Trade SchoolsIf you live in Joplin and want to start a rewarding career in skilled trades, healthcare, or the beauty industry, this page is for you.
Here you will find information about the best trade schools in the region and the programs they offer.
Most programs focus on teaching real-world skills and are designed to be completed in less than a year.
Trade school programs prepare students for certification exams and entry-level employment in their field of study.
The classes focus on teaching the skills relevant to the future career through a combination of classroom and hands-on education.
Associate degree programs are also available for those who want to dedicate two years to their studies and prepare for employment or further studies toward a four-year degree.
Our selection includes a wide range of career paths, from bookkeeping or criminal justice to electrical or plumbing.
Costs vary depending on the school and the program duration but many institutions also offer financing options to help you cover expenses.
1Franklin Technology Center
About the School
Franklin Technology Center provides outstanding career and technical educational programs.
The center’s primary objective is to offer technical programs that prepare students for rewarding careers.
Each program includes hands-on experience to ensure each student is equipped with the skills needed in the workplace.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Franklin Technology Center:
- Practical Nursing
- RN Diploma
- Dental Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Automotive Technology
- HVAC
- Welding
- And more
Program duration and curriculum vary depending on the pathway.
The Phlebotomy Technician program includes 60 clock hours while the Automotive Technology program includes 720 clock hours.
Contact Information
- Address: 810 S Wall Ave, Joplin, MO 64801
- Phone: 417-680-0004
- Website: https://joplinftc.ss11.sharpschool.com
2Wichita Technical Institute
Wichita Technical Institute offers healthcare and technical programs that prepare students for employment.
Courses Offered
The following Healthcare programs are available at the institute:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Insurance Billing & Coding
- Pharmacy Technician
Technical education programs are also available in the following areas of interest:
- Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Electronic Systems Technology
- Computer Technology and Network Administration
The institute has two campuses: Wichita Main and Joplin.
The Medical Assistant program can be completed in 48 weeks and includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Medical Office Basics
- Intermediate Medical Office Basics
- Health Insurance
- Electronic Medical Records and Research Project
- Phlebotomy
- Healthcare Math and Medical Administration
- Clinical Patient Care and Research Project
- And more
The program also includes a 180-hour externship.
The Electronic Systems Technology program is designed to be completed in 60 weeks and includes classes such as:
- DC Circuit Fundamentals
- Intro to Digital Logic Systems
- AC Circuit Fundamentals
- Telecommunications
- CCTV, Security Systems, and Research Project
- Industrial Components and Relay Logic
- PLC Process Automation
- Automated Motion and Motor Control
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1715 N. Range Line Rd., Joplin, MO 64801
- Phone: (417) 206-9115
- Website: https://www.wti.edu
3New Dimensions School of Hair Design
New Dimensions School of Hair Design prepares students for a new career in only nine months.
The school provides an environment where stylists and cosmetologists can break into the beauty industry.
The school located in Joplin is widely renowned by salons, spas, and beauticians throughout Southwest Missouri.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Cosmetology
- Manicuring
- Instructor Training
The Cosmetology program covers topics such as:
- Shampooing
- Hair Coloring, Bleaching, and Rinses
- Hair Shaping
- Comb Outs, Hair Styling Techniques
- Sanitation, Sterilization
- Anatomy
- State Law
- And more
In total, this program includes $14,500 and covers tuition, application fees, kit/books, and tax.
The Manicuring program costs $4,099.
The Instructor Training program costs $1,100.50
Contact Information
- Address: 621 Kentucky Ave, Joplin, MO 64801
- Phone: 417-782-2875
- Website: https://newdimensionsschoolofhairdesign.com
4Crowder College
About the School
Crowder College has partnered with the Joplin Chamber Foundation and the City of Joplin to offer a condensed schedule for students who want to go directly to work after training.
The center offers state-of-the-art equipment to prepare students to enter the workforce.
Short-term, stackable, and accelerated courses are available.
Most certificates can be completed in as little as one or two semesters.
Courses Offered
The following degrees, certificates, and programs are offered:
- Automation and Robotics, Associate in Applied Science
- Automation and Robotic Technician, Certificate
- Machining, Certificate
- Manufacturing Maintenance, AAS
- Programmable Logic Controller
- Advanced Welding
- Advanced Computer-Aided Drafting Technician
- Community Health
- Certified Medication Technician
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 601 Laclede, Neosho MO 64850
- Phone: 417-451-3223
- Website: https://www.crowder.edu
5American Trade School
American Trade School provides high-quality industry-specific training for students who are seeking a high-demand career in the skilled trades.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- HVAC Training
- Electrical Training
The HVAC training program prepares students with the theory and working knowledge in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
This includes installation, maintenance, and service.
The HVAC curriculum includes courses on:
- Refrigeration & Electricity
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
- Residential Installation
- Boilers and Piping
The Electrical training program includes courses such as:
- DC Electricity and Low Voltage Applications
- Residential
- New Construction
- Commercial Wiring Methods
- Commercial Motor Applications
Contact Information
- Address: 3925 Industrial Drive, Saint Ann, MO 63074
- Phone: 314-423-1900
- Website: https://www.americantradeschool.edu
6State Tech
About the School
State Technological College of Missouri offers academic and technical programs concentrated and intensely focused on students and their success.
The State Tech campus is home to more than 50 labs, an airport, a golf course, a utility field, and more than 40 acres of land dedicated to the heavy equipment operations program.
Courses Offered
The college offers programs in the following areas:
- Agriculture
- Business
- Computer Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Health Sciences
- Industrial Technology
- Transportation Technology
- Utilities/Lineman
- And more
The programs available at the school are designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers, including HVAC technology, welding, dental assisting, nursing, civil construction, and more.
In-state resident tuition is $215 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: One Technology Drive, Linn, MO 65051
- Phone: (573) 897-5000
- Website: https://statetechmo.edu
7Southern Missouri Technical Institute
About the School
Southern Missouri Technical Institute is one of the leading area career and technical schools in Missouri.
The institute offers programs for secondary and adult students.
Instructors utilize industry standards and advanced training equipment to prepare students for numerous career options.
The institute offers high school and adult programs.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Southern Missouri Technical Institute:
- Agriculture
- Auto Body and Collision Repair
- Carpentry
- Culinary Arts
- Electric Line Technology
- Health Science
- Pharmacy Technician
- Welding Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 407 W. Thornburgh, West Plains, MO 65775
- Phone: 417-256-6152
- Website: https://www.zizzers.org
8Grand River Technical School
About the School
Grand River Technical School offers a campus that includes classrooms and shops/labs for each program and also includes an on-site preschool and childcare center for students who need childcare services for their children.
Instructors have extensive work experience in the career field they teach.
Grand River Technical School is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
High school students may apply to attend classes at the school through their school counselor.
Three-hour block classes are available only to Junior and Senior students only.
Some high school courses are also available to Freshman and Sophomore students from the school districts that qualify.
Applications for post-high programs are reviewed individually.
Most post-high programs can be completed in one school year, beginning in August and finishing in May.
For this program classes meet for six and a half hours per day for a total of 1,080 hours.
Courses Offered
The following post-high programs are available:
- Auto Service Technology
- Automation and Electrical Technology
- Building Trades
- Collision Technology
- Diesel Technology- Advanced Diesel Technology
- EMT- Paramedic- Firefighter
- Welding Technology- Advanced Welding Technology
- And more
High school students may also take a program such as:
- Agriculture Education
- Auto Service Technology
- Building Trades
- Collision Technology
- Health Science Technology
- Welding Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 Fair Street Chillicothe, MO 64601
- Phone: 660-646-3414
- Website: https://www.grts.org
9Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center
Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center is a public, non-profit, two-year institution that provides area students with state-of-the-art career training in a wide range of occupational areas.
Courses Offered
The career center provides programs such as:
- Auto Collision
- Automotive Technology
- Computer Maintenance and Repair
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- HVACR
- Welding
- And more
The Automotive Technology program includes 1,044 clock hours and provides students with the necessary training to enter and succeed in the field of auto repair, and service.
Students train on the most up-to-date test equipment and tools in the profession of Auto Mechanics.
The program includes the following units of study:
- Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Engine Repair
- Engine Performance
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Introduction to Mechanics
- Manual Drive Trains and Axles
- Suspension and Steering
Contact Information
- Address: 3203 Oak Grove Road, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
- Phone: 573-785-2248
- Website: https://tcc.poplarbluffschools.net
10Bolivar Technical College
Bolivar Technical College offers programs that allow students to graduate quickly so that they can get on with their lives while learning for the career that they love.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- RN to BSN Completion
- Professional Nursing
- Paramedic to RN Bridge
- LPN to RN Bridge
- Practical Nursing
- CMT
The college is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
The RN to BSN completion program is online.
All other classes must be completed on campus.
Most programs can be completed in one year.
The CMT program is designed to be completed in ten weeks by students who attend classes every Friday.
Contact Information
- Address: 1135 N. Oakland Avenue, Bolivar, MO 65613
- Phone: 417.777.5062
- Website: https://www.bolivarcollege.edu
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to put your dreams on hold just because you can’t afford to spend four years in post-secondary education.
Trade schools offer plenty of programs that can be completed in less than a year and allow you to graduate debt-free.
Now that you have read our list of the best trade schools in Joplin, we encourage you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
Trade Schools by City in Missouri
