10 Best Trade Schools inDothan, AL

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If you want to start a career in a skilled trade, you can become employment-ready in less than a year by attending a training program offered by a trade school.

By focusing on hands-on learning, vocational training allows you to get a career-ready credential without spending four years in college.

On this page, we have compiled information about the top trade schools available in the Dothan region.

We invite you to read further and continue your research before applying to the program that best meets your needs and career aspirations.



1Fortis College

About the School

Fortis College helps students start a career in medical assisting, pharmacy technology, or HVAC.

The college offers an education that equips students with the skills needed for entry-level employment.

The total cost of attending is $16,129 for the 780-clock hour Medical Assisting program and $16,990 for the 780-hour Pharmacy Technology program.

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program includes 960 clock hours and costs $19,374 in total.

Total costs include tuition, enrollment fees, uniforms, student kit, certification/licensure exams, background checks, and textbooks.

Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and they must be at least 17 years of age at the time they start the program.

Fortis College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available in Dothan:

  • HVAC- a program that combines traditional classroom education with hands-on experience
  • Medical Assisting- a program that prepares students for employment in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
  • Pharmacy Technician- a program that prepares students for work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and teaches them how to fill prescription orders, interact with clients, and perform administrative tasks.

Contact Information


2Wallace Community College

About the School

A variety of degrees, certifications, and career technical programs are available at Wallace Community College

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration AAS Degree costs $9,842 and is six-semester long.

The Basic Mig eight-week program costs $3,500.

Courses Offered

Wallace Community College offers the following career technical programs:

  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration- a program that covers the technology and skills necessary to install, maintain and repair HVAC/R equipment
  • Applied Engineering Technology- a program that teaches students technical skills and hands-on training in AC and DC fundamentals, programmable controllers, hydraulics, robotics, and a variety of other applied engineering technology.
  • Automotive Technology- a program that teaches students how to repair automobiles and light trucks
  • Basic Mig Welding- an eight-week program that prepares students for employment as structural welders in production
  • Electrical Technology- a program that teaches students how to install, operate, maintain and repair electrical systems in residential or commercial settings.
  • Industrial Welding- a 12-week program
  • Salon and Spa Management- a program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for Cosmetology licensure in the state of Alabama.
  • Welding Technology- a program that prepares students for employment.
  • And more

Contact Information


3Dothan Massage School

Massage therapists will continue to be needed in the future and learning this trade can lead to a rewarding career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for massage therapists was $43,620 as of May 2020 which means that half of all workers in this profession earn less than this amount while half earned more.

Employment is projected to grow 32 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average growth for all occupations.

Job openings for workers in this profession will occur in healthcare settings as well as spas and sports teams.

About the School

Dothan Massage School provides a massage therapy program that can be completed in 10.5 months by attending the school 1-2 days per week.

The program includes evening hands-on training and clinical experience.

Training for the MBLEX test is included.

Those interested can apply through the school’s website.

The school is certified by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy to teach a 650-hour program and to award a Massage Certificate.

Tuition is $7,500 if paid in full.

Payment plans, in-house financing, and VA GI Bill is available for qualifying students.

Contact Information


4Wiregrass School of Massage Therapy

About the School

Wiregrass School of Massage Therapy offers training programs for those who want to start a career in massage therapy.

The school has been licensed and state-approved for 10 years.

Wiregrass School of Massage Therapy program combines technical and hands-on learning to help students succeed in the real world.

Their classes take place 3-4 nights per week from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Courses Offered

The school’s curriculum covers the following topics:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Kinesiology
  • Pathology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Business and Marketing
  • Laws and Ethics
  • And a variety of Massage techniques

The program also includes supervised clinical training which gives students the opportunity of practicing and perfect their techniques in a real clinical setting.

First Aid and CPR training are also included in the program.

The following massage techniques are covered in the program: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Spa Services, Myofascial Release, Reflexology, Medical Massage, and more.

Wiregrass School of Massage offers 662 hours of in-person massage therapy training.

The State of Alabama requires a minimum of 650 hours of academic and hands-on training for licensure.

Contact Information


5Davis CDL Truck Driving School

About the School

Located in Dothan, Alabama, Davis CDL Truck Driving School offers affordable CDL driving training.

The school works with truck companies that assist students in job placement.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the truck driver profession will grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030 with 231,100 new job openings expected to occur each year over the decade.

Courses Offered

Dothan Alabama offers four-week-long CDL training that helps students prepare for a career as truck drivers.

The course includes 160 hours of training in total.

The classes are kept to a maximum of 10 students so each trainee receives individualized attention.

The course teaches students the technical aspects of a semi-truck, operational aspects, pre-trip inspections, shifting techniques, turning maneuvers, and how to safely back up to the vehicle.

The first week of the class is spent in a classroom, where students learn the information needed to obtain a learner’s permit.

After obtaining their learners’ permit, students are ready for the hands-on training part.

Once the student completes the training and is ready for the state test, they can take the test on the school’s site.

Contact Information


6Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy, LLC

About the School

Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy, LLC offers affordable dental assisting courses.

The training program can be completed in 10-12 weeks and allows students to gain hands-on training in a real dental office.

Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy provides three courses per year.

Classes are eight hours long and held one day per week on Fridays or Saturdays.

Students learn from instructors who are seasoned dental professionals licensed by the state.

Flexible payment plans are in place to make the course affordable for the students.

Their program combines an online learning system that offers students flexibility in acquiring information with hands-on learning that allows students to gain experience in a real work environment.

The dental assistant profession is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 44,000 new openings expected to appear each year over the decade.

Courses Offered

The curriculum covers the following topics:

  • Dental terminology and equipment
  • Impressions and pour/trim models
  • OSHA and HIPAA guidelines
  • X-rays
  • Room setup, breakdown, and sterilizing instruments
  • Front desk operations
  • And more

The school offers a course held by their Career Services Department that prepares students for employment.

Contact Information


7ACOM Aviation Academy

About the School

ACOM Aviation Academy offers flight training at an affordable cost.

The school helps students build a plan to fulfill their dreams while staying on a budget.

Training is available for different levels: from private pilot to flight instructor.

The aircraft includes Cessna 182 and Piper Cherokee and is maintained by experienced technicians who make sure the airplanes are safe and reliable.

Costs vary depending on the program.

For example, the Airplane Single Engine Land- Private Pilot- Rotor Transition- Full Course-Phase 1 costs $4,995.

The added category of Airplane Instrument Instructor costs $2,995 and includes 10 flight hours and six ground hours.

Courses Offered

The following training programs are available at the Academy:

  • Airplane Single Engine Land- Private Pilot- Rotor Transition- Phase 1- which includes 15 flight hours, 20 ground hours, and books
  • Airplane Single Engine Land- Private Pilot- Rotor Transition- Phase 2- which includes 18 flight hours, 10 ground hours, and books
  • Airplane Instrument- Rotor Transition- with 15 flight hours and eight ground hours
  • Commercial Single Engine Land- Full Course- Phase 1- 10 flight hours and three ground hours
  • And more

Contact Information


8Enterprise High School

About the School

A class 7A public high school, Enterprise High School serves approximately 2,200 students in grades 9-12.

In 2018, as the school system expanded its Career and Technical offerings for students, the Enterprise Career and Technology Center was opened.

The building now includes several career tech classrooms and laboratory spaces.

Enterprise High School provides career and technical education programs that can help students start rewarding careers.

Some of the programs are available at the Enterprise High School campus while others are available at the Enterprise Career and Technology Center.

The programs combine classroom instruction with laboratory projects.

Industry-recognized certifications are included as part of the programs.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Enterprise High School:

  • Agriscience
  • Automotive Service Technology
  • Building Construction
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
  • Masonry
  • Welding
  • Work-Based Learning

At the Enterprise Career and Technology Center students can learn the following trades:

  • ESCC Aviation Maintenance
  • Business
  • Education and Training
  • Family and Consumer Services
  • Graphic Arts
  • Health Science
  • Information Technology
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
  • ESCC Mechatronics

Contact Information


9Alabama Pipe Welders Academy

About the School

Alabama Pipe Welders Academy prepares students for a high-demand career in welding.

Two class times are available: a day class that takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and a night class, with classes taking place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Those interested are encouraged to visit the school before applying.

The application can be submitted online with admission being based on a first come first serve basis.

Tuition varies depending on the program.

The Combination Pipe Welding program costs 13,000 and can be completed in 16 weeks, while the six-week-long MIG Pipe Welding course costs $5,250.

Payment plans, as well as grants and financing options, are also available.

Law enforcement officers and First Responders receive a 10 percent discount on tuition.

Courses Offered

  • Combination Pipe Welding Course- a 16-week program
  • GTAW Pipe Welding Course- which can be completed in eight weeks
  • SMAW Pipe Welding Course- also an eight-week long
  • MIG Pipe Welding Course- a six-week class
  • Pipeline Welding Course- a class that can be completed in 10 weeks
  • Pipe-Fitting Course- a 16-week program

Contact Information


10National Welding Academy

About the School

National Welding Academy offers welding training for different levels of experience: from beginners to experienced welders.

The courses are available to cover all things welding-related: from novice to SMAW and GTAW pipe welding.

The academy has state-of-the-art machinery to help students receive the best up-to-date training.

Three class types are available: career, corporate, and recreational.

Costs vary depending on the program.

The GMAW/FCAW program, which can be completed in 12 weeks and teaches students how to use Gas Metal Arc Welding using E70S-6 wire, costs $9,500.

The four-week Advanced Pipe GTAW program costs $4,000.

Some programs require previous experience.

For example, Combo Plate and Pipe courses or documented work experience is required for the Advanced Pipe GTAW program, while the GMAW/FCAW program requires basic cutting experience with oxy/fuel torches.

National Welding Academy is a member of the American Welding Society Educational Institution and is owned by a pipe welder with more than 19 years of experience.

Courses Offered

The following career programs are available:

  • Basic SMAW and Oxy/Fuel Cutting
  • Advanced Pipe SMAW
  • GTAW Basic
  • Advanced Pipe Combo
  • GTAW Advanced
  • Advanced Pipe GTAW
  • Pipe and Plate Combo
  • GMAW/FCAW

Contact Information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants110$44,100$21.2$67,390$29,870
Medical Records Specialists120$35,970$17.29$51,370$23,440
Nursing Assistants840$26,830$12.9$33,690$22,070
Dental Assistants160$36,120$17.37$47,160$29,610
Medical Assistants480$31,280$15.04$37,010$22,470
Phlebotomists100$33,150$15.94$40,160$23,840
Electricians210$48,180$23.16$64,550$34,060
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters120$46,600$22.4$61,610$31,080
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics370$45,580$21.91$73,430$27,840
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers160$44,610$21.45$62,400$28,020
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Dothan, AL metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Dothan trade schools offer training that prepares students for employment in a variety of industries, from cosmetology to truck driving.

Now that you have read our list, it’s time to choose the program that will get you ready for employment.

In this process, we encourage you to take into account tuition costs, accreditation, curriculum, and all the other facts that are relevant to you.


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