California Vocational Schools » subjects http://california-vocational-schools.com Your source for trade schools and programs in California Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:04:43 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 California Respiratory Therapy Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-respiratory-therapy-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-respiratory-therapy-schools#comments Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:32:14 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/?p=36919 The main responsibilities of respiratory therapists are to evaluate, treat, and care for patients who are experiencing breathing difficulty or those with cardiopulmonary disease.  If you are interested in this career, you can learn more by reading our interview with a respiratory therapist or our article How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in California.

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-respiratory-therapy-schools/feed 0 California Surgical Tech Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-surgical-tech-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-surgical-tech-schools#comments Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:50:06 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/?p=26849 Surgical technologists act as surgeon assistants during operations and surgical procedures. Qualified surgical technologists are in high demand and the pay scales are in the $35,000 range. Surgical technologists can work in a doctor’s office, dental, or hospital setting and the salaries vary depending on the field entered. In general, surgical technologists in dental settings tend to earn the highest incomes while hospital surgical technologists earn the lowest incomes.  Read more about what to expect as a surgical tech…

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-surgical-tech-schools/feed 1 California Ultrasound and X-Ray Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-x-ray-technician-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-x-ray-technician-schools#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:17:32 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/?p=13679 Ultrasound (also known as sonography), X-ray, CT scans and MRI’s are all popular forms of medical imaging, which allow doctors to better diagnose and treat various medical conditions.

Ultrasound is particularly popular because it is non-invasive, low-risk and inexpensive. It relies on on sound waves (sonography) to create the images rather than potentially-damaging radiation.  It is often used during pregnancy to identify potential abnormalities in the fetus but is also very effective in diagnosing heart problems, gallstones and blood flow issues.

As an ultrasound technician (also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer), or an x-ray technician, you will be responsible for operating the imaging equipment and working with patients to obtain the best possible images for diagnosis.

Read more about a career as an x-ray technician or read an interview with an x-ray technician in California.

Find an ultrasound school near you by entering your zip code >>

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-x-ray-technician-schools/feed 0 California Cosmetology Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-cosmetology-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-cosmetology-schools#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:09:27 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/?p=318 By completing a program at a cosmetology school, you will have the skills necessary to obtain your cosmetology license and perform hair styling, cutting, coloring, manicures, pedicures and facials.  Learn more about the cosmetology training and licensing requirements in California.

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-cosmetology-schools/feed 1 California Automotive Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-automotive-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-automotive-schools#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:45:37 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/?p=308 Are you considering a career as an automotive technician or mechanic?  First, read our interview with an automotive mechanic in California.  Then review the list of schools below that offer automotive training programs.

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-automotive-schools/feed 0 California Paralegal Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-paralegal-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-paralegal-schools#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:25:05 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/subjects/california-paralegal-schools Here is a list of California paralegal schools which offer a wide variety of degrees and diplomas in the legal field. Find a school nearby that offers paralegal studies or legal secretary training. We’ve also gathered information about a career as a paralegal or legal secretary, located at the bottom of the page. Click on a school to find more specific information or just scroll down the page through all the schools and their programs.

Learn more about a career as a paralegal from someone who actually works in the field today. Read our interview with a paralegal who talks about the pros and cons of his job.

Find a paralegal school near you by entering your zip code >>


Paralegal Career Information

The work of a paralegal has become more and more closely matched to that of a lawyer. Essentially, a lawyer delegates certain tasks to a professionally trained paralegal or legal assistant. These tasks can include the preparation of opening and closing statements and reading through contracts and other legal cases. Studying previous cases and looking for appropriate legal articles, governing laws and other relevant details is a painstaking task. In many cases it can quickly become tedious but the rewards are very good.

Where paralegals differ from lawyers is that they cannot legally partake in any practices of law. This means they are unable to set legal fees, appear in court, or give legal advice. Despite this the role of the paralegal is of paramount importance to any case. Much of the work is desk-based, and with the advance of computer technology, this generally means a lot of work on computers and the Internet.

Many paralegals choose to focus on specific areas of law, much as lawyers do. An example of this would be employment law; a paralegal in this field would focus on employee benefits, employee law, and other aspects of employment.

Employment and Earnings Statistics

The good news for potential paralegals is that there are currently around 250,000 such jobs available. Private law firms employ nearly three quarters of these professionals with the remainder generally employed by governmental and state bodies as well as large organizations. A small number will successfully run their own business and subcontract their services to lawyers or businesses.

The average salary for a paralegal is $40,000 with the lowest percentile earning $25,000 and the top percentile earning $60,000. Many of the highest earners are employed in federal government roles with paralegals in this field earning an average $59,000, the highest paid by sector.

Employment and Earning Future Outlook

Paralegals are being called upon to carry out many tasks that were previously reserved for the lawyer alone. Obviously, because paralegals cost less money than hiring a lawyer, this means that more and more opportunities are opening up for the legal assistant. Trained paralegals will be the pick of the crop as far as organizations are concerned. These organizations may consider looking for a paralegal that specializes in a particular area, especially employment law.

Private law firms will continue to be the most popular method for a paralegal to ply their trade but because of the increased dependence that organizations are placing on legal assistants other industries and companies will begin to employ more and more paralegals. This means that banks, lenders, large organizations, and other major businesses will soon be on the look out for a well-trained and knowledgeable paralegal.

Paralegal Program Details

There are several ways to become a paralegal; the most desirable option will depend on your current level of expertise and number of years of experience in the paralegal field. It is a fact that the vast majority of jobs are taken by professionals that have completed a formal program of one sort or another.

On-site training is sometimes offered by employers. In these cases the role is still generally offered to a person with a diploma or degree, although not necessarily in paralegal studies. This training can take a long period of time but will give you the hands-on experience that only on-the-job training can offer.

A diploma or Associate’s Degree program, offered by many paralegal schools in California, will be a vital step in your progression to the status of paralegal. As a graduate you will have gained all of the relevant experience and, in many cases, will have taken part in an internship that will also give you hands-on experience. Curriculum will often include legal terminology, contracts, trusts and estates, criminal law, family law, legal research and writing and property law among other topics.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the work of a paralegal and education routes that may suit you by reading our article An Introduction to the Paralegal Career.

For additional information about a career as a paralegal, you may want to read the transcript of our interview with a paralegal, Dennis Tapia, who runs his own business in Vista, California.

If you are looking for a paralegal program outside of California, please visit our partner site which lists paralegal schools across the United States and Canada.

Have we forgotten a California paralegal school?

If you know of a California legal training school that we don’t have listed here, please let us know by contacting us.

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-paralegal-schools/feed 0 California Criminal Justice Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-criminal-justice-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-criminal-justice-schools#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:25:05 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/subjects/california-criminal-justice-schools Looking for a criminal justice program or degree?  Our list of programs in California should get you started.

Learn more about a career in Criminal Justice:


An Introduction to Criminal Justice Careers

It is an unfortunate but very real fact of modern society that crime rates generally increase from year to year. While some of this increase corresponds with an increase in population, the rise is disproportionate. As a result, it is likely that there will be a consistent demand for those within the criminal justice umbrella of careers.

Criminal justice careers range from the police officer to the popular CSI agent. With more and more crime shows on television it is understandable that a greater number of people are choosing to pursue a career in criminal justice.

Employment and Earnings Statistics

It is virtually impossible to give salary and employment figures for every criminal justice career available because of the huge scope that a criminal justice education covers. We will cover some of the more popular professions:

Police officers can expect to earn an average of around $25,000 when they first start their career. This can be as low as $18,000 in some areas and more in others. After six years of service, the average salary for a police officer rises to $35,000 per year.

Typically, criminalists can expect to earn $40,000 or higher depending on experience and area. Forensic scientists earn anything from $24,000 to $36,000 with comparatively little forensic experience. Experienced forensic scientists are able to earn $50,000 and possibly more.

Current Criminal Justice Requirements

The fact that crime rates are rising is a difficult fact to avoid, however, limited budgets and increased competition for positions means that criminal justice careers can be difficult to come by. It is important to fully research the particular area that interests you and take the most appropriate courses and advance along the most relevant career paths to reach your final destination. It is also important to remember that many television shows and common views regarding criminal justice careers are exaggerated; a real-life criminal justice career is often much more mundane and slow-paced than what is depicted on television.

The Best Course of Education

While it is possible to step into the police force without a degree, the amount of people vying for the available police officer and other roles means that getting a degree is considered one of the most successful routes into a criminal justice career. In the case of criminalists and similarly technical roles it is certainly a wise choice. Certificates do exist for some branches of criminal justice but these are usually attained once you have a job. As well as studying criminal justice, many employers and government agencies like to see a good understanding of, or a reasonable education in, other areas. Typically law, business, and finance are particularly helpful when trying to progress a criminal justice career.

Criminal Justice Jobs

  • Government agents are employed in the various agencies including the CIA, FBI, ATF, DEA, Customs and INS. These jobs are generally geared around desk-based research work with only very few highly gifted and skilled agents ever seeing action similar to that in the movies.
  • Police and law enforcement is an obvious area of interest to anyone that has studied criminal justice. As well as becoming a police office or a detective, you could progress to become a sheriff, coastguard or a US Marshall. The type of work associated with these jobs will vary. However, it can range from very physical work to desk-based work.
  • Scientists and scientific investigators. This is a fairly broad group of potential careers that encompasses various specialties in the forensic and investigation aspects of criminal science. Other potential jobs include the criminal profiler and crime scene investigator.
  • The private sector. Not everyone wants to work for government agencies or as a law enforcement officer. For these people there are a number of potential careers within the private sector. Private detective and private security are among the posts to consider.

Criminal Justice Program Details

It is widely accepted that the quickest way to progress in any criminal justice career is through first obtaining a criminal justice degree. Potential candidates that are also able to display an aptitude for finance, business or law are more likely to gain the more coveted roles. Other degrees may also prove to be just as good. Psychology or psychiatry experts are always needed, especially for profiling criminals. Legal assistants and, indeed, solicitors and lawyers will generally require a degree in law over a degree in criminal justice.

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-criminal-justice-schools/feed 1 California Homeland Security Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-homeland-security-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-homeland-security-schools#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:25:05 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/subjects/california-homeland-security-schools Here is a list of California homeland security schools. We’ve also gathered some information on homeland security careers. Click on a school to find more specific information or just scroll down the page through all the schools and their programs.


Homeland Security Career Information

Homeland Security school graduates will attain a solid understanding of developing, implementing, and supervising security operations for any organization; including private, corporate, or government sectors. Due to recent world events, there has become a strong demand for properly trained and educated security employees worldwide. Airports, businesses, stadiums, public safety organizations and all high visibility venues are looking for highly capable, well trained specialists to handle essential duties. Whether you directly help in the deterrence of a terrorist attack, or help with the teaching of emergency procedures, you can use your understanding and skills on the job.

  • Airport Security
  • Corrections
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Counter Terrorism
  • FBI
  • Drug Enforcement Agency
  • Law Enforcement
  • Police Officer
  • Secret Service
  • Customer Agent
  • Private Security
  • Private Investigator

Salary Information

The wages of Homeland Security school graduates vary greatly depending on geographic location and job type.

Have we forgotten a California homeland security school?

If you know of a California homeland security school that we don’t have listed here, please let us know by contacting us.

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-homeland-security-schools/feed 0 California Culinary Arts Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-culinary-arts-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-culinary-arts-schools#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:25:05 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/subjects/california-culinary-arts-schools Here is a list of California culinary arts schools which offer a variety of degrees and diplomas in the culinary field. We’ve also gathered some general information on culinary arts careers. You may also be interested in reading an interview with a personal chef to learn the ins and outs of this culinary arts career choice from someone who has been in the field for over ten years.

Find a culinary arts school near you by entering your zip code.

An Introduction To Culinary Careers

The culinary arts incorporate an expansive range of potential careers. Many people believe that a culinary course can only lead down one career path towards becoming a chef. However, there are a plethora of choices available to the willing culinary student. Teaching, restaurant or hotel management and specialist chef roles are just a small selection of the roles that are available for individuals with culinary interest and talent.

Employment and Earnings Statistics

Potential wages vary greatly depending on the industry and the precise role. According to the Department of Labor there were over 115,000 chef and head cook jobs in May of 2005 and the average hourly wage was given at $17.23 per hour. There were 1.5 million cooks’ jobs ranging from fast food to restaurant cooks. The average hourly wage ranged from $7.45 per hour for a fast food cook to $11.18 per hour for a private household cook. Top chefs can expect to earn $30 or more per hour with $17 or more per hour for the most highly-regarded household cooks.

A Change in Culinary Demands

Demand for chefs and cooks will always remain relatively constant. The major differences tend to be between the industries in which the roles are available. More and more people have turned to fast food as an easy and quick meal and, as such, there are many more cooks jobs available in the fast food industry than there were ten or even five years ago. In contrast, though, the population is now beginning to lean towards the higher-end restaurants with a greater variation in food. This means that in the next five to ten years a larger number of gourmet chefs will be required compared to fewer fast food cooks.

The Best Course of Education or Vocation

It is possible to advance up the culinary ladder in terms of career development but it can take years as a cook or assistant cook before any real advance is seen. A smart option is to earn a certificate or degree in a culinary subject. Most cook’s positions do not require a degree – a certificate or relevant experience is often enough – however, top chef jobs will generally require a good degree or a certificate and a good level of experience.

Read our article, The Changing Face of Culinary Careers, for more detailed information about a culinary arts education and potential career paths.

If you love cooking, take a look at this cute inexpensive party dip mix gift that you can send to spread some culinary joy while you’re busy finding a culinary school to attend in California.

]]> http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-culinary-arts-schools/feed 0 California Real Estate Schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-real-estate-schools http://california-vocational-schools.com/subjects/california-real-estate-schools#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:25:05 +0000 admin http://cvs.northsummitventures.com/subjects/california-real-estate-schools Here is a list of California real estate schools which offer a wide variety of licenses in the real estate field. Find a real estate school nearby and earn your real estate license. We’ve also gathered information about a career in real estate, located at the bottom of this page. Click on a school to find more specific information or just scroll down the page through all the schools and their programs.


An Introduction to Real Estate Careers

Buying a home is the single largest financial and emotional commitment that most people will make in their lives. As such, we want everything to run as smoothly as possible. In order to ensure this happens we generally employ the services of a realtor or a real estate broker. A real estate broker or sales agent does more than simply show people around potential homes, although this is an important part of their job.

Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Generally speaking, a real estate sales agent works on a contract basis for an established and licensed real estate broker. Once a contract is completed it is either renewed for another period of time or the agent moves on to work under a different broker. In some cases, the agent will study to become a broker themselves and thus begin their own real estate business.

A real estate broker supervises agents with less experience. Many brokers own the firms they work in; others work with national real estate franchises, banks, or government agencies. Brokers tend to have high levels of knowledge and experience in the areas of advanced real estate practice, law, finance, appraisal, economics, property management, escrow, and real estate office administration.

A real estate broker or agent needs to know everything there is to know about the area where they operate. How well do the schools perform? What is the crime rate? What types of jobs are available? What is the average home selling price? These are all questions that a real estate professional must be able to answer quickly and accurately in order to satisfy their clientele.

Real Estate Appraisers

A real estate appraiser is another key player in the transaction of buying and selling a home. These professionals inspect the property (land and/or structures) to estimate an accurate value and verify the condition of the property and its improvements. An appraiser must have in-depth knowledge of building techniques, geography, finance, and economics to arrive at a representative value of the appraised property. In order to secure a bank loan, the property must have an appraisal by a licensed appraiser.

Employment and Earnings Statistics

There are half a million real estate brokers and sales agents throughout the USA. A growing population and increase in new home construction means a greater need for real estate professionals. However, the real estate market is highly dependent on economic and social factors. For example, high interest rates often lead to fewer home sales and a decline in the demand for realtors. With that said, experienced and knowledgeable agents with a strong reputation and satisfied clientele are often successful even in the most difficult of real estate markets.

The average starting salary for a real estate sales agent is slightly more than $35,000 and ranges from $25,000 to $60,000. Some agents earn $100,000 or more in a good year. In contrast, a broker earns an average wage of nearly $60,000 and a number earn more than $100,000 a year. This is because brokers tend to have a team of agents working under them with each agent contributing a percentage of their earnings to the broker.

A great deal of this money is made from commission of sales and this commission rate will vary from region to region and employer to employer. More than half of real estate brokers and agents are self-employed giving them a greater potential to earn higher commissions. In many states, a 6% commission is normal; 3% will typically go to the seller’s agent and the remaining 3% to the buyer’s agent.

A beginning residential appraiser can make from $24,000 to $30,000 per year or more. If the appraiser chooses to continue their education by obtaining additional certification licenses (i.e., Certified Residential Appraiser or Certified General Appraiser) their income levels can increase to up to $70,000 or more annually.

The Best Course of Education

It is essential in every single state for a broker or an agent to be licensed. The gaining of the license, though, is comparatively simple. One must be a high school graduate and must sit and pass a written exam. The examination tends to concentrate on the appropriate laws and regulations that govern real estate and the sale and purchase of real estate. In most cases it is necessary to re-certify every year or two years.

Because of the increased complexity of state laws that govern real estate, it is becoming important that prospective agents receive continuous training even after passing the initial exam. Real estate schools will provide an extensive list of real estate courses that can be pursued.

Real Estate Program Details

There are various diplomas and certificates that are geared towards the real estate market; however, these aren’t the only programs you should consider. Certificates that concentrate on business, economics, mathematics, and English are also useful and regarded highly in the eyes of potential employers.

Real estate courses will generally deal with the ethics of working with real estate. They will also cover business studies, economics, and some may cover further topics. Customer service is an absolutely essential part of the real estate professional’s work. In addition, freelance employees will want to study general business topics. California real estate schools offer courses that cover all of these disciplines and more. Consider exactly where you want to go with your career in real estate and then choose the course that most closely fits that.

Additional Resources

If you are thinking about becoming a real estate agent or broker, you may want to read our article How to be a Successful Real Estate Professional. This article details the knowledge and skills needed to build a satisfied and loyal clientele.

Have we forgotten a California real estate school?

If you know of a California real estate school that we don’t have listed here, please let us know by contacting us.

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