It’s a familiar feeling: there’s too few hours in the day to get things accomplished, or that time is slipping away.
That feeling can be a bit of a roadblock, especially when you’re trying to move up in the world, or reach new career goals.
That’s why people – recent high school graduates, mature students, or workers looking to transition into new careers – are giving accelerated college programs a try.
What Are Accelerated Programs?
Imagine compressing the essential lessons of a college program into a shorter time frame. That’s the idea behind accelerated programs. They’re designed to deliver the same high-quality education, but with a tighter focus, and in less time than your typical post-secondary programs. Some say it’s like hitting the fast-forward button on your career.
At CTS Canadian Career College, for example, the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians (MLAT) program is just 50 weeks long. This includes six weeks of field placement, giving you practical experience before graduation. Graduates are ready to take certification exams like the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) Certification Examination, setting them up for immediate career opportunities.
Accelerated programs are providing more options for today’s students. People want efficient ways to learn, and let’s face it – who doesn’t want to be more productive, and put their time to good use?
But these programs aren’t just about speed. They typically focus on fields that are in high demand, and are well-suited to providing learners with skills that translate directly into a career.
It’s all about being job-ready.
Chandler Boucher, an MLAT graduate and now an instructor at CTS, credits the program’s blend of theory and practical skills for making her feel completely prepared from day one on the job.
“The thing that really caught my eye about the course at CTS was they have theory classes for you, and they also have practical, hands-on skills classes,” Boucher says.
“I knew that I was much more of a visual hands-on type learner, and the practical skills classes really allow you to do just that – have all your skills practiced over and over again.”
Those skills allowed Boucher to quickly get hired as an MLAT, where she found herself thrust into the hectic days of the COVID-19 crisis. During those first few months, test results and lab workers were in high demand.
You can read more about Chandler Boucher’s story here.
But as Boucher tells prospective students: the accelerated programs demand a lot from learners.
The pace is intense, and some people might prefer a slower pace that they might receive over longer courses, or with more class time. It demands focus, motivation, and a high level of determination.
The key is knowing how you learn best and what you’re comfortable with. That’s where instructors can play a big role, both on the teaching side, and also on the personal side.
“[Students] are all on all different paths,” Boucher says. “And we do everything we can to help those students succeed. We want to see all of our students succeed. And hopefully we can set you on the right path to do what you want to do.“
Another consideration is the financial side. Shorter programs often mean lower tuition in the long run, and you start earning income sooner. As we all know, time is money. And the quicker you’re in the fields, the sooner you can save, invest, or hit other goals like buying a new car, a new house, or starting a family.
It’s all about thinking long-term, and maximizing the return on your investment.
Accelerated programs span a variety of fields — healthcare, law & justice, and business, for example. It’s all about finding the right fit for you. Take the time to dive into the research, connect with alumni, and when it comes to your potential, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Programs like the MLAT at CTS don’t just prepare you for one job – they can be a catalyst and open doors to many opportunities. For instance, MLATs are highly sought after in medical labs, hospitals, and specialized testing facilities like microbiology labs.
So, what does all this mean for you? Would you thrive in a fast-paced environment? Do you enjoy hands-on learning? Are you ready to jump into a career? It’s about knowing yourself and making a decision that aligns with your goals.
Why Choose CTS Canadian Career College?
At CTS, we understand the importance of tailored, accelerated learning. Our programs are designed to meet industry needs, combining focused curriculums with hands-on experience. Work placements, like the ones offered in our MLAT program, provide invaluable real-world exposure, helping you transition smoothly into your new career.
Ready to get started? Explore our programs today and take the first step toward your new career.