Penn Foster Career School Online

Highlights

• Over 13 million students since school's founding in 1890
• An online, distance learning school that offers a high level of schedule flexibility
• Emphasizes low-cost tuition with monthly payment options
• Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
• Licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools

About the School

Penn Foster Career School is one of the oldest and biggest distance learning, online schools for career education in the world. Penn Foster offers offers dozens of distance-education, skill-focused programs in fields such as business, technology, education, healthcare, legal, and trades.

The school reports that over 90% of its graduates achieved their goals and that over 95% were satisfied with their studies.

Flexible education options allows students to study online, in print, or in combination. Lessons and learning resources are sent directly to the student's home. At-home learning allows for complete flexibility in completing coursework.

Students get the educational support they need from faculty, consultants and instructional advisors who are available to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Students can get help by calling the school's toll-free phone line or via e-mail.

Upon completion of each lesson students take an online examination. Following successful completion students can go on to the next lesson.

Academic Programs

The school offers career-focused educational programming. Students can pick a track in some of the fastest-growing fields, such as business, technology, health care, select trades, and more.

Students can obtain career diplomas and/or certificates in the following categories:

• Automotive – Study topics can cover body repair, detailing, general repairs, HVAC, and transmissions. Also covers diesel mechanics, motorcycles, and small engines studies.
• Business – Available certificates and/or diplomas areas include accounting, bookkeeping, administrative assistance, bed and breakfasts, business management, business security, hospitality, human resources, and small businesses.
• Creative/Design – Areas of available studies include graphics arts design and software such as from Adobe®, painting and drawing, bridal consultancy, cartooning, cooking and catering, dressmaking, floral design, writing, interior decoration, photography, and Web design.
• Education – Optional topics include child day care, child development and psychology, English, Spanish, and teaching.
• Engineering – Covers computer-aided design (CAD).
• Health Services – Offers anatomy and physiology, personal training, dental assistance, fitness and nutrition, medical coding and billing, medical office assistance, medical transcription, occupational therapy, pharmacy technician, physical therapy, and veterinary assistance.
• Legal Studies – Covers court reporting, crime scene investigations, legal secretary, paralegal, and private investigation.
• Technology – Offers computer graphics arts, electronics, forensic computer examination, programming, PCs, and telecommunications.
• Trades – Options cover a wide range of trades including those for appliances, carpentry, conservation, dog training, electrician, furniture making, gunsmith, home inspection, home repair, HVAC, jewelry, landscaping, locksmith, pet grooming, plumbing, and travel and tourism.

Learning Options

Students can learn online, from printed materials or a blend of both. The schedule is completely flexible and the school has a toll free phone line 11 hours a day where students can call in with questions or get academic help.

Faculty

Penn Foster Career School institutional and faculty members are an assembly of experts in their areas of study. They have associations with an array of professional organizations ranging from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the American Society of Travel Agents to the International Society for Technology in Education and the Electronics Technician Association.

Student Life

Courses are offered online or printed material sent directly to the student. This allows for participants to enjoy complete scheduling flexibility so the student's social life is unaffected by coursework.

Admissions and Financial Aid

The school has an open admission policy. A simple online enrollment form is available so that students can start classes soon after signing up.

With its large student body the school prides itself on its ability cost-effectively deliver course materials. These savings help the schools establish a low-cost tuition structure including all materials such as textbooks, supplemental materials, study guides, and learning aids. A 0% financing options is available for enrollees.