Trade schools can prepare you for rewarding careers in healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, beauty, and other in-demand industries in only a few months.
On this page, we have compiled information about the top trade schools in the Lancaster region.
You don’t have to put your dreams on hold because you can’t afford to spend four years in higher education.
There are plenty of fast-track hands-on vocational programs available in your area.
We invite you to read our list to find out more.
1Career Care Institute
About the School
Career Care Institute offers training programs that prepare students for rewarding careers in the healthcare field.
Tuition and fees vary depending on the program and its duration.
The Medical Assisting program costs approximately $13,000.
This includes books, tuition, supplies, uniform, and other fees.
Applicants will need to pay an additional entrance exam fee of $20.
Career Care Institute is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Registered Nursing- a program that can be completed in just 24 months and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam
- Vocational Nursing- 14-month program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam
- Medical Assisting- this nine-month program prepares students for entry-level employment as medical assistants that can perform front-office and clinical tasks
- Dental Assisting- this program can be completed in nine months and prepares students with all the skills needed for a career as a dental assistant
- Limited Permit X-Ray Technician- a 12-month program that equips students with the skills for the California State Examination in three limited permit categories: chest, extremities, and torso.
Contact Information
- Address: 43770 15th St. West Suite 115, Lancaster, CA 93534
- Phone: 661.942.6204
- Website: https://ccicolleges.edu
2San Joaquin Valley College
About the School
San Joaquin Valley College offers career training programs at its Antelope Valley campus.
SJCV is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available in Lancaster:
Clinical Medical Assisting- a program that covers clinical and administrative training and prepares students for employment in medical offices, hospitals, emergency centers, and health clinics.
This program teaches students a variety of skills, including:
- Taking vital signs
- Scheduling appointments
- Completing insurance forms
- Updating electronic health records
- Gathering health information from patients
Pharmacy Technology- a program that covers basic skills in computer applications, prescription processing, clinical applications, and many other skills.
Students learn how to:
- Manage inventory
- Prepare medication labels
- Process and fill prescriptions
- Enter patient information into computer systems
- Provide customer service
Medical Office Administration- a program that equips students with the following skills:
- Scheduling appointments
- Organizing patient records
- Maintaining and ordering office supplies
- Interviewing patients about their medical history
The following business and skilled trades programs are also available:
- Business Office Administration- a program designed for students who want to start a career in the business industry.
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration- a program that prepares students for careers as technicians responsible for service, repair, maintenance, and installation of heating, cooling and refrigeration equipment.
Contact Information
- Address: 42135 10th Street West, Suite 147, Lancaster, CA 93534
- Phone: (661) 974-8282
- Website: https://www.sjvc.edu/location/antelope-valley
3Charter College
About the School
Charter College in Lancaster provides training programs that prepare students for careers in many growing industries.
The campus is located on Business Center Parkway.
Charter College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Many of the school’s career training programs require a high school diploma or GED.
Courses Offered
The following health care programs are available:
Dental Assisting- a Certificate program that equips students with the skills needed for a career in a dental office, such as disinfecting instruments and equipment, preparing and laying out materials, taking x-rays, and processing x-ray film.
The 10-month Dental Assisting program requires a 180-hour externship at a local dentist’s office or clinic.
Medical Assistant- a Certificate program that can be completed in 10 months and prepares students for careers in a variety of positions, including Medical Assistant, Medical Receptionist, Medical Office Assistant, and more.
The College also offers a Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
This program can be completed in 10 months and covers skills regarding installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems.
Contact Information
- Address: 43141 Business Center Pkwy #109, Lancaster, CA 93535
- Phone: (661) 341-3500
- Website: https://www.chartercollege.edu/locations/lancaster-ca
4Bell Healthcare Training School
About the School
Bell Healthcare Training School offers a training program that prepares students for careers as Certified Nursing Assistants.
To qualify for admission to the Certified Nursing Assistant program, applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have a valid ID or License
- Obtain a criminal record clearance
Those who already have a CNA certificate may enroll in the Home Health Aide program.
The Certified Nursing Assistant program costs $1,850, while the Home Health Aide program costs $360.
Payment plan options are available.
Students in the Home Health Aide program pay an additional $40 for a book.
Bell Healthcare Training School is approved by the California Department of Public Health.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Bell Healthcare Training School in Lancaster:
- Certified Nursing Assistant- a program that includes 60 hours of classroom theory and 100 hours of clinical/hands-on practical training
- Home Health Aide- a 40-hour program for CNAs
- CPR Basic Life Support- a three-hour program that costs $65
- Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED- a three-hour program that costs $70
Contact Information
- Address: 42402 10th Street W, Suite F, Lancaster, CA 93534
- Phone: 661-582-6049
- Website: https://www.bellhealthcaretrainingschool.org
5Saint Joseph's School of Nursing
About the School
Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing offers Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide training programs that are approved by the California Department of Public Health.
Day, evening and weekend classes are available to accommodate students’ schedules.
To qualify for admission to the Nursing Assistant program students must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Complete an application with a written essay
- Hold a high school diploma or GED or pass the Wonderlic Ability-to-Benefit Test
- Attend an interview with the school’s Nursing program director.
- Complete a screening policy
To qualify for admission to the Home Health Aide program applicants must complete a Nurse Assistant Training program first.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing:
- Nursing Assistant Training- a 160-hour program that can be completed in six-eight weeks.
- Home Health Aide- a 40-hour course
The Home Health Aide program covers topics such as:
- An introductory class to Aide and Agency Role
- Interpretation of Medical and Social
- Personal Care Services
- Nutrition
- Cleaning and other care tasks
Contact Information
- Address: 622 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534
- Phone: 661-726-5060
- Website: https://www.stjson.edu
6Lancaster Beauty School
About the School
Lancaster Beauty School offers beauty training in the Antelope Valley for over 50 years.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The Esthetician program costs $9,000.
Esthetician students also have to purchase a $1,000 kit and pay a $75 registration fee.
Tuition for the Advance Manicurist course is $7,050.
Students pay an additional $1,000 for the kit and books.
Tuition for the Cosmetology program is $16,400 with an additional $2,000 charged for a kit (which includes books and a laptop)
Barbering students pay $14,425 for tuition and $2,000 for a kit.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Cosmetology Course- a program that prepares students for careers in offering services such as hair styling, coloring, haircutting, makeup, and facial care
- Esthetician Course- this course is designed for students who want to start a career in skincare
- Advanced Manicurist Course- a program that teaches students how to perform manicures, pedicures, foot massages, acrylic nails, and more
- Barbering Course- a program that covers all aspects of haircutting, coloring, perming, relaxers, and styling
Contact Information
- Address: 44646 N. 10th St. West, Lancaster, CA 93534
- Phone: (661) 948-1672
- Website: https://www.lancasterbeautyschool.com
7Antelope Valley Adult Education
About the School
Antelope Valley Adult Education offers academic and career training opportunities for the community.
Programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in high-demand careers such as dental assisting, medical assisting, phlebotomy, administrative assistant, and more.
Costs and schedules vary depending on the program.
A two-hour welding workshop costs $50 while the Dental Assistant I program costs $425.
Curriculum also varies depending on the program.
The Administrative Assistant program includes Microsoft Excel- a class that costs $100, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Powerpoint, Word, Office Skills Bus Comm, Introduction to Computers, and Keyboarding.
Each one of the above classes costs between $60 and $100.
A Career Readiness program is also included in the programs free of charge.
Those interested can enroll in career-technical education by filling out a form on Antelope Valley Adult Education’s website.
Courses Offered
Career Technical Education programs are available in the following fields:
- Administrative Assistant
- Bookkeeper
- Dental Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Welding Workshop
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 45110 3rd Street East Lancaster, CA 93535
- Phone: (661) 942-3042
- Website: https://www.avadulted.org
8Clinical Training Institute
About the School
Clinical Training Institute offers training programs that prepare students for careers in healthcare.
The school offers a Phlebotomy Technician program that covers the following topics:
- Medical terminology related to phlebotomy
- Various blood collection techniques
- Complications and procedural errors
- The anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system
- The legal issues related to blood collection procedures
- The procedure for arterial blood collection
- Infection control, safety, and first aid
Phlebotomists must be licensed through the Department of Health Services.
To qualify for certification, applicants must:
- Attend a licensed phlebotomy program
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of clinical training at a state-licensed lab
- Pass a written certification exam
- Pay a state application fee of $100
Clinical Training Institute is licensed by the State of California Laboratory Field Services, the American Medical Technologists, and the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the institute:
- Phlebotomy Technician- a program that combines classroom with lab training and prepares students for careers as Certified Phlebotomy Technicians in a variety of medical settings
- Medical Coding- Online Training- a program that covers the standardized codes used when billing for healthcare services
Contact Information
- Address: 43801 15th Street, West, Lancaster, CA 93534
- Phone: 661-889-7171
- Website: https://ctivoc.com
9Antelope Valley College
Antelope Valley College offers programs that prepare students for entry-level employment in their fields through its Career Technical Education division.
Courses Offered
The following career programs are available:
- Advanced Manufacturing- a certificate program that teaches students how to use CAD and CAM
- Aeronautical & Aviation Technology- a program that consists of three components: general aircraft maintenance, aircraft airframe, and aircraft powerplant
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Ventilation- a program that trains students in residential and commercial applications under the direction of seasoned industry professionals
- Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly- a program housed in the College’s technology building which includes industry-standard equipment with state-of-the-art laboratories
- Airframe Manufacturing Technology Program- a program designed for students who have completed or are in process of completing a two-year program in Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly
- Auto Body- a program that takes place in a state-of-the-art spray paint booth to prepare students for entry-level jobs in the field
- Automotive Technology- a program that covers courses on automotive systems, engines, chassis, brakes, transmissions, electrical systems, fuel systems, and more
- Electronics Technology- students enrolled in this program may obtain a certificate or associate degree in electronics technology
- Electrical Technology- a program that helps students for a career working with residential, commercial, and industrial electrical techniques and practices
- Welding- a program that includes courses in oxyacetylene welding, arc welding, inert gas welding, welding layout, and blueprint reading
Contact Information
- Address: 3041 West Ave K, Lancaster, CA 93536
- Phone: 661.722.6300
- Website: https://www.avc.edu
10HI Desert Truck Driving School Inc.
About the School
HI Desert Truck Driving School Inc. offers CDL driving lessons in Lancaster and San Fernando Valley.
The school has two decades of experience in preparing students for licenses in Class A, B, and Bus Passenger.
Their program combines classroom lectures, books, written materials, and visual aids with hands-on training in pre-trip inspection, air brakes, skills, and behind-the-wheel driving.
Students learn from experienced instructors in a one-on-one training setting.
Graduates receive job placement.
According to the school’s website, many major trucking companies come to recruit school graduates.
HI Desert offers full, hourly, and day courses.
The training schedule is very flexible.
The school also offers truck and bus rentals for the DMV Commercial Exam.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030 with 231,100 new openings projected for each year over the decade.
As a truck driver, you can earn anywhere between $30,000 and more than $75,000-depending on experience level, education, and a variety of other factors.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated the average annual salary for truck drivers in California at $52,130, as of May 2021.
Contact Information
- Address: 42739 5th Street East, Lancaster, CA 93535
- Phone: (661) 726-7970
- Website: https://hi-desert-truck-bus-driving-school.business.site
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 | 16,560 | $78,720 | $37.84 | $107,790 | $48,160 |
Medical Records Specialists | 7,680 | $60,530 | $29.1 | $98,770 | $38,120 |
Nursing Assistants | 41,860 | $46,000 | $22.11 | $57,410 | $37,980 |
Dental Assistants | 22,080 | $47,390 | $22.78 | $58,030 | $37,430 |
Medical Assistants | 34,330 | $46,480 | $22.35 | $63,220 | $35,290 |
Phlebotomists | 4,600 | $50,900 | $24.47 | $61,210 | $38,840 |
Electricians | 19,520 | $83,090 | $39.95 | $130,790 | $46,710 |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 13,700 | $73,530 | $35.35 | $118,410 | $43,710 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 16,610 | $59,890 | $28.79 | $80,690 | $34,970 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 8,440 | $72,160 | $34.69 | $106,340 | $46,370 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of educational opportunities available for recent high school graduates and adults who want to start a career without spending four years in higher education.
Now that you have read our list, we encourage you to continue the research and choose the school that best meets your schedule, learning style, budget, and needs.