Choices and options for education in radio can be an individualized process these days, as is most education. It can be a little confusing and overwhelming. There are online courses and certifications. There are also traditional colleges and universities.

Small business today needs to look at the education question at a deeper level and ask, "Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?" or, "Do I simply need a rigorous program that will get my business in the mainstream fast?” You can find good non-accredited radio training programs. You need to research the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university. There are plenty of less than sterling courses out there too. So, buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for training in radio:

1. Look at professional radio training offered by the best schools in the nation.

2. Find DJ radio education and training.

3. Find amateur radio licensing and other radio training choices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go to a two-year college or a four-year institution for training in radio

Go to one of the great four-year journalism schools for radio/television broadcast training. Or, get an associates degree in radio at a two-year tech school. These schools have facilities, trained teachers and research programs to give you the best education.

I recommend: Try a two-year college for your accredited radio program. Long Beach City College offers radio classes and degree programs, as do many two-year tech schools across the nation. The journalism school at the University of Montana is one of the best in the nation. Look into the broadcast journalism program at UM for your radio training. Radio/Television journalism at the University of Missouri is another program with a great reputation. UT Austin also offers a broadcast journalism program for those looking for radio industry education.

Find radio DJ training and education to jumpstart your radio business

These schools will get you on the air with full confidence that you can do the job.

I recommend: KVRX Student Radio for Austin offers DJ radio training. Use a real radio station in a town or city where you live for DJ training with the Radio Connection Broadcasting School.

Use radio industry training for amateur radio or broadcast training

Look at these radio programs and see if they meet the needs of you and your business. Whether you want to get into the radio industry right away or you want to be emergency-ready with amateur radio training, the programs are here.

I recommend: Radio 1 Broadcast School accepts GI bills. Go to their site and see class schedules, curriculum and student loan options. Get a license in amateur radio from the National Association for Amateur Radio. This is useful preparedness training for emergencies when amateurs can assist on the radio. Register and order training manuals online. Look at the Get-a-Mentor training programs for radio.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Radio school education programs are more convenient than ever today. However, watch the fine print on the websites and advertisements. Look at testimonials. Check Better Business Bureaus. Compare prices. Make sure the school is not too expensive compared to other schools, and that it offers a good solid program.