10 Best Trade Schools inHot Springs, AR

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This page is dedicated to the top trade schools in Hot Springs.

There are plenty of post-secondary educational opportunities that allow you to graduate in less than two years.

Depending on the path you want to pursue, you may be ready for employment, or have to take a licensing exam after finishing training.

The schools included in this list prepare you for careers in a variety of high-demand careers, such as:

  • Medical Assisting
  • Welding
  • Nursing
  • Cosmetology
  • Real Estate
  • And more

We invite you to read further and find out more about the available options.



1National Park College

About the School

National Park College offers a variety of career training programs that lead to degrees or certificates.

Programs of study are available at different levels:

  • Programs for students who plan to continue their college education with a four-year program
  • Two-year associate degree programs
  • Short-term programs that lead to a certificate and help students upgrade their technical skills

Tuition is $90 per credit hour for Garland County Residents and $100 for Out-of-County Residents.

Out-of-state residents pay $137 per credit hour while international students pay $202 per credit hour.

Courses Offered

Courses are available in the following areas:

  • Industrial Technology Pathway:
    • Automotive Service Technology- programs are available for Automotive Brake Specialists, Automotive Front-End Specialists, Automotive Service Technology, Automotive Transmissions, and more
    • General Technology
    • Industrial Technology- Industrial Controls, Industrial Technology, and Mechanical Systems
    • Marine Repair Technology- Marine Engine Fundamentals and Marine Repair Technology
    • Welding Technology- Pipe Welding, Welding/GMAW, Welding/GTAW, Welding Layout & Fabrication, Welding/SMAW, and Welding Technology
  • Nursing Pathways: Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing, and RN to BSN
  • Health Sciences Programs: Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Laboratory Technology, Respiratory Care, and more
  • Innovative Technologies Center: Industrial Training, Educational Opportunities, and Makerspace
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71913
  • Phone: (501) 760-4222
  • Website: https://np.edu

2Hot Springs Beauty College

About the School

Hot Springs Beauty College offers a variety of training programs that prepare students for careers in the beauty industry.

According to the school’s website school graduates have a 100 percent passing rate on the State Board exam.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The instructor program costs $4,400 while the Cosmetologist program costs $19,600.

The Cosmetology program requires 1,500 clock hours and takes approximately one year to complete by students who attend classes Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To qualify for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years of age and have completed high school or GED
  • Have a state ID & Social Security card

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Cosmetology- a program that covers hair extensions, color melting, haircutting, braiding, hair styling, manicuring, and much more
  • Esthetics- a curriculum that covers classes on lash extensions, lash lifts, chemical peels, facial & body waxing, makeup techniques, and more
  • Manicuring- students enrolled in this program learn how to do nail extensions, apres gel nails, acrylic nails, sculptured nails, gel polish, and nail shaping
  • Instructor- a program for those who are already licensed as cosmetologists, estheticians, or manicurists

Contact Information


3Arkansas Division of Workforce Services

About the School

Arkansas Division of Workforce Services offers vocational training programs that can qualify students for employment in as little as three or nine months.

Students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials or certificates.

Admission requirements vary depending on the program.

To be eligible for enrollment in the welding program, students need:

  • A Valid Driver’s License
  • Ability to stand for more than six hours
  • Ability to walk, stoop, twist, climb, pull, and push
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Ability to lift heavy objects
  • Ability to walk in harsh or dusty environments
  • This field is not recommended for students who have severe asthma or seizures
  • A sixth-grade level in reading and math is also recommended

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the schools:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant- students enrolled in this seven-week course learn how to provide basic nursing assistant care, help patients maintain their highest level of functioning, report signs or symptoms of abuse, flow the patients’ individualized plan of care, and more
  • Construction- students learn safety, basic skills, and techniques used in carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, and other building trades
  • Culinary Arts- a nine-week program that prepares students for careers as food service workers
  • Welding- this two-part program covers GMAW and SMAW techniques.

Contact Information


4Radiance School of Massage

About the School

Radiance School of Massage offers a training program that includes 600 hours and can be completed in nine months.

Day and evening classes are available.

Day classes take place Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Night classes are held Tuesday to Thursday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and also one Sunday per month.

Tuition is $5,400 and includes textbooks and classes.

An interest-free payment plan is also available.

Radiance School of Massage also offers Continuing Education classes approved by the Arkansas Department of Health.

Courses Offered

The curriculum covers topics such as:

  • Anatomy and Physiology- 175 hours of training
  • Hygiene and Practical Application- students spend 30 hours learning about hygiene and infection control
  • Hydrotherapy, Electrotherapy, and Heliotherapy- 35 hours
  • Massage Therapy Law, Business Management, and Professional Ethics- 35 hours
  • Massage Techniques- students spend 275 hours learning Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Essential Oils, Spa Services, and other techniques
  • Supervised Clinical Practice- students attend a maximum of 50 clinicals
  • MBLEX preparation and study sessions- 50 hours

Contact Information


5Arkansas State University

About the School

Arkansas State University offers a variety of academic programs that can lead to a degree or certificate, depending on the chosen path.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Practical Nursing program costs approximately $10,500 in total.

Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Arkansas State University:

  • Accounting- a 63-credit hour program that can lead to an Associate of Applied Science and a 30-credit hour Certificate program
  • Cosmetology- a program that can be completed in three semesters and leads to a Technical Certificate
  • Mechatronics- a program that integrates mechanical, electronic, and information technology
  • Medical Coding- 31-credit hour program applicable toward the AAS Medical Office Administration Degree
  • Practical Nursing- a Technical Certificate program
  • Pre-Allied Health- a Technical Certificate that is awarded to students who complete 27 credit hours required for admission to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
  • Welding- a program that introduces students to basic welding techniques, including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, Pipe Welding, and Metal Fabrication
  • And more

Contact Information


6Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy

About the School

Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy provides affordable and flexible training programs for those who want to start careers in dental assisting.

Their program is designed to be completed in 10-12 weeks and includes hands-on experience in a practical dental office.

Graduates are ready for a rewarding career in dental offices after completing the program.

The classes are held one day per week, Friday or Saturday for eight hours.

Students learn from seasoned dental professionals.

The theoretical information is learned at the student’s own pace through the online learning systems, from the comfort of their home.

The school offers flexible payment plans to help students cover the costs.

Courses Offered

The Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy curriculum covers the following topics:

  • Dental terminology and equipment
  • Impressions and pour models
  • Updating patient health history
  • OSPA and HIPAA guidelines
  • Front-desk operations
  • Room setup, breakdown, and sterilizing instruments
  • Taking blood pressure
  • Conventional and digital x-rays
  • Four-handed dentistry: operative, crown, bridge, oral surgery, and root canals
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 3812 Central Ave Suite J, Hot Springs, AR 71913
  • Phone: (844) 727-3755
  • Website: https://www.adaa.us

7Northwest Technical Institute

About the School

Northwest Technical Institute offers a variety of education and training programs.

Nine diploma programs are currently available and prepare students for careers in the field of health services, industrial and information systems.

High school students can also earn credit in career and technical fields by enrolling in one of the Institute’s programs.

Tuition costs vary depending on the students’ state or residence.

The in-state tuition for diploma programs is $60 per credit hour.

Out-of-state tuition is $65 per credit hour.

The application fee is $10.

Applicants need official high school transcripts and/or GED scores and transcripts from another post-secondary institution.

Students also need immunization records.

Applicants need to take one of the following approved exams: Classic Accuplacer, Next Generation Accuplacer, or ACT.

Northwest Technical Institute is accredited by The Council on Occupational Education.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Northwest Technical Institute:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Practical Nursing Program
  • Sterile Processing Technician
  • Surgical Technology
  • Ammonia Refrigeration
  • Automotive Service
  • Electronics
  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Medium & Heavy Truck
  • Welding
  • Information Systems

Contact Information

  • Address: 709 S Old Missouri Road, Springdale, AR 72764
  • Phone: (479) 751-8824
  • Website: https://nwti.edu

8Northern Technical College

About the School

Northern Technical College provides education programs that help students advance in their careers.

To qualify for admission, applicants need a valid copy of their high school diploma or equivalent.

Proof of age, pictures, and completed forms are also required.

The non-refundable application fee is $20.

Costs vary depending on the program.

The Barber program costs $19,640 which includes tuition, student license, tool kit, and miscellaneous.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Barber Stylist- a curriculum that includes 1,500 hours of training and covers topics such as:
    • Hygiene and Sanitation- 80 hours
    • Shaving- 175 hours
    • Barber Chemistry- 325 hours
    • Hairstyling- 300 hours of training
    • Haircutting- 410 hours are dedicated to procedures for cutting hair using clippers, shears, and razor
    • Shop Development- 10 hours
    • And many other topics
  • Teacher, Manager, Instructor: this program covers Required Preparatory Training, Conducting Practical Classes, Methods of Keeping Students Records, and more
  • Cosmetology Crossover- cosmetologists who are currently licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology may transfer up to 900 clock hours and complete the remaining hours for a total of 1,500

Contact Information


9Arkansas Welding Academy

About the School

Arkansas Welding Academy is a federally-accredited welding trade school in Arkansas.

Tuition and fees for their Master Pipe and Structural Welding Program sum up to $10,713.

Arkansas Welding Academy is licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education and accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

The Master Pipe and Structural Welding Program includes 80 class hours and 830 laboratory hours.

Training covers Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and FluxCor welding processes.

The processes are taught in all positions and joints, with or without a backing strip.

To graduate from the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Obtain 100 percent on safety tests and 75 percent or higher on all other tests
  • Pass all visual weld inspections
  • Pass all destructive bend tests
  • Less than 12 days of unexcused absences

The school also offers the following safety training programs:

  • OSHA 30 Construction Safety and Health
  • OSHA 10 Construction Safety and Health

Contact Information


10Arkansas College of Health Careers

About the School

Arkansas College of Health Careers offers classes that prepare students for careers in phlebotomy and medical & clinical lab technology.

Students enrolled in their CNA program can graduate in only four weeks.

To qualify for admission, applicants have to meet the following requirements:

  • Be beyond the age of compulsory public school attendance
  • Interview with an ACHC School Admission Representative
  • Provide proof of a high school diploma or GED
  • Provide a social security card proof and an ID

Flexible payment options, as well as partial in-house scholarships, are available for students who qualify.

Students may also receive full or partial tuition assistance through Arkansas Workforce or Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available:

  • Phlebotomy Technician- this course can be completed in five weeks
  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician- a program that can be completed in ten weeks and includes Phlebotomy, Electrocardiography, and Spirometry
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Business Officer- a course that teaches students how to cover the clerical side of medical practice and can be completed in ten weeks
  • Nursing Assistant- a four-week program available in daytime or night schedules

Contact Information

  • Address: 9714 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205
  • Phone: (501) 319-7573
  • Website: https://achc.us

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Medical Records Specialists60$40,390$19.42$58,120$29,210
Nursing Assistants800$30,900$14.85$34,710$28,070
Dental Assistants120$38,130$18.33$45,480$29,930
Medical Assistants280$32,840$15.79$37,700$28,080
Electricians260$45,150$21.71$59,060$29,550
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters100$42,700$20.53$59,590$29,950
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics210$45,810$22.02$65,720$28,450
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers110$48,600$23.36$61,040$35,360
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Hot Springs, AR metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

If you live in Hot Springs and want to start a rewarding career in less than two years, we invite you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.

Take your time and choose wisely!


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