What jobs accept trade school certifications?

I'm curious about the types of jobs that actually accept trade school certifications instead of traditional degrees. Are there particular fields or sectors where this is more common? Trying to figure out if a trade school path is right for me.

Trade schools, also known as technical or vocational schools, offer post-secondary training for specific careers. They're a great option for those who want to directly enter the workforce without the time and financial commitment of a four-year degree. Some of the most common jobs that typically require trade school certifications rather than traditional degrees are in fields like healthcare, the skilled trades, and technology.

In the healthcare domain, jobs such as dental hygienist, respiratory therapist, physical therapist assistant, and licensed practical or vocational nurse often require certifications from trade schools. These programs usually provide the hands-on training needed to start working directly after school.

In the skilled trades, electricians, welders, plumbers, automotive service technicians, and HVAC technicians often start their careers with certifications from trade schools. Much of the training in these fields is hands-on, learning directly from professionals in real-world environments.

In the tech sector, jobs like web developer, computer programmer, network administrator, database manager, and IT support specialist can be obtained with certifications from trade schools. The training courses usually immerse students in the skills they need to succeed in these roles, such as coding languages, software understanding, and hardware maintenance.

Keep in mind that employers often value experience and tangible skills, which trade schools provide ample opportunity to build. In some cases, a certification from a trade school may even be perceived more positively as it shows you have specific, job-ready skills. It's always helpful, though, to research the industries you're interested in to get a feel for the standard qualifications for entry-level positions.