If you live in Macon, Georgia, and you want to start a new career without spending four years in post-secondary education, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the trade schools available in the region and the training programs they offer.
Most programs can be completed in two years or less and focus on getting students ready for employment immediately after graduation.
We invite you to read further and find out more.
1Miller-Motte College
About the School
Miller-Motte College offers vocational education programs designed to help students start a new career in as little as 13 or 18 months.
The classes are kept small to ensure that each student receives the attention they need.
Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration in 18 months, while the Medical Clinical Assistant Certificate can be earned in 13 months.
The schedules are flexible and allow students to keep a part-time or full-time job while completing their training.
Students learn from instructors who have real industry experience in the subject they teach.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Business Administration- a program that prepares students for a variety of positions in the corporate world
- Medical Billing & Coding- a program that teaches students how to help insurance companies and healthcare facilities bill their patients
- Medical Clinical Assistant- for students who want to learn the skills needed for a medical assistant job, namely preparing patients for examinations and assisting physicians
- Pharmacy Technician- a program that equips students with the skills needed when helping pharmacists dispense prescription medication
Contact Information
- Address: 175 Tom Hill Sr. Boulevard, Macon, GA 31210
- Phone: (800) 705-9182
- Website: https://www.miller-motte.edu/campuses/georgia/macon-career-training
2Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy, LLC
About the School
Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy offers dental assisting training that is affordable and flexible.
The program can be completed in 10-12 weeks.
The programs include hands-on experience in a practical dental office.
Graduates are ready for a rewarding career in dental offices after completing the program.
The classes are one day per week, Friday or Saturday, and are eight hours long.
Students learn from seasoned dental professionals who are committed to the success of their students.
The theoretical information is learned through the school’s online learning systems at the student’s own pace, from the comfort of their home.
Classes are held in real dental offices providing students with real hands-on experience.
Tuition costs vary depending on location.
The school offers flexible weekly, bi-weekly, or bi-monthly payment plans that help students cover the costs.
Many states also offer a variety of funding opportunities for students who qualify.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers the following topics:
- Dental terminology and equipment
- Impressions and pour models
- Updating patient health history
- Taking blood pressure
- Conventional and digital x-rays
- Four-handed dentistry: operative, crown, bridge, oral surgery, and root canals
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 225 N Macon St, Macon, GA 31210
- Phone: (844) 727-3755
- Website: https://www.adaa.us
3Helms College
About the School
Helms College offers training programs for those who want to start a career in hospitality, health services, or industrial trades.
The college has two campuses in Georgia: one in Macon and one in Augusta.
Those interested can apply by visiting the school’s website.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The Culinary Arts Diploma program costs $17,600 in total, which includes tuition, books, uniforms, and a student kit.
The Culinary Arts Certificate costs $10,195 in total.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Hospitality Culinary Programs:
- Culinary Arts Certificate- available in Macon
- Culinary Arts Diploma- available in Macon and Augusta
- Baking and Pastry Diploma- in Augusta
- Culinary Arts Degree- in Macon and Augusta
- Culinary Operations in Resorts & Clubs- an Associate of Applied Science degree program designed for those who want to start a culinary career in resorts and clubs
- Health Services Programs:
- Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant- offered at Augusta Campus
- Hemodialysis Technician- available in Augusta
- Industrial Trade Program- an HVC/R program that includes 880 clock hours and leads to a diploma
Contact Information
- Address: 5171 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, GA 31206
- Phone: 478-471-4394
- Website: https://helms.edu
4Wesleyan College
About the School
Wesleyan College offers a variety of degree, graduate, certificate, and pre-professional programs.
Wesleyan equips students with all the skills needed for a new career- from refining interests and goals, to resume writing and more.
Wesleyan College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
The following pre-professional programs are available:
- Allied Health: programs are available in Healthcare Administration, Public Health, and Occupational/Physical Therapy
- Athletic Trainer: programs that require a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Dental: before applying to dental schools, students have to take the Dental Admission Test
- And more
Professional Certificates are also available in an online format and can be completed in 3-10 months with only three-six hours of study per week, depending on the program.
Professional Certificates are available in the following fields:
- Google IT Support
- Google UX Design
- Google Project Management
- Google IT Automation with Python
- SAS Programmer
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud Data Engineer Specialization
- IBM Applied AI
- IBM AI Engineering
- IMB Machine Learning
- IBM Data Analyst
- SAS Virtual Business Analytics
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 4760 Forsyth Rd, Macon, GA 31210
- Phone: (800) 447-6610
- Website: https://www.wesleyancollege.edu
5Oconee Fall Line Technical College
About the School
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offers more than 100 programs of study in healthcare, business services, arts and sciences, industrial, transportation, and public & professional services.
The programs provide hands-on educational opportunities that prepare students for success in their fields.
Oconee Fall Line Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and Technical Certificates of Credit.
Courses Offered
The following healthcare programs of study are available at Oconee Fall Line Technical College:
- Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge
Diploma and/or Associate of Applied Science Degree programs are also available in the following fields:
- Accounting
- Automotive Technology
- Business Technology
- Precision Machining and Manufacturing
- Health Care Management
- Pharmacy Technology
- Welding and Joining Technology
- And more
Students can also earn technical certificates of credit in the following fields:
- Accounting Fundamentals
- Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Cored Arc Welder
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Plumbing and Piping Technician
- Medical Front Office Assistant
- Shampoo Technician
- Tax Preparation Specialist
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1189 Deepstep Road, Sandersville, GA 31082
- Phone: 478.553.2050
- Website: https://cmt.oftc.edu
6South Georgia Technical College
About the School
South Georgia Technical College offers associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs.
Tuition is $100 per credit hour for Diploma & Degree programs.
For the Commercial Truck Driving Certificate Program, tuition is $132 per credit hour.
South Georgia Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Courses Offered
Training programs are available in the following fields:
- Accounting- Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, a Diploma in Accounting, and Certificates in Computerized Accounting Specialist, Office Accounting Specialist, Payroll Accounting Specialist
- Automotive- Diploma in Automotive Technology and Certificates in Auto Basic Maintenance and Detailing Tech, Auto Engine Performance Tech, Automotive Climate Control Technician, Automotive Engine Repair Technician, and other related fields
- Cosmetology- Diploma in Cosmetology, and Certificates in Barbering For Cosmetologists, Cosmetology Instructor Training, and Nail Technician
- Emergency Medical Technology- Certificates in Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Medical Technician
- Welding and Joining Technology- Diploma in Welding and Joining Tech and Certificates in Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder, Flux Cored Arc Welder, Pipe Welder, Railcar Repair Technician, Welding & Brazing Technician, Welding Blueprint Reading, and more
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 900 South GA Tech Pkwy, Americus, GA 31709
- Phone: 229-931-2394
- Website: https://www.southgatech.edu
7Southern Crescent Technical College
About the School
Southern Crescent Technical College offers programs across 16 high-demand career fields.
Tuition and fees are assessed according to the guidelines set by the Technical College System of Georgia.
Tuition is $100 per credit hour for most programs.
The CDL program has a tuition of $132 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Automotive Technology- Diploma or Certificate programs are available in fields such as Auto Collision Repair, Automotive Technology, Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist, Automotive Engine Repair Technician, Automotive Refinishing Assistant, and more.
- Commercial Truck Driving- a Certificate program
- Allied Health- Diploma or Certificates are available in Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Practical Nursing, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Assistant, and more
- Industrial Maintenance- programs are available in areas such as Industrial Mechanical Systems, Mechatronics Technology, Industrial Electrician, Industrial Systems Fundamentals, Manufacturing Production Assistant, and more
- Precision Manufacturing- students can study CNC Technology, Precision Machining and Manufacturing, Precision Manufacturing and Maintenance, and more
- Welding and Joining Technology- a Diploma in NCCER Welding and Joining Technician and Certificates in Gas Metal Arc Welding, NCCER Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and NCCER Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 501 Varsity Road Griffin, Georgia 30223
- Phone: 770-228-7348
- Website: https://www.sctech.edu
8Houston County Career Academy
About the Schools
Houston County Career Academy offers training programs in a variety of fields.
Dual credit is also available for students in grades 10th to 12th.
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a 10th, 11th, or 12th-grade student to enroll in a dual enrollment course
- Have a 2.3 GPA or higher for dual enrollment
- A 2.3 GPA is also preferred for non-dual enrollment programs
- Choose a pathway offered by the Career Academy
- Contact home school counselor for approval to enroll at the Career Academy
- Complete the Interest Survey
Houston County School District is accredited by the AdvancED Accrediting Commission- which means that all its schools are accredited and the district is recognized as a quality school district across the nation.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Houston Country Career Academy:
- Aircraft Structural Technology
- Allied Health and Sports Medicine
- Automobile Maintenance
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Engineering Technology & Electronics
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Industrial Maintenance
- Welding
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Houston County School District: 1100 Main Street, Perry, GA 31069
- Phone: (478) 988-6200
- Website: https://hcca.hcbe.net
9Middle Georgia Academy of Real Estate
About the School
Middle Georgia Academy of Real Estate offers classes for those who want to start a career in real estate.
Designation and certification programs are available year-round at their Macon location.
The school provides students with classroom and online options.
The 75-hour salesperson Georgia pre-license class is held in Warner, Robins, and Macon.
The course costs $530 and includes a book, handouts, and instruction.
Those interested can register online or by downloading the application and have it delivered to the school.
In Georgia, the following requirements are applicable for real estate salespersons:
- Being at least 18 years of age
- Being a high school graduate or equivalent
- Completing a 75-hour course
- Pass a background check
- Pass a lawful presence verification
- Taking and passing the exam
- Being affiliated with a broker.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for real estate brokers and agents is projected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030, with approximately 47,500 new jobs expected to occur each year.
Annual salaries for real estate sales agents in Georgia range from less than $23,000 to more than $85,000, with the average calculated at $55,190 per year.
Contact Information
- Address: 1501 Bass Rd, Macon, GA 31210, USA
- Phone: (478) 960-1834
- Website: https://www.mgare.org
10National Personal Training Institute
About the School
National Personal Training Institute helps students prepare for a career as a personal trainer through hands-on experience.
Classes are taught live virtually.
Students don’t need prior experience and graduates receive a lifelong Diploma that is recognized across the world.
The training lasts for six months and takes place every day.
New classes start every six weeks.
The course includes 500 hours in total and is taught by instructors with real-world experience in the fitness field.
The curriculum covers human psychology, anatomy, nutrition and diet, how to run your fitness business, and all the other information needed before starting a career in this field.
Students also learn how to design and implement a variety of exercises using real-world case studies.
New exercises and techniques designed and overseen by National Personal Training Institute staff members are also taught.
Different class schedules with day, evening, and weekend classes are available.
This allows students to keep a job while preparing for a career in the world of fitness.
Students receive:
- Daily lectures are accessible from anywhere if internet access is available
- Daily hands-on applications
- Study materials
- A Personal Fitness Training Diploma
- A Nutrition Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 2974 Riverside Drive, Macon, GA 31204
- Phone: 800-960-6294
- Website: https://nationalpti.org/school/macon-ga
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 | 340 | $51,380 | $24.7 | $73,260 | $30,880 |
Medical Records Specialists | 230 | $44,630 | $21.46 | $63,550 | $31,200 |
Nursing Assistants | 1,580 | $33,350 | $16.03 | $39,540 | $24,850 |
Dental Assistants | 170 | $40,490 | $19.47 | $48,320 | $31,470 |
Medical Assistants | 1,020 | $38,180 | $18.36 | $44,550 | $30,110 |
Phlebotomists | 110 | $39,600 | $19.04 | $46,190 | $33,600 |
Electricians | 420 | $54,890 | $26.39 | $80,280 | $35,730 |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 130 | $48,170 | $23.16 | $60,280 | $35,730 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 590 | $48,870 | $23.5 | $73,440 | $28,270 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 230 | $49,990 | $24.04 | $71,660 | $30,990 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to put your dreams on hold because you can’t afford to spend four years in post-secondary education.
Trade schools can be a viable alternative, especially if you want to start a career in skilled trades, cosmetology, transportation, or allied health.
Now that you have read our list is time to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs.