Continuing Education

From LoveToKnow College

Continuing education, sometimes synonymous with career training, has long been the domain for the nontraditional student. The ability to get job training through a college or university without having to stay the path for a full two- or four-year college education makes it possible for anyone to get further education.

Continuing Education

What Types of Continuing Education Exist?

Continuing education is any education that is above high school level, yet does not end with a degree. It is often divided into two areas:

Workforce Development and Training

Workforce development and training is generally meant to either further the student’s career or train him or her to start a new career and often involves computer classes. These classes often end with a certificate or diploma and can take up to a year, or even more, to complete. Some more offer Continuing Education Credits, which some jobs, such as nursing and teaching, require of their employees.

Special Interest Classes

Special interest classes include the ever popular basket weaving, musical instruments, or any other type of education that is not meant to enhance a career but will give personal satisfaction. These classes may meet as often as weekly for an extended period of time or only once for an entire afternoon. They do not generally provide a certificate or diploma, but may offer some sort of award for you to place on your wall to acknowledge the learning you’ve done.

Where Can You Find It?

Opportunities for additional education are everywhere, so how can you find the right program or class for you?

  • Call your local community college or university. Most will have a continuing, adult, or vocational education department, and someone will be waiting to help you.
  • Call your local high school. Sometimes classes are held at high schools in the evenings, and in that case, they may have the information you’re looking for. If the classes are at the high school, you may also see listings for them in your local newspaper.
  • Search the Internet. This is especially true if you’re looking for online or distance education. eLearners offers links to different online and distance courses and training, including writing, religion, floral design, nursing, accounting, technology, programming, culinary, and security, among others. If you want to take a course that ends with a certificate or a diploma, eLearning also offers a list of programs that may meet your needs. The programs include photography, health administration, dental care, program management, web design, and criminal justice, just to list a few.

How Can You Pay For It?

Just because you don’t receive a degree does not mean you can’t receive any financial aid. Talk to the program you’re interested in – you may be eligible to receive private loans, grants, or scholarships, depending on your situation or need. Look into college funding, federal financial aid, and college grants.

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