Southwest Florida College

You can't get something from nothing, so how can you expect to start a new career -- or advance in your current one -- if you don't have the training or credentials that employers are looking for? The answer to this profession question is clear: career schools.

As students of Southwest Florida College already know, career schools give people of all ages the ability to learn and hone new skills. In fact, at this accredited career college, the average age of the student body is 26, with individuals ranging from recent high school grads eager to enter the workforce, to adults seeking a career change or advancement. As a reflection of the diverse student population, Southwest Florida College likewise offers a variety of program options. Diplomas, certificates, Associate of Science degrees, and Bachelor of Science degrees, are all available at this college's campuses in Ft. Myers, and Tampa, FL.

No matter which program a student chooses, though, the quality and opportunities remain consistent. As Nancy Monteith, the director of communications for Southwest Florida College, explains, "We try to give students as much real-world experience as possible." Towards this end, this career college requires externships in many of its programs. While students in the Early Childhood Education program work in real classrooms as student-teachers, individuals within the Surgical Technology program spend an entire term at a hospital or doctor's office.

The importance of real-life training doesn't just apply to students' time at Southwest Florida College, either. For students who have accomplished previous work in their chosen field of study, the school offers a prior learning program. Thanks to this course, and efforts to assess what individuals have already learned, students at Southwest Florida College can accumulate credits towards their degree based upon previous practical work experience.

This policy is best exemplified by the bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice program, asserts Monteith. "Some of out students will be uniformed police officers," she explains. "What we can do is review what they are doing out on the field and possibly apply that to the degree."

This means that, depending on your prior work experience, you could see the average program length of two to four years, reduced to even less - an ideal option for adult learners who have to deal with the responsibilities and scheduling demands of work and family.

Though you may finish your degree or diploma program early, don't expect Southwest Florida College's dedication to end with graduation. That's because this career college provides lifelong career services to all graduates in order to help them get the career they deserve and need. As proof, take this into consideration: 93 percent of last year's graduates alone have landed employment.

It's easy to graduate too, with the help of this career school's atmosphere. With a total population of 1,800 to 2,000; each of Southwest Florida College's campuses boasts an intimate learning environment, small class sizes, and personal attention for every student.

"Most of our students say that the thing that attracts them is the family-like atmosphere," attests Monteith. "It's really nice to walk through the halls and see the students looking so comfortable."

Sound Off! Post Your Comments