10 Best Trade Schools inKansas

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Trade schools are a form of vocational education that has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years.

That is due to the fact that there is a huge demand for specialized workers, yet not enough skilled workers to perform such job duties.

Moreover, many of those areas of expertise can be very lucrative.

Another benefit of choosing trade schools is the cost.

On average, they are more than twice as cheap as traditional four-year colleges.

If you think this is the perfect path for you, then make sure to check out our detailed list of the best vocational institutions in Kansas.



State FlagTrade Schools by City


1WTI Career Training

WTI Career Training was founded over six decades ago.

Ever since they started operating, their sole focus was to provide students with an excellent education.

With multiple facilities throughout Kansas, WTI is an amazing institution ready to prepare students for a future in the workforce.

Their instructors are amazing, highly-skilled individuals that love their job and adore helping students achieve their goals.

Wichita Technical Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Their program was also approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Moreover, they have also been approved for veteran training.

Enrollment: All applicants must be legal US citizens and they must hold a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: Estimated average cost of attendance is $19,737

The school offers the following courses:

  • Medical assistant
  • Medical insurance billing & coding
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Computer Technology & Network Administration
  • Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
  • Electronic Systems Technology

Contact information:

  • WTI Career Training
  • Address: 2051 S. Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67213
  • Phone: 316-943-2241
  • Website: https://www.wti.edu/

2Eric Fisher Academy

At Eric Fisher Academy, students will be able to receive a top-notch education in cosmetology and esthetics.

It was founded by a renowned industry expert and innovator, Eric Fisher.

Although it’s a rather new institution, thanks to its amazing curriculum, it has become a standard in beauty education.

This school has won a vast number of awards, including the following:

  • Best facilities in the country
  • Best school culture
  • Best trade school and most favorite school in Wichita
  • Small business of the year
  • Best in business

If that’s not enough,  this academy has state-of-the-art facilities and uses only the latest equipment.

Students will have access to 56 mobile styling stations, a student spa, a retail area, a well-equipped lounge area, and a skin bar with a skin scanner.

At Eric Fisher Academy, their goal is to provide the most productive environment for students, accessible curriculum, and the best, most experienced instructors.

Enrollment: All applicants must be at least 17 years of age. They also have to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Fees: The average tuition fee for their courses is $13,792.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics

Contact information:


3Ea La Mar’s College

Ea La Mar’s College is focused on producing quality, industry leaders ready to take on any challenge.

The beauty industry is an amazing industry that can yield a lot of amazing career opportunities.

This school offers multiple courses in different areas of expertise, ranging from cosmetology to barbering.

Their instructors are outstanding beauty professionals with years of successfully working in the industry.

Students love this school because it treats them like family.

Ea La Mar’s College is also accredited by the National Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, which further proves the top-notch quality of their program.

By attending this school, students will get a unique insight into the beauty industry, learn a lot of new useful skills, and be fully ready to start working straight upon completion of the courses.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must complete an application form
  • Must have a copy of Birth Certificate or Driver’s License
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must pass a medical exam (barbers only)
  • Pay a non-refundable $40 application fee

Fees: The average tuition fee for their courses is $15,900. They offer financing programs and financial aid.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Cosmetology
  • Hairstyling
  • Barbering
  • Instructor Training
  • Crossover

Contact information:


4APEX CDL Institute

APEX CDL Institute is a truck driving school that focuses on preparing students for work in this very interesting industry.

Truck drivers are in high demand due to the lack of highly-trained professionals, so an opportunity for jobs is almost guaranteed.

Once a student has completed their CDL course, they will be fully ready to work in a matter of months.

Also, truck drivers from Kansas and surrounding areas are among the highest-paid in the country.

Many students praise their instructors’ ability to teach students in a unique and fun way.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be 21 years or older
  • Need to have been licensed for the past three years within the United States and possess a valid operator license from your home state.
  • Must have the basic fundamental skills to read, write and speak the English language
  • Must be able to understand highway traffic signs and signals
  • Must be able to make entries on reports and records
  • Must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
  • Must have an original or certified copy of the birth certificate to get a permit from DMV
  • Must obtain a seven-year MVR with no convictions in the past 3 years
  • No more than one DUI in the past 5 years or two DUI’s in a lifetime
  • All students will be required to take and pass a DOT physical and drug test

Fees: The tuition fee is $5000. Students must also pay a $100 enrollment fee, $75 for a medical exam, and $67 for a drug test. The school offers financial aid for students who meet the criteria.

 The school offers the following courses:

  • CDL training

Contact information:

  • APEX CDL Institute
  • Address: 6801 State Ave, Kansas City KS 66102
  • Phone: 913-585-1120
  • Website: https://apexcdl.com/

5Allied Healthcare Training

Allied Healthcare Training provides amazing education at extremely competitive prices.

This is a private, vocational institution that offers great courses in the field of healthcare.

They know how important it is to teach students proper care techniques, as one day they will be the ones caring for other people.

Just last year this school had over two thousand new students, further proving how amazing their program is.

This school also offers a money-back guarantee in case students don’t pass their CNA, CMA, or HHA state exam upon completion of the course.

Enrollment: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: The fees for each of the courses go as follows:

  • Certified nurse aide – $659
  • Certified medication aide – $619
  • Phlebotomy – $819
  • EKG technician – $522
  • Medical assistant – $2,897
  • Home health aide – $269
  • LPN IV therapy – $497
  • Pharmacy technician – $2,390
  • Adult care home operator – $697
  • Basic life support (CPR) – $45
  • Social service designee/activities director combo – $374

The school offers the following courses:

  • Certified nurse aide
  • Certified medication aide
  • Phlebotomy
  • EKG technician
  • Medical assistant
  • Home health aide
  • LPN iv therapy
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Dot specimen collection
  • Adult care home operator
  • Basic life support (CPR)
  • Social service designee/activities director combo
  • Nursing CEUS
  • Administrator/operator CEUS

Contact information:


6Body & Soul Therapeutic Massage School

Body & Soul Therapeutic Massage School focuses on teaching students various regenerative, holistic healing methods.

Students will receive a personalized education in massage therapy and will learn how to grow both as individuals and industry professionals.

The atmosphere is very soothing and relaxed, allowing for better learning.

With a decade long tradition, this school has educated an abundance of aspiring massage therapists.

Besides being a school, this institution also owns its massage salon, which will give students a unique insight into the real-life work of a massage therapist.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. Everyone’s welcome to apply.

Fees: Contact them via the phone number below to get further information about pricing.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Massage therapy course

Contact information:


7Wichita Electrical Joint Apprenticeship

The Wichita Electrical Joint Apprenticeship is a joint effort of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Kansas Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Students will receive fantastic, easy-to-understand education in the field of electrical work.

They want to create as many educated, high-quality industry professionals ready to work straight upon completion of the course.

This field of expertise is in a massive need of highly-trained workers, so students will be able to find a job rather quickly.

The instructors at this school are all certified industry experts with years of experience.

Enrollment: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must pass the electrical trade’s aptitude test
  • Must be a legal US citizen
  • Must have a valid driver’s license

Fees: Contact their admissions office for further information about tuition costs.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Electrical Power and Lighting Systems
  • Power Distribution Systems
  • Motor Control and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s)
  • Building Automation Systems
  • Energy Management Systems
  • Manufacturing, Packaging and Refining Systems
  • Backup Power Generation Systems
  • National Electrical Code

Contact information:

  • Wichita Electrical Joint Apprenticeship
  • Address: 810 W. 13th. St, Wichita, KS 67203
  • Phone: 316-264-9231
  • Website: http://www.wejatc.org/

8Flint Fills Technical College

Flint Fills Technical College is a school with a long tradition of providing the highest-quality vocational education.

They offer two-year courses in many profitable industries ranging from business to welding.

Originally founded in 1963, this college has successfully taught thousands of students.

The courses are very accessible, reasonably-priced, and above all, very fun and engaging.

Upon completion, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree, Certificated, Technical Certificates, and many other credentials.

Flint Fills Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Their other program accreditations include:

  • The American Association of General Contractors
  • The Kansas State Board of Nursing
  • The Graphic Arts Education Research Foundation
  • The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • The American Dental Association

Enrollment: All applicants must fill in an application form. They also have to have a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: Follow this link to see the prices of all their courses.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Automotive technology
  • Business technology
  • Computerized machine tool engineering
  • Dental assisting
  • Emergency dispatch technology
  • Graphic arts technology
  • Health occupations technology
  • Hospitality dietary management
  • Culinary arts
  • Industrial engineering technology
  • Interactive multimedia design
  • Power plant technology
  • Practical nursing
  • Welding technology

Contact information:

  • Flint Hills Technical College
  • Address: 3301 West 18th Avenue Emporia, KS 66801
  • Phone: 620-343-4600
  • Website: https://www.fhtc.edu/

9Washburn Tech University

Washburn Tech University is a nationally-recognized leader in the field of technical sciences.

They often consult with various businesses to ensure that their program covers all the most important aspects of a respective area of expertise.

They have an amazing graduation rate of 81%.

Furthermore, their job placement rate is a staggering 94%.

Here, they help students with obtaining jobs and achieving their goals.

Programs at this tech university are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Enrollment: All applicant must do the following:

  • Fill out an online application form
  • Take and pass the entrance exam
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Pay $20 enrollment fee

Fees: Tuition fees go from $142 and upward, depending on the selected course. The school also offers financial aid to students who meet the criteria.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Advanced Systems Technology
  • Machine/Tool Technology M
  • Welding
  • Business Bookkeeping & Accounting
  • Health Services Assistant
  • Legal Office
  • Professional Medical Office Assistant
  • Medical Office Specialist
  • Medical Scribe
  • Office Careers Technology
  • Information Systems Technology
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS)
  • Building Technology (Carpentry)
  • Cabinet/Millwork Climate and Energy Control Technologies Commercial and Heavy Construction
  • Electrical Technology
  • Graphics Technology
  • Technical Drafting
  • Advanced Health Care Technology
  • Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
  • Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
  • Emergency Communications
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Health Care Technology
  • Home Health Aide
  • Phlebotomy
  • Practical Nursing
  • Surgical Technology
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary Arts
  • Early Childhood Professional
  • Emergency Communications
  • Auto Collision
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Commercial Truck Driving
  • Diesel Technology
  • Heavy Diesel Construction Technology
  • Locomotive Diesel Technology

Contact information:


10Wellspring School of Allied Health

Wellspring School of Allied Health inspired students to pursue a career in the health & wellness industry.

Originally founded in 1988, WSAH has successfully taught thousands of students.

Thanks to their dedication, WSAH has gone from a one-classroom school to an institution with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Here, they teach students about the importance of caring for others.

They have a career services team that helps students with finding great job opportunities.

Their program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

WSAH has an amazing curriculum suited for everyone and anyone.

They are affiliated with many renowned health institutions that offer amazing job opportunities for their students.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria and conditions:

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Submit a complete application packet
  • Be physically, mentally and psychologically healthy
  • Participate in an admissions interview with an Admissions Advisor
  • Pass a Wonderlic scholastic level exam

Fees: On average, tuition fees for their courses are around $16,000. They also offer financial aid to applicable students.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Massage therapy
  • Nutrition
  • Healthcare

Contact information:

  • Wellspring School of Allied Health
  • Address: 947 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
  • Phone: 785-856-3903
  • Website: https://wellspring.edu/

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants3,050$53,310$25.63$81,380$36,210
Medical Records Specialists2,180$49,560$23.83$67,970$33,990
Nursing Assistants22,290$36,020$17.32$42,970$30,080
Dental Assistants3,190$41,140$19.78$50,950$30,990
Medical Assistants4,900$39,020$18.76$48,570$30,610
Phlebotomists1,010$39,570$19.03$50,760$30,440
Electricians5,820$62,080$29.85$88,920$37,270
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters4,360$62,930$30.25$96,810$36,890
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics5,660$48,710$23.42$71,760$30,140
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers3,690$55,770$26.81$77,960$36,190
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Kansas, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Trade schools are a great alternative to traditional four-year education.

In a short time span, individuals will learn and perfect much-needed skills that will help them find employment rapidly.

Also, the industry is in a great need of skilled workers, which further proves how beneficial vocational education can be.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore different educational opportunities.

Who knows, it might have a big pay-off in the future.