If you want to start a rewarding career but cannot afford to spend four years in college, this page is for you.
Vocational training is a viable and usually less-expensive alternative and can prepare you for a wide range of careers.
Fort Myers is home to many trade schools that can play an essential part in your journey towards a new career.
If you live in the region and you’d like to find out more about your available options, we invite you to read our list.
1Southern Technical College
About the School
Southern Technical College offers a wide range of training programs that help students start a new career.
Diploma and degree programs are available at their Fort Myers campus.
Southern Technical College in Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, and Tampa are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and diplomas.
Tuition varies depending on the program and the duration.
Associate of Science Degree programs cost between $26,250 and $43,120 while diploma programs range from $15,995-$18,250.
An Associate of Science Degree program is also available in a degree completer-only format, and it costs $8,000.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college’s Fort Myers campus:
- Surgical Technician- an Associate of Applied Science Degree program that is two-year long
- Electrical Technology- a 10-month Diploma program
- Medical Assisting- a Diploma program that can be completed in 10 months
- Veterinary Assisting- a 10-month Diploma program
- Medical Assisting- an Associate Degree program that is 18 months long.
- Network Engineering and Administration Associate Degree
- Nursing- a two-year program that leads to an Associate Degree
Contact Information
- Address: 1685 Medical Lane, Ft Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: (239) 834-6500
- Website: https://www.southerntech.edu/locations/ft-myers
2Institute of Medical and Dental Technology
About the School
The Institute of Medical and Dental Technology is offering programs that prepare students for certification exams.
The courses available at the institute are state-approved and can be completed in 16 weeks.
To qualify for admission, students must be at least 18 years of age and they need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Students are also required to attend an interview and submit an enrollment agreement.
Documentation of vaccination is also required as part of the admissions process.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the college’s Fort Myers campus:
- Entry-Level Dental Assistant
- Phlebotomy/EKG Technician
The dental assistant programs consist of two days per week of training and at-home study.
Each training day is four hours long.
Graduates receive an Entry-Level Dental Assisting Certificate.
Students are also required to complete clinical externship hours as part of their training.
The Phlebotomy/EKG Technician program prepares students for the tasks they will have to complete in a physician’s office, podiatrists, and other health practitioners, namely:
- Taking patient history
- Measuring vital signs
- Helping physicians with patient examinations
- Giving patients injections
- Preparing blood for laboratory tests
Contact Information
- Address: 5280 Summerlin Commons Way #804, Fort Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: (239) 208-7290
- Website: https://imdtfl.com
3Zeal Technical Institute
About the School
Zeal Technical Institute is offering training programs for healthcare professionals.
Admission requirements vary depending on the program.
For example, if you want to enroll in the mental health technician program you need to:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Have a parent co-sign the enrollment agreement if the patient is under 18
- Have a valid Government-issued ID
- Have a social security number
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Sign the enrollment documentation
- Be able to understand English
- Meet with the business office to finalize payment agreement
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Mental Health Technician- a program that prepares students for employment in healthcare facilities where they will work under the supervision of a psychiatrist, registered nurse, counselor, or social worker.
- Medical Administrative Assistant- a program that prepares students who have basic knowledge regarding office procedures, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and more.
- Medical Assistant – a program that helps students start a career as a medical assistant in only 6-9 months (depending on the schedule they choose)
- Phlebotomy Technician- a program that takes 4-7 weeks to complete and leads to a diploma.
- Home Health Aide – a program that can be completed in two weeks by daytime students, and in three weeks by those who attend night classes.
- Patient Care Technician – a program that can be completed in 10-12 weeks by students who attend day classes and in 17-20 weeks by those who attend evening classes
Contact Information
- Address: 4940 Bayline Dr. Bldg B, North Ft. Myers, Fl 33917
- Phone: (239) 214-0717
- Website: https://zealtechnicalinstitute.com
4Florida Academy
About the School
Florida Academy offers training programs for those who want to start a career in skilled trades, health, and wellness or the beauty industry.
Total program costs vary between $4,330 and $16,743 depending on the path and the duration of the program.
This includes tuition, supplies, and registration fees.
Florida Academy has been conferred institutional accreditation by the Council on Occupational Education.
Admission requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years of age as of the first day of class
- Attending an interview with the admissions department
- Submitting proof of a high school diploma, or equivalent, or GED
- Submitting a valid photo ID
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Beauty and Wellness:
- Cosmetology- a 10-month day program
- Nail Technician- a two-month day program
- Health and Wellness:
- Medical Assisting- a program that can be completed in 40 weeks by full-time students
- Massage- a 5-month day program
- Skin Care- a 300-hour day program that can be completed in three months.
- HVAC/R technology – a 600-hour evening program that can be completed in 7.5 months.
Contact Information
- Address: 4387 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33966
- Phone: (239) 932-7902
- Website: https://florida-academy.edu
5Express Training Services
About the School
Express Training Services offers fast CNA, EKG, and phlebotomy programs.
Students who have no experience in the field can start with the CNA program and continue with the EKG and Phlebotomy coursework.
Costs vary depending on the program.
Tuition for the medical assistant program is $2,500 while the CPR class costs $55.
Students may also have to purchase textbooks and other materials.
Admission requirements vary depending on the program.
If you want to enroll in the medical assistant program you must:
- Possess a valid photo ID
- Be graduate of high school or equivalent
- Provide proof of CPR certification or registration in a CPR class
- Wear scrubs and closed toes shoes
- There are no age restrictions
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- CNA- the school offers a one-week Nursing Assistant Exam Prep Class and a Weekend Warrior Nursing Assistant Exam Prep Class that combines online training with a weekend classroom training part
- CPR/First Aid- a four-hour BLS class for healthcare providers and a two-hour First Aid class are available
- Medical Assistant- a 245 clock hour class that can be completed in 12 weeks and is offered nights only
- Phlebotomy- an 80-hour Phlebotomy National Exam Prep Workshop and an 8-hour Phlebotomy Workshop are available
Contact Information
- Address: 910 Airport Road, Suite A1, Destin, Florida 32541
- Phone: 850-502-5521
- Website: https://www.expresstrainingservices.com
6Instituto Politehnico de Fort Myers
Instituto Politecnico de Fort Myers offers technical certificate programs that can be completed in as few as six months.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The programs cost $3,089.
Students also have to pay a $100 registration fee.
The materials are included in the program cost.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available in Spanish:
- Introduction in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration- a program that covers the fundamentals of HVAC systems both in commercial and residential settings
- Introductory Electrical program- an introductory course for those who want to start a career in the industry
The Air Conditioning program covers topics such as:
- The Basics of Electricity
- Oxyacetylene Welding
- Electric motors
- Refrigeration Cycles
- Commercial Refrigeration
- Domestic Refrigeration
- Fundamentals of Refrigeration
- HVAC planning
- And more
The program includes 160 hours in total and may be completed in 30 weeks.
Students enrolled in this program have the chance to earn their EPA 608 Certification while gaining hands-on experience.
The Electrician curriculum includes courses on:
- Basics of Electricity
- Electric motors
- Project Estimation
- Planning and Specification
- And more
Students can become OSHA Certified while familiarizing themselves with the U.S. National Electrical Code.
Contact Information
- Address: 3900 Broadway, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, United States
- Phone: (239)-677-4391
- Website: https://politecnicofortmyers.com
7Classic Traffic School
About the School
Classic Traffic School offers training programs that prepare students for careers as truck drivers.
The school provides training for classes A, B, and C that lasts three and a half weeks as well as one-week refresher courses.
Hazmat, passengers, and all other endorsements are also available.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
Tuition for the Class A combination vehicles program, for example, is $6,100.
Students also have to pay $600 for a road test.
Courses are a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Courses Offered
The school offers a class A combination vehicles program that includes 150 credit hours.
This program covers pre-trip inspection, classroom work, and hands-on training.
The following programs are also available:
- Truck Driver- 1A- 100 contact hours – available for class A and B
- Truck Driver 2A- 150 contact hours – for classes A and B
- Truck Driver B- 45 contact hours- classes A and B
- Professional Truck Driver Refresher- 10 contact hours- classes A and B
- Advanced Professional Truck Driver Refresher- 60 contact hours- classes A and B
Contact Information
- Address: 3088 Evans Ave, Fort Myers FL 33901
- Phone: 239-303-4322
- Website: https://classictrafficschoolllc.com
8Fire eTraining Institute
About the School
Fire eTraining Institute is offering online courses for busy fire professionals.
The institute hires instructors with more than 30 years of combined experience in the fire industry.
All courses are approved by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
Costs range from $150 to $550 per course.
Courses that include 45 hours cost $150.
Students receive assignments that are due after the 30th day of enrollment which gives students the opportunity of studying at their own pace.
Once students complete a course, they will receive a certificate by email and their grades will be posted on the Fire College website.
Those interested can enroll directly on the school’s website.
Review classes are $75 each.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available:
- Fire Inspector I- with the following courses available: Fire Prevention Practices, Fire Protection Systems I, Fire Service Building Construction, Fire Inspector I Series
- Fire Officer I- Fire Service Course Delivery, Tactics and Strategy, Fire Service Building Construction, Company Officer
- Fire Officer II- Fire Prevention Practices, Fire Protection Systems, Fire Service Course Design, Tactics and Strategy, and more
- Review Courses- Fire Inspector I Review Course, Fire Officer I Review Course, Fire Officer II Review Course
Contact Information
- Address: 8359 Beacon Blvd. Suite 105 Fort Myers FL 33907
- Phone: 888-912-9458
- Website: https://www.fireetraining.com
9The Salon Professional Academy
About the School
The Salon Professional Academy is offering training programs for future cosmetologists and estheticians.
Part of a nationwide system of beauty schools, the Salon Professional Academy supports students’ career goals and job placement needs.
Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
The school is also offering a distance education option where students complete half their training at the school and the other half online.
Most courses include a combination of classroom training and hands-on practice in a student’s salon.
Students receive training in the most modern techniques using professional equipment.
Graduates from The Salon Professional Academy can start rewarding careers as employees in salons and spas, as product platform artists, TV and Film beauty service providers, or as educators and beauty business owners.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available:
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
The Cosmetology program is 1,200 hours long and available part-time, 3/4 format, and through distance education.
The following add-ons are available for the cosmetology program:
- Eyelash Extension Certification
- Cinderella Hair Extension Certificate
The Esthetics program is 275-hours long and is available part-time and through distance education.
Contact Information
- Address: 1388 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: 239-208-3958
- Website: https://www.tspaftmyers.com
10Sunstate Academy
About the School
Sunstate Academy is a nonprofit institution that offers training programs for those who want to start a career in the beauty industry.
Applicants need a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, or a passing grade on the Ability-to-Benefit examination.
Sunstate Academy is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Sunstate Academy:
- Cosmetology – a program that can be completed in as few as 9 and a half months and covers haircutting, hair design, manicuring, facials, nail extensions, business operations, and many other topics.
- Barber Styling – a curriculum that includes haircutting, styling, straight razor cuts, taper cuts, coloring, chemical waves, and more.
- Massage Therapy- a program that teaches hydrotherapy, hot stone massage, athletic/sports massage, and much more
- Nail Technician- this course covers manicures, pedicures, nail tips with acrylic overlay, removal of artificial nails, nail wraps, sculptured nail, and more
- Full Specialty- a program that teaches skin care techniques as well as nail artistry, manicures, pedicures, and more.
- Spa Therapies- this curriculum includes microdermabrasion, hot stone massage, anatomy and physiology, tweezing and waxing, and many other skills.
- Cosmetology in Spanish
- Barber Styling/Cosmetology Combination
Contact Information
- Address: 2040 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: 888-990-4211
- Website: https://www.sunstate.edu
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 | 850 | $60,390 | $29.04 | $78,990 | $38,890 |
Medical Records Specialists | 440 | $50,270 | $24.17 | $68,600 | $36,210 |
Nursing Assistants | 2,600 | $37,490 | $18.02 | $40,140 | $31,090 |
Dental Assistants | 760 | $48,130 | $23.14 | $57,520 | $38,580 |
Medical Assistants | 2,290 | $41,370 | $19.89 | $48,090 | $35,640 |
Electricians | 1,660 | $50,610 | $24.33 | $62,520 | $36,830 |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1,860 | $51,130 | $24.58 | $62,570 | $36,800 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 1,710 | $51,000 | $24.52 | $78,980 | $30,120 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 1,620 | $51,820 | $24.91 | $67,760 | $36,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Fort Myers trade schools offer a variety of post-secondary programs that can be completed in less than two years and get you ready for employment right after graduation.
Now that you have read our list, it’s your turn to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs and professional aspirations.