If working at an exciting, in-demand job that commands a six-figure salary with mandatory retirement age 56 and full federal pension benefits sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. In fact, a career as an air traffic controller may be closer than you think.

Here at Vaughn, we are one of only 33 colleges in the country to offer the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) and the only program of its kind in the Northeast. We are always looking for driven, passionate students to fill this degree program.

What it takes

To become an air traffic controller, you can take one of two paths:

1. Pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) biometric screening exam (which many do not pass) without any prior knowledge or training
2. Attend an institution like Vaughn, which partners with the FAA to provide air traffic control (ATC) instruction

The benefit of attending a college like Vaughn is that not only do you get to bypass the biometric screening exam, but you will have the following advantages in your favor:

• The FAA hires approximately half of its candidates from the AT-CTI and the military, so Vaughn students are in a better position to land a job
• Access to new state-of-the-art facilities and training equipment
• Ability to enroll in a fast-track program that prepares you for entrance exams in as little as one year

Eligible students

Vaughn welcomes incoming freshmen, transfer students and graduates from other colleges or universities to apply to the program.

Here’s how it works:

If you’re a freshmen or transfer student, you can enroll in of one of 10 bachelor’s or associate degree programs in the fields of aviation, management or engineering. Upon degree completion, you will be qualified to take the FAA entrance exam.

If you already have an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, Vaughn offers a fast-track degree program where you can complete your prerequisite courses for the FAA exams in a year and a half. Otherwise, it takes two-to-four years.

Start young, retire early

Being young pays off. Unlike other jobs where you must wait until you’re 62 or older to retire, the FAA requires air traffic controllers retire at 56. This FAA rule puts younger people like you in demand for this growing, lifelong career.

Achieve a consistent work/life balance

Most people think air traffic controllers have an extremely stressful job. Yes, the stakes are high. But the reality is that if you are highly organized and a quick-thinker, the stress factor is relatively minimal. What’s more, the FAA has certain mandates to help facilitate a calm working environment where air traffic controllers can focus and get their jobs done well.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Consistent work schedule
• Scheduled breaks throughout your shift
• Close-knit environment among other air traffic controllers
• Potential to earn six figures after the first few years of service
• Retire with full pension

Can you picture yourself as an air traffic controller?

Whether you’re fresh out of high school, a college student or college graduate looking to embark on an exciting career, Vaughn can help your future take off.

Contact us today to learn more!