If you want to start a lucrative career, but you can’t afford four years of college, this page is for you.
Many vocational training programs can be completed in less than two years and prepare graduates for careers in in-demand industries.
These programs are usually available at trade school and community colleges and cover a variety of topics: from welding to medical assisting.
To help you choose the program that best meets your educational needs and professional aspirations, we have compiled information about the top trade schools in Bradenton, Florida.
1Manatee Technical College
About the School
Manatee Technical College offers over 50 career programs that get students ready for employment.
Some of their programs are available in hybrid formats but most programs are available on campus.
The college also offers an online-only Medical Coder program.
Program duration varies depending on the curriculum
The program in Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology is 600-hour long and can be completed in six months.
The Automotive Collision Technology Technician program includes 1,400 hours of training and lasts 12 months.
Manatee Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The following career and technical education programs are available:
- Medical Coder/Biller – online only
- Medical Assisting – available on campus and hybrid
- Optometric Assisting – on campus
- Pharmacy Technician – on campus and hybrid
- Surgical Technology – on campus
- Automotive Collision Technology Technician
- Automotive Service Technician
- Marine Service Technologies
- Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology
- Electrical and Instrumentation Technology
- Welding Technology
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Patient Care Technician
- Applied Cybersecurity
- Web Development
- Firefighter
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 6305 State Road 70 E, Bradenton, FL 34203
- Phone: 941.751.7900
- Website: https://www.manateetech.edu
2Premier Nursing Academy
About the School
Premier Nursing Academy is offering free CNA training programs for those who want to start a career in healthcare in the state of Florida.
The program is approved by the state and can be completed in just six weeks.
Students are matched with a local employer as part of the enrollment process.
For this reason, students pay no tuition expenses out of their pocket and can begin working for their employer after being enrolled.
Training sessions take place Monday-Thursday and include 120 instructional hours.
80 hours are dedicated to classroom-based didactic learning and 40 hours to hands-on clinical-based instruction.
The program also prepares students for CNA licensing exam.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by nursing assistants in Florida was $28,660 or $13.78 per hour as of May 2020.
BLS estimates that this profession will grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030.
New openings for nursing assistants and orderlies will occur as the baby boom generation ages and they need treatment for chronic or progressive diseases, such as heart diseases or diabetes.
Those interested in the nursing assistant program offered by Premier Nursing Academy should start by filling out an admissions inquiry form on the school’s website.
Contact Information
- Address: 5720 14th St. W, Bradenton, FL 34207
- Phone: 941.217.7360
- Website: https://www.premiernursingacademy.org
3State College of Florida
About the School
State College of Florida is offering degree and diploma programs in a variety of different areas.
Tuition is $102.08 per credit hour for in-state residents who attend lower-division courses and 112.08 for those who attend upper-division courses.
Out-of-state residents pay $386.52 per credit hour for lower-division courses and $442.08 for upper-division courses.
Courses Offered
The following A.S. and certificate programs are available:
- Accounting Technology- a 60-credit Associate of Science Degree program
- Art Design Humanities- with programs in Studio Art, Graphic Design, The Humanities, Photography, and Film
- Biotechnology- a 61-credit A.S. degree program
- Business- with courses that lead to an A.S. in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Management, and more
- Computer Science- A.S. degree programs in Computer Information Technology, Computer Programming and Analysis, Network Systems Technology, Technology Project Management.
Certificate programs are also available for those who want to start a career in professions such as computer programmer, database administrator, or web development specialist.
- Construction Management- A.S. degree programs that include 60 or 66 credits
- Criminal Justice- a 60-credit A.S. degree and a 24-credit certificate program
- Dental Hygiene- a program that runs from January 1st to the last business day of the month each year
- Fire Science Technology- a 60-credit Associate in Science degree program
- A.S. in Early Childhood Education
- Engineering Technology- a path that includes in A.S. program in Engineering Technology as well as certificates in Advanced Lean Manufacturing, Alternative Energy, Electronics, and more.
- Entrepreneurship- a 60-credit A.S. in Business Administration, Business Entrepreneurship, and a 12-credit Certificate program is available
- Nursing- Associate in Science Degree
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Paralegal/Legal Assisting- a 64 credit hour A.S. degree and a 31-credit Advanced Technical Certificate
- Physical Therapy Assistant- A.S. program
- Radiography- A.S. degree program
- Teacher Education
Contact Information
- Address: 5840 26th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34207
- Phone: 941-752-5000
- Website: https://www.scf.edu
4Suncoast College
About the School
Suncoast College is offering training programs for those who want to start a career in healthcare.
Admission requirements vary depending on the program.
Those who want to enroll in the Advanced Sonography program need:
- Photo ID
- High School Diploma or GED
- Prior College Transcripts and ultrasound school transcripts
- Proof that they have at least five years of experience
- Three letters of recommendation
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The advanced sonography program costs $32,000 in total.
Courses Offered
The College’s catalog includes the following programs:
- RN to BSN program- an online program for those who currently hold an RN license and want to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
- Practical Nursing program- a program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN examination and entry-level employment as practical nurses.
- Advanced Sonography- this program is delivered through hybrid learning and can be completed in two years.
The Practical Nursing program covers topics on medical, surgical, obstetrics, pediatric, and geriatric nursing through theoretical instruction and clinical applications.
The program also teaches classes in family and community health concepts, nutrition, human growth and development, interpersonal relationship skills, mental health concepts, pharmacology, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 6513 14th Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34207
- Phone: (941)727-2273
- Website: https://www.suncoastcollege.edu
5Dental Assistant Training Schools of Florida
About the School
Dental Assistant Training Schools of Florida offer training at nine locations across Florida.
Their program consists of 18 learning sessions conducted over nine weeks.
Each of these sessions is four hours long and students attend two sessions per week.
Students learn in a real dental office and everything is taught hands-on.
The school has a 98 percent pass rate.
Graduates are ready for careers as dental assistants.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by Florida dental assistants was $41,170 as of May 2020 but salaries range from less than $30,000 and more than $50,000, depending on experience level and a variety of other factors.
This profession is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations with 44,000 new jobs expected to occur each year over the decade.
The increased demand for preventive dental services will determine dentists to hire more dental assistants to complete routine tasks.
Courses Offered
There are two programs available at Dental Assistant Training Schools of Florida:
- Entry Level Dental Assisting Training – a program that provides students with hands-on experience in treatment rooms, laboratory, x-ray facilities, and the office.
- Expanded Duties Dental Assistant
Contact Information
- Address: 8640 East State Road 70, Suite D, Bradenton, FL 34202
- Phone: (866) 404-6444
- Website: https://datsflorida.com
6Azure Tide Realty
About the School
Azure Tide Realty is offering real estate training for more than a decade.
The school provides state-approved real estate pre-licensing courses.
Post-licensing and continuing education classes are also available at the school.
Students learn all they need to know for the end-of-course and licensing exams.
The school gives 24/7 access to online approved licensing courses.
If you want to start a career in real estate you need to complete the following steps:
Pass a Florida-approved 63-hour pre-licensing
- Complete a state application
- Complete Electronic fingerprinting
- Pass the state exam
To qualify for state approval, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have the United States Social Security Number
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a background check
If you want to become a broker, students have to complete the following steps
- Pass a state-approved 72-hour broker pre-licensing course
- Complete the state application
- Complete electronic fingerprinting
- Pass a state exam
To qualify for a broker license, you must:
- Have been registered as an active sales associate for at least 24 months during the preceding five years
- Have a valid real estate license for at least 24 months
Contact Information
- Address: 2503 26th St W. Bradenton, FL 34205
- Phone: 941-462-5788
- Website: https://azuretide.school
7Suncoast School of Real Estate
About the School
Suncoast School of Real Estate offers live and hybrid classes that prepare students for the licensing exam.
The Florida Sales Associate online Pre License class includes instructional videos, coursebooks, online questions, customizable practice exams, and direct access to instructors 24/7.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by real estate sales agents in Florida was $61,120 as of May 2020.
Salaries in the real estate field range between less than $20,000 and more than $120,000, depending on skills, experience, region, and a variety of other factors.
Courses Offered
Suncoast Sales Associate Pre-License and Exam Prep class costs $279 including tax and includes:
- Florida Real Estate Principles, Practices, and Law- a 63-hour course that is updated annually to cover the latest developments
- Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Drill and Practice QBank- a real estate test engine
The Sales Associate Pre-License Course is also available separately and it costs $240.
A 45-hour Sales Associate Post-License course is offered for $150.
Suncoast School of Real Estate also provides a Broker Pre-License Course that is 72 hours long and costs $339.
The Broker Post-License course is $199 and includes 60 hours of training.
A 14-hour Continuing Education Course is available as well for $20.
Contact Information
- Address: 6400 Manatee Ave W. L126, Bradenton FL 34209.
- Phone: 941 705 6798
- Website: https://suncoastschoolofrealestate.com
8Suncoast Technical College
About the School
Suncoast Technical College offers more than 40 technical programs.
Their programs cover a variety of career paths, from Business & IT to Industrial Technologies.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program and its duration.
The Cosmetology program costs $6,330 and can be completed in 11 months by full-time students and in 15 months for part-time students.
Tuition for health and public services programs is between $1,145 and $7,896 and programs are between 1 month and 12 months in length.
The application fee is $45.
Suncoast Technical College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
All their programs are approved by the Florida Department of Education.
Individuals who are over 16 years of age and not enrolled in high school may apply for adult admission.
Courses Offered:
Suncoast Technical College provides the following Adult Career & Technical Education Pathways:
- .NET Application Development and Programming
- Digital Design Campus
- Business Management and Analysis
- Correctional Officer
- Firefighter
- Practical Nursing
- Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality
- Cosmetology
- Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology
- Electrician
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Precision Machining and CNC Automation
Contact Information
- Address: 4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34233
- Phone: (941) 924-1365
- Website: https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/suncoasttechnicalcollege
9Meridian College
About the School
Meridian College is offering a variety of vocational training programs.
The College is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education within the Florida Department of Education.
Meridian is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes the following programs:
- Cosmetology- a diploma program that prepares students for the state licensing exam
- Dental Assistant – a diploma program that teaches students how to prepare patients for treatment, how to prepare tray setups, how to sterilize equipment, and how to perform many other tasks in a dental office.
- Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound- an Associate of Science Degree program that prepares students for careers as OB/GYN sonographers, cardiovascular sonographers, sonographers in outpatient care centers, in physician’s offices, and a variety of other fields.
- Medical Administration- an Associate of Science Degree program that teaches students how to manage medical office personnel, monitor finances, and how to perform a variety of other administrative duties.
- Medical Assistant- available as a diploma or Associate of Science Degree program.
- Medical Insurance Billing & Coding Program- a diploma program that includes billing basics, ICD-10 coding, advanced clinical coding, inpatient coding, coding from operative reports, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 7020 Professional Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34240
- Phone: 941-377-4880
- Website: https://www.meridian.edu
10Construction Estimating Institute
About the School
Construction Estimating Institute is preparing students for the Florida contractor exam.
The institute has more than 20 years of experience in the field.
The complete set of Residential Contractor exam books is available for purchase or six-month rental.
Costs vary depending on the program.
If you want to rent the books you have to pay $295 while the cost of purchase is $1,395.
Exam prep courses for Contractors are $795 if taken online or $1,095 in a classroom setting.
To qualify for a contractor license, students must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Meet the experience requirements
The exam requirements vary depending on the license you’re targeting.
For example, the roofing contractor exam consists of 2 separate tests, and you need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.
The general contractor exam consists of 3 separate tests covering business and finance, contract administration, and project management.
To receive the license, candidates have to pass each test with a score of 70 percent or higher.
Courses Offered
Construction Estimating Institute is offering preparation classes for the following licensing exams:
- General Contractor
- Building Contractor
- Residential Contractor
- Roofing Contractor
- Air Conditioning
Contact Information
- Address: 5016 Calle Minorga, Sarasota, FL 34242
- Phone: (800) 423-7058
- Website: https://www.mycontractorexam.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 | 940 | $58,660 | $28.2 | $77,960 | $39,080 |
Medical Records Specialists | 440 | $51,500 | $24.76 | $76,750 | $35,880 |
Nursing Assistants | 4,430 | $38,700 | $18.61 | $45,770 | $31,380 |
Dental Assistants | 1,200 | $48,250 | $23.2 | $60,050 | $38,220 |
Medical Assistants | 2,380 | $42,600 | $20.48 | $47,570 | $36,200 |
Phlebotomists | 380 | $42,150 | $20.26 | $46,860 | $36,520 |
Electricians | 1,700 | $50,030 | $24.05 | $60,660 | $37,000 |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1,420 | $53,470 | $25.71 | $63,800 | $38,200 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 1,990 | $51,510 | $24.76 | $77,560 | $31,690 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 1,730 | $50,910 | $24.48 | $63,910 | $35,670 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Not all career paths require a college degree.
There are many in-demand careers in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, or the beauty industry that require less than one year of training.
Now that you have read our list, we encourage you to continue your research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.