The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) has forecast that the job market in the Magnolia State would grow over the coming years. This article explores the best trade schools in Mississippi
Additionally, there is a good deal of employment available for graduates of Mississippi’s trade and vocational schools in some of the economy’s fastest-growing industries, including healthcare, automotive, transportation, and education.
For graduates of trade schools in particular disciplines, certain cities and regions offer even more possibilities. For instance, around Jackson, auto service professionals and mechanics make around $3,600 more annually than the state average, while the Gulfport-Biloxi region has recorded a consistent increase in the availability of manufacturing jobs since the start of 2019.
Anyone in Mississippi interested in starting a new job or obtaining more training and abilities for their present one should consider attending a trade school. The vocational education system in Magnolia State accepts new students all the time and offers professional certification, diploma, and degree programs in everything from cosmetology to healthcare.
In this article, you’ll find out more about how to take advantage of the programs offered by trade schools in Mississippi and the employment they can prepare you for.
What are the Careers Worth Considering in Mississippi?
We frequently turn to universities that provide brief training that enables you to enter the workforce more quickly when it comes to getting employment in the state.
Even if a degree will help you, there are situations when obtaining a certificate in a particular profession will help you land the entry-level position you need to start making money. Here are a few of the most popular fields for which we receive requests.
HVAC/R Technician:
Up to $45,000 can be paid annually by technicians, and many of them have OSHA certifications. Many businesses employ master-level technicians, including Sears, and even general contractors and plumbers are eligible for these positions.
For people who enjoy working with their hands and want the opportunity to avoid working in an office environment, this is a fantastic career option.
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Dental Assisting:
To work in Mississippi, you must possess your DANB certification. The BLS reports that the average annual salary is $35,980, although the top 10% can make up to $50,660.
If a job in the medical field appeals to you, dental assisting is a terrific way to get your foot in the door.
Medical Assistant:
You will learn how to take vital signs and draw blood in the majority of entry-level MA programs. You can find yourself handling a lot of the front office tasks as well, depending on the size of the medical center where you work (booking appointments, taking messages, etc.).
In the state, there are currently about 3000 medical assistants working, and over the next ten years, there should be an increase in employment of 11.6%.
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Medical Billing & Coding:
One benefit of obtaining a certificate in medical billing and coding is that it enables you to work for numerous organizations across various industries.
Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Pascagoula, and Jackson are a few of the best-paid cities for medical coders.
CDL Truck Driving:
Due to the ports, Mississippi is home to several of the top trucking companies. In addition to a signing bonus, salaries for people with a Class A CDL can range from $40,000 to $65,000 annually.
In the trade schools in Mississippi, you must finish 1500 hours of training, and most programs span 9 to 12 months.
The ability to run your own business draws so many people in Mississippi to begin careers in cosmetology.
Pharmacy Technician:
As a pharmacy technician, you’ll assist with prescription filling and represent clients’ interests while dealing with insurance companies. One of the largest employers in the state is Kroger Stores.
Education by Region
The state still lags behind in terms of the proportion of its population with a degree, despite improvements over the past five years. Only 7% hold a graduate degree from a postsecondary institution.
The economics of the state is to blame for the lack of funding for pre-kindergarten programs. Being behind so early has a negative impact on how well pupils do in middle or high school, where just 61% of students finish on time.
With the lowest test scores of any state, it is more crucial than ever to promote the value of education from an early age. We advise a trade-related education following high school for students who want to begin a profession sooner because of these low numbers.
Why is Mississippi Good for Trade Schools?
The advantages of career technical education (CTE) extend beyond raising graduation rates from high school and college. Mississippi students obtaining CTE certification also graduate from college sooner and are prepared to enter the workforce.
Students attending trade schools in Mississippi can also save money. In 2018, the average cost of attendance at the public trade schools in Mississippi was less than $3,200, whereas the average cost of tuition and fees at a Mississippi university was more than $8,400 for the same period.
We have a list of the top colleges in Mississippi, as well as information for students and job seekers, whether you’re looking for campus-based or online trade schools.
What are the Best Trade Schools in Mississippi?
#1. Delta Technical College
The hands-on training programs offered by Delta Technical College (Delta Tech) are created to give students the abilities necessary for entry-level employment in their chosen area.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges has granted accreditation to Delta Technical College (ACCSC).
HVAC Excellence has recognized the HVAC/R program at the Horn Lake, MS campus of Delta Technical College.
Depending on the program, courses can last between 20 weeks to 16 months. There are daytime and evening classes available at the school. For the right candidates, lifetime job placement support is available. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
Enrollment: Making an appointment with an admissions representative is the first step. The next step is an invitation to tour the campus.
Fees: The cost of tuition ranges from $9,975 to $18,065, depending on the program you select. Students who meet the requirements can also get financial aid.
Courses Offered
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding Specialist
- Journeyman Welder
- Journeyman Welder II
- HVAC/R-MAR Technician
- Industrial, Commercial & Residential Electrician
- CDL Training Course
- Professional Truck Driving
- Cosmetology
#2. Concorde Career College
The Concorde Southaven campus offers instruction in a variety of healthcare fields, including massage therapy, dental assisting, and medical assisting.
Real-world professionals who are committed to ensuring that their students receive the practical training necessary to succeed in their chosen field teach the classes.
The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education has granted college accreditation (COE). Concorde may operate as a postsecondary educational institution.
The Mississippi Commission on Proprietary Schools and College Registration also grants Concorde a license. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
Enrollment: All applicants must participate in a personal interview and campus tour. Additionally, they need proof that the applicant completed their secondary education, or something comparable.
Fees: The cost of tuition ranges from $13,850 to $31,746. The Associate of Applied Science program has a $100 registration fee. Textbooks range in price from $449 to $1,794.
Courses Offered
- Dental Assisting (Diploma)
- Dental Assisting (Associate of Applied Science)
- Medical Assistant (Diploma)
- Medical Assisting (Associate of Applied Science)
- Medical Office Professional (Diploma)
- Massage Therapy (Diploma)
#3. Crescent School Gaming & Bartending
Casino dealing and bartending professionals can receive instruction at Crescent School Gaming and Bartending.
Since its inception in 1983, the school has been owned by a family. Students at Crescent study at their own pace.
Because of the small class sizes, every student’s experience may be tailored. Crescent has ACCET accreditation (the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training).
One of just a few American-approved bartending and casino gaming schools in Crescent. Aid financially. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
Enrollment: Prospective students can apply by completing a brief online form, and a Crescent representative will get in touch with them. Calling the Admissions Representative at their preferred Crescent campus is another option for applicants.
Fees: The cost of tuition ranges from $795 to $11,950 depending on the program. Students who meet the requirements can apply for federal Pell Grants, federal Stafford Loans, and WIA/WIN (Workforce Investment Act/Network) Funding, among other types of financial aid.
Courses Offered
At the Gulfport location, Crescent School is offering the following programs:
- 3-week Bartending Course
- 12-week Beverage Management Course
- 350-hour Two-Game Dealing Program
- 750-hour Comprehensive Dealing Program
#4. Traxler’s School of Hair
Since 1993, Traxler’s School of Hair has been educating professionals in the hairstyling field. The Barber Program is typically completed by full-time students in 15 months.
The average length of time it takes for full-time students to finish the barber instructor program is nine and a half months. After finishing, students receive a diploma. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
Enrollment: Applicants must be at least 16 ½ years of age for the Barber Program and 21 years of age for the Instructor Training Program. They need a high-school diploma or GED and a Photo ID, Birth Certificate, or Driver’s License.
In order to enroll in the Instructor Program, students must have completed the 1500-hour barber program.
New students are accepted for enrollment on a daily basis, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. New classes begin weekly for Barbering.
Fees: The cost of tuition for the program in barbering and hair design is $9,700, while that of the program in barber instructor training is $6,400. Students who meet the requirements can also get financial aid.
Courses Offered
- Barber/Hair Design- 1,500 Hours
- Barber Instructor Training- 1,000 Hours
#5. Medical2 Career College & Certification Agency
Mississippi citizens can take healthcare career courses at Medical2 Career College and Certification Agency.
The Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration has granted Medical2 Inc a license. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
Enrollment: Programs have different enrollment criteria. To demonstrate that they are at least 18 or 17 years old, applicants must submit a copy of a photo ID (depending on the program).
A copy of a high school transcript, diploma, GED, or signed attestation serving as complete documentation is also necessary for the majority of programs. Potential students must be physically capable of using the program’s employment skills.
Additionally required is a thorough criminal history check with no felonies. Some of the programs additionally have additional prerequisites.
Fees: vary by program. Tuition is between $1,000 and $6,200. Payment plans are also available.
Courses Offered
The College is offering the following career courses:
- Pharmacy Technician
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Billing and Coding Program
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Certified Nurse Assistant
#6. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community
Eight routes are available at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, along with more than 60 Career and Technical Programs.
In two years or fewer, many of the Career and Technical programs can be finished. There are ten campuses of the college in Mississippi. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is authorized to grant Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Science degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Education degrees, certificates, and diplomas thanks to accreditation from the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Enrollment: The first step is to complete the online Application for Admission.
Fees: Programs with 15 to 21 credits each semester cost $1,550 in tuition. Programs with 1 to 14 credits each semester cost $155 in tuition. The semester-long registration fee is $100. To those who qualify, financial aid is also offered to students.
Courses Offered
Among the 60 Career and Technical programs we mention:
- Apprentice Electric Lineman
- Commercial and Residential Construction Technology
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
- Maritime Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Graphic Design Technology
- Interpreter Training Technology (ASL)
- Accounting Technology
- Cosmetology
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Office Technology – Medical Billing and Coding
- Early Childhood Education Technology
- Health Care Assistant (HCA)
- Practical Nursing (PN)
- Emergency Medical Sciences Paramedic
- Baking & Pastry Arts Technology
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Computer Networking Technology
- Data Analytics Technology
#7. Foster’s Cosmetology College
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences has granted Foster’s Cosmetology College accreditation (NACCAS).
It has both a Cosmetology program where you can learn how to apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and give manicure and skincare services, as well as a Barbering program where you can learn the fundamentals of shaving, trimming beards, shampooing, and styling hair.
Both programs last for 13 months. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
Enrollment: Since everything is done online, the enrolling procedure is simple. You can get the application form on the official website, complete it, and submit it.
The questions you should answer the concern your personal and academic information. If you think about enrolling in this college, you’ll have a new, prosperous career in just one year.
In the event that you are unable to afford the tuition, there is also the chance to receive financial aid by submitting a FASFA report.
Fees: The application is free.
Tuition varies by program and for more information, you must contact the college.
Courses Offered
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
#8. Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education has yet to approve Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy’s application for licensure.
Since its founding, its goal has been to create dental assistants that are capable, competent, and employable. They are able to do that thanks to practical instruction, qualified teachers, and work experience. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
Enrollment: The company has requirements that students must meet in order to enroll in the dental assisting course.
First and foremost, candidates need to be in good health and have a tidy appearance. The minimum age limit is 17 years old or older.
The candidate must also provide a copy of their high school diploma, a GED, or a HiSET score.
You are urged to submit the enrollment form if you meet the aforementioned prerequisites.
Fees: The cost of tuition varies depending on when you enroll. If you sign up more than 10 weeks before the course begins, the Early Bird Registration fee is $2,599.
In the event that you enroll between 3 and 9 weeks previous to the course start date, the Basic Registration is $2,799. One to two weeks before the course begins, the final registration fee of $3,199 is due.
9. Leake County Career & Technical Center
The major goal of the Leake County Career & Technical Center is for every student to succeed academically and personally by giving them the knowledge and skills they need from experts ready to share their expertise with younger generations. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
The ASE Certification and NCCER Certification are the certifications available at this center.
Enrollment: You must successfully complete the registration interview and drug test in order to enroll, which is a straightforward process.
It is crucial to have a clear background check and no arrest history.
In addition, prospective students must be 18 years old at the time of registration and possess a high school diploma or a GED in order to enroll.
Fees: The entire nursing program costs $500, which includes tuition, CPR certification, a drug test, and textbooks.
You must get in touch with the center if you want further details about other programs.
Courses Offered
- Maintenance & Light Repair
- Construction Core and Carpentry
- Law & Public Safety
- Healthcare Core and Healthcare Sciences
- Educational Leadership
- Adult Programs
#10. Mississippi Institute of Aesthetics, Nails & Cosmetology
Students who desire to work in the beauty industry are trained at the Mississippi Institute of Aesthetics, Nails & Cosmetology. This is one of the best trade schools in Mississippi.
All of the technical and practical topics related to skin care are covered in the 600-hour aesthetics course.
Graduates also obtain advanced training certificates in chemical peels and microdermabrasion, in addition to the state board standards.
The whole technical and practical knowledge necessary to clean, condition, shape, reinforce, color, and enhance a client’s nails is covered in the 350-hour Nail Technician curriculum.
Graduates also get a certificate for advanced Electric Nail File training.
All the theoretical and practical facets of hair, nails, and fundamental aesthetics are covered in the extensive 1500-hour cosmetology school.
Enrollment: Visit the school’s website for more information.
Fees: Each curriculum at the Mississippi Institute of Aesthetics, Nails, and Cosmetology has a different total fee. While the Cosmetology curriculum costs $15,500, the Nail Technician training only costs $4,300. The cost for the Aesthetics program is $8,600 for students. In addition to the $200 registration fee, there are expenses for books and supplies.
To those who qualify, financial aid is offered to students.
Courses Offered
- Aesthetics
- Nail Technician
- Cosmetology
Conclusion
Students at trade schools have the opportunity to launch a lucrative profession in a few months. For those who are interested in learning a new trade through practical experience, Mississippi trade schools provide a variety of alternatives.
We’ve chosen some of the top possibilities and provided key details about each one to assist you in making the best decision regarding the school. Before enrolling in a trade school, remember to conduct your own research; this is only a starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trade schools provide programs that are career-focused and prepare students for a variety of skilled trade jobs, including plumbing, HVAC, aviation mechanics, and electronics technology and repair. Trade schools, also known as vocational and technical institutions, offer extensive hands-on training in addition to traditional classroom learning.
Career-based programs with significant fieldwork requirements are offered by trade schools. Two-year and four-year degrees that include general education and major courses are available from colleges.
Some vocational schools put a strong emphasis on technology and provide additional courses in disciplines like web design and computer programming. Programs in more conventional skilled trades like plumbing, vehicle repair, and welding are offered by other trade schools.
Examples of vocational jobs include aviation mechanics, dental hygienists, cosmetologists, barbers, and automotive technicians.
In Mississippi, vocational schools often provide courses that cater to the need of regional businesses and industries. For instance, trade schools in states with a flourishing manufacturing economy frequently offer additional courses in logistics, transportation, and industrial automation.
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