fixtures using a variety of building materials tools. They can also run their own woodworking businesses or work for specialized woodworking shops.

Furniture Restoration Specialists

Carpenters with an interest in restoration can work on repairing and restoring antique furniture pieces.

Renovation Contractors

Carpenters can specialize in home renovations to offer kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, and home additions, among other services.

Home Inspectors

Carpenters can become home inspectors who examine residential construction properties for structural issues, safety concerns, and compliance with building and zoning codes.

Estimators

Carpenters with strong math and organizational skills can work as estimators who calculate project costs, materials, and labor requirements for construction companies.

Safety Inspectors

Carpenters with thorough knowledge of construction site safety can become inspectors who will ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards on work sites.

Project Managers

Carpenters who have project management skills can apply for project manager roles dealing with planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction projects.

Construction Supervisors/Foremen

Experienced carpenters can advance to supervisory roles with the responsibility of overseeing construction projects, managing teams of workers, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Construction Trades Instructors

Experienced carpenters can give back to society by becoming educators who teach carpentry skills at vocational schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs.

Energy Auditors

Some carpentry programs include courses on energy efficiency and sustainability, allowing graduates the chance to venture into the career of conducting energy audits and retrofitting buildings with eco-friendly features.

Real Estate Developers

Experienced carpenters with an entrepreneurial spirit may venture into real estate development and lead their own construction projects.

Online Carpenter Trade Schools - fact

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Carpentry Trade Schools

Can I complete a Carpentry Trade Program entirely online, or is it a hybrid format?

Most carpentry trade programs are offered in a hybrid format. Due to the hands-on nature of the trade, a fully online program for Carpentry may be limited. Carpentry involves practical skills like woodworking, framing, and construction techniques and may involve using specialized tools and stationary equipment, which are best learned through hands-on experience in workshops.

A hybrid carpentry program generally involves completing theoretical coursework online but requires in-person attendance in sessions or labs for practical training and assessments. Some programs may also arrange for local internships or apprenticeships where students can gain practical experience with local employers.

In essence, the hybrid format allows you to gain the necessary hands-on skills while still enjoying the flexibility of online learning for theory and coursework.

What are the admission requirements for online Carpentry Trade programs?

Admission requirements vary by institution for online Carpentry Trade programs, but common prerequisites include a high school diploma or equivalent and, in some cases, a minimum GPA. Some programs also accept Associate degree holders and currently employed skilled tradespersons looking to level up their carpentry skills or seeking eligibility to sit in general contractor license exams.

Some programs also require applicants to submit standardized test scores or demonstrate proficiency in math and English.

Additionally, applicants are typically asked to provide letters of recommendation and a personal statement or undergo an interview process.

Students are highly advised to check the specific admission requirements of the school or program they’re interested in to ensure they meet all criteria.

Can students transfer credits earned in an online Carpentry Trade program to a higher degree program later on?

Transferring credits from an online Carpentry Trade program to a higher degree program depends on several factors, including the policies of the receiving academic institution and the specific courses you’ve completed.

Some colleges and universities may accept transfer credits earned in a Carpentry Trade program toward a related degree program like construction management, facilities management, architectural technology, or building construction technology.

It’s advisable to check with the institution you plan to transfer to and inquire about their credit transfer policies to determine if your Carpentry Trade program credits are transferable.

Summary Points

  • Having formal education through Carpentry Diploma or Certificate programs, even if you’re an experienced carpenter with raw skills, offers various benefits like upgrading your carpentry capabilities, exploring different aspects of carpentry, and most importantly, preparing for a general contractor license examination.
  • The curriculum covered in Carpentry Trade programs may differ among institutions, and thus, students are highly advised to research the program’s learning outcomes or contact the program advisor for more information.
  • Despite the limited growth expected in the employment of carpenters within the next decade, the industry will still need thousands of new carpenters each year in order to cover for existing tradespersons who’ll be retiring or changing careers.

For more valuable information, see the following:

5 Best Online Electrician Trade Schools in 2024

Electricians are constantly in demand because they are very helpful in repairing, maintaining, and installing electrical boxes and power systems. Private houses and businesses both require this kind of work, which is why a career path as an electrician is one with very good job security.

What is an Electrician?

An electrician installs and maintains the power and electrical systems, lighting, communications, and control systems in new and existing structures. Electricians deal with the complex wiring, circuit breakers, switches, outlets, to keep houses, business establishments, and large factories running smoothly.

Electricians use different industry-specific tools in doing their tasks, including voltmeters, ammeters, cable testers, and thermal scanners. Some of their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Understand and use technical diagrams and blueprints.
  • Inspect transformers, circuit breakers, and other electrical components.
  • Use testing devices in identifying and reporting electrical problems.
  • Adhere to local and state building regulations.
  • Complete non-residential installation, residential electrical system projects on time.
  • Make records of materials used.
  • Ensure that computer systems run smoothly by checking their cables, computer jacks, plugs, and many more.

Electrical technicians usually work for maintenance services, electrical companies, or contractors in carrying out various tasks. They closely work with other maintenance workers and electricians in installing and repairing electrical systems. Their task is to install outlets, circuit boards, provide cable and conduit service, and other electrical equipment. They may also troubleshoot electrical problems or perform repairs accordingly.

Electricians also make an inventory of supplies and tools and place orders for future projects.

The Labor Statistics discloses that electricians typically earn $28.96 per hour or $60,240 per year. Electrician employment is said to grow 6% between 2022 and 2033. This translates to 73,500 demand for electrical workers every year, on average, over the decade.

While most electricians learn through apprenticeships, others start out by enrolling in technical schools.

Methodology

This is a random list of 5 of the best online electrician trade schools. All schools in this list feature rigorous coursework and other unique features that help students excel in the field. These features include:

  • 100% online or hybrid format,
  • Programs are focused on the foundations of electrical systems like residential electrical wiring systems and other relevant online electrician courses,
  • The coursework will prepare students to be knowledgeable in the national electrical code, residential electrical wiring systems, greenhouse wiring techniques, and general electrician careers,
  • Encourages students to gain a master electrician’s license or pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering,
  • Obtained proper accreditation.

5 Best Online Electrician Trade Schools

Penn Foster College

Penn Foster College
  • Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Online Delivery Method: Online
  • Time it takes to complete: 13 months (average); 9 months (fast track)
  • Completion Rate: Undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: None

Penn Foster offers an online Residential Electrician Career Diploma with electrician courses broken down into short, mobile-friendly, and interactive lessons to help students gain the skills they need for entry-level positions in the field.

This nationally accredited online program can prepare students to work as electricians with contractors, construction companies, and manufacturing companies. Some of the core courses include:

  • Electrical Safety and Tools
  • Basic Electrical Theory
  • Electrical Fundamentals
  • Reading Electrical Drawings and Schematics
  • The National Electric Code
  • Snap-on Tool Discount for Trades Students

One feature this online electrician school offers that you cannot find somewhere else is the individual courses offered based on every state’s requirements.

Upon signing up, students will have ten core courses that will teach them the relevant knowledge and skills involved in the career path of a residential electrician. They will also be assessed on how they will use these skills in various settings, like government work, residential, manufacturing, and commercial properties.

The courses in this residential electrician program consist of study sheets, sets of lectures, and quizzes. Because of these materials generally not that long, students can easily plot out their preferred study schedule according to their schedule.

Penn Forster has lots of materials for all its online courses, including the residential electrician career diploma program, such as:

  • Mobile Friendly Platform
  • Progress Tracking
  • Video Lectures
  • Interactive Flashcards
  • Video Lectures
  • Committed Support System
  • Student Discussion Board

Ashworth College

Ashworth College
  • Location: Peachtree Corners: Georgie
  • Online Delivery Method: Online, Self-Paced
  • Time it takes to complete: 9 months
  • Completion Rate: Undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Special Savings for Families

Ashworth College offers online Electrician training courses that are aligned with the National Electrical Code (NEC) to help students develop proper and safe electrician training and skills employers demand.

Future residential electricians will learn about electrical equipment installation and tool usage, basic AC and electricity current theory, plus topics on how to install electrical systems, photovoltaic system installation, installing electrical boxes, cable and conduit service for residential, commercial, construction, and trade jobs.

In this electrician training program, students will gain the skills for a successful career in electrical construction. This trade school has nine self-paced interactive courses and lessons that cover the most crucial information needed to become a residential electrician. Courses include:

  • Working with Residential and Small Commercial Properties Electrical Systems
  • Conduit Service, Cables, and Conductors
  • Electrical Plans, Drawings, and Schematics
  • Electrical Fundamentals

All these lessons are split up into 13 different parts based on the various aspects of the job. Every lesson has a set of chapters in a textbook, plus a series of lectures.

Ashworth College makes sure every licensed electrician they produce is provided with a job search prep program. This way, students can easily use their skills in a professional setting as soon as they complete their electrical technology program.


Volunteer State Community College

Volunteer State Community College
  • Location: Gallatin, Tennessee
  • Online Delivery Method: Online; self-paced
  • Time it takes to complete: 12 months
  • Completion Rate: Undisclosed
  • Type of Aid: Federal Financial Aid, Scholarships, Grants

The online residential electrician training program at Volunteer State Community College provides an extensive overview of electrical maintenance. This course will teach students the skills they need to work as an electrical technician, including inspection, math, quality, safety, licensing process, lighting fixtures, branch and feeder circuits, electrical systems, motor controls, automation, green wiring practices, and assembly.

Students are introduced to various key concepts like Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean, and a lot more so they can successfully become electrical contractors or residential technicians in general. This coursework will prepare any practicing electrician to become a maintenance electrician, wireman, industrial electrician, control technician, or journeyman electrician.


Kingsborough Community College

Kingsborough Community College
  • Location: Brooklyn, New York
  • Online Delivery Method: Online; Self-Paced
  • Time it takes to complete: 12 months
  • Completion Rate: 90%
  • Types of Aid: Undisclosed

The Residential Electrician course at Kingsborough Community College is designed to teach the fundamental skills they need to work with residential electrical systems. Students in this electrician coursework will learn everything about electrical work, including electrical theory, safety procedures, wiring and installation, the use of hardware and materials, building plans, and anything about what residential electricians need.

With just a high school diploma as a prerequisite, students will have access to over 30 virtual simulations that simulate real hands-on practice, plus ten discussions on customer service, one of the most critical soft skills every employer seeks.

This program also introduces 3D models, including circuit breakers, device installation, the main panel, DMM, 3D model walk-throughs, and branch and feeder circuits. Students are also prepared for electrician licensing tests, something that is generally required by most localities and states.

While all licensing tests differ, all future residential technicians should understand the basic situations in electrical work, like the use of the local electrical codes, the National Electrical Code, circuits, and other types of wiring methods.


Delgado Community College

Delgado Community College
  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Online Delivery Method: Online
  • Time it takes to complete: 9 months
  • Completion Rate: Undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Undisclosed

Delgado Community College offers an online residential electrician certificate program where students can work on their classes at their own pace. This 100% online course is suitable for both a practicing electrician and a newbie and focuses on topics on residential wiring and other residential electrician electrical work.

This program teaches future residential electricians to install, build, equip, and service electrical systems for homes, specifically lighting fixtures, cooling, and heating. Students learn the National Electrical Code to prepare them for the national licensure exam.

After completing the program, each student will receive the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER) Core and Electrical Level 1 Certification.

Delgado Community College also offers other electrician training programs like the small industrial (for workshops, factories, and other industrial settings that use electrical energy for lighting, heating, and cooling), and commercial electrical programs (for homes, stores, and office buildings).

Education Paths of Electricians

A high school diploma generally meets the entry-level education prerequisite for electrician careers. However, most electricians complete additional training through the best electrician trade schools or vocational programs.

In trade schools, students will explore electrical theories and learn how to read electrical blueprints. They will also learn about safety practices, electrical code regulations, and mathematics.

Students may also choose to enroll in specialized training by taking specialty courses in specific fields like fire alarm systems, elevators, LEED certifications, and other niche fields.

As students earn a diploma or vocational certificate, enrollees may also boost their practical skills through practicum and laboratory requirements. One of the most common skills is soldering, which students can learn in a supervised setting with licensed and experienced electricians for apprenticeship-style training.

Another route to becoming an electrical technician is through an apprenticeship. Apprentices will work under a master electrician for five years. During this time, an apprentice may complete 2,000 on-the-job training hours every year. On top of paid work experience, apprentices can hone their skills through technical instruction.

Related Careers in Electrical Technician

Maintenance Technician

These technicians perform repairs on residential and commercial properties. They assess buildings, schedule repairs, and repair electrical wiring systems.

They also manage inventory records and create preventative maintenance plans. While maintenance technicians can take advantage of electrical training, this type of job does not necessarily need a post-secondary education.

Electronics Technician

Electronics technicians repair or install electronic equipment, including industrial electronics, automobile electronics, and transmitters. These technicians also conduct tests to identify whether a piece of equipment needs an upgrade or needs to be repaired.

They can also handle specialty equipment and work in industrial or commercial electronics, audio systems, automotive electronics, security systems, and navigation systems.

Electrical Foreman

These foremen manage electrical crews, ensuring they properly repair or install electrical equipment. They also provide cost estimates and set schedules for clients. Electrical foremen follow electrical blueprints and ensure the work complies with building codes.

Online Electrician Trade Schools - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

What education should an electrician have?

Generally, electricians must train through apprenticeship programs, and most licensed electricians attend trade schools before they start their apprenticeship. Many trade schools and community colleges offer electrician training certificate programs that typically last six months to two years.

What should you look for in an electrical trade school?

When looking for an electrical trade school, students must consider several factors. First, find out the program’s length and requirements. Second, check whether the program meets certification and licensure requirements in your state. It’s also important for aspiring electricians to check the program’s accreditation status.

Is there a difference between a license and a certificate for electricians?

Some states require licenses in order for electricians to work. A license typically proves an electrician is authorized to work in their field, while certifications display one’s level of experience. This distinction is specifically useful in states that offer both certifications and licenses.

Can you work as an electrician without a license?

While unlicensed electrician jobs really exist, they are generally rare because the things one can do as an unlicensed electrician are extremely limited, and one can be held liable for their work.


For more valuable information, see the following:

10 Best Online Associates in Respiratory Therapist Schools in 2024

Respiratory therapy is the study of treating lung or breathing problems. This kind of therapy is used to treat those with tracheostomy tubes, which are used to help people breathe without using their nose or mouth, as well as those who cannot breathe on their own and use a ventilator.

There are several causes of lung or respiratory problems. These include:

  • Asthma
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
  • Bronchitis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic respiratory diseases
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Emphysema
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Spinal Muscular dystrophy
  • Being born prematurely before lungs have fully developed
  • Accidents that cause a person to have difficulty breathing on their own.

Because of the intricacy of respiratory therapy, this type of treatment has become an essential part of medicine. This type of therapy is available in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities that provide relief for respiratory problems.

What Is Respiratory Therapy?

Respiratory therapy is the specialization of caring for treating lung and respiratory issues. Respiratory therapy also helps improve breathing for those with chronic or temporary respiratory conditions.

Newborn babies who were born prematurely, for example, may need this kind of therapy to ensure they are able to survive. This may involve breathing exercises, assessments, and progress monitoring.

Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook

According to the US Labor Statistics Bureau, employment of respiratory therapists is estimated to grow by 13% between 2022 and 2032, which is about 8,600 job openings every year on average.

Respiratory therapists, as experts in health and human services, make $74,310 annually working in clinics, nursing homes, sleep labs, hospitals, nursing homes, offices, and rehabilitation centers, to name a few.  

The highest number of employed respiratory therapists work in general medical and surgical hospitals. Meanwhile, the number one paying industry for a respiratory therapy career is the companies and enterprises management sector, offering an annual mean wage of $106,780.

States with the highest employment levels of registered respiratory therapists for RTs include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Ohio. As for the top-paying states, these include California, New York, Alaska, the District of Columbia, and Washington.

Methodology

This article is aimed at assisting students in choosing the best school that offers associate’s degrees in Respiratory Therapy. We have searched the country’s most remarkable colleges and universities to ensure we are able to list the top-rated online Respiratory Therapy programs from the nation’s leading schools.

We used the following factors to pick each of the online respiratory therapist trade schools listed below:

  • Available online or through a hybrid format so working students can earn a degree while also fulfilling other responsibilities,
  • Features associate degree courses that prepare students to become certified respiratory therapists following a degree completion program or a Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy program,
  • Features a generous transfer credit policy to allow students with some credits earned previously through another college or experiential learning to reduce the overall cost of tuition further,
  • Provides additional support services, such as one-to-one mentoring, job placement, career counseling, and online library services, to help make university life easier for students.
  • Offers Federal Student Aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans from private and public organizations to ensure that the costs are kept to a minimum for all students of an online Respiratory Therapy program,
  • Received proper accreditation from reputable colleges and schools commission accrediting bodies, including the CoARC or Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, to prove that it complies with rigorous standards.

Top 10 Online Associate’s in Respiratory Therapy Schools

Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College
  • Location: Waterloo, Iowa
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid/Campus + Online
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 2 years
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Grants and Scholarships, Employee Tuition Assistance Programs, Military Education Benefits, Private Student Loans, Federal Direct Student Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans

Hawkeye Community College’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Care program prepares students to identify and address respiratory disorders in patients of all ages. This will train them to work with newborns who have a rough start in life, adults with lung and heart complications, and children suffering from trauma and asthma.

Through this associate’s in applied science degree program, students will develop the competencies to perform the following:

  • Blood draws
  • Sleep studies
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Patient assessments
  • Airway care
  • Lung clearance techniques
  • Breathing treatments
  • Breathing tube insertion
  • Electrocardiograms
  • Medical record documentation
  • Ventilator management

Online Respiratory Therapy degree students will have hands-on learning opportunities. They get to train in the state-of-the-art simulation lab at Van Gerpen Patient Simulator Laboratory using full-sized manikins and simulators to give them a real-world experience of patient scenarios and hospital settings in a controlled environment. They can also gain 800 hours of clinical work experience to develop the necessary skills to succeed in this field.

Program courses for Hawkeye Community College’s AAS in Respiratory Care include:

  • Airway Maintenance Procedures
  • Cardiopulmonary Therapeutics
  • Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
  • Respiratory Care Applications
  • Introduction to Ventilator Support

After completing the associate’s program, graduates may proceed with a Respiratory Therapy bachelor’s degree and be eligible to sit for the Respiratory Therapy State Licensure, a requirement to practice in any state. They will also be able to earn certifications in ACLS or Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Life Support (BLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).


University of Saint Francis

  • Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid/Online Courses + On-Site Labs + Clinicals
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 18 months
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Grants, Scholarships, Loans, Student Employment, and Veteran Benefits

The University of Saint Francis offers the hybrid Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy program that blends the convenience of asynchronous classes and the power of hands-on learning experiences. This associate’s degree is also designed for practicing respiratory therapists to continue their education with courses in clinical specialties, education, leadership, and research.

USF offers an education that is rooted in Franciscan values. It uses a liberal arts education approach to a premier health sciences education to develop students into compassionate, ethical, and well-rounded professionals who are passionate about serving others.

Through this program, students will gain a strong foundation in anatomy, cardiopulmonary, and medical terminologies, as well as hone their patient care and technical skills in using respiratory care diagnostic and treatment devices.

Respiratory Therapy students at USF will be able to put their learning into practice in professional environments. They will have opportunities to complete their skills training at on-campus labs and participate in clinical rotations with partner sites around the region, including Airway Oxygen, Comer Children’s Hospital, Franciscan Health – Dyer, Pillar Point, and Parkview Whitley Hospital.

This AAS RT program is CoARC-accredited and features courses that will prepare students for the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy must first complete this entry-to-practice AAS degree.

Graduates may also continue their education and gain more opportunities by earning additional credits or getting certifications in specialty areas, including asthma education, adult critical care specialist, pulmonary function technology, and sleep disorders specialist.


Seminole State College of Florida

  • Location: Sanford, Florida
  • Online Delivery Method: Online + In-person
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 5 terms/2.5 years
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, Federal Work-Study Programs, and Scholarships

Seminole State College of Florida offers the Associate in Science (AS) in Respiratory Care program that trains students to help patients breathe easier. This program provides learners with a background in a broad range of basic sciences and advanced courses in critical care medicine, cardiopulmonary physiology, and pediatrics.

At Seminole State College, classes are often made of 30 or fewer students to ensure every learner gets enough attention and guidance from their instructors.

This AS in Respiratory Care program will shape graduates with psychomotor skills, affective learning domains or respiratory care practice, and demonstrated competence in cognitive knowledge. It will teach students to provide prescribed care and life support to those with cardiopulmonary problems.

Also, they will know how to insert and maintain artificial airways, supervise the management of critically ill patients who require artificial life support and administer medical gases, bronchial hygiene therapy, and aerosolized drugs.

Featured courses for this AS in Respiratory Care program:

  • Clinical Care Techniques
  • Cardiopulmonary Physiology
  • Principles of Respiratory Care
  • Pediatric Respiratory Care
  • Intro to Pharmacology

Respiratory Therapy students can earn degree credits applicable to a bachelor’s degree at Seminole State College. Graduates also meet the clinical and educational requirements for licensing by the NBRC or National Board of Respiratory Care.


Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
  • Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
  • Online Delivery Method: Online + In-person
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 2 years, six semesters
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, and Scholarships

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences offers an Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Care to set the foundation for students who are looking to have a successful career in a field that’s focused on advanced pulmonary care. This online associate’s degree will train students to work alongside other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat various lung problems.

This AAS in Respiratory Care degree from Pennsylvania College is an award-winning program that has some of the most experienced faculty in various clinical environments. It is a Co-ARC-accredited program that utilizes an outcomes-based process, which are performance indicators that show the extent to which the academic goals of the program are achieved.

To gain hands-on experience, students get to participate in real scenarios with simulated patients at the school’s newest and most advanced clinical simulation lab.

Course requirements for Pennsylvania College’s Respiratory Care associate’s degree include:

  • Respiratory Care Procedures
  • Methods of Patient Care
  • General Psychology
  • Ethical and Legal Dimensions in the Health Sciences
  • Introduction to Sociology

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul College
  • Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid, Online, and In-Person
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 2 years, five semesters
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, College Work-Study Program

Saint Paul College, a technical and community college in Minnesota, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program to train future practitioners in addressing pulmonary and cardiac issues. They will also be taught to administer medical gas therapy, perform diagnostic tests, implement care for acute and chronically ill patients, and access and record patient emulations.

This program will teach students about patient assessment, mechanical ventilation and therapeutic procedures, and disease management. They will also learn how to use the latest industry software and instruments and perform special diagnostic procedures and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Core courses for the AAS in Respiratory Care include:

  • Respiratory Care Essentials
  • Respiratory Care Pharmacology
  • Mechanical Ventilation
  • Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care
  • Survey of Human Disease

At Saint Paul College, students are taught by professors who are top-notch in their field. They get to have practical experience through clinical training at a local healthcare facility. They also get to use state-of-the-art equipment to develop their technical skills. Because of this, graduates of this program will be able to meet the educational requirements for the professional licensure examination in Minnesota.


American Career College

  • Location: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California
  • Online Delivery Method: Online + In-person
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 20 months
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Cal Grant Program, Chafee Grant Program, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, FSEOG or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study Program, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, Subsidized Loan, Unsubsidized Loan, Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Veterans’ Education Benefits, Private Loans, and American Career College Scholarships and Grants

American Career College offers an Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy that will prepare students to assess, care, and treat individuals with breathing problems. This will train students for vital roles in patient care, working with patients to diagnose and treat respiratory problems. This means that students will be equipped to administer life-saving methods to help improve people’s lives.

Through this Respiratory Therapy program, learners will know how to properly monitor vital signs by observing patients’ responses and communicating changes to physicians. They will know how to manage equipment and operate and teach people to use various medical devices. On top of that, they will learn to provide emergency care, which includes conducting diagnostic tests and examinations.

This associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy is a combination of classroom, clinical studies, and laboratory, allowing students to develop the essential skills. These include providing emergency care, interviewing patients, performing limited physical examinations, and conducting diagnostic tests.

Core courses for this associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy include:

  • Introduction to Respiratory Science
  • Respiratory Procedures
  • Adult Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology
  • Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Testing and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Neonatal/Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology

Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College
  • Location: South Portland and Brunswick, Maine
  • Online Delivery Method:
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 5 semesters
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Basic Financial Aid Requirements, Grants, Loans, Disbursement of Financial Aid Funds, Student Loan Repayment, Student Employment, and Scholarships

Course requirements for this online associate’s program include:

  • Respiratory Therapy Patient Care
  • Gas, Humidity, and Aerosol Therapy
  • Intro to Mechanical Ventilation
  • Cardiopulmonary Renal Anatomy & Physiology
  • Cardiovascular Assessment

SMCC offers an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (Co-ARC). Students will be trained to be healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat people with breathing problems. They will learn about treating, evaluating, diagnosing, managing, and preventing cardiopulmonary problems.

More importantly, they will know how to treat and work with patients of all ages, including newborns, children, adults, and seniors.

Upon completion of the Respiratory Care program at SMCC, students should be able to demonstrate behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with a registered respiratory therapist. They will be able to display psychomotor skills in a clinical setting. They will also be able to demonstrate cognitive behavior in a clinical setting.

SMCC’s Associate in Respiratory Therapy graduates will be eligible to sit for the state of Maine’s licensure requirements. Those who are looking to seek licensure outside of the state may contact the licensing agency to ensure they will be able to do so.


Midlands Technical College

  • Location: Columbia, South Carolina
  • Online Delivery Method: 100% Online + In-person
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 2 years, six semesters
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, SC National Guard College Assistance Program, South Carolina LIFE Scholarship, South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, South Carolina Workforce & Industrial Needs Scholarship, The Fairfield Promise Program, and Other Scholarships, Grants, Federal Work-Study Program, and Loans

MTC offers an Associate Degree in Respiratory Care that trains students to work efficiently with highly technical life-support teams, rehabilitation specialists, patient educators, and diagnostic labs. This program provides learners with clinical experiences to develop their competencies in the prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment of patients who are suffering from breathing problems and traumas.

Respiratory Care students are exposed to various learning experiences in both classrooms and pre-clinical laboratories on the Airport Campus in the Academic Center and a simulation lab in Lexington Hall. Internships and externships are arranged with local hospitals and other healthcare facilities affiliated with MTC.

Here are some of the course offerings for MTC’s associate in Respiratory Care:

  • Introduction to Respiratory Care
  • Clinical Applications
  • Cardiopulmonary Science
  • Respiratory Therapeutics
  • Integrated Science

Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).


Valencia College

Valencia College
  • Location: Orlando, Florida
  • Online Delivery Method: Online + In-person
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 2 years
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Grants, Scholarships, Federal Direct Loan Programs, and Work-Study Programs

The Associate in Science (AS) in Respiratory Care program at Valencia College has been granted full accreditation since 1972. It started as a hospital-based program at Orange Memorial Hospital in 1968. Today, it is one of the longest-running programs in the country that offers clinical practice for its students at some of the biggest facilities in the region.

This program prepares students for a specialized role as a respiratory therapist. This trains students to assist physicians in treating patients who are suffering from lung or heart problems, such as emphysema and asthma. Moreover, it provides them with a strong foundation in therapeutic techniques, as well as practical experience at some of the major medical centers in the area.

Through this program’s combined educational and hands-on experience, learners will be able to apply their classroom knowledge in real-life situations. They will be able to assist in diagnosing and treating persons with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary diseases.

They will also know how to assist in intensive care, especially when it comes to operating mechanical ventilators. They will also be taught about balloon pump management and bedside surgical procedures in the operating room.

Respiratory therapy practitioners will be adept in treating patients with pulmonary illnesses, including premature infants with underdeveloped lungs and COPD patients with chronic lung conditions. This can lead practitioners to go into various specializations, including pulmonary rehabilitation, polysomnography, pulmonary function testing, management, and education.

Upon graduation, students will be eligible to take the licensure examination through the National Board for Respiratory Care. Graduates may also choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.


Kent State University

  • Location: Kent, Ohio
  • Online Delivery Method: Mostly online
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 2 years
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: FSEOG or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Nursing Loan, Federal Work-Study, Scholarships, Grants, Loans, and Federal Work-Study Programs

Students of the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy at Kent State University gain the skills to assess, treat, and care for persons with breathing and cardiopulmonary problems. Through this program, learners will practice under the direction of a physician, teaching them to take full responsibility for all respiratory care treatments and diagnostic procedures.

Respiratory Therapy practitioners also provide complex therapy that requires independent judgment, including caring for patients on life support in intensive care units. This cohort-based major provides opportunities and access to students with diverse backgrounds. Some of the pre-admission requirements for this associate’s degree include the following:

  • Completion of a high school diploma or a passing GED score
  • A minimum 2.0 grade in required courses
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70
  • Completion of Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Completion of at least 4 hours of shadowing with a respiratory therapist

Upon acceptance to the program, students need to take each semester consecutively for two years due to the course offerings. In the event that a student fails a class, they may be readmitted to the program only once the next year at the discretion of the program director.

Major requirements for KSU’s Respiratory Therapy associate program include:

  • Introduction to Respiratory Therapy
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Advanced Diagnostics
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Continuing Care
  • Perinatal and Pediatric Respiratory Therapy

Types of Respiratory Therapy

Prospective students must understand that Respiratory Therapy online programs lead to specific jobs based on their specialization:

Long-term care

This is for older individuals who are suffering from chronic lung disorders and, thus, need the long-term support offered by respiratory therapy.

Neonatal-pediatrics

This involves monitoring newborn babies, especially premature babies, with breathing problems or born with a pulmonary condition.

Neonatal-pediatrics respiratory therapy can also help toddlers and older children who may be living with chronic lung issues, including asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Therapy can assist people coping with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. Aside from treatment, a respiratory therapist can educate and promote exercise programs to make it easier for patients with chronic lung diseases to breathe more easily and enhance their quality of life.

Critical care

Critical care respiratory therapy involves treating patients in the emergency room or those who are recovering from lung failure or heart surgery. This often involves complicated surgical procedures to ensure the lungs function during and after the surgery.

Polysomnography

Polysomnography is the study of sleep and is used to diagnose sleep disorders. While lung problems and sleep disorders are unrelated, a respiratory therapist may be necessary when testing and providing relief.

Online Respiratory Therapist Trade Schools - fact

Roles and Responsibilities of Respiratory Therapists

The main responsibility of respiratory therapists is to provide care and support for those suffering from breathing problems that may be due to a chronic condition like asthma. They use scientific knowledge and theory to solve respiratory problems, as well as assume responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, which include supervising certified respiratory therapist functions.

These are the things that respiratory therapists need to do in a day:

  • Check all pulmonary functions in every patient who comes to them.
  • Request for equipment repairs whenever necessary.
  • Explain healthcare treatment procedures to gain patient’s trust and cooperation.
  • Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
  • Make emergency visits to deal with equipment problems when needed.
  • Maintain patient charts that contain their names and therapy information.
  • Measure arterial blood gases and lung capacity and review other important information that may be used to assess a patient’s condition.
  • Inspect, test, maintain, and clean respiratory therapy equipment so it functions efficiently and safely.
  • Follow specific treatment parameters.
  • Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or external cardiac massage.
  • Monitor the patient’s physiological responses to therapy, including vital signs, blood chemistry, changes in lung functions, and arterial blood gases, and consult with other medical professionals if there are any adverse reactions.
  • Set up and operate advanced cardiac life support, mechanical ventilators, aerosol generators, environmental control systems, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and other devices.
  • Work with new and seasoned individuals in the nursing and health professions and assist with medical procedures to manage patient care.
  • Protect patients and other healthcare employees by following strict protocols.
  • Complete discharge planning by working with other medical professionals.
  • Train patients on the proper administration of treatment and use of equipment on their own.

Is a Bachelor’s Degree Necessary for Respiratory Therapists?

An online Associate’s in Respiratory Therapy education is an excellent first step for those who are looking to have a fulfilling career as a respiratory therapist. However, the AARC, or American Association for Respiratory Care has called for respiratory therapists to hold or work toward a bachelor’s degree. This is to meet the growing demands of the industry, especially when it comes to protocol-driven care and disease management.

According to the US Labor Statistics data, today’s employers may prefer that applicants possess a bachelor’s degree. This is because a Respiratory Therapy online program focuses on courses that prepare students for challenging careers as respiratory therapists, which include human anatomy, diagnostic procedures and tests, and clinical experience in treating patients under the supervision of practitioners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the credentials needed to become a Respiratory Therapist?

After completing an associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, the minimum educational requirement, graduates must take and pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination to work as a respiratory therapist.

If an examinee gets a low-cut score, they will earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. If they get a high-cut score, they will have the CRT credential and be eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), if they are eligible.

If an examinee is eligible for the CSE and passes the exam, they will earn the RRT credential, which is the nationally recognized standard of excellence for respiratory care practitioners.

Aside from hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, where can graduates with a Respiratory Therapy degree work?

Respiratory therapists may choose to work in in-home care and do at-home care for patients with lung and heart problems. They will be responsible for training patients and their families in using breathing equipment and machines.

RTs may be employed in sleep disorder centers to diagnose and prepare treatment plans for patients with sleep disorders. They will also be tasked to run in-lab sleep studies and work with their patients to treat pulmonary disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

What are the ideal skills for Respiratory Therapists?

Respiratory therapists, as part of a medical team, need to possess a unique skill set that will allow them to multitask and, at the same time, focus on their patients’ needs and conditions.

Some of the most valuable skills that RTs need to have are:

  • Detail oriented
  • Verbal communication
  • Compassion
  • Physiological knowledge
  • Works well with a team of medical professionals
  • Good judgment
  • Quick decision-making ability
  • Time management
  • Calm bedside manner
  • Deep understanding of infectious control
  • Patience
  • Ability to train and teach patients

For more valuable information, see the following:

5 Best Online Auto Mechanic Trade Schools in 2024

Do you have a genuine interest in cars and how they work? Do you always feel the itch to troubleshoot complex problems related to vehicles regardless of their brand and model?

Then perhaps you should consider establishing your career around this passion. Enroll in an accredited program and be one of the best automotive service technicians in the country!

What is an Auto Mechanic?

An auto mechanic or auto repair technician is a skilled individual specializing in diagnosing, repairing and maintaining a wide range of vehicles like cars, trucks and motorcycles.

The roles and responsibilities of an auto mechanic include the following:

  • Inspects, tests, and troubleshoots problems with transmissions, engines, brakes, electrical systems, and other vehicle components
  • Performs necessary repairs on vehicles or replacements of faulty components
  • Conducts routine maintenance services to ensure vehicles are in good working condition and to prevent future issues
  • Ensures that vehicles run safely and efficiently after repairs
  • Maintains detailed records of work performed on each vehicle

Auto Mechanic Job Outlook

The job outlook remains stable for automotive service technicians and mechanics, with employment growth expected at 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the country’s Labor Statistics Bureau. As of May 2022, the median pay for this occupation is $46,970 per year or $22.58 per hour.

Occupations similar to automotive mechanics and service technicians (and their annual median wage as of May 2022) include the following:

Industry Trends and Forecast

Despite the limited employment growth expected for auto mechanics and technicians in the next decade, the future remains bright for these occupations. For one, Future Market Insights revealed that the global market for automotive maintenance and repair services may increase to $1,850 billion in 2033 with a CAGR of 7.2% from the expected value of $915.88 billion in 2023.

In a related field, research company Global Market Insights Inc. has also disclosed that the car detailing service market is expected to reach $9.1 billion by 2032, with a 4.5% CAGR from the market’s value of $5.8 billion in 2022.

Methodology

If you’re searching for online auto mechanic trade schools, you’re in the right place! You won’t have to search further, as we have compiled a list of some of the top educational institutions offering the best auto mechanic or automotive technician programs in the country.

Each of the trade schools on our list was meticulously selected based on certain criteria, including the following:

  • Offers courses that are available fully online or in combination with onsite, face-to-face sessions, especially for lab or workshop activities,
  • Provides a curriculum covering all aspects of auto repair and servicing to provide students with a solid foundation in the field,
  • Cultivates strong leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and effective communication, among other skills that are crucial for success in the field,
  • Hires instructors with both real-world experiences in auto mechanics and academic qualifications in the automotive industry to ensure students receive expert guidance,
  • Offers opportunities for students to apply their theoretical knowledge through hands-on experiences, including practical training, workshops and simulated repair scenarios to enhance their skills,
  • Allows students to focus or specialize on specific areas within the automotive field like automotive technology, collision repair and diesel mechanics,
  • Emphasizes the development of technical skills required for auto repair and maintenance,
  • Offers affordable tuition and a variety of financial aid options for students looking to finance their education,
  • Fosters networking with industry professionals and organizations to open doors for future career opportunities,
  • May conduct training programs in partnership with auto repair shops and dealerships,
  • Earned institutional and programmatic accreditation from industry-recognized organizations and agencies such as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission to ensure high-quality educational standards are maintained.

5 Top Online Auto Mechanic Trade Schools

Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute
  • Location: Mooresville, North Carolina
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 51 weeks
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: UTI Institutional Grant Programs, UTI Scholarship Programs, FAFSA

Universal Technical Institute offers an Automotive Technology program delivered in a hybrid learning format that combines hands-on, experiential learning in the lab and instructor-led online coursework. The program has a comprehensive curriculum that exposes students to both domestic and imported vehicles so that they graduate as automotive technicians with capabilities to diagnose, fix, and maintain a wide range of units.

The program takes 51 weeks to finish, with the on-campus courses done at UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute campus in North Carolina. The Automotive Mechanic courses include the following:

  • Professional Automotive Service Writing
  • Automotive Engines Service & Repair
  • Hybrid Vehicle System Maintenance
  • Vehicle Brake Systems
  • Vehicle Electronic Systems
  • Vehicle Steering & Suspension Service

This Automotive Technician training program meets the ASE Education Foundation’s Master Certification requirements, which means that graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the ASE Certification examinations.

After completing this training program, students can opt to pursue UTI’s Specialized Automotive Technician Training, where they gain technical knowledge on the products of specific auto manufacturers such as:

  • Alfa Romeo
  • BMW
  • General Motors
  • Ford
  • Jeep
  • Porsche
  • Mercedes Benz
  • Toyota
  • Volvo

UTI’s campuses maintain an Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredited.


UEI College

UEI College
  • Location: various UEI campuses in Arizona, California, Georgia, Nevada and Washington
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 10 months
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, Scholarships, Military Benefits

UEI College is offering an Automotive Technician Training program that combines online classes with hands-on learning classes in a shop environment. The school has imported and domestic vehicles as well as tools and equipment in its automotive shop so that students can have experiential training to boost their auto mechanic skills and diagnostic knowledge.

Courses available under this program include the following:

  • Electrical Theory and Diagnosis
  • Engine Theory and Systems
  • Automatic Transmissions
  • Manual Transmissions
  • Engine Performance and Ignition Systems
  • Fuel Systems and Emission Control
  • Preventative Maintenance and Hybrid Technology

UEI College has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.


Olney Central College

Olney Central College
  • Location: Olney, Illinois
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 2 semesters
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Payment Plans, FAFSA, Veteran’s Benefits

Olney Central College offers a variety of Automotive Technology programs, including two Certificate programs on Automotive Service Technology.

  • The Automotive Service Technology I is a 26-credit-hour, two-semester certificate program that covers courses on Automotive Engines, Electronics, Engine Performance, and Shop Organization and management.
  • The Automotive Service Technology II is also a 26-credit-hour, two-semester certificate program that covers courses on Automotive Chassis Systems, Hybrid and alternative Fuels, Automotive Air Conditioning, and Automotive Drivetrains.

These two Certificate programs can either be standalone programs or serve as stepping stones for pursuing degree programs. They also meet the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence educational standards.

OCC also offers the following related Certificate programs:

  • The Auto Maintenance & Repair Certificate is a 12-credit-hour, two-semester program that equips students for entry-level positions in the automotive servicing industry.
  • The Automotive Repair Technician Certificate is a 12-credit-hour, four-semester program that prepares students for entry-level careers in the vehicle repair industry.
  • The Light Vehicle Diesel Service Certificate is a 6-credit-hour program that comprehensively covers practical, real‐world topics related to the newest diesel engine systems.

Illinois Eastern Community College, of which Olney Central College is a part, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or HLC.


Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College

Location: Harlingen, Sweetwater and Waco campuses (Texas)

  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 16 months
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Grants, Scholarships, Work-Study Programs, Federal Direct student loans, Parent Loan Undergraduate Student (PLUS) program

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) offers an Automotive Technician Certificate of Completion program as one of its many Automotive Technology programs. This Certificate program is available in its Waco, Sweetwater, and Harlingen campuses in a hybrid learning format.

The Automotive Technician Certificate program requires students to complete 45 credits to obtain the credential and spans over four semesters. Students will study various automotive components, including:

  • Electrical Systems
  • Suspension and Steering Systems
  • Brake Systems
  • Climate Control Systems
  • Drivetrain and Axles

By the fourth semester, students will have the chance to choose one of the following 3-credit courses:

  • Automotive Compression Ignition Engines & Fuel Systems
  • Automotive Service
  • Automotive Alternative Fuels
  • Cooperative Education – Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician

TSTC also offers the following Certificate programs in the Automotive Technology field:

  • Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair
  • Automotive Technology-Chrysler Specialization
  • Automotive TESLA START Technician (requires AAS in Automotive Technology)

TSTC is Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)-accredited.


Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College
  • Location: Miami, Florida
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid, Self-paced
  • Time It Takes to Complete: 16 weeks
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Stipend from Tesla, Pell Grant, Florida Medallion Scholarship

Miami Dade College offers a full-time, 16-week program for Advanced Automotive Service Technology – Tesla Technician Career Technical Certificate in collaboration with Tesla START. The curriculum is offered in a blended learning format that combines in-class theory, hands-on workshops, and self-paced learning.

The program requires students to complete a total of 26.5 credits or 800 hours in order to receive the certification that will qualify them to become service technicians at one of Tesla’s service centers throughout the US.

The curriculum provides students with comprehensive skills and knowledge to service the all-electric Tesla vehicles as well as to learn and utilize Tesla’s diagnostic tools, safety equipment, products, and procedures.

More specifically, students will have to study Tesla’s systems and components, including the following: 

  • Brake and chassis systems and components
  • Driver Assist systems
  • Electrical/charging
  • HV Powertrain
  • HVAC
  • Infotainment systems and components

Aside from the technical courses, the curriculum is also designed to equip students with soft skills and collaborative repair practices.

Miami Dade College is Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges-approved.

Take note, however, that one doesn’t have to be enrolled at MDC to apply for this Tesla Career Technical Certificate program.

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Auto Mechanic Trade Schools

Will an online/hybrid auto mechanic program provide hands-on training, and how is it conducted remotely?

Yes, many online/hybrid auto mechanic programs do include hands-on training. To facilitate this remotely, schools often utilize simulation software and virtual labs. These tools allow students to check for important parts like the internal combustion engine and practice various automotive repair and diagnostic tasks in a safe, virtual environment.

Moreover, some programs may also require students to complete in-person lab sessions at affiliated training centers or schedule face-to-face sessions in workshops where the school has all the equipment, tools and even vehicles for students to practice with.

While hands-on training may differ from traditional in-person experiences, it remains an essential component of many online/hybrid auto mechanic programs.

Are online/hybrid auto mechanic programs accredited, and how important is accreditation when choosing a program?

Accreditation is essential when selecting an online/hybrid auto mechanic program, as accredited programs have undergone and passed a strict evaluation process to ensure they meet specific standards of quality and education.

Graduating from an accredited program can boost your chances of finding employment and may be required for certain certifications. Additionally, it ensures that you’re receiving a quality education that aligns with industry standards.

It’s highly advised always to check if the program is accredited by a recognized agency or organization related to automotive education.

What types of certifications or licenses can I pursue after completing an online/hybrid auto mechanic program, and is it mandatory to pursue them?

Many online/hybrid auto mechanic programs are designed to prepare students for various industry certifications, such as those offered by organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence or by specific equipment manufacturers.

These certifications demonstrate your competence and expertise in specific areas of auto repair and can enhance your job prospects and earning potential, considering that many employers prefer or require certified technicians.

Furthermore, some states may require automotive technicians to hold specific licenses, so it’s essential to research your state’s requirements and pursue any necessary licensure to work legally in your area.

Online Auto Mechanic Trade Schools - fact

Summary Points

  • If you are passionate about vehicles, how they function, and how to ensure they’re always in top condition, getting the proper online school training and education from auto repair programs lets you become an auto mechanic or technician.
  • Universities, colleges, and other auto mechanic schools offer certificate, diploma or short-term programs on automotive technology in online or hybrid learning formats to prepare students for entry-level careers in the vehicle repair and servicing industry in two years or less.
  • A career in the automobile technology trade can be worth it, considering the stable job outlook for auto mechanics or service technicians in the next decade, as well as the positive growth rate expected for the automotive maintenance and repair services market.

For more valuable information, see the following:

5 Best Online Aircraft Mechanic Trade Schools in 2024

The field of aircraft mechanics—a crucial component of aviation safety and efficiency—has ventured into the realm of digital education.

Offered online, aircraft mechanic trade programs have emerged as a flexible and accessible path for aspiring aviation maintenance specialists in a profession that demands precision, an extensive grasp of aviation technology, and an unwavering dedication to safety.

What Aircraft Mechanics Do

Aircraft mechanics, often unsung heroes in the aviation industry, bear the responsibility for the upkeep, repair, and overall condition of aircraft. They dedicate themselves tirelessly to maintaining aircraft in peak condition, assuring passengers and crew of ongoing safety and efficiency in the skies.

They do so by replacing worn-out elements, executing several inspections, and subjecting systems to rigorous testing, all in the pursuit of ensuring the aircraft’s dependability.

As highly skilled individuals, aircraft mechanics also adhere meticulously to stringent maintenance procedures and safety protocols to certify the flawless functionality of every aircraft component.

Why Pursue an Aircraft Mechanic Trade Program Online

Online aircraft mechanic trade school programs shed light on trade schools’ ability to provide comprehensive education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise in the modern era of aviation training.

Such trade school programs offer convenience, cost savings, and flexibility, allowing students to access course materials remotely. This is especially advantageous for those with work or family commitments.

Online programs often feature lower tuition fees, making education more affordable, and provide self-paced learning options for tailored progress. Access to digital resources, like simulations and libraries, enhances the learning experience and fosters a diverse global network for potential international opportunities.

Methodology

We put together five of today’s top aircraft mechanic trade schools! The first four programs on our list are delivered in distance learning formats, online and hybrid, while the last one is a fully in-person certificate program.

Each aircraft maintenance and repairman certificate program on our list meets these criteria:

  • Features comprehensive curriculum and training on the basics of aircraft mechanic work, covering engine and airframe examining, general aviation and electrical system repairs, and avionics management,
  • Offers hands-on workshops and training on aircraft repair, as well as apprenticeships for practical experience purposes,
  • Equips students with the skills for entry-level work in aviation companies,
  • Prepares graduates for an associate’s and bachelor’s degree,
  • Taught by experienced aircraft mechanics,
  • May offer financial aid to qualified students,
  • Provides students with opportunities to network with companies and organizations in the aviation industry, opening a wealth of job prospects,
  • Obtained accreditation from accrediting agencies that uphold certificate, vocational, or trade program standards

5 Best Online Aircraft Mechanic Trade Schools

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
  • Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Online Delivery Method: Partially online
  • Time to Complete: 20 months (average)
  • Completion Rate: undisclosed
  • Types of Aid: Federal Student Aid, scholarships and grants

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology offers partially online Aviation Maintenance Technology, the first Federal Aviation Administration FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technology diploma program delivered as a hybrid program!

Featuring Avionics Technology and Engine Overhaul training, this 20-month program is all about flexibility. This 71-credit-hour Aviation Maintenance hybrid diploma program is ideal for prospective students who are in active service or on the path to career advancement and could use the reduced training time on the ground of only eight months on the Tulsa campus.

Since its establishment in 1928, Spartan—an Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)-approved training school—has held a significant role in the aviation industry by training over 100,000 skilled pilots and technicians.


Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Aviation Institute of Maintenance
  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Online Delivery Method: Online, At home or On-Campus
  • Time to Complete: 6 weeks – 21 months
  • Completion Rate: 69%
  • Types of Aid: Federal Financial Aid

The Professional Aviation Maintenance Certification, offered as a blended program at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, is an intensive five-week continuing education program designed for experienced aviation maintenance professionals seeking to transition to civilian certification.

The PAMC covers a wide range of aviation technologies, aircraft functions, and maintenance responsibilities. Students are taught the basics of aircraft and power plants, including airframe types, aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, aircraft inspections, and avionics.

This PAMC program offers a unique training experience featuring interactive videos and adaptive learning techniques to prepare aviation maintenance technicians for the General, Airframe, and Powerplant written test.

Upon completion, students can pursue civilian positions as professional aircraft maintainers and become FAA-certified A&P mechanics.


Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute – Avondale’s Aircraft Mechanics program is designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in the field of aircraft maintenance! The curriculum starts with the basics, providing a comprehensive foundation in aircraft systems and maintenance techniques.

Through this program, students gain the competencies necessary to become an aircraft maintenance technician, starting from the ground up and progressing to become proficient professionals in the field of aircraft mechanics. Courses include Basic Sheet Metal and Welding Familiarization, Non-Metallic Structures, and Turbine Engine Design.

UTI delivers the program in a blended learning format, combining online courses and in-person and hands-on laboratory work facilitated by experienced instructors.


Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide

Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide
  • Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
  • Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • Time to Complete: completion of 18 credits
  • Types of Aid: Grants, Loans, Scholarships, Veteran and Military Benefits

The online Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) Certificate offered at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide leads to a career in aviation maintenance. Offered under the Aviation Maintenance Technology Part 65 program, it meets the technical requirements outlined in Federal Aviation Regulations. It prepares students for oral, written, and practical examinations.

This Aviation Maintenance Technology FAA Certificate is ideal for students who have the experience requirements set by the FAA and are seeking to qualify for license testing.

This 18-credit certificate course covers the theories and applications in General Aeronautics, Aircraft Electrical Systems, Airframe Structures, Airframe Systems, Reciprocating Engines, and Turbine Engines. These courses prepare students for the A&P practical test process.


Dutchess Community College

Dutchess Community College

At Dutchess Community College, aspiring aircraft technicians can be well on their way to their dream careers in a year! DCC’s Airframe & Powerplant Technician Certificate (APC) program offers intensive training to students who get to explore state-of-the-art tools and equipment.

Students obtain the 49-credit-hour, hands-on training in aircraft or aircraft system servicing, repairing, and testing at the DCC Aviation Education Center.

Upon completing the certificate program, students gain entry-level aviation maintenance skills for pursuing maintenance technician jobs in airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and general or corporate aviation. They are expected to demonstrate technological competency, excellent communication skills, critical thinking skills, and teamwork.

Conversely, DCC graduates may opt to pursue an associate’s degree and qualify for high-level roles in the industry.

The Promising Job Outlook of Aircraft Mechanics

The job outlook for aircraft mechanics is incredibly promising. With the aviation industry on a constant upward trajectory, there’s a growing demand for skilled mechanics. The increase in air travel, the expansion of airline fleets, and the emergence of new markets all contribute to a continued need for aircraft maintenance professionals.

Moreover, the aviation landscape is evolving with advanced technology, requiring specialized knowledge and skills. As experienced mechanics near retirement, this opens up ample opportunities for new talent. Stringent safety regulations, global demand, and diverse career options further solidify aircraft maintenance as a secure and rewarding profession.

Crucial Roles of Aircraft Mechanics in Ensuring Flight Safety

In essence, being an aircraft mechanic means stepping into a career with long-term stability, with the main objective of ensuring aircraft safety and reliability.

Here are the key roles and responsibilities of aircraft mechanics and why they are essential:

Routine Maintenance and Inspection

Aircraft mechanics regularly check aircraft systems to ensure they are safe and operational, preventing potential issues.

Repairs and Troubleshooting

They diagnose and fix mechanical and electrical problems swiftly to keep flights on schedule and safe.

Component Replacement

Aircraft mechanics replace worn or damaged parts, preserving the aircraft’s reliability and performance.

Modification and Upgrades

They upgrade aircraft systems for better performance and safety enhancements.

Compliance with Regulations

An aviation maintenance technician ensures that all work adheres to strict FAA regulations and aviation rules, maintaining aircraft safety.

Record-keeping

Detailed records of maintenance and repairs are maintained for compliance and history tracking.

Safety

Mechanics’ precision work is vital for passenger and crew safety.

Preventive Maintenance

Proactive maintenance prevents potential issues, enhancing aircraft safety.

Emergency Response

In emergencies, an aviation mechanic makes rapid repairs to ensure flight safety.

Online aircraft mechanic trade school programs are reshaping the in-demand industry, offering a flexible and accessible path for aspiring professionals. While they provide convenience and cost-efficiency, the challenge lies in hands-on training in these respects!

Prospective students should meticulously research accredited programs that blend theory and practice for a comprehensive education. These programs are vital for shaping the next generation of aircraft mechanics, contributing to aviation safety and innovation as technology advances.

Aviation maintenance requires extensive training to ensure the skies remain safe and dependable for generations to come.

Online Aircraft Mechanic Trade Schools - fact

Frequently Asked Questions About Aircraft Mechanic Trade Schools

Can Aircraft Mechanics be learned online?

Aircraft mechanic trade school programs require a balance between theoretical and hands-on training. While online education can cover theoretical aspects, the complex nature of aircraft maintenance necessitates practical experience.

Typically, students of aircraft mechanic schools engage in blended learning, combining online theory with in-person, hands-on training at approved aviation maintenance facilities. This approach ensures that aspiring aircraft mechanics gain both knowledge and essential hands-on skills vital for safety and regulatory compliance in the aviation maintenance industry.

Are online aircraft mechanic trade schools legitimate?

Yes, many reputable institutions offer legitimate online programs for aspiring aircraft mechanics. It’s essential to research accredited schools recognized by aviation authorities and relevant industry organizations that guarantee their quality and credibility.

Can students get hands-on experience in an online aircraft mechanic program?

Some online programs offer hands-on components, such as lab sessions or internships. It’s advisable to inquire about these opportunities when researching different schools, as practical experience is crucial in this field.

What qualifications are required to enroll in an online aircraft mechanic program?

Typically, candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent to start an aircraft mechanic program. Certain requirements or prerequisites may have to be met by applicants, so it’s essential to check with the specific school for their admission criteria.

How can prospective students ensure quality education in an online aircraft mechanic program?

To ensure a quality education, research your preferred aircraft mechanic school thoroughly. Look for accreditation, faculty qualifications, program curriculum, industry partnerships, and reviews or testimonials from current or former students.

Additionally, consider reaching out to admissions counselors or program coordinators to ask questions and gather information.


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