10 Best Trade Schools inDaytona Beach, FL

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If you want to start a rewarding career but don’t afford to spend four years in college, trade schools can be a viable option.

They narrow down the curriculum by focusing on hands-on training that covers only the topics that prepare students for employment.

Trade school programs usually can be completed in less than two years, and some paths last six months or less.

On this page, we have selected information about the top trade schools available to Daytona Beach students.



1Halifax Academy for Caregivers

About the School

Halifax Academy for Caregivers offers a fast-track instructional program designed to prepare students for the Florida State Board of Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant exam.

Graduates who don’t pass the examination may attend the course once again for free.

After completing the course, graduates receive a list of over 100 potential employers.

Classes are offered in morning and evening schedules.

Tuition is $410 and must be paid in full before classes start.

The textbook costs an additional $65.

No high school or diploma is required for students who are over 18.

Those who are under the age of 18 need a high school diploma or GED as well as the signature of a parent or guardian.

Applicants can register online on the school’s website or come directly to class during class hours.

The state exam fee is $155, and students also have to pay an additional $82 for a criminal background check.

Halifax Academy for Caregivers is a regional test site which means that the students can take the tests here or at any regional site in the state of Florida.

Contact Information


2International Academy

About the School

International Academy prepares students for a career in the beauty and wellness industry.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Nail Technician program costs $3,855 including registration, tuition, kits, books, and supply fees.

The Cosmetology program costs $18,600 and can be completed in only nine months.

International Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences and is recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the International Academy:

  • Cosmo- a course that focuses on coloring techniques, haircutting, skincare, nail technology, and more
  • Barber-a program that explores fades, dapper cuts, beard, and mustache care, and more
  • Esthetics- for those who want to explore skin care, facials, microdermabrasion, makeup, hair removal techniques, as well as hydrotherapy
  • Massage- this program covers Swedish massage, as well as stone therapy hydrotherapy, chair massage, myofascial release techniques, and more
  • Nail Tech- a course that teaches students manicuring and pedicuring covering techniques such as acrylic and poly-gel enhancements.
  • Full Specialist- a program that combines skincare, hair removal, and spa training with nail technology

Contact Information

  • Address: 2550 S Ridgewood Ave, South Daytona, FL 32119
  • Phone: 888.893.3636
  • Website: https://iahd.net

3Installer Institute

About the School

Installer Institute provides training programs for those who want to become professionally trained car audio installers.

The programs cover basic installation, custom fabrications, and mobile security installations.

You can enroll in one of the school’s programs by requesting an information kit and speaking with an admissions advisor.

The next step is to complete an enrollment application to reserve your spot.

Installer Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training.

Courses Offered

Installer Institute provides a 12-week and 26-week program.

Individual classes are also available for those who want to learn more about a specific car audio field.

The following courses are available:

  • Basic Installations- 200 clock hours that can be completed in six weeks
  • Mobile Electronics Program- a 12-week program that includes 400 hours of training
  • Comprehensive Installations Program- a 900-clock hour program designed to be completed in 26 weeks.
  • Continuing Education Classes

The institute also offers exams for certification.

For example, the 6-week Basic Installation program offers students the opportunity to earn the following certifications:

  • Installation Knowledge Exam
  • Security System Certification
  • Audio System Certification

Contact Information


4Daytona College

About the School

Daytona College is a private college that offers Diploma and Certificate programs that prepare students for a career in their chosen fields.

The college offers day and evening classes, with a focus on hands-on training.

According to their website, Daytona College is licensed by means of accreditation through the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.

Program duration varies, depending on the curriculum and the credential it offers.

For example, the Medical Assisting Degree online program can be completed in 70 weeks, while the Nursing Degree program is 90-weeks long.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available:

  • Barber Styling/Cosmetology – a Diploma program
  • Coding and Billing for Electronic Medical Records- an online program that is available in a Diploma or Degree format
  • Cosmetology- a Diploma program
  • Full Specialist with Spa Services- a diploma program
  • Home Health Aide Certificate
  • Medical Assistant- an online program that can lead to a Diploma or Associate of Science Degree
  • Natural Health- an Associate of Science Degree program
  • Nursing (RN to BSN) – an online program
  • Nursing- a program that leads to an Associate of Science Degree
  • Practical Nursing – a diploma program
  • Therapeutic Massage- a diploma program

Contact Information

  • Address: 425 S. Nova Rd. Ormond Beach, FL 32174
  • Phone: 
    • (386) 267-0565 (on-campus)
    • (866) 560-5499 (online)
  • Website: https://daytonacollege.edu

5Florida Bartending School

About the School

Florida Bartending School is helping students become bartenders in just two weeks.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for bartenders in the United States is projected to grow 32 percent from 2020 to 2030.

This will result in approximately 111,300 new jobs each year.

The classroom is set up in a real bar setting which allows students to become ready to work once they complete the course.

Tuition for this program is $295.

Graduates receive their national bartending certificate and license as well as job placement assistance.

The school offers night classes that take place between 6-9 p.m. for two weeks and weekend classes that take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for four Saturdays.

Prospective students can enroll in the class by filling out a form on the school’s website.

Courses Offered

The bartending program covers topics such as:

  • Liquors and Definitions
  • Beers and Wine
  • Alcohol and State Laws
  • Fruit Cutting
  • Customer Service
  • Responsible Liquor Service
  • Free Pouring Techniques
  • Bar Set-Up
  • And more

Contact Information


6Daytona State College

About the School

Daytona State College is offering degree programs as well as certificate and diploma pathways.

Credits earned in some of their certificate programs may be applied towards an Associate Degree.

Costs vary depending on the program, the number of credits, and the program duration.

The Audio/Recording Technology A.S. Certificate program includes 15 credits covered by subjects such as:

  • Survey of Recording Technology
  • Sound Reinforcement
  • The Digital Audio Workstation
  • Survey of Recording Technology
  • Sound Reinforcement
  • The Digital Audio Workstation
  • Audio Engineering I
  • Audio Engineering Lab

Tuition for the Audio/Recording Technology program is $1,536.

Additional costs include an access fee that is $1.16 per credit hour, a $34 assessment fee, and $230 lab fees.

Tuition for the Accounting Technology Management certificate program is $2,764.

Admission at the Daytona State College is open to students who have a Florida standard high school diploma, a GED, or equivalent.

Eligible for admission are also students who have previously demonstrated competency in post-secondary-level coursework.

Courses Offered

The following certificate programs are available at the college:

  • Audio/Recording Technology
  • Broadcast TV Production
  • Television Studio Production
  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Culinary Arts
  • AutoCAD Foundations (Architectural)
  • AutoCAD Foundations (Engineering)
  • Interior Design
  • Accounting Technology Management
  • Marketing, Sales, Service, Entrepreneurship
  • Applied Technology Specialist
  • Network Server Administration
  • Paramedic
  • Medical Information Coder/Biller

Contact Information


7Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

About the School

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University is offering a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through its four academic colleges.

The College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Aviation, David B. O’Maley College of Business, and the College of Engineering are offering programs that prepare students for careers in a variety of different industries.

The college’s catalog also includes certificates and basic skills courses, such as the Aircraft Dispatcher Certification program.

New students are eligible for admission at the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer terms.

High school students may apply at the end of their junior year.

The per-credit-hour rate is $1,543.

Courses Offered

The following basic skills courses are available:

  • Accounting – ACC
  • Aeronautical Science – AS
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Communication
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Meteorology
  • Simulation
  • Software Engineering
  • Space Studies
  • And many more

The Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate program covers the following topics:

  • Instrument Pilot Operations
  • Aircraft Performance or
  • Dispatch Aircraft Performance
  • Commercial Pilot Operations or
  • Domestic and International Navigation
  • Airline Dispatch Operations
  • Introduction to Air Traffic Management
  • Survey of Meteorology
  • Aviation Weather

Contact Information


8UCF Connect Daytona Beach Center

About the School

The University of Central Florida offers students the opportunity of earning a degree by taking classroom, online or hybrid classes through its UCF Connect Daytona Beach Center.

Students can complete full-degree programs or take just specific courses.

Tuition for online Bachelor’s Degree programs at UCF is $105.07 per credit hour.

Additional fees include capital improvement fee, distance learning fee, tuition differential, financial aid fee.

These bring total costs to $179.19 per credit hour for Florida students and $715.80 for non-Florida residents.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available in Daytona Beach:

  • Nursing – a program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • Registered nurses who have an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing can enroll in the RN to BSN track to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Photography- an AS to BS program

The center also offers online graduate certificate programs in areas such as:

  • Destination Marketing and Management
  • Event Management
  • Project Engineering
  • Quality Assurance
  • Systems Engineering
  • Optical Image Systems
  • Data Analytics
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
  • Phone: 407-823-4547
  • Website: https://connect.ucf.edu

9Aviators Academy

About the School

Aviators Academy offers flight classes that can prepare students for a commercial pilot’s license in as few as six months.

Total costs vary depending on the rating and the number of flight hours required to receive that rating.

According to the Aviators Academy website, students can complete a professional pilot program for $37,000.

The study materials are free.

The school offers a $250 referral bonus.

Ground school classes are available online to help students keep up with their studies at their own pace.

Those interested can apply through the school’s website.

Requirements vary depending on the rating you are targeting.

For example, for the private pilot rating you need to:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Hold an FAA third-class medical certificate
  • Pass a written exam
  • A minimum of 40 hours of airplane flight: at least 20 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flight
  • Pass a practical test with an FAA-designated examiner

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the academy:

  • Private pilot training
  • Instrument rating
  • Commercial pilot license
  • Flight instructor/instrument courses
  • Online ground school

Contact Information


10Phoenix East Aviation

About the School

Phoenix East Aviation is offering an accelerated program for those who want to start a career as a pilot.

Their accelerated program gives students the opportunity of completing 1,500 hours of flight in 24 months.

Located in Daytona Beach, Phoenix East Aviation is a nationally accredited and international-recognized flight academy.

Their courses are approved by the FAA.

According to the Phoenix East Aviation website, the academy has trained more than 12,000 pilots to date.

PEA has one of the newest fleets available.

Glass cockpits help students prepare for the environment in which they will work later on.

Students learn in Redbird simulators and work with state-of-the-art equipment and aircraft.

PEA students participate in the Upset Recovery Training Course which helps them become better pilots and react in difficult situations.

You can apply to the school by completing a few steps:

First, you have to complete an application.

A copy of a passport or birth certificate with a government ID is also required.

Students have to pay a $50 registration fee and send a copy of their high school diploma or college degree.

Courses Offered

Students can prepare for the following ratings:

  • Private Pilot License
  • Instrument Rating
  • Commercial Pilot License
  • Certified Flight Instructor

Contact Information

  • Address: 561 Pearl Harbor Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
  • Phone: 386-200-5522
  • Website: https://pea.com

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants480$55,060$26.47$73,500$37,370
Medical Records Specialists470$42,300$20.34$64,700$30,000
Nursing Assistants2,880$34,870$16.77$38,580$29,270
Dental Assistants510$43,750$21.04$49,690$36,740
Medical Assistants1,310$37,600$18.08$45,180$30,730
Phlebotomists300$38,440$18.48$44,730$34,480
Electricians1,130$47,210$22.7$58,580$35,740
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters630$44,870$21.57$59,320$35,120
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics1,370$46,550$22.38$75,080$28,560
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers760$48,900$23.51$62,890$30,330
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Trade schools offer career-focused training programs that prepare students for employment in in-demand industries.

If you want to earn a diploma or certificate without spending four years in college, vocational training can be a viable option.

To help you choose the program that best meets your professional aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the top trade schools available in Daytona Beach.

Before deciding where to enroll, we encourage you to continue the research and make sure the school you choose is the right fit for you.


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