Wondering about what your options are once you complete high school – besides a 4-year degree? School counselors want students and parents to know the full range of options open to them as they think ahead to graduation.
As part of their mission, the American School Counselor Association sponsors a podcast called “I hear you say”; a recent podcast focused on how to expand the scope of students’ future options beyond college. Below are some of the key points and CareerOneStop resources to explore further.
Suggestions for how to look at the “after high school” decision
- School counselors emphasize that there’s no one size fits all. Sometimes people get the idea there’s only one idea of success. Students at age 17 or 18 can feel pushed into a decision when they really aren’t ready, don’t know what they want to do, or may not want to attend college but don’t see other realistic options. Families and communities need to value all career and education options.
- A good question to start from is: What is the right path for this student, at this time? The focus of planning for after high school should be to explore the full range of options and discover what makes sense for the student.
- A four-year degree is not plan A, and all the other possibilities are plan B. Media, cultural signals, and many parents reinforce the idea that college is the best path, but different directions should be considered.
- Students can feel intimidated, but it’s important to think about what they would like to do after high school, what they can see themselves doing in a job or career. If it’s a 4-year degree, consider what you want to study, what you want to do with a degree, vs making just “going to college” the default goal.
- Students should also realize that they are making a decision at age 17 or 18 that will likely change. This is just the next step and they will learn and grow from it, and may take a different direction down the road.
Broaden options beyond high school
School counselors want students to learn about their full range of options. Within each of the categories below, there are many directions to take, but these outline the major paths a student might take after high school:
- Military career
- Join the workforce with a job right out of high school. Many employers are more and more willing to pay for education for employees, so students might continue their education while working.
- Apprenticeships to “learn while you earn” in a range of different types of jobs
- Short-term training programs (a few months up to less than 2 years) for a career-qualifying certificate from a community college
- Associates degree programs, a 2-year degree earned at either a 2-year school, or a 4-year school that offers a 2-year program.
- Bachelor’s degree program at a 4-year college or university
- Gap year, maybe to learn a skill, or contribute to a cause
How to support your student to see their future possibilities?
Parents can help students make educated decisions. “Stick to the data” to set appropriate expectations.
School counselors often welcome parents and students to schedule an appointment to meet with them together. It’s important to start the conversation. Listen to what the student is looking to do. Offer information. For example, students often lack context for a future career, so show them labor market data – such as typical pay for different careers, and the importance of a strong job market outlook.
If college is the direction a student chooses, students and parents can look at data about different programs, such as job placement of graduates, and typical earnings for graduates of different programs. They can use the net cost calculator (available on every college’s website) to help determine actual costs for attending that college.
CareerOneStop resources
- Hot careers reports – See lists of careers that are fastest-growing, have the most openings, highest-paying, and more
- Job Finder – Find job openings in your local area
- Job Corps – Free training program for eligible young adults ages 16-24
- Apprenticeship information – Apprenticeships combine a full-time job with training—and prepare workers to enter in-demand careers.
- Short-term training – Classes and programs that can help you find a job, get a promotion, or earn more money, all less than 2 years.
- About college – Information about types of colleges and how to pay for college
- Local Training Finder – Search for certificate programs (less than 2 years), 2-year and 4-year college programs in your local area
Other resource
College Scorecard – Use this U.S. Department of Education tool to compare colleges and programs, including costs, admissions, outcomes, and more.
BSN Info Sessions – July
In preparation for the September classes, please plan to attend either of these informative hour long presentations to learn more about the program, the requirements…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet The RN Advocating For Disabled Candidates
Applying for a new job can be overwhelming and stressful. For candidates with disabilities, the hiring process can be a disheartening experience. According to the CDC,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
NCLEX Study Strategies
Expert Test-Taking Strategies One of the first things you should do when you begin preparing for the NCLEX is to determine your learning style to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College: an excellent choice for those wishing to pursue a career in the health care field
In a message from our College President, Joanna S. Russell, she touches on how one of the strengths Sumner has is student engagement; focussing on…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Specialty Quiz
Unsure of what nursing specialty suits you best? Take this quiz to see what options align with you best! Content shared from J&J Nursing …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy 4th of July! Office is closed
Sumner college is celebrating our nation's independence! Our offices will be closed Thursday 7/4 and Friday 7/5.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
BSN Info Sessions – Register for July
We've opened up a few more seats to the BSN Info Sessions in July. In preparation for the September classes, please plan to attend this…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing School Study Tips
Our Career Services Department has a number of great resources for students, including study tips for nursing school. Visit Career Services Study Tips …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Pulse | Summer 2024
Sumner College Newsletter | Summer 2024…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream It! Do It! @SumnerCollege
Are you dreaming of becoming a Registered Nurse, but worried about the hurdles of prerequisite courses? Look no further! Sumner College offers a unique and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Is nursing your passion?
If you've always dreamed of making a difference in people's lives through compassionate care, then it's time to take the next step! Enrollment is now…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome New Students – June Classes Start Today!
Today is the day that our new BSN, LPN and RN to BSN June 10th students embark on their nursing career. They've dreamed about it…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science Nursing | Start June 10th
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program at Sumner College is the only program in Oregon and Washington State that does not require students…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Practical Nursing | June 10th Classes Start
The Practical Nursing Program at Sumner College can fast-track you to a new career as an LPN in just 13 months. If you are compassionate…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Remember & Honor
On Memorial Day, we take a moment to remember and honor all who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RNs Advance your Nursing Career
If advancing your nursing education is part of your plans, you cannot miss this opportunity to meet Lois Hine, Sumner College RN to BSN Program…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
June BSN Info Sessions Now Open
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How Much Do Oregon’s Registered Nurses Earn? 2023 Oregon Wage Study
According to the survey results, RNs in Oregon earn an average hourly wage of $55.14, equating to an annual salary of $114,694. The Oregon Center…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Caregivers & Trailblazers: Four Nurse Innovators Redefining Healthcare
Johnson & Johnson has proudly championed the nursing profession for over 125 years because we know that for healthcare to work, it takes nurses. This National…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN Self-Care RX
Graphic provided by OCN | Oregon Center for Nursing…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Best Gift Ideas for Nurses
Whether it be a friend, family member, or acquaintance, you probably know a nurse or someone who works in healthcare. You could look at gifts…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Best Nursing Shoes for Men and Women
As a nurse, finding the perfect pair of shoes is crucial for long shifts filled with constant movement. But with so many options available, it…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
National Nurse Week
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6-12 ending on Florence Nightingale's birthday. The American Nurses Association (ANA) first recognized the week in 1990, and in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Psychiatric Nursing
While physical health is undoubtedly important, so is Mental Health. Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness each year. Psychiatric Nurses have the specialized…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New BSN Info Sessions – Register
The on-campus Information Session aims to offer valuable insights to individuals considering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Reserve a Spot…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RNs ready to pursue more?
Are you a Registered Nurse wondering what the next step is in your career? Considered your BSN? Sumner College's RN to BSN program can get…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Influence the Health and Wellbeing of Patients Every Day
As individuals, nurses directly influence the health and wellbeing of patients every day. Through frequent contact, nurses are best placed to encourage lifestyle changes in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Changes in Nursing
Changes in nursing involve a major shift in higher education standards, requiring more nurses to hold a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Trades make a comeback with Gen Z Workers
America’s skilled trades — from nursing and plumbing to welding to construction — need more workers as boomers retire. Gen Z-ers are stepping up to fill…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations, Sumner College Graduates: Embracing New Beginnings
Congratulations to the new Sumner College nursing graduates. As the tassels are flipped and mortarboards soar into the sky, a chapter closes, and another begins.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn