10 Best Trade Schools inClearwater, FL

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This page provides information about the trade schools available in the Clearwater region and the programs they offer.

If you’d like to start a prosperous career but can’t afford to spend four years in college, our list will offer you some good alternatives.

By focusing only on the topics that are relevant to your future career, trade schools can get you ready for employment in less than two years.

Many also offer online or hybrid programs with flexible schedules, thus giving students the opportunity of keeping a full-time job.



1Institute Politecnico de Clearwater

About the School

Institute Politecnico de Clearwater is offering training programs for those who want to start careers as technicians.

Founded in 2004, the Institute offers classrooms, workshops, and labs where students get to learn hands-on the skills needed for a successful career as an HVAC technician, automotive mechanic, or another technician profession.

Classes are held at different times and days to match students’ schedules.

Morning, afternoon, and evening schedules are available as well as Saturday mornings and afternoon classes.

The classes are held 100 percent in Spanish and take place face to face.

To qualify for admission, applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

There are no previous studies requirements.

After completing the program, graduates receive diplomas that qualify them for employment as professional technicians.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the Institute:

  • Residential and Commercial Air Conditioning- a 30-week program that meets one day per week for four hours
  • Electricity and Solar Panels- this program can also be completed in 30 weeks
  • Automotive Mechanic- a 20-week program
  • Automatic Transmissions Diagnostics and Automotive Electrics- a 30-week program

Contact Information


2C.N.A. Training Academy

About the School

C.N.A. Training Academy provides affordable training courses that prepare students for a career as Certified Nursing Assistants.

The classes are kept small and students learn in a hands-on environment.

The school is also a provider of American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED Training.

The Academy’s training and certification programs are designed to prepare students with the skills needed to start a rewarding career in the medical field.

The complete package costs $549 and includes a CNA course, CPR/BLS, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, and 2yr’s of CEUs.

Students have the option of purchasing a test prep class that costs $299 and includes one week of test prep class with an additional refresher week.

No high school diploma or GED is required for the training course.

Day, evening, and weekend classes are also available.

The Basic Life Support and First Aid classes are available as stand-alone courses for $69 each.

The Bloodborne Pathogens class costs $25 if taken separately and covers information about dangers, safety, and prevention practices as well as training regarding post-exposure procedures.

Prospective students can apply online.

Contact Information


3Ultimate Medical Academy

About the School

Ultimate Medical Academy offers healthcare career training in Clearwater.

Students participate in hands-on training in laboratories, on-site externships in a real-world environment, and flexible online classes.

By completing one of the programs included in UMA’s catalog, students get prepared for careers in professions that will grow at rates that range from 8 to 22 percent by 2030, according to reports published by BLS.

Tuition at UMA is $475 per credit hour for online Associate Degree or Diploma programs and $430 per credit hour for Associate Degree on-campus program after completing a diploma program.

Total costs vary depending on the program and the number of credits.

The Medical Assistant program costs $16,950 in total, while the Phlebotomy Technician program is $1,750.

The Ultimate Medical Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school:

  • Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions- a 12-month program
  • Medical Assistant- a course that can be completed in 15 months
  • Nursing Assistant- a two-month program
  • Patient Care Technician- a program that is 12-months long
  • Phlebotomy Technician- a four-month diploma program

Contact Information


4Sunstate Academy

About the School

Sunstate Academy offers training programs that can prepare students for employment in the beauty industry in less than nine and a half months.

Applicants need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

To qualify for admission, students must be at least 16 years of age.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Sunstate Academy:

  • Spa Therapies- this program covers microdermabrasion, hot stone massage, Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, makeup artistry, and much more.
  • Cosmetology in Spanish- a cosmetology program taught in Spanish
  • Barber Styling Cosmetology Combo- a program that teaches haircutting and styling, perming and coloring, beard and mustache trimming, facials, makeup, and many other skills.
  • Cosmetology- this program includes classes in haircutting, styling, skincare, manicuring, pedicuring, facials, coloring, lightening, business operations, and much more
  • Massage Therapy- a curriculum that includes classes in hydrotherapy, hot stone massage, athletic/sports massage, prenatal massage, anatomy, physiology, pathology, business operations, and more.
  • Nail Technician- a program that teaches students about manicures and pedicures, acrylic fills, nail polish, nail art, nail wraps, and more
  • Full Specialty- a program that teaches skincare techniques, as well as nail techniques.

Contact Information


5Aveda Institutes

About the School

Another great place where students can prepare for a career in the beauty and wellness industry is Aveda.

Those interested can visit the school, call, or complete an online application form to arrange a tour with one of the school’s admissions team members.

Program duration varies between 6.5 and 12 months, depending on the curriculum and the student’s schedule.

For example, the 1,200-hour Cosmetology program can be completed in 10.5 months while the 600-hour Esthiology program can be completed in only 6.5 months by full-time students.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available:

  • Aveda Cosmetology- a program that covers hair cutting, makeup application, business development, retail knowledge, and how to gain and retain clients
  • Aveda Esthiology- students are trained in facials, waxing, makeup application, business development, wellness, and retail.
  • Massage Therapy- a program that includes hands-on clinical experience
  • Barbering- a program that covers the traditional techniques of machine cutting, scissor cutting as well as styling, extra care, and wellness
  • Advanced Education Courses are dedicated to licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, and current students who want certificates in Lash Extensions, Hair Extensions, and Advanced Makeup.

Contact Information


6National Aviation Academy

About the School

National Aviation Academy offers hands-on training that prepares students for careers as aircraft mechanics.

The school offers practical, hands-on training in aircraft hangars, labs, and classrooms.

National Aviation Academy Tampa Bay is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Aviation Maintenance Professional program costs $57,750 in total, while the Aviation Maintenance Technician program costs $38,500.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and must have reached their eighteenth birthday by graduation day.

All applicants are required to complete an admissions interview, be recommended for acceptance, and pass a final acceptance interview with a National Aviation Academy employee.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Aviation Maintenance Professional- a 21-month program that covers 45 FAA-mandated subjects and 20 subjects related to advanced aircraft systems
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology- a program that covers the 45 FAA subjects in as few as 14 months and includes 2,000 clock hours
  • Advanced Aircraft Systems- a program that includes 1000 clock hours
  • Aviation Maintenance Certification- this is a six-day refresher course for students who meet experience requirements

Contact Information

  • Address: 6225 Ulmerton Rd. Clearwater, FL 33760
  • Phone: 727-531-2080
  • Website: https://www.naa.edu

7Tampa Bay Technology Center

About the School

Tampa Bay Technology Center offers over 30 learning events each month.

Students can take classes online on subjects such as Domain names, hosting, WordPress installation, backups, intro to security, updates, building a five-page website, and more.

Costs vary depending on the class.

TBTC members who want to learn about podcasting may reserve studio time at $5 per hour.

The studio has three microphones, an audio mixer, audio software, and dozens of royalty-free music excerpts that users may adopt.

Tampa Bay Technology Center receives a discount on classes.

Those interested can become a member by applying online or by sending a printable form through the mail.

Courses Offered

The following services are available at the Center:

  • Special Interest Groups- these groups meet weekly or monthly and are led by volunteers who teach subjects such as Microsoft Windows, WordPress, Software Development, Podcasting, and more
  • Instructor-Led Classes- these classes have a curriculum and start at $5 per classroom hour.
  • Seminars- the Center sometimes invites guest speakers who teach a variety of subjects, such as Podcasting, Configuring a Router, Facebook Strategies for Business, Windows 10, WordPress, and Search Engine Optimization

Contact Information


8Elite Medical Academy

About the School

Elite Medical Academy helps students become Certified Nursing Assistants.

Students are immersed in the healthcare industry which makes their transition to employment easier.

Their entry-level training programs give students the essential skills they need for passing the State Board Exams and starting a career as a CNA or medication technician.

The program can also be used as a stepping stone toward a nursing degree by students who want to continue their training.

The CNA program walks students through each mandatory skill, through hands-on interactive learning.

The school also prepares students for the written part of the examination and gives students practice material.

Training costs vary depending on the program.

The CNA Elite Package- which includes live CNA, med tech, CPR, Blood Borne/HIV training, First Aid, and a Practice Kit costs $349.

The Blood Borne Pathogens/HIV class alone costs $24.99

Courses Offered

The following training programs are available:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Online Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Basic Life Support and CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens/HIV
  • First Aid
  • Online Med-Tech Certification
  • C.E.U. Continuing Education Units

Contact Information


9Southern Technical Institute

About the School

Southern Technical Institute offers CNA training classes in Florida.

The school offers classrooms fully equipped with dual hand washing stations, free-standing patient toilets, four electric hospital beds and patient stations to practice, four life-sized medical training mannequins, wheelchairs, double teaching stethoscopes, and medical supplies.

Class sizes are kept to 12 to 16 students so that each student can receive the attention they need.

Southern Technical Institute offers a variety of schedules to accommodate students’ needs.

Day, evening, and weekend CNA training classes are available.

The classes do not require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.

The Florida Board of Nursing does not require a high school diploma or GED for certification if candidates are 18 years of age or older.

Southern Technical Institute is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the Southern Technical Institute:

  • CNA Prep Training
  • Home Health Aide Training
  • EKG Technician
  • CPR and First Aid
  • Med Tech Certification Course
  • Phlebotomist Training

Contact Information

  • Address: 8200 66th St N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
  • Phone: 727-548-7737
  • Website: https://beacna.com

10RV Tech Training Center, Inc.

About the School

RV Tech Training Center offers an RV Technician certification course that can be completed in 10 weeks.

The program combines classroom and lab training with hands-on diagnostic techniques.

The first five weeks of the program focus on basic RV technologies while the second half of the program includes classroom advanced RV technology.

The hands-on training part provides students with real-world troubleshooting skills in labs and on-site RVs.

Students also attend occasional field trips.

Laptops are required for the classroom.

Tuition for a 400-hour program is $5,995.

The registration fee costs an additional $150.

Admission is open to applicants who have a high school diploma, GED, or college transcript.

Graduates receive an RV Tech Training Center Certified RV Technician designation.

Courses Offered

The RV Technician curriculum covers topics on:

  • RV Industry Orientation
  • LP Gas Class/Lab
  • Electrical Systems
  • Plumbing Systems
  • RV Trailer Brakes, Suspensions, Hitches, and Towing
  • Hydraulics
  • Appliances
  • Water Heaters
  • Heating Systems
  • Absorption Type Refrigerators
  • RV Generators
  • RV Air Conditioning
  • Body Damage and Repair
  • Pre-Delivery Inspection and General Maintenance
  • RVTC Technician Certification Test

Contact Information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants6,260$65,440$31.46$88,050$41,770
Medical Records Specialists2,950$56,170$27$92,070$34,790
Nursing Assistants14,780$37,300$17.93$45,220$30,850
Dental Assistants3,390$48,570$23.35$60,460$42,290
Medical Assistants8,870$40,200$19.33$47,100$35,360
Phlebotomists1,410$39,900$19.18$46,430$34,210
Electricians7,630$51,580$24.8$62,700$37,830
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters3,990$51,600$24.81$63,040$36,940
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics7,180$49,270$23.69$78,560$30,410
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers6,050$51,460$24.74$66,200$36,820
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have read our list, the next step is to decide what path you want to pursue and choose the school that will take you there.

This is an important step, so take your time and gather information about all the factors that are relevant to your decision.


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