Technical schools often provide students with a myriad of program options. These are likely to include medicine and patient care as well as computer information systems and welding technology. Technical college professor jobs may thus be available in these programs. Although recognized for their two-year degree programs, community and Christian colleges and online programs may also offer technical teaching opportunities. The qualifications may be different from technical schools, but degree programs are likely to be similar.
Many technical schools offer industry-specific training with degrees often completed in less time than four-year universities. A one- or two-year technical diploma, for example, often teaches students complete occupational skills with hands-on programs. Short-term diplomas may take less than one year to complete and often focus on a particular occupation. Certificate options may also be available for students at community or technical colleges. These often provide streamlined education to enhance job skills.
Unlike universities, professors at technical colleges often do not perform research. The emphasis in these environments is often on the actual teaching of students. Technical college professor jobs may therefore require faculty to teach multiple classes each semester and participate on committees. Similar to universities, some technical institutes may also support tenure programs for instructors.
College professor jobs are often available in many areas of medicine and patient care. A technical school may thus need teachers for programs that train dental assistants, certified nurses’ aides and pharmacy technicians. The training is often a combination of hands-on experience and written or oral exams. Such technical college professor jobs are likely to require candidates to hold bachelor’s degrees in a related field with verifiable occupational experience.
Additional technical programs may be available in administration, computer information systems, welding technology or early childhood development. As before, professors likely need to meet educational and professional criteria. In addition to instructing students and holding consultation hours, professors at technical colleges may also need to coordinate and conduct meetings. These are likely to be held with other faculty members to orient them on program expectations.
One of the most critical differences between technical and community colleges is in their credits. In many cases, credits from a community college will transfer to a similar four-year degree program, unlike those from a technical college. The criteria of community college professor jobs may thus be more stringent. These candidates usually need to hold Master’s degrees in their respective fields. Additional preference may also be given to those individuals with published research.
Community colleges often award graduates with applied associate degrees. These two-year programs are likely to combine technical skills with general education, such as in social and natural sciences and math. Some community colleges offer liberal arts programs as well, while still others provide students with the opportunity to earn certificates rather than degrees.
Technical college professor jobs at the two-year degree level may include such fields as renewable energy, registered nursing and respiratory therapy. Teaching responsibilities may thus include coordinating clinical or field education with classroom and laboratory instruction. Additional duties may include evaluating student performance and learning from community employers what skills are most desirable in these fields.
Christian colleges may provide another avenue for professors. Where these institutions were once largely known for severe student rules and Bible-oriented curriculum, they have evolved to accommodate the professional needs of many students. Such Christian college professor jobs may require candidates to have research experience as well as a desire to teach new and existing technologies. One field in which this may particularly apply is graphic design. Additional qualifications for these positions may include articulation of a Christian worldview both for instructing and in support of the college’s visions.
Accredited online programs are among the most rapidly expanding forms of education, and online college professor jobs offer the convenience of teaching from home or work. Among the technical programs that may be offered are office technology, application software and veterinary technology. Qualifications for such technical college professor jobs are likely to vary among institutions. One position, for example, may require candidates to hold Bachelor’s degrees in business, while another may prefer those with degrees in instructional design or educational technology. Professional experience or licensure in the respective field is likely to be another requirement.
