10 Best Trade Schools inRiverside, CA

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This page compiles information about some of the best trade schools in Riverside.

Trade schools are a great alternative for those who want to build a rewarding career but can’t afford a four-year college.

Through small class sizes and hands-on training, the right vocational program can help you become job-ready right after graduation.

Riverside trade schools offer career-focused programs in many educational fields, including IT, healthcare, beauty, and more.

There are many options out there, so do your research before making a decision.



1California Technical Academy

California Technical Academy is offering educational programs for those who want to start a career in IT, business or allied health.

After years in the education industry, the team at the California Technical Academy has developed the CTA Delivery System and the STEP Certification Process.

California Technical Academy gives students the ability to focus on the modality that best supports their learning process and progress through the courses mastering a concept at a time and passing each certification test before they start the next course.

California Technical Academy is institutionally accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

Enrollment. Applicants must be high school graduates, have a GED or have successfully completed a homeschool program.

Students must earn a passing score on an institutionally administered entrance examination and complete an interview with a CTA admissions representative.

Fees. Program costs vary between $4,980-$15,980, depending on the program.

Financial assistance is available to qualifying students.

California Technical Academy is approved for participation in Veterans Educational Benefit programs.

Courses offered:

  • I.T. Computer System Engineer
  • I.T. Computer System Administrator
  • I.T. Computer  Tech-A+
  • I.T. Network Support Specialist
  • Business Office Administ Specialist
  • Medical Front Office Specialist

Contact information:

  • Main Campus: 1285 Columbia Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
  • Phone: 951-276-1414
  • Website: https://cta.edu

2American College of Healthcare & Technology

American College of Healthcare & Technology offers industry-driven health and technology education programs.

American College of Healthcare and Technology, Riverside is institutionally accredited by ABHES for non-degree programs and programmatically accredited by ABHES for the Surgical Technology Program.

The College was founded in 1993.

The majority of the school’s programs can be completed in about 8-months.

The Surgical Technology Program is 16-months long.

The school offers job placement assistance upon graduation.

The American College of Healthcare is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Enrollment. Prospective students may apply for enrollment by contacting Admissions at American College of Healthcare and Technology, completing an enrollment application and receiving a program presentation and facility tour.

Applicants to the health care training programs need a high school diploma or GED.

Fees. Tuition fees vary between $16,545 – $32,545.

Financial assistance is available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Medical Assistant
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Surgical Technology
  • Dental Assistant
  • Massage Therapy / Physical Therapy Aide
  • Medical Billing & Coding
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • HVACR Technician
  • CADD/BIM

Contact information:

  • Riverside Campus: 11801 Pierce St., Ste. 100, Riverside, CA 92505
  • Phone: (888) 430-4224 (Toll-Free) / (951) 729-5320 (Local)
  • Website: https://www.ach.edu

3Eminence Barber Academy

With locations in both Riverside and Upland, Eminence Barber Academy has options for both full-time and part-time students.

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires that any person who wants to conduct business as a Barber must first complete the state-required curriculum at an approved school and pass the state licensing exam.

Eminence Barber Academy provides students with the state-required education necessary to qualify to take and pass the license exam and to prepare them to obtain employment in entry-level positions in the beauty and wellness industry.

Eminence Barber Academy is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC).

Enrollment. Applicants must provide a copy of his/her high school diploma or equivalent.

Prospective students must provide a valid picture ID and a valid Social Security Number.

Fees. Tuition is $8,500 for the 1,500-hour Barber program.

Courses offered:

  • Full-Time Program
  • Part-Time Program
  • Cross Over Program

Contact information:


4Riverside Beauty Academy

The Beauty Academy provides educational programs for students who want to start a career in the beauty industry.

The Academy offers a variety of classes which train students in microblading, makeup artistry, eyelash extensions, permanent makeup tattoo and more.

The Makeup Artistry program covers topics such as makeup styles & techniques, sanitation & tools, skin tones & skin types, eyes & lashes, fantasy makeup and much more.

The state of California requires you to be a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist to perform the service of eyelash extensions.

The school offers morning and evening classes.

After graduation, students receive a certificate of attendance.

Fees. Training fees vary by program.

The Microblading Workshop costs $2,500.

Courses offered:

  • Microblading Training
  • Makeup Artist Training
  • Eyelash Extension Training
  • Permanent Makeup Tattoo Removal Training
  • Glow Pen Revitalization Treatment
  • Advanced Pro Makeup Artistry Course
  • Lash Lift Training with Certification
  • HydraFacial Certification Training
  • BB Glow Training Course
  • Icy Lips Pigment
  • Glow Pen Revitalization Treatment Advanced Training

Contact information:


5Phlebotomy Training Specialists

Phlebotomy Training Specialists offer a phlebotomy training program.

The Phlebotomy Certification class consists of 40 hours of didactic in-class phlebotomy training.

Students learn both didactically and hands-on during the class.

The classes are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce as quickly as possible.

The program covers anatomy, physiology of blood, equipment, venesection, lab processing, special specimen procurement, OSHA, CLIA regulations, centrifuging, microscope use, capillary punctures, and much more.

Students can schedule the National Exam after they complete the class.

After getting their exam results students can schedule a 40-hour externship.

The school offers daytime, evening, weekend classes, and accelerated one week class.

Phlebotomy Training Specialists is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

The institution is also approved to operate by the California Department of Public Health – Division of Laboratory Field Services.

Fees. The Phlebotomy program costs $1,940, including tuition, national exam fee and insurance.

Contact information:


6North-West College

North-West College is providing allied health education through hands-on classes designed to give students the practical job skills they need to succeed in the health care industry today.

Founded in 1966, NWC is one of the first vocational schools in California.

North-West College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and College.

Enrollment. Applicantion requirements vary by program.

Those who want to apply to the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technology, Vocational Nursing or the Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration programs must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Fees. Total tuition costs are between $15,479 and $39,970, depending on the program.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Courses offered:

Programs offered at the Riverdale campus:

  • Dental Assistant
  • Eyecare Specialist
  • Massage Therapist
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Insurance Biller & Coder
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Surgical Technologist
  • Vocational Nursing Program

Contact information:

  • Riverdale Campus: 4550 La Sierra Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505
  • Phone: 951-324-4157
  • Website: https://www.nw.edu

7America Truck Driving School

Founded in 2000, America Truck Driving School provides a variety of training programs for those who want to build a career as a truck driver.

The school offers every combination of licenses possible.

School instructors have many years of experience in the field.

America Truck Driving School is a private institution approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age (21 years for interstate driving) and have an acceptable driving record.

Students without a high school diploma or GED must successfully complete an ability to benefit examination.

Fees. Program costs vary between $1,995-$6,295.

Courses offered:

  • Class A/B Basic: Individual (20 hours)
  • Class A/B Commercial: Individual (24 hours)
  • Class A/B Refresher: Individual (24 hours)
  • Class A/B Truck Driver: Individual (48 hours)
  • Class A/B Truck and Bus Driver: Individual (54 hours)
  • Class A Truck Driver (160 hours)
  • Class B Truck Driver (160 hours)
  • Class A Truck and Bus Driver (190 hours)
  • Class B Truck and Bus Driver (190 hours)

Contact information:


8Riverside City College

Riverside City College provides high-quality affordable education through pre-college, transferable, and career-technical courses leading to locally-approved and state-approved certificates, associate degrees,
associate degrees for transfer, and transfer.

Riverside City College is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

Enrollment. Applicants must have graduated from high school or possess a GED or equivalent.

The college also accepts for enrollment students who didn’t graduate from high school but are 18 years of age or older or are eligible high school students.

International students who have satisfied specific international student admissions requirements may also be accepted for enrollment.

Courses offered:

The College is offering a variety of Certificate and Degree programs at its Riverside campus, including:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Pilates Dance/Conditioning Instructor
  • Cosmetology
  • C++ Programming
  • Automotive Collision Repair
  • Basic Graphic Design
  • Vocational Nursing
  • Welding
  • and much more

Contact information:

  • Riverside City College: 4800 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
  • Phone: (951) 222-8000
  • Website: https://www.rcc.edu

9Intercoast Colleges

Intercoast Colleges offer adult education and career certificate programs.

The training received at Intercoast is directed toward the development of technical skills, knowledge, and professional attitudes.

The program also focuses on developing good work habits, interpersonal communication skills, self-discipline, confidence, and cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Students can choose between morning, afternoon, evening and weekend schedules.

Classes are kept small in order to ensure a better student/teacher ratio.

The College has five campuses in California: Riverside, Fairfield, Sacramento, Anaheim, and West Covina.

Intercoast is also offering online programs in medical, mental health, trade, and business fields.

Intercoast Colleges are nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.

Enrollment. Applicants are required to have an interview with an admissions representative and successfully pass the entrance examination.

Fees. Total costs vary between $16,715 and $36,886.

Financial aid is available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

Degree Programs:

  • AAS in Substance Use Disorder Counseling

Certificate Programs:

  • Alcohol & Drug Counseling Studies
  • Dental Assistant
  • Electrical Training Program
  • HVAC Technician

Contact information:


10Riverside Bartending School

Riverside Bartending School is offering training for those who want to start a career in bartending.

The program is mostly hands-on, allowing students to spend time behind a bar, working with real bar equipment, including Point of Sale Systems.

School instructors have many years of experience in the industry.

Many students graduate in under two weeks but students can take as long as needed to graduate and become professional bartenders.

The curriculum is designed to educate each student until they become high-volume bartenders.

The 100-hour program includes bartending certification, ServSafe Alcohol Awareness certification, point of sale training, garnish preparation and cutting techniques, speed pouring, free pouring and transfer pouring, inventory control, and much more.

After graduation students receive a certification that is good in all 50 states.

During the program, students also receive alcohol awareness training through the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe program and earn a valuable Bartending Certification required by many establishments.

Riverside Bartending School is providing job placement assistance.

The school is offering in-house financing.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Contact information:


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1,810$66,140$31.8$92,930$48,500
Medical Records Specialists1,540$63,570$30.56$101,810$38,010
Nursing Assistants8,930$43,330$20.83$48,760$37,400
Dental Assistants5,770$48,190$23.17$58,090$38,210
Medical Assistants11,290$44,580$21.43$63,900$36,160
Phlebotomists1,360$50,880$24.46$66,690$38,860
Electricians8,130$76,350$36.71$129,800$38,700
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters3,850$65,720$31.6$103,320$39,870
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics7,020$62,090$29.85$80,900$37,120
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers5,890$64,830$31.17$84,650$40,310
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Riverside trade schools offer training programs in some of the most in-demand industries.

All you have to do is decide what path you want to follow and start searching for the institution that is best suited to your educational needs and professional aspirations.

Make sure the school you choose is trustworthy and review all your options before deciding on a vocational program.


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