The work (or in our case; practice) vocational educational industry is an excellent choice for lucrative and fulfilling business opportunities. With the rise in demand for short-term (less than 1 year) vocational education and learning solutions, there has never been a better time to join this dynamic sector, especially with a leading education business innovator like CalDOC.
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Current market size and expected growth
The technical and vocational education market size was estimated at USD 812.33 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 890 billion in 2025. In addition, technical and vocational education encourages skill-based learning and contributes to a better literacy rate globally.
Vocational institutions, including CalDOC colleges, are not just educational establishments but gateways to real-world success. They cater to diverse career aspirations, from healthcare and technology to skilled trades, offering specialized programs that align closely with industry needs.
By focusing on practical skills and hands-on experience, vocational education schools are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional academic pathways and the dynamic demands of today’s workforce. This approach fosters a direct link to employment opportunities and empowers students to swiftly adapt to occupational landscapes, ensuring their skills remain relevant and sought-after.
Unlike conventional education routes, these schools concentrate on delivering targeted training programs that prepare students for immediate entry into their chosen fields. Through a blend of classroom learning and real-world applications, students receive an education that is directly aligned with the needs of employers, making them highly competitive candidates upon graduation. CalSmart average tuition for 3 month dental assisting vocational training is $7,500, which makes it a cost-effective alternative compared to 9 month-long CODA career college tuitions which average $20,000, and traditional degrees, which often exceed $100,000. Especially since all CalSmart career program are combined with California Dental Board approved certifications.
The trend towards more hands-on training in vocational education is a response to the evolving needs of industries and employers. Schools prepare students for the workforce by providing extensive hands-on training that simulates real-world scenarios. This approach reinforces theoretical knowledge and builds confidence and competence, ensuring that graduates are job-ready and capable of performing at a high level from day one.
The U.S. vocational education market is growing rapidly and consistently for a number of reasons, including:
Accessibility
Digital technology has made vocational education more accessible, allowing learners from different backgrounds to access high-quality resources. Our hybrid programs offer online platforms, virtual classrooms, and mobile learning applications that offer students flexible learning schedules.
Demand for job-relevant skills
The demand for job-relevant skills in various sectors especially dental auxiliary is increasing. In fact, some states such as California, are experience a major shortage of trained and certified dental assistants. The fastest-growing career fields are allied health and skilled trades.
Cost-effectiveness
Vocational training programs are presented as a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to post-secondary education. Certifications and licenses are also less expensive and require less time to obtain than traditional college degrees.
Changing demands of the economy
The landscape of vocational education has undergone significant transformations in the 21st century, driven by the changing demands of the economy.
Shifting job market
The American job market is showing signs of shifting away from four-year degrees and graduate programs. The average cost of college in the United States has more than doubled in the 21st century.
Choosing a vocational path offers a pragmatic approach to education, allowing students to focus on acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for specific careers. This decision is not only about selecting an area of study but also about considering the practicalities of entering the workforce in a timely and cost-effective manner. Vocational education provides a direct route to employment, making it an appealing option for those eager to embark on their career journey.
Vocational training programs, especially in states like California, are tailored to meet the fast-paced demands of today’s job market. These programs are efficient not only in terms of time, often allowing students to complete their studies and enter the workforce quicker than traditional four-year degree paths, but also in how closely they align with the needs of local industries. This alignment ensures that the skills students acquire are directly applicable to their chosen field, making them immediately valuable to employers upon graduation.
$415,079
2024 Average Gross Sales (*)
7000+
Graduates
21+
Years In Higher Education Business
Offer our 12-week dental assisting program combined with 5 California Dental Board Certifications (Dental Radiology, Infection Control, Coronal Polish, Pit and Fissure Sealant, and California Dental Practices Act). As your school grows, we have premium career programs in 8-week dental front desk receptionist, 10-week dental lab technician, and/or our 8-week orthodontic assistant (California Board approved). CalDOC provides all the curriculums, instructor guides, lesson plans, course syllabus, online platform, and training manuals for use with all career programs.
Our educational programs support current students or existing dental assistants in your community with dental board approved certification courses. In 2025, an approved 8-hour Infection Control certificate from an approved provider is required, and unregistered dental assistants may also perform Coronal Polish. CalDOC provide all the curriculums, instructor guides, lesson plans, course syllabus, online platform, and training manuals for use with all certification courses.
Our test prep programs help students excel on exams like the RDA and RDAEF2 tests. Offer profitable classes that cover all aspects of the RDAEF exam, including test-taking techniques and sample questions. Students have 60 days of online access to the materials.
As you grow in size and profitability, we have premium curriculums with state and/or national certifications in clinical medical assisting, phlebotomy, EKG, pharmacy technician, certified nurse assistant, and even veterinary assistant. CalDOC can assist in locating affiliated clinics on your behalf to run the hands-on programs out of, including recruiting instructors for these programs.
The growing demand for vocational education services has created significant opportunities for dentist entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry through investing in an existing business model. CalDOC's "franchise without being a franchise model" offer several advantages, including:
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. It is a business opportunity. If you are not a licensed California Dentist, or wish to start a school in an already protected territory, we will not offer you a business partnership.
*Financial information presented in a subset. This information reflects the average gross revenues for an average 100,000 or less population territory that would be represented in the Top 25% or Top Quartile that operated continuously throughout 24 calendar months pursuant to a joint a CalDOC partnership license agreement. Of all California territories with a California Dental Assisting Academy, we suspect the Top 25%, will, through following CalDOC's business practices and business school model, should meet or exceeded the average gross revenue of $415,079. We refer you to CalDOC's School Financial Projections Spreadsheet for a more complete financial performance representation. “Gross revenues” means the total gross amount of all revenues that school partners actually receive in operating the California Dental Assisting Academy business or otherwise using CalDOC's trademarks. Gross revenues do not include sales tax or other tax receipts or documented credits or refunds school partners made in good faith to their student customers.
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