Western New York Teacher Center

Colleges and Universities offer many different majors and programs.  Degrees usually require two, four or five years after high school.  Most colleges require a local or Regents high school diploma, but some have special programs that award a GED with a two-year degree.  See individual colleges for specific requirements, expectations and information.      

 

Professional Programs and trade schools often award certification; these school are entirely dedicated to one specific fields and/or areas within that field.  Most programs give degrees of completion or certificates, but credits rarely transfer to other institutions or colleges.  Check professional organizations of that field to be certain the schools is accredited. Click on links to information about some of the fields.    

 

The following examples represent a few fields that offer specialized training programs and/or certification:   

Art Institutes

Child Care

Graphic Arts

Personal Trainer

Animal Training and/or animal health care

Vet Tech in New York State 

Construction including plumbing, electrical, carpentry

Interior Decorating and/or Design

Hospitality; Travel and Tourism

Real Estate

Paralegal programs in New York State

Performing Arts

Medical Technology; health care worker; medical office; wide variety

Computer: wide variety from basic to advanced

Office assistant

Business: wide variety from basic to advanced

Massage Therapies; natural health therapies

Drug and Alcohol Counseling

Truck Driving Certification

 

 

 

Examples of Certifications:

Child Development Associate or CDA is a nationally recognized credential in the area of Infant/Toddler, Preschool or Family Child Care. 

"Vet tech" usually refers to a vet technician, which requires completion of a two-year program, but it may also refer to a veterinary technologist who generally require completion of a fou-year program beyond high school. In the Buffalo area, Medaille College (884-3281) offers a two-year Veterinary Technology Program. Other students might choose Alfred State College (607-578-3009) in Alfred, NY, for a similar two-year accredited program.

 

Local program and classes that lead to Certification and/or Job Training can be found at:

Erie 1 BOCES Workforce Development (click on "locations" then click on "Adult Workforce Development Center") is an excellent resource with a wide array of programs and services. 

The One-Stop Center at Erie Community College in Orchard Park offers career counseling, job training and many other services. 

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at the University of Buffalo offers a variety of programs and services. 

 The Buffalo Employment and Training Center is another resource and includes extra support for veterans.

 

GED Programs are set up to accommodate state laws that regulate the eligibility of the student, time and place of tests as well as other requirements. Programs usually include classes and sample exam questions to prepare students for the New York State GED test.

 

If you are a high school student in Western New York, see your guidance counselor about special programs and/or alternative schools that your district may provide. For example, a few districts offer a GED as an alternative program while the student continues to be enrolled in high school. There are also local GED Programs which are separate from high schools.

 

Military Service     

Contact a local recruiting office for information about joining the Army, Air Force or Navy. If you are qualified, many programs, professional education and other opportunities are available.