Trade SchoolsTrade schools are a viable solution for students who want to build a successful and rewarding career but can’t afford a four-year college.
This page takes a look at the best trade schools in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Our selection includes beauty schools, healthcare schools, real estate programs, and more.
Little Rock schools offer a variety of vocational programs and choosing the one that best meets your educational needs and professional aspirations is an important task.
We invite you to read our list and do your own research before deciding on a trade school.
1Little Rock School of Dental Assisting
Little Rock School of Dental Assisting helps students become ready to work as chairside dental assistants right after graduation.
The course can be completed after only 10 weeks of Friday and Saturday classes consisting of classroom instruction and clinical practice.
Students receive training supervised by 8 doctors of various specialties including endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery in one of the largest, most established dental offices in Arkansas.
Students also get N2O Certification and CPR Licensing.
The program covers topics such as professional and dental aspects of dental assisting, anatomy and physiology, dental anatomy, disease transmission, surface disinfection, clinical dentistry, moisture control, pain and anxiety control, preventive care, periodontics, and much more.
Little Rock School of Dental Assisting accepts funding through the US Department of Veterans Affairs including the GI Bill.
Enrollment. The first step is to fill out and submit an online application form.
Fees. Tuition is $3,900, including books and materials, lab supplies, one set of scrubs, licensing and certification fee.
Students also have to pay a $100 registration fee.
Contact information:
- Little Rock School of Dental Assisting: 4220 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72212
- Phone: 501-249-2772
- Website: https://www.lrsda.com
2The Salon Professional Academy
The Salon Professional Academy is a cosmetology school.
Students learn in a real salon atmosphere from highly qualified board licensed cosmetology instructors with over 80 years of combined industry experience.
To become licensed cosmetologists in Arkansas, students must
complete 1500 hours of approved training, graduate from an approved school and pass the written and practical state exams.
To become licensed in esthetics, a student must complete 600 hours of approved training, graduate from an approved school, and pass written and practical state exams.
The school holds a licensure pass rate of over 90%.
The Academy is accredited by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
Enrollment. Applicants need a copy of their high school diploma or equivalent and a copy of his/her driver’s license or photo ID.
Students must be at least 16 years of age.
Fees. The registration fee is $100.
Tuition is $18,390 for the Cosmetology program and $7,990 for the Esthetics program.
Courses offered:
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
Contact information:
- The Salon Professional Academy: 13125 HWY 107, Sherwood, AR 72120
- Phone: 501-753-2400
- Website: https://www.littlerockbeautyschool.com
3Washington Barber College
Washington Barber College is offering training courses for future barbers and barber instructors.
The school was licensed to operate as a Barber College by the State of Arkansas under the authority of the State Board of Barber Examiners in 2008.
The 1,500-hour program covers topics such as hygiene and good grooming, shaving, bacteriology, sterilization, and sanitation, hair cutting, chemistry, sanitary professional techniques, and more.
The 600-hour Barber Instructor Program covers topics such as classroom preparation, teaching methods, speech, classroom conditions, motivation and much more.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Fees. Tuition is $18,500 for the Barber program and $8,500 for the Barber Instructor program.
Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Courses offered:
- Barber Program
- Barber Instructor Program
Contact information:
- Washington Barber College: 5300 W. 65th Street, Little Rock, AR 72209
- Phone: (501) 568-8800
- Website: https://washingtonbarbercollege.edu
4Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
Arkansas Construction Education Foundation (ACEF) is offering training programs designed to produce safe, competent and professional workers.
The Foundation offers four-year and two-year apprenticeship programs.
ACEF currently trains craft professionals in Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, and HVAC.
The apprenticeship training programs offer students the opportunity to earn full-time rate of pay while learning the skills they can need to work anywhere in the world.
The programs offer state-of-the-art courses in management, job-site supervision, apprenticeship training, and safety and are structured to reinforce work ethics essential to better productivity and efficiency.
All apprenticeship courses are certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, recognized by the Arkansas Department of Career Education, and accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
Enrollment. Prospective students can enroll by filling out a form on the Foundation’s website.
Courses offered:
- Electrical Program
- Plumbing Program
- HVAC: Heating, Ventilation & AC Program
- Electronic Systems Technician Program
- Sprinkler Fitting Program
- Carpentry Program
Contact information:
- Arkansas Construction Education Foundation: 4421 West 61st Street, Little Rock, AR 72209
- Phone: (800) 240-2730
- Website: http://myacef.org
5Eastern College of Health Vocations
Eastern College of Health Vocations is providing training programs for those who want to build a career in healthcare.
The College offers a 7-month Dental Assistant program and a 10-month Medical Assistant program.
After graduation, each student will be tested through the National Association for Health Professionals, to become either a Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant or Nationally Registered Certified Dental Assistant.
Eastern College of Health Vocations is accredited through ABHES and licensed by the State of LA Board of Regents and the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education.
Enrollment. The school’s Little Rock Admissions Office is open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Fees. Tuition and fees sum up to $10,700 for the Medical Assistant program and to $8,700 for the Dental Assistant program.
Courses offered:
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Assistant
Contact information:
- Eastern College of Health Vocations: 200 South University Ave.. Little Rock AR 72205
- Phone: (501) 568-0211
- Website: https://easterncollege.edu
6University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech
University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College provides education for future professionals in many high-demand industries.
The College offers more than 80 programs, degrees, and certificates.
The Technical and Occupational Degrees and Certificates programs are designed to give students the skills and education to increase their employability and earning power.
University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Fees. Tuition costs vary between $4,534-$15,977, depending on the program.
Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Courses offered:
Pulaski Tech offers a varity of Certificate programs, including:
- Automotive Technology Technical Certificate
- Aviation Maintenance Airframe Technical Certificate
- Aviation Maintenance Powerplant Technical Certificate
- Baking and Pastry Technical Certificate
- Collision Repair Technical Certificate
- Culinary Arts Technical Certificate
- Dental Assisting Technical Certificate
- Diesel Technology Technical Certificate
- HVAC Technical Certificate
- Welding Technical Certificate
- and much more
Contact information:
- UA – Pulaski Technical College: 3000 West Scenic Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118
- Phone: (501) 812-2200
- Website: https://www.uaptc.edu
7National School of Real Estate
The National School of Real Estate is offering training programs for those who want to start a career in real estate.
Students can get their Arkansas Real Estate License in as few as two months.
School instructors are experienced professionals who encourage class participation.
Through classes designed to engage students while focusing on real-life scenarios, the school equips future real estate professionals with the skills needed to start a successful career.
Students can choose between flexible schedules.
The program focuses on giving students the information they need to pass the Arkansas Real Estate exam.
Fees. The 60-hour sales licensing course costs $375, if paid in advance or $400 if paid at the door.
The cost of the broker course is $600-$650.
Courses offered:
- Real Estate programs
- Broker program
- Continuing Education
Contact information:
- National School of Real Estate: 5323 John F Kennedy Blvd, N. Little Rock, AR 72116
- Phone: 501-753-1633
- Website: https://weteachrealestate.com
8ABC Bartending School
ABC Bartending School is offering training for those who want to become professional bartenders/mixologists.
The two-week bartending class teaches students the skills they need to work in any bar in the world.
Students learn about liquors and definitions, beers & wine, drinks & shots, bar equipment, glassware, customer service, responsible liquor service, bar set up and much more.
Students can choose between day classes, night classes, and weekend classes.
All classes are held in a real working bar setting and consist of hands-on training.
The aim is to help students feel comfortable working behind a bar and be able to go out and work as a bartender in any type of bar right after graduation.
At course completion, students will receive job placement.
Graduates will be able to access job openings from the school’s website.
The textbook has a chapter dedicated to interviewing skills.
Enrollment. Applicants can enroll by filling out a form on the school’s website.
Fees. The total tuition cost is $295, with a $100 deposit to start.
Contact information:
- Location: 13311 Lawson Rd, Suite B, Little Rock AR 72210
- Phone: 1-888-472-2824
- Website: https://www.abcbartendingschool.com
9Arkansas College of Health Careers
Arkansas College of Health Careers is offering training programs for future allied health professionals.
Course duration varies by program: the Phlebotomy course can be completed in 5 weeks, while the Medical Assisting program lasts 10 months.
Students can graduate from the Nursing Assistant program in as few as four weeks.
Arkansas College of Health Careers is licensed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
Enrollment. Applicants must be beyond the age of compulsory public school attendance.
They need a copy of the high school diploma or GED, proof of social security card and an ID.
Prospective students will be interviewed by the school’s Admissions Representative.
Depending on the program, applicants may also be required to pass a TB test.
Other requirements also apply to some programs.
Courses offered:
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Medical Business Officer
Contact information:
- Arkansas College of Health Careers: 9714 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, US
- Phone: (501) 319-7573
- Website: https://achc.us
10New Tyler Barber College
New Tyler Barber College is offering training for future barbers and hairstylists.
The courses are designed to qualify students for the Arkansas State Barber Boards’ written and practical examinations.
The College offers a 1500-hour Barber/Stylist program and a 600-hour Instructor program.
The Barber program covers topics such as hygiene and sanitation, barber-styling chemistry, hairstyling, haircutting, shaving, and more.
The Instructor program teaches students about Arkansas barber laws, methods of teaching, classroom management, methods of record-keeping, and more.
After successfully passing these exams, students are issued a Registered Barber’s License from the Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners.
Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma, transcript or GED, a Social Security Card, copy of their ID or driver’s license and two wallet-sized photos.
Fees. The Barber-Stylist program costs $16,900.
The Barber-Stylist Instructor program costs $8,200.
Courses offered
- Barber-Stylist
- Barber-Stylist Instructor
Contact information:
- New Tyler Barber College: 1221 Bishop Lindsey Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114.
- Phone: (501) 375-0377
- Website: https://www.newtylerbarbercollege.edu
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 | 710 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Medical Records Specialists | 780 | $47,040 | $22.61 | $67,930 | $32,610 |
| Nursing Assistants | 5,360 | $33,130 | $15.93 | $38,660 | $25,720 |
| Dental Assistants | 910 | $43,070 | $20.71 | $51,810 | $36,400 |
| Medical Assistants | 1,640 | $36,030 | $17.32 | $45,390 | $29,560 |
| Phlebotomists | 400 | $37,760 | $18.16 | $42,780 | $31,890 |
| Electricians | 2,100 | $48,180 | $23.17 | $61,770 | $32,740 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1,030 | $48,900 | $23.51 | $63,620 | $31,550 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 1,560 | $48,060 | $23.11 | $73,380 | $29,700 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 1,250 | $49,640 | $23.87 | $69,030 | $34,430 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
There are many alternatives open to Little Rock students who want to learn a new trade.
All you have to do is decide what path you want to follow and start searching for the institution that is best for you.
In order to make sure that you explore all your options, you should start by compiling a list of all the schools that offer programs in your chosen field and compare them based on some relevant factors, such as tuition, curriculum, educators, job placement rate, graduation rate, and accreditation.
There’s no better time to start your research than right now.
Trade Schools by City in Arkansas
