Private career colleges offer certificate and diploma programs in fields such as:
- Business
- Health services
- Human resources
- Applied arts
- Information technology
- Electronics
- Services
- Trades
They often appeal to people who:
Need specific job skills to join the work force
Have academic qualifications and want to add to their practical skills to become more competitive in the job market.
Private career college structure
Private career colleges often work with small groups of students rather than large classes, and offer:
- Flexible learning schedules
- Enrolment at many different times during the year
- Compressed programs that deliver training over a short time.
- Standards and registration
- By law, private career colleges must be registered and must have their programs approved by the Superintendent of Private Career Colleges.
Confirming registration
If an institution is not registered and offers an unapproved program, it's breaking the law. If you enrol in an unregistered institution or an unapproved program, the law doesn't protect you.
Private career college checklist
Before you apply to a private career college, make sure:
The college and/or program are registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
Remember: If you enrol in an unregistered institution or an unapproved program, the law doesn't protect you
You speak with employers in the field to make sure the private career college's programs meet their needs
You (or someone you know and trust) have visited the college to see the facilities and equipment
You know the total cost of enrolling in the program, including the application fee, tuition, books, equipment, transportation and room and board
You meet the admission requirements for the program
You have read the Statement of Students' Rights and Responsibilities
Both you and a representative of the college have signed an enrolment contract.
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