Column: Career tech & college are no longer mutually exclusive

MANSFIELD — There’s a prevailing myth about career tech education that I’d like to address. It’s a myth I used to believe, up until recently.

When I was in high school, I thought career technical education and the college track were two separate paths, never meant to cross. They were different pathways for different student’s needs.

I didn’t question that assumption, even when I became an education reporter. I’ve heard countless educators declare that “not every kid has to go to college” — almost always in reference to their school’s CTE programs.

As college costs have risen and degree completion rates have stagnated nationwide, CTE has been held up as a worthwhile alternative to a college education.

For some students, it is. Today’s high schoolers can earn industry-recognized credentials and graduate ready to take on an internship, apprenticeship or even a full-time job. They can get their diploma, then go work as a phlebotomist, a welder, a nail tech or an auto tech.

But CTE courses can also be a valuable asset for kids that do want to go to college.

Career tech courses can transfer as college credit

The career tech-versus-college dichotomy is a thing of the past, but stereotypes of CTE persist.

Nikia Fletcher said part of her job is to dispel the myth that vocational education is only for students with behavioral issues or academic struggles.

As Mansfield City Schools’ director of college and career readiness, she encourages both college and workforce-bound students to consider how CTE might help them reach their goals.

“There are college credits available to our students when they take those CTE pathways,” Fletcher said.

“You can take those college credits with you to any college in Ohio and get yourself a good jumpstart to what you will be doing in academia after you finish the CTE program.”

Incoming Mansfield Senior Principal Kris Beasley said there’s a fallacy that CTE coursework is easier than the traditional school subjects. He pointed out that CTE courses require students to learn industry-specific skills, vocabulary and employability skills.

“Those courses, particularly the second-year courses, are as rigorous as any College Credit Plus course a kid can take,” he said.

“If your kid wants to go to Cincinnati to study engineering, it sure would make sense for them to be in our engineering (CTE) class.”

A few months ago, I visited Pioneer Career and Technology Center’s health tech lab and interviewed students in the medical technologies program.

The students spent half their day taking career tech courses. Those who completed the two-year program had the chance to earn certifications in basic life support, First Aid and phlebotomy.

They were able to become state-tested nurse aids (STNAs) and certified EKG technicians, all before graduating high school.

All in all, they had the chance to earn the equivalent of 21 credit hours at North Central State College. Many of them said they planned to continue their education.

So if you thought CTE was only for kids who have no interest in college, think again.

“A lot of people are planning to go for their two-year nursing degree,” said Megan Haney, Pioneer’s medical technologies instructor.

“Wherever they work, a lot of places are paying for their bachelor’s (degree). So they’re going the more cost-efficient way.”

Want to see how local high school career tech courses may transfer to college credit? Check out this tool from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.