15 Best Trade Schools in Alabama | Costs, Requirements, and How to Apply

This article explores the best trade schools in Alabama.

High-paying, fast-growing career fields do not require a four-year degree. 

Employers seek candidates with specific skills and industry certifications. 

Vocational schools in Alabama provide one of the best training in various career fields.

Students who choose vocational schools want to enter the workforce. 

Curricula vary, but students develop specific skills and knowledge. Many programs also lead to industry certifications. 

While the time necessary to graduate varies, most students complete their technical education within two years. 

According to 2009 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students who earn an occupational credential are more likely to work in a career related to their studies than learners who get an academic certificate.

In Alabama, most technical colleges provide degrees that include practical training.

Instructors frequently collaborate closely with nearby businesses to offer internship or cooperative education opportunities.

Application of practical skills is common in even online vocational programs.

Also, Alabama’s technical institutions provide instruction in healthcare, manufacturing, and business. Standard vocational programs include dental hygiene, pharmacy technician, hospitality management, heating and cooling, and automotive repair. 

Most technical schools admit recent high school graduates and working professionals who intend to change careers.

This compilation aims to assist prospective students in deciding where to further their education. 

We also want to assist you in gathering all the information before deciding on a specific study location (costs, duration, enrollment requirements, etc.) 

The educational institutions mentioned in the article provide high-quality training in a variety of fields, including: 

Massage Therapy Medical Care Beauty Training 

Real-estate Classes and Other Resources 

Are there Trade Schools in Alabama?

There are many great options available when choosing good Trade Schools in Alabama, so we invite you to read this article and decide where you want to build a successful career based on your skills and interests.

  1. Montgomery Dental Assistant School
  2. Birmingham Dental Assistant School
  3. FORTIS College in Mobile
  4. Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville
  5. Huntsville Dental Assistant School
  6. ABC Bartending School
  7. Birmingham School of Massage
  8. New Beginning College of Cosmetology
  9. My Real Estate School
  10. Alabama Pipe Welders Academy
  11. Gadsden State Community College
  12. Wallace Community College-Hanceville
  13. Northwest-Shoals Community College
  14. Shelton State Community College
  15. Northeast Alabama Community College

See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Delaware | Costs, Requirements, How to Apply

How much do Trade Schools cost in Alabama?

The enrollment fee for Trade Schools in Alabama is $100, and the tuition fee starts from $14,811 to $18,050, depending on the program.

Financial aid is available for students who qualify. And Financial aids are also available for Alabama residents who are low-income or laid off. 

What are the Requirements for Trade Schools in Alabama?

Applicants must have:

  • A high school diploma or GED: Applicants who cannot provide proof of secondary education would have to take the Wonderlich Basic Skills Test (Verbal 200 and Quantitative 210).
  • An up-to-date immunization record.
  • A government-issued photo ID.
  • Payment is made before the class.

What are the Best Trade Schools in Alabama | 2024?

I highlighted the most excellent vocational schools in Alabama in this article below.

However, when choosing a school, pupils should consider their unique demands.

The institution and program the learner chooses should support their academic and professional objectives.

Other essential factors include cost and degree-completion time.

1. Montgomery Dental Assistant School

Students learn Dental Assisting through hands-on experience at Montgomery Dental Assistant School. 

Students graduate after nine weeks of training and classes in a dental office. 

In addition, students complete the classes and a 40-hour Externship at a local dental office (beginning around Class 4). 

They can also choose a dental office to extern at or be assigned to a local dental office to complete the externship. 

Vandelay Education LLC operates the school. 

The Department of Postsecondary Education and Commission on Higher Education license and regulate it.

Visit school here 

2. Birmingham Dental Assistant School

Birmingham Dental Assistant School assists students in establishing a new career in 12 weeks. 

Weekend classes and hands-on learning are available at the school. 

They hold the classes in a dental office, with all instructions experienced dental assistants provide. 

The school aims to give students the experience and confidence they need to build successful careers. 

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In addition, graduates must complete a 40-hour externship in a local dental office.

Visit school here 

3. FORTIS College in Mobile

FORTIS College provides hands-on training for individuals interested in pursuing a career in health care or other skilled, trained businesses.

Many of their programs offer day and evening classes, allowing students to choose the program that best fits their needs. 

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools has accredited the college (ABHES). 

The Private School Unit the also licensed and approved for it 

Alabama Department of Education and the State Approval Agency for Veteran Training.

Courses offered:

  • Dental Assisting
  • Medical Assisting
  • Pharmacy Technology
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
  • Medical Office Administration

Visit school here 

4. Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville

The Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville campus offers a variety of healthcare education programs. It is considered one of the best trade schools in Alabama.

Courses offered:

  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Veterinary Assistant

Visit school here

5. Huntsville Dental Assistant School

Huntsville Dental Assistant School allows students to start a new career in 12 weeks of training. 

The school provides hands-on education at an affordable price, with classes held directly in a dental office. 

Experienced dental assistants lead Saturday training sessions.

Visit school here

6. ABC Bartending School

ABC prepares students to work as professional bartenders and mixologists. 

After completing the 2-week bartending course, you will be qualified to work in any bar in the world. 

All classes will be hands-on. They set classrooms up in the style of a real working bar, which helps students feel comfortable working behind a bar at the end of the course and working as a bartender in any bar. 

We will place you in a job after completing the course. 

On the last day of graduation, the school provides help. 

Graduates will find job opportunities on the school’s website. 

They will also include a chapter on interviewing skills in the textbook.

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Visit school here

7. Birmingham School of Massage

The Birmingham School of Massage teaches students the knowledge and skills they need to work as massage therapists. 

There are many career options available. Massage therapists work in chiropractic and orthopedic offices, health clubs, corporate settings, private practices, hair and nail salons, professional sports teams, spas, and resorts, among other places. 

The school provides both day and evening classes. 

Also, the Birmingham school of massage offers programs in Anatomy, physiology, bodywork, and business classes.

Visit school here

8. New Beginning College of Cosmetology

They committed to the new Beginning College of Cosmetology to provide informative and exciting cosmetology education. It is considered one of the best trade schools in Alabama.

The school’s teaching staff has 50 years of experience in the cosmetology industry. 

The New Beginning College of Cosmetology is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools and the National Accrediting Commission of Carrer Arts & Sciences. 

The school provides both day and evening classes.

Visit school here

9. My Real Estate School

My Real Estate School is Alabama’s oldest and largest real estate school. 

The school’s mission is to provide high-quality real-estate education that is both affordable and convenient. 

They have classes in several locations throughout Alabama. There are also online classes available. 

You must meet the following requirements to get an Alabama real estate license.

Courses offered:

  • Real Estate Licensing Course
  • Continuing Education
  • Broker Exam Courses
  • 30-hour Post License
  • Specialty Workshops
  • Home Appraisal Courses
  • Cram Courses
  • Home Inspection Courses

Visit school here

10. Alabama Pipe Welders Academy

The Alabama Pipe Welders Academy is a privately owned and operated school. 

To ensure high-quality training, they limited classes to 5 students. 

The instructors at the school have a combined 50 years of experience in the field. 

The school also provides one-on-one training for each student. 

In addition, students can attend classes in the morning, afternoon, or evening. 

An AWS-certified welding inspector is on staff. 

NDT training is also available at the school.

Courses offered:

  • COMBO Pipe
  • GTAW Pipe
  • SMAW Pipe
  • MIG Pipe
  • Pipeline Course
  • Pipefitting
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Visit school here

11. Gadsden State Community College

  • LOCATION: Gadsden, AL
  • TUITION: $4518
  • GRADUATION RATE: 14%

GSCC is one of the vocational schools in Alabama, with various career and technical programs. Students can choose from over 70 programs. 

Areas of study include academic, technical, health sciences, and skills vocational programs.

3–5 semesters are needed to complete a certificate. 

Five semesters are required for associate degrees.

Students can consult with virtual advisors on educational goals and admissions queries while studying on-site or online.

Also, through labs, practicals, and internships, students pursuing an associate’s degree in court reporting receive practical training.

GSCC also offers technical training through the Stop Center, Joe Ford Center, and Alabama Technology Network (ATN). 

ATN works with 150 companies annually to provide workforce development in additive manufacturing, environmental systems, usable energy, and lean manufacturing.

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Visit school here

12. Wallace Community College-Hanceville

  • LOCATION: Hanceville, AL
  • TUITION: $5143
  • GRADUATION RATE: 20%

Wallace State, one of the best trade schools in Alabama, which opened its doors in 1966, serves about 7,000 students.

Students attend classes on the main campus in Hanceville, at the satellite campus in Oneonta, or online.

For working professionals, evening and hybrid sessions give more flexibility.

With more than 50 areas of study, Wallace State is one of Alabama’s finest technical colleges.

Students can receive associate degrees and certificates in culinary arts, cosmetology, aviation and flight technology, and diesel mechanics.

The Office of Career and Workforce Development offers paid work training through apprenticeships.

Cooperative education programs that combine in-class instruction and on-the-job training are also available to students.

By finishing the program, students acquire a year of work experience.

Apprenticeships last around one year.

Typically, internships last one semester.

Visit school here

13. Northwest-Shoals Community College

  • LOCATION: Muscle Shoals, AL
  • TUITION: $7544

In addition to its two facilities in Muscle Shoals and Phil Campbell, NW-SCC first opened its doors in 1963.

Today, the two-year college, one of Alabama’s best technical schools, provides its more than 3,500 students with about 100 associate degrees and certifications.

Diagnostic imaging radiography, salon and spa management, automobile service technology, and welding are all study topics.

Additionally, two-year associate degrees and quick certificates offer practical work experience.

The associate degree in emergency medical services requires clinical that give students practical skills. 

Labs like those offered in the carpentry and cabinetmaking program teach students on-the-job building techniques in construction, floors, walls, and site preparation.

Outside the traditional college learning environment, students also gain technical training and take personal development classes through the Workforce Solutions Division.

The division partners with local companies to cater to their employment and training needs. 

Students can enroll in the machinist apprenticeship program, customized manufacturer training, or computer classes.

Visit school here

14. Shelton State Community College

  • LOCATION: Tuscaloosa, AL
  • TUITION: $7024
  • GRADUATION RATE: 8%

SSCC, a sizable public two-year institution founded in 1979, has a student body of about 7,000.

Many students take in-person classes at one of the two Tuscaloosa sites.

Additionally, the college provides off-campus internships and apprenticeships at the business partner locations of SSCC.

Programs offer students academic pathways to transfer to four-year universities and professional and technical training.

Technical associate degrees and certificates prepare students for diesel mechanics, welding technology, culinary arts, and air conditioning and refrigeration technology careers.

Also, through the Mercedes-Benz Industrial Mechatronics Program, Mercedes Technician Program, Nucor Technical Academy, Hunt Refining Company Operations Co-Op Program, or Technical Scholar Program, students can work as apprentices or interns.

Apprenticeships include compensated salary, free books, and free tuition. 

Students must promise to continue working after graduation, though.

Also, seven semesters of coursework and an extra 18 months of on-the-job training at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International make up the Mercedes-Benz Industrial Mechatronics Program.

They award graduates of the program a certificate in industrial maintenance and an associate’s degree in industrial electronics.

Visit school here

15. Northeast Alabama Community College

  • LOCATION: Rainsville, AL
  • TUITION: $3361
  • GRADUATION RATE: 24%

The 117-acre Rainsville campus of NACC opened its doors to students in 1963.

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Along with taking career and technical courses at the DeKalb County Technology Center, Ernest Pruett Center of Technology, and Marshall County Technical Center, students also participate in dual enrollment programs in neighborhood high schools.

More than 180 associate degrees, certifications, and short-term certificates prepare students to enter the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions.

Students might major in paralegal studies, industrial systems technology, medical office administration, or air conditioning and refrigeration.

For students looking to advance their skills and obtain professional certification, the Skills Training Division also provides non-credit training options.

Students can become pharmacy technicians, home health and hospice aides, CDL truck drivers, carpenters, and hospice aides with the help of short-term training programs.

Additionally, learners can enroll in community education classes, non-credit workshops, and online training programs.

All applicants with a high school diploma are accepted according to the college’s open admissions policy.

Visit school here

How much do Traders make in Alabama?

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, Alabama ranks among the top states for aerospace and aviation engineers. 

Projections Central projects employment for aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians to increase by 37.9% and 35.7%, respectively, in Alabama from 2016 to 2026.

Salary potential for graduates of technical schools in Alabama depends on the individual’s industry, training, and experience. 

For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), avionics technicians earn a median annual salary of $59,120 nationally and $54,410 in Alabama.

In addition, prospective students can explore employment projections from the BLS to understand their career options. 

Recent data from the BLS projects healthcare positions to comprise a large portion of jobs created from 2018 to 2028. 

Users on the BLS website can also research each occupation’s median salary and top-paying industries.

How do I become a Trader in Alabama?

Many trade schools in Alabama offer programs that lead to positions in high-growth career fields. 

Also, graduates often earn above-average salaries and enjoy high levels of job security. 

The state’s economic recruitment efforts affect the availability of specific trade programs.

Best Paying Trade Jobs in Alabama with Salary

  • Construction Managers earn an average annual salary of $98,550
  • Medical assistants in Alabama earn an average salary of $29,220 per year.
  • Alabama paralegals earn an average yearly salary of $47,380.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to trade school online?

Yes, many trade and vocational programs offer online learning opportunities. These programs require excellent time-management skills and self-sufficiency. However, online programs provide greater flexibility than on-campus options, which can be ideal for working professionals.

Can I get financial aid for trade school?

Federal and state financial aid is available to students attending accredited vocational schools in Alabama. However, learners in programs that do not meet minimum length requirements may not be eligible for assistance.

Are scholarships available for vocational students?

Many schools, civic organizations, and charitable organizations offer scholarships for students pursuing a trade or vocational education. This guide includes several examples.

Can trade school credits transfer?

Learners can often transfer credits from trade or vocational schools toward a two-year or four-year degree. Also, some vocational schools maintain articulation agreements with community colleges and universities.

Conclusion 

Alabama has many places where you can learn a new trade and gain hands-on experience. 

All you have to do is decide on your dream job and look for the institution that best meets your educational needs. 

Make sure the institution is trustworthy, and government institutes accredit the classes before deciding which trade school is the best place to build a successful career.

References 

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