Why Choose Trade Schools in Texas?
Trade schools offer a unique way to get into a career without attending a traditional college. Trade schools provide job training for specific career options, while colleges focus on academic work. Many colleges do offer vocational/trade programs as well as academic programs.
At trade schools, students can expect to learn what’s needed for a specific career in different fields such as emergency services, technology, or health care. Other skilled trades are also taught in trade schools, like mechanic work and diving.
Top 5 Trade Schools in Texas
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odessa College | Odessa, Texas |
| 2 | Vernon College | Vernon, Texas |
| 3 | El Paso Community College | El Paso, Texas |
| 4 | Dallas College | Dallas, Texas |
| 5 | Texas Southmost College | Brownsville, Texas |
Choosing Trade Schools in Texas
When you decide to go to a trade school, you should look for one that has smaller class sizes and a lower tuition rate. Find one that specializes in the specific job you want to work in. For example, some programs will specialize in paralegal, paramedic, or radiology training.
You should also look for programs that are accredited and licensed. In Texas, the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges grants regional accreditation. Other accrediting commissions may also accredit specific programs. For example, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission offers accreditation to online schools.
In this article, you’ll learn about 15 of the top trade schools in Texas. If you need more help finding the right school for your training, we can help you based on the program you select.
The Top 15 Trade Schools in Texas
Odessa College
Odessa College offers training programs that range from a single day up to one-year programs. The completion of these courses leads to continuing education credits, which are awarded upon successful completion. Some programs offered include cosmetology, electronics, computer and information science, PC support, and criminal justice leadership.
School Overview
Vernon College
Vernon College offers career and technical education programs ranging from one (1) semester to two (2) years. Completion of these programs can lead to immediate employment as well as various licensures and certifications. Programs offered include Automation/Electrical, Automotive, Welding, HVAC, Computers, Business, Farm/Ranch, Cosmetology, Barber, Police and Fire academies, Culinary, Massage Therapy, Court Reporting, as well as many Allied Health programs such as RN, LVN, Surgical Technology, Pharmacy Technician, EMS, Health Information, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Certified Nurse Aide, and Medication Aide.
School Overview
El Paso Community College
At El Paso Community College, there are many career-ready programs available in the technical education arena. The school offers programs in automotive technology, business management, fire technology, sign language interpretation, fashion technology, and many others.
School Overview
Dallas College
Dallas College offers continuing education certifications as well as trade options for people looking to start their careers. There are certifications available in phlebotomy, personal training, Microsoft Office, food protection management, and others.
School Overview
Texas Southmost College
Texas Southmost College offers career and technical programs for students using didactic, hands-on instruction, and field training. Some of the options include commercial and residential electrician training, construction technology, auto body repair and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration training.
School Overview
San Jacinto Community College
San Jacinto Community College offers applied technology and trades programs to help students move quickly into their preferred careers. Trade courses offer hands-on options and training in welding, pipefitting, truck driving and more.
School Overview
Midland College
Midland College offers career and technical education in the arts, health sciences, human services, business management, and other areas. Students enjoy hands-on work in these programs and can register online. Some specific programs include legal support services, massage therapy, administrative assistant, and police science.
School Overview
Central Texas College
Students at Central Texas College enjoy a one-of-a-kind learning experience with the option to pursue online courses and hybrid options. Classes through the career and technology education center can be started at any time, and classes may be added as needed.
School Overview
North Central Texas College
North Central Texas College offers career and technical education programs that prepare students to work in agriculture, business management, or other fields. The majority of programs are one-to-two-year programs allowing students to get into the workforce quickly.
School Overview
Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College offers career and technical education in several fields. Some of the common programs students choose from include Allied Health, child development, and education, dental hygiene, hospitality, the culinary arts, and horticulture.
School Overview
Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College has been offering technical education and career training for over 50 years. The majority of the programs are two years long or shorter, making it easier for students to complete programs of study before getting into the workforce.
School Overview
Houston Community College
At Houston Community College, the Workforce and Career Training programs are aimed at providing the skills and training needed to get started in a career in two years or less (in the majority of cases). The programs are also available for skilling up current employees.
School Overview
Palo Alto College
Palo Alto College offers professional and technical education across several fields. Some common fields students choose from include health care, computing sciences and technology, business management, energy technology, and engineering.
School Overview
South Texas College
South Texas College offers many career and technical education degree options like automotive technology, cyber/digital forensics specialist, electrician assistant, medical office specialist, computer applications specialist, and others. Most programs can be completed within two years, and students can begin taking courses as early as 9th grade when they’re still in high school.
School Overview
Lone Star College System
Lone Star College System offers programs in computer programming, business administration, biotechnology, automotive technology, as well as others. Students complete these programs aimed at preparing them for working in the field.
School Overview
Ranking Specifications
Our rankings are based on a points system that considers the overall cost of enrollment as well as total enrollment in the school’s programs. Schools with lower enrollment and tuition rates were ranked higher.
While every effort was taken to provide accurate information here, please remember that this list is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed.
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