A vocational course is a type of education that prepares individuals for a skilled craft, trade, or work as a technician. Vocational courses are focused on practical work and are designed to equip students with the skills needed to enter the working world. These courses are different from more theoretical and academic courses such as history, philosophy, or mathematics, which can lead to a variety of professions. Vocational courses are best for students who have a good idea of their career path and want to gain the knowledge to get there. Vocational courses can take place at the post-secondary, further education, or higher education level and can interact with the apprenticeship system. Vocational courses can be taken at vocational schools, trade schools, technical schools, community colleges, colleges of further education, vocational universities, and institutes of technology. Vocational courses offer training for careers such as medical coding and billing, auto mechanics, cosmetology, electrical work, and legal secretary work. Completing a vocational degree program typically takes less time than a traditional undergraduate program, though this time varies by state.