In the years 2015-2020, the level of cognitive functions of students at the Mills College was tested. The aim was to demonstrate the possibility of improving the cognition of respondents preparing to perform a mentally demanding profession. Students in the field of certified pharmaceutical assistant, certified medical laboratory assistant and certified paramedic were included in the testing. Most students showed a positive shift in the level of cognitive functions. The best results in individual fields corresponded to the focus of teaching on vocational training according to competencies. In the case of certified pharmaceutical assistants, there was the most positive shift in short-term memory, in the case of certified medical laboratory technicians, the largest shifts in tests monitoring attention were observed, and in the case of certified medical paramedics, logical thinking improved the most.