General Education

What Does It Take to Enroll in a Career Training Program in Indianapolis?

General EducationMay 01, 2024

Indiana’s economy continues to grow, and enrolling in a career training program in Indiana can prepare individuals for in-demand jobs. Vocational education focuses on career preparation and is common for professions in diverse industries such as healthcare, the skilled trades, technology, and manufacturing. Vocational programs typically can be completed more quickly than degree programs, helping workers launch their careers in less time. 

What are the requirements to enroll in a career training program in Indianapolis? First, prospective students need to choose a field. Researching job growth projections can help individuals target in-demand fields. Second, students need to choose a training program and complete the application process. Finally, students must complete the program’s requirements to qualify for entry-level roles in their chosen field. 

Benefits of Career Training Programs

Vocational education can be a great investment. According to a study conducted by Indiana and federal government agencies, workers who concentrated in career and technical education at the secondary level had lower unemployment rates and higher salaries than those who did not concentrate in career and technical education.

Here are some of the benefits of enrolling in a career training program. 

  • Career-specific skills: Career-focused programs do not require general education courses or courses unrelated to the career. Instead, Indiana training programs prepare students for specific career paths by emphasizing industry-specific knowledge and skills. Vocational programs provide hands-on, career-focused training. 

  • Preparation for careers in an in-demand field: Vocational occupations are expected to see strong job growth in the coming years. For example, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development projects 14.7% job growth for medical assistants from 2022 to 2032 in Indiana. Several vocational occupations, including healthcare support occupations and installation, maintenance, and repair occupations, are projected to see positive job growth in Indiana in the next decade.

  • Focused career training: Many career training programs take less than one year to complete, helping job-seekers enter the workforce quickly. In contrast, earning a bachelor’s degree takes four years for full-time students. By choosing a career training program, Indiana students can start earning a salary in less time.

  • Cost savings compared to a bachelor’s degree: Earning a bachelor’s degree in Indiana costs an average of around $40,000 in tuition and fees at a public institution or over $150,000 at a private institution, according to 2022-23 data from the National Center of Education Statistics. Completing career training in Indianapolis costs significantly less. 

Career Training Program Requirements in Indianapolis 

After choosing a focus area and vocational program, potential students need to meet admission requirements for Indiana job training programs. These vary depending on the program, but many require a high school diploma or the equivalent to enroll. Applicants may also need to submit additional materials or complete an interview as part of the admissions process. 

After entering a vocational program, students complete coursework related to their program. For example, medical assisting students learn how to collect laboratory samples, provide patient-focused care, and manage administrative responsibilities in healthcare facilities. 

Many programs pair students with career counselors who provide career development support. Career services can include interview coaching, resume feedback, and networking events. These services help graduates find entry-level roles in their field. 

Types of Career Training Programs in Indianapolis 

What kinds of training programs are offered in Indianapolis? Home to major healthcare, manufacturing, and trade organizations, Indianapolis has vocational programs that prepare students for careers in healthcare, the skilled trades, and other fields. Learn about some of the most popular options below.

Medical Assisting

Medical assistants provide administrative and healthcare support in doctor’s offices, medical clinics, and other healthcare facilities. A medical assisting program covers key topics such as medical terminology, medical office management, and clinical assisting. 

Because medical assistants have both clinical and administrative responsibilities, training programs in Indiana cover clinical skills in areas such as taking patients’ medical histories, performing lab tests, and preparing medications. They also emphasize front office skills in areas such as updating patients’ records, scheduling appointments, and submitting insurance forms.

HVAC and Refrigeration

Professionals working in the skilled trades are in demand. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to see strong job growth in Indiana, with 7.7% job growth projected from 2022 to 2032, according to data from Hoosiers by the Numbers. 

HVAC-R job training in Indianapolis covers the installation, servicing, and troubleshooting of HVAC and refrigeration systems. Students explore hands-on techniques through a comprehensive curriculum. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions as an HVAC-R installer or HVAC-R mechanic. 

Dental Assisting

Employment for dental assistants in Indiana is expected to grow 6.8% from 2022 to 2032, according to projections from Hoosiers by the Numbers. Indianapolis dental assisting programs prepare students for careers in this growing field.

Dental assisting programs help students gain patient care, clinical, office, and laboratory skills. This can include hands-on training in areas such as preparing patients for dental exams, assisting dentists during procedures, taking dental X-rays, and maintaining patients’ records. 

Complete Your Career Training in Indianapolis at Fortis College

If you’re looking for career training in Indianapolis, consider enrolling in one of the job training programs at Fortis College in Indianapolis. Located in the College Park neighborhood, Fortis offers healthcare and skilled trade job training programs. You can prepare for a career as a medical assistant, dental assistant, or HVAC-R technician at Fortis.

Fortis specializes in career-focused, vocational education that provides students with the training they need to pursue in-demand jobs. Our financial aid advisers help students maximize their funding opportunities, while our experienced faculty strengthen their technical knowledge and skills. 

Contact Fortis College in Indianapolis to learn more about our job training programs.

Recommended Readings
Benefits of Career Training Programs
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?
Signs You Need a Career Change

Sources:
American Association of Medical Assistants, What Is a Medical Assistant?
BetterUp, “What’s Vocational Training? Everything You Need to Know”
Congressional Research Service, “Career and Technical Education: A Primer”
Hoosiers by the Numbers, Occupational Projections (Long Term)
National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
ZipRecruiter, “Beyond Degrees: Rethinking Qualifications in the Skills-First Era”