Trade SchoolsIf you want to start a rewarding career in a skilled trade and you live in the Hattiesburg region, you can become job-ready in less than a year by attending a program at a trade school.
Vocational training focuses only on the skills that are relevant to that profession and consists of a large portion of hands-on training.
To help you decide if this path is right for you, on this page we have compiled information about the best trade schools in Hattiesburg.
The schools included in our list prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare, construction, skilled trades, transportation, and many other in-demand fields.
Costs vary depending on the program duration and the credentials it leads to but many schools also offer financing options to help you cover tuition and additional expenses.
We invite you to read our selection and continue your research before deciding where to enroll.
1Pearl River Community College
About the School
Pearl River Community College is Mississippi’s first public two-year institution of higher learning.
The college has four campuses throughout Mississippi, each offering unique qualities, courses, and scenery.
The college offers the following plans of study:
- Academy Pathways
- Career & Technical Education
- Health Science & Nursing
- E-learning
Courses Offered
The following career and technical education programs are available at Pearl River Community College:
- Film & Video Technology
- Business Management Technology
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Barbering
- Court Reporting Technology
- Automotive Mechanics Technology
- Construction Equipment Operation
- Electrical Technology
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
- Utility Lineman Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 454 Highway 90, Suite D, Waveland, MS 39576
- Phone: 601.403.1000
- Website: https://prcc.edu
2Unlimited Cosmetology School
About the School
Unlimited Cosmetology School prepares students for exciting careers in the beauty industry.
The school was opened in September 2011 and is fully licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology.
Unlimited Cosmetology School is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.
Students must meet the following admission requirements to enroll in the Cosmetology, Manicure, and Brush-Up programs:
- Be able to read, write, and speak English
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Have a high school diploma, a GED certificate, an official transcript showing secondary school completion, or state certification of home-school completion
- Have a photo ID
Tuition for the cosmetology program is $15,000.
Additional costs bring the total to $16,050.
Contact Information
- Address: 102 Broad Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
- Phone: (601) 336-7256
- Website: https://www.unlmtdcosmetologyschoolms.com
3Academy of Hair Design
About the School
The Academy of Hair Design is dedicated to training competent cosmetologists and cosmetology instructors.
Students participate in intensive training so that, upon graduation, they can successfully enter their chosen profession.
Classes are offered at three convenient locations: Grenada, Pearl, and Hattiesburg.
Courses Offered
The Hattiesburg campus occupies a newly renovated facility that offers the following programs:
- Cosmetology
- Instructor Program
The Cosmetology program includes the following courses:
- Shampooing
- Wet Waving, Hairsetting, Pincurls
- Scalp Treatments
- Facial Massage
- Facial Make-up
- Eyebrow Arch
- Chemistry
- Chemical Relaxer
- Eyelash and Eyebrow Dye
- Manicuring
- Salesmanship, Business Training, and Law Relating to Cosmetology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1301 Sunset Drive #JK, Grenada, MS 38901
- Phone: 662-226-2464
- Website: https://academyofhair.com
4Truck Driver Institute
About the School
Truck Driver Institute offers CDL training classes that can be completed in three weeks.
TDI has been providing job-seekers with the opportunity to start a career in the truck driving industry since 1973.
The institute offers classes at many locations, including, Pensacola, Columbia, Atlanta, Indianapolis, South Bend, and Tupelo.
The Tupelo campus has served the area for over 16 years.
The facility covers more than 10 acres.
Students participate in hands-on training.
The school offers on-site training and testing.
Courses Offered
The school offers a CDL Class, CDL Class B, and Class C programs.
CDL Class A drivers are qualified to drive a truck that tows a trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.
Those who receive Class A CDL training are also able to drive Class B and Class C vehicles.
Contact Information
- Address: 341 East Franklin Street, Tupelo, MS 38802
- Phone: 800-848-7364
- Website: https://www.drivebigtrucks.com
5Itawamba Community College
Itawamba Community College offers more than 100 programs of study and a 20 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio.
The college has three campuses: Fulton, Tupelo, and Belden.
The college offers a variety of programs through its ten schools:
- School of Arts
- School of Business
- School of Career Education
- School of Education
- School of General Studies
- School of Health Sciences
- Schools of Health-Related Professions
- School of Humanities
- School of Legal Studies
- School of STEM
Itawamba Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Courses Offered
The following programs are also available through the college’s School of Career Education:
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Management Technology
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Heating and Air Conditioning Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Paralegal Technology
- Welding and Cutting Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2176 South Eason Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804
- Phone: 662.620.5000
- Website: https://www.iccms.edu
6Blue Cliff College
About the School
Blue Cliff College helps students prepare for the career of their choice.
The college’s Mississippi campus is located in Gulfport.
The campus is a branch of the Metairie campus.
The school prepares students for careers in the beauty and healthcare industries.
Blue Cliff College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Blue Cliff College:
- Dental Assisting Diploma- a program that covers subjects such as typical dental procedures, dental terminology, and more.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Applied Science- the program prepares students for a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.
- Cosmetology Diploma- students gain skills through in-class instruction and experience in the school’s cosmetology clinic.
- Massage Therapy Diploma- students prepare for a career in a field that focuses on the art of natural healing
- Clinical Medical Assisting Diploma- a program that aims to prepare students with the skills needed for entry-level employment in the healthcare industry
- Health Information Management, Billing, and Coding Diploma- students learn the medical billing and coding skills they may need for entry-level employment
- Esthetics
Contact Information
- Address: 12251 Bernard Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503
- Phone: (228) 896-9727
- Website: https://www.bluecliffcollege.edu
7Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
About the School
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College also offers a variety of academic and career programs.
The programs are designed to prepare students for the workforce or for enrollment at a four-year university.
The college has eight schools and hundreds of career-technical and academic programs.
Fall and spring tuition for 1-14 credits is $165 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
The following career/technical programs are available at the college:
- Accounting Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Auto Collision Repair Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
- Medical Assisting Technology
- Public Health Technology
- Surgical Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2226 Switzer Rd. Gulfport, MS 39507
- Phone: (228) 896-2536
- Website: https://mgccc.edu
8Chris' Beauty College
Chris’ Beauty College offers training in many beauty industry areas and prepares students to become full-service professionals.
By attending classes at the college students may prepare for careers as cosmetologists, manicurists, barbers, or instructors.
Chris’ Beauty College is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Cosmetology Course- students learn haircutting, coloring, perming, and styling, as well as manicuring and pedicuring, and other skills that prepare them for a career as licensed cosmetologists.
- Manicure Course- students learn nail structure and manicuring techniques
- Barber Course- students learn barbering skills as set by the MS Board of Barber Examiners
- Instructor Course- students learn how to plan lessons, motivate students, and practice successful teaching techniques
Contact Information
- Address: 1265 Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39501
- Phone: (228) 864-2920
- Website: https://chrisbeautycollege.edu
9Journey Medical Training Center
About the School
Journey Medical Training Center prepares students for careers as Phlebotomists or Medical Assistants.
The Phlebotomy Training Course Fee is $1,060 while the Medical Assistant Training Course Fee is $2,506.30.
Phlebotomy students must wear navy-blue scrubs for patient care and clinical lab.
Medical Assistant students must wear black scrubs for patient care and clinical lab.
Applicants need to provide proof of each of the following:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Have a social security card
- Have a valid driver’s license or other state of federal government-issued photo ID
- Be able to read, write, and speak English
- Successful completion of public school, private school, or homeschool
The Phlebotomy program can be completed in six weeks while the Medical Assistant program can be completed in 16 weeks.
The programs are available in a hybrid format, combining on-campus with online training.
Students take the lecture classes online from home and are present in-person for the clinical lab.
Classes for medical assistant students take place on Mondays and Thursdays online over zoom.
Contact Information
- Address: 499 Gloster Creek Village, Ste. H-9, Tupelo, MS 38801
- Phone: 662-432-4903
- Website: https://journeymedicaltrainingcenter.com
10Tupelo Career Technical Center
About the School
Tupelo Career Technical Center prepares students to become college and career ready.
The center provides career and technical education in 12 career pathways.
Tupelo Career Technical Center was established in 1972.
Courses Offered
The Tupelo Career Technical Center’s curriculum includes the following courses:
- Automotive Service
- Collision Repair
- Construction
- Digital Media
- Early Childhood Education
- Family and Consumer Services
- Health Sciences
- Law and Public Safety
- Marketing
- Welding
- And more
The following certifications are also offered:
- Automotive Service Excellence
- National Center for Construction Education and Research
- National Consortium for Health Science Education
- Prep-Professional Assessment and Certification
- Serv-Safe
- WorkKeys
Contact Information
- Address: 72 S. Green Street, Tupelo, MS 38804
- Phone: 662-841-8850
- Website: https://www.tupeloschools.com
Final Thoughts
This page compiled information about the best trade schools in Hattiesburg.
If you want to prepare for career advancement or for a career change but can’t afford to spend four times in higher education, we encourage you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs, learning style, and career aspirations.
This is an important step, so take your time and gather information about all the relevant factors before deciding where to enroll.
Trade Schools by City in Mississippi
