Trade schools, also known as vocational schools or career centers, are an educational alternative to traditional four-year colleges.
This page takes a look at some of the best trade programs in the Surprise, Arizona region.
We have also included relevant information about each school, such as schedule, program duration, tuition, contact info, and more.
Surprise residents who want to start a career in trades have the option of enrolling at a trade school in their city or in the nearby region (Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, or Phoenix).
1Unity Dental Assisting
Unity Dental Assisting in Surprise is providing education focused on hands-on learning for future dental assistants.
Students are exposed to a variety of dental technologies.
New classes start monthly.
The program can be completed in 13 weeks.
The curriculum is taught in an active dental practice where students assist in live patient procedures.
The Dental Assistant course covers topics such as sterilization, infection control, dental anatomy and physiology, dental charting, dental X-Rays, dental materials, and much more.
Enrollment. Prospective students can apply by filling out a form on the school’s website.
Fees. The total tuition cost is $5,700.
It also includes textbook, supplies, equipment, Radiation Health & Safety Exam (RHS), Infection Control Exam (ICE) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR ).
Finance options and payment plans are also available.
Contact information:
- Unity Dental Assisting: 15331 W Bell Rd Suite 204, Surprise, AZ 85374
- Phone: 602-759-7020
- Website: https://unityda.com
2Arizona School of Real Estate & Business
Arizona School of Real Estate and Business provides pre-licensing and continuing education classes for real estate salespersons and brokers.
The school offers classes online and in the classroom.
Those who want to become real estate agents in Arizona must complete a 90-hour course, get a fingerprint clearance card, pass the school exam and the license exam.
The Arizona Department of Real Estate requires each student to attend an in-classroom six-hour Introduction to Contract Writing course after passing the school exam and before being licensed.
In order to practice as a real estate agent, you will need to select a broker who will hold your license.
Those who want to become brokers in Arizona must be at least 21 years old and have three years of experience as a salesperson during the immediate five years preceding the application.
Fees. The online Real-Estate pre-license package costs $559, while the classroom package costs $499.
Courses offered:
- Real Estate: Salesperson License
- Real Estate: Broker’s License
- Contractors
- Home Inspection
- Appraisal
- Mortgage
- Insurance
Contact information:
- Arizona School of Real Estate & Business: 14239 West Bell Road, Suite 116, Surprise, AZ 85374
- Phone: 800-659-8088
- Website: https://www.asreb.com
3Motorcycle Mechanics School
Located in the nearby Phoenix area, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) prepares students for careers as technicians in motorcycle, ATV, side-by-side, snowmobile, and personal watercraft mechanics.
Students first have to complete a core program that combines classroom preparation and hands-on training and then specialize with one or more electives.
The Motorcycle core training and required electives can be completed in 42 weeks.
The institute offers many labs equipped with state-of-the-industry vehicles and technology.
MMI has local employment specialists at each campus to assist students who are looking for a part-time job to help them cover living expenses while they attend school.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
If the applicant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Enrollment Agreement.
Prospective students also need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Fees. Total program costs are between $20,215-$25,915, depending on the training programs chosen.
Courses offered:
Manufacturer-specific training programs:
- Harley-Davidson Late Model
- Honda: HonTech
- Yamaha: YamaPro®
- Suzuki: FAST
- Kawasaki: K-Tech Specialist
- BMW Motorrad
Optional manufacturer-specific training programs (you can choose one of these programs after completing the 42-week program):
- Harley-Davidson Early Model
- Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle
- Performance and Drivability
Contact information:
- MMI Phoenix Campus: 2844 West Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027
- Phone: 800-834-7308 (Admissions)
- Website: https://www.uti.edu
4Medstar Academy
Located in Peoria, Medstar Academy is a state-licensed medical training school that serves the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Sun City, El Mirage, Youngtown, Waddell, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, and Phoenix.
The school limits class sizes, to give each student individual attention.
Medstar Academy’s healthcare training programs are certified by the State of Arizona.
The school’s curriculum is designed to follow the requirements for state and national exams and to prepare students for successful careers.
The school provides the training required to begin working as soon as you meet all requirements for your particular field.
CNA students at Medstar Academy have the opportunity to get both CNA and LNA licensure at the same time for only a $103 additional fee.
Fees. The registration fees are $200-$250, depending on the program.
Tuition is $1,250 for the CNA program, $2,225 for the Pharmacy Technician program, $2,150 for the Phlebotomy program.
Basic Life Support and Basic First Aid Training Class costs $60.
Courses offered:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Basic Life Support and Basic First Aid
Contact information:
- Medstar Academy: 13760 N 93rd Ave Suite 202 in Peoria, Arizona.
- Phone: (623) 773-9000
- Website: https://medstaracademy.com
5Arizona School of Dental Assisting
Arizona School of Dental Assisting is offering a 12-week training program for those who want to start a career as dental assistants.
The program prepares students for entry-level employment as chairside assistants.
The curriculum includes topics such as initial dental anatomy and physiology, dental charting, sterilization & infection control, dental X-Ray techniques, dental materials, instrumentation and much more.
Along with the Dental Assisting Diploma, students also receive X-ray Certification, Coronal Polish certification and are Dentrix ready.
After finishing the 12 weeks of hands-on training, students are required to complete 40 hours of externship.
Along with the Dental Assisting Program, the school also offers a four-week Orthodontic program.
The Orthodontic Program is designed for students who have already completed the Dental Assisting program.
Fees. The total cost for the Dental Assisting program is $5,000.
It includes tuition, a $200 registration fee and a $50 application fee.
Courses offered:
- Dental Assisting
- Orthodontic Program
Contact information:
- Arizona School of Dental Assisting: 4915 West Bell Road, Suite #F200, Glendale, AZ 85308
- Phone: (602) 678-7061
- Website: https://azdentalassistants.com
6Commercial Divers International
Located in Goodyear, Commercial Divers International is an underwater welding and surface-supplied training institution.
Students in the Commercial Diver program learn topside/underwater welding, hyperbaric chamber operation, surface-supplied diving, and much more.
The program combines recent industry expertise and veteran military training.
CDI also offers job placement assistance during and upon completion of the program.
Housing assistance is available for students in need.
Work-study may also help offset the cost of tuition.
The program can be completed in 28 weeks.
Enrollment. Applicants need to complete an ADCI Physical.
A high school diploma, GED or equivalent is also required.
No previous diving, welding, or construction experience is necessary.
Fees. The total program cost is $14,650, including tuition and a $150 registration fee.
Additional possible costs sum up to approximately $2,400.
These include books, safety, weld, and dive gear and the ADCI diving physical exam.
Contact information:
- Commercial Divers International: 4055 S Sarival Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85338
- Phone: (623) 882-3483
- Website: https://divecdi.com
7UEI College
UEI College in Phoenix offers vocational and trade programs in industries such as computer technology, HVAC, and medical/dental.
The campus opened in 2015 has 25 classrooms, a dental lab, two allied health labs, two HVAC labs, and one information technology lab.
The campus also has computer labs, break rooms, library and study rooms.
Students receive hands-on learning, tutoring and test prep.
UEI College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) to award Diplomas.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and must hold a high school diploma or GED.
Applicants 18 years of age or older, who are not High School graduates or GED holders, may apply as “Ability to Benefit” students.
Fees. The total program cost is $19,900, including tuition and registration fee.
Courses offered:
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning
- Medical Billing and Insurance Coding
Contact information:
- Phoenix Campus: 9215 N. Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85021
- Phone: (877) 463-4472
- Website: https://www.uei.edu
8Phoenix Dental Assistant School
Phoenix Dental Assistant School if offering a hands-on training program for those who want to start a career in dental assisting.
The program can be completed in 12 weeks, with classes taught once a week on Saturdays.
The training takes place in a functioning dental office where students learn from expert instructors.
The school offers a low student to teacher ratio, thus helping each student get the attention he/she needs.
During the 12-week program, students learn about sterilization and infection control, personal protective equipment, moisture control, radiology, charting, instruments, procedural post-operative instructions, and much more.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion, stating that they are ready to work as dental assistants.
Students also receive a BLS (CPR) certification in class through the American Heart Association.
Phoenix School of Dental Assisting is licensed and regulated by the Arizona Board for Private Postsecondary Education, so graduates receive the same certification as from any other school in the state.
Enrollment. The first step in the enrollment process is to book an admission appointment.
You will be invited to visit the school, where you will also fill out an application.
Once your application is processed, the enrollment is complete.
Fees. Tuition is $3,350 if paid in full.
The school also offers two payment plans.
Contact information:
- Phoenix Dental Assistant School: 9025 N 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85302
- Phone: 602-648-5334
- Website: https://phoenixdentalassistantschool.com
9Carrington College Glendale Learning Center
Carrington College offers training for future allied health professionals at its Glendale Learning Center.
Glendale Center gives students the opportunity to do classroom work online, around their schedule.
Students come at the Center two days a week for hands-on training in the lab.
The Glendale Learning Center is located at the Westgate City Center, right along major bus routes, which makes getting to class really easy.
Arizona campuses of Carrington College are licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
Fees. Total fees vary between $15,268-$15,737, depending on the program.
Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Courses offered:
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Billing and Coding
Contact information:
- Glendale Campus: 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Suite 330, Glendale, AZ 85305
- Phone: 1-877-206-2106
- Website: https://carrington.edu/schools/phoenix-arizona/glendale-arizona/
10Arizona Flight Training Center
Arizona Flight Training Center (AFTC) is a flight training school established in 2008.
AFTC fleet includes a wide variety of aircraft from several varieties of the Light-Sport aircraft, through trainers, rentals and multi-engine aircraft, manufactured by Cessna, Piper, Czech Sport Aircraft and Cirrus.
The school is an FAA Part 141 Certified Flight Training Facility and also VA approved for training U.S. military personnel and their dependents.
AFTC uses a combination of online test preparation software in addition to directed study and one-on-one ground instruction for most of the courses.
The school offers professional instructors dedicated to helping students attain their goals to become a Sport Pilot, Private Pilot or even a Corporate or Airline Pilot.
Before deciding to start training for a Private Pilot license, prospective students can book a Discovery Flight for $149.
Fees. Aircraft rental fees vary between $120-$150 per hour.
Courses offered:
Individual courses:
- Light Sport Pilot Certificate
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating Course
- Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine
- Commercial Pilot Single-Engine Add-On
- Civilian ATP Course
Professional Pilot:
- Professional Pilot Program
- Rotor Transition Program
Contact information:
- Arizona Flight Training Center: 6799 N. Glen Harbor Blvd. Glendale, Arizona 85307
- Phone: (623) 877-9334
- Website: https://arizonaflighttrainingcenter.com
Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers
Career | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 5,830 | $68,380 | $32.88 | $96,330 | $41,200 |
Medical Records Specialists | 2,420 | $50,280 | $24.18 | $64,530 | $36,990 |
Nursing Assistants | 10,420 | $41,800 | $20.1 | $48,750 | $35,710 |
Dental Assistants | 5,180 | $48,230 | $23.19 | $58,440 | $37,470 |
Medical Assistants | 15,850 | $44,210 | $21.26 | $48,350 | $37,250 |
Phlebotomists | 4,000 | $44,570 | $21.43 | $56,510 | $37,600 |
Electricians | 14,240 | $59,450 | $28.58 | $76,970 | $39,210 |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 7,790 | $62,470 | $30.03 | $92,670 | $41,120 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 11,630 | $55,260 | $26.57 | $80,910 | $35,980 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 8,180 | $56,400 | $27.11 | $78,020 | $38,570 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Trade schools offer programs for students who want to learn the skills needed to get a job through intensive, hands-on training.
The right vocational school can help you get a better paying job or start your own business.
This is why you have to explore all your options before deciding where to start your training.
Make sure the school you choose is trustworthy and accredited by the government institutions.