10 Best Trade Schools inBillings, MT

1Charter College

About the School

Charter College offers career training healthcare programs at its Billings campus.

The programs include hands-on training in industry-standard labs.

Their medical assistant program offers residents of Billings and Yellowstone County the opportunity to train for a new career fast while staying close to their homes.

The college offers blended learning that combines online and in-classroom education.

The schedule is flexible, thus allowing students to keep their job while completing training.

Classes are kept small, so each student receives individualized attention from the instructors.

Charter College is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Courses Offered

A Medical Assisting, Certificate program is available at the college’s Billings campus.

This program can be completed in 10 months and includes:

• Training in the informational, technical, and administrative skills needed for this profession.
• Training in front office computer technology
• A 180-hour externship program at a local clinic, physician’s office, hospital, or another allied health facility.

Before being allowed to practice the Medical Assistant profession, students must be certified or registered in their state.

Students who graduate from this program are ready to sit for certification exams.

Contact Information

• Address: 1595 Grand Ave #230, Billings, MT 59102
• Phone: 888.200.9942
• Website: https://www.chartercollege.edu

2Billings Career Center

About the School

Billings Career Center is offering general courses, electives, visual and performance courses, as well as career and technical education programs.

The Center offers many vocational and technical education opportunities which help students develop employment skills while continuing their education towards a high school diploma.

Classes are available for students grades 10, 11, or 12, depending on the program.

Admission requirements vary depending on the program.

Those who want to enroll in a Welding program, for example, need to complete Manufacturing Processes 1 and Manufacturing Design 1, Process 2, and Design 2 with a grade of at least “C”.

Courses Offered

Billings Career Center offers career and technical education for high school students.

The programs include business, family consumer services, and technology education.

The center’s catalog includes classes in:

• Computer Applications
• Personal Finance
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Food and Nutrition
• Culinary Arts
• Textiles & Design
• Housing & Design
• Home Design
• And many more

The college also offers the following career programs:

• Technical Geometry
• Construction Fundamentals
• Manufacturing Processing
• College Welding
• Design Advertising
• Urban Agriculture
• Machinist Technology
• And more

Contact Information

• Address: 3723 Central Ave. Billings, MT 59102
• Phone: 406-281-5340
• Website: https://www.billingsschools.org

3Montana State University- Billings

About the School

Montana State University offers bachelor’s and associate degree programs at its Billings campus.

The degree programs can be completed in four or two years, but the university also provides shorter certificate programs.

Tuition Costs at Montana State vary depending on the type of program, the student’s state of residence, and the number of credits included in each program.

Tuition is $12,860 for on-campus programs that have 12 or more credits and $1,700 for those between 1-5 credits.

The above-mentioned costs include tuition and fees, books and supplies, as well as room and board.

Non-resident students pay $18,050 for on-campus programs that have 12 or more credits and $3,050 for those with between 1-5 credits.

Online programs with more than 12 credits cost $15,900 for non-residents while those who have 1-5 credits are $2,360.

Courses Offered

The University’s catalog includes the following certificate programs:

• Automotive Collision Repair Technology
• Automobile Refinishing Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Construction Technology
• Diesel Technology
• Human Resources – a program that is also available online
• Practical Nursing – an online-only program
• Ultrasound Technology – also available online
• Welding/Metal Fabrication Technology

Contact Information

• Address: 3803 Central Ave, Billings, MT 59102
• Phone: 406-247-3000
• Website: https://www.msubillings.edu

4Rituals Cosmetology Institute

About the School

Rituals Cosmetology Institute offers education and training programs that prepare students for the Montana State Board Exams and employment in the industry.

The Institute is licensed by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

Rituals Institute is currently a candidate for accreditation through the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Science.

Tuition is $11,995 for the Cosmetology program.

Students also pay a $25 application fee and a $100 registration fee.

They also have to purchase a cosmetology kit fee that is approximately $1,900.

The Cosmetology program offered by Rituals Institute is available in two convenient schedules: five days per week and three days per week.

Tuition is $4,350 for the Instructor training program.

Besides application and registration fees instructor cadets also pay a $650 instructor curriculum fee.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the Institute:

• Cosmetology Program – a 1,500-hour program that includes extensive hands-on learning
• Instructor Training Program – a 650-hour program that trains cadet students by giving them the chance to observe experienced instructors and to study teaching principles.

The Cosmetology program covers topics on:

• Practice of Cosmetology
• Shampoo, Hair Styling
• Manicuring
• Chemical, Texture, Color Services
• Esthetics, Skin
• Chemistry, Bacteriology, Sanitation
• Salon Management
• And more

The Instructor Training program includes courses such as:

• Teaching Methodology
• Lesson Planning
• Psychology
• Business Methods
• Advanced Theory/Master Educators
• Clinical Supervision

Contact Information

• Address: 901 24th Street West, Billings, MT 59102
• Phone: 406-652-2700
• Website: https://www.ritualsinstitute.com

5Mossmain College of Massage

About the School

Mossmain College of Massage offers training programs for those who want to become licensed massage therapists.

The college hires instructors with more than 30 years of combined teaching experience.

The program is $750-hour long and can be completed in nine months.

Day classes start around Labor Day and finish before Memorial Day.

Night classes are also available and they start in early March and finish before Thanksgiving.

Courses Offered

The massage therapy program includes classes on:

• Functional Anatomy – 75 hours that cover the structure and function of the human body
• Pathology – a 45-hour class that teaches about the cause and effect of disease
• Kinesiology- 210 hours of lectures and labs dedicated to the study of movement
• Massage and Bodywork Application- 210 hours that cover body mechanics, proper draping, client positioning, and more
• Massage Theory- 155 hours dedicated to the study of the history of massage, massage equipment, first aid and CPR certification, ethics, and professional development
• Therapeutic Procedures and Assessment- 75 hours that cover client intake and assessment procedures
• Massage Clinic- 100 hours learning about professionalism, session management while working with the public under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist.

Contact Information

• Address: 2409 Arnold Lane, Suite #9, Billings, MT 59102
• Phone: (406) 656-3366
• Website: https://mossmain.com

6Healing Arts Institute

About the School

Healing Arts Institute provides massage training programs for those who want to advance in their career or start a new one.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by massage therapists was $43,620 in May 2020, but experience and good skills can help you make more than $80,000 per year.

The state of Montana requires that massage therapists complete at least 500 hours of training and take a written exam before becoming licensed massage therapists.

When applying for the initial license, students have to pay a $140 licensing fee.

This license has to be renewed once every two years.

Courses Offered

The Healing Arts Institute offers a 625-hour massage training course available through a flexible program.

The program focuses on hands-on training and equips students with the skills needed for this profession.

Massage therapists are usually responsible for:

• Talking to clients about symptoms and medical history
• Evaluating clients to locate areas that are painful or tense
• Manipulating muscles or other soft tissues
• Documenting client’s condition and progress
• Guiding clients on how to stretch, relax and improve their posture

Contact Information

• Address:  813 16th St W, Billings, MT 59102
• Phone: 406-281-8445
• Website: https://www.healingartsmt.com

7Lima Hana Massage Education Center

About the School

Lima Hana Massage Education Center offers a massage certification program that includes 625 hours of training.

The program takes approximately six months to complete.

Classes begin in April and September of each year.

This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and physical skills needed for a career as a professional massage therapist.

Lima Hana Massage Education Center is authorized by the NCBTMB and recognized in the state of Montana.

The school’s instructors have many years of experience in massage therapy

Graduates receive a Diploma.

Courses Offered

The curriculum includes three separate sections:

• Massage Therapy and Clinical Practice
• Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology
• Business and Ethics, and Allied Modalities

During orientation, students receive a detailed syllabus that outlines daily courses, assessments, and assignments.

The program covers the subjects included in the national certification exam (MBLEx)

Students also participate in a hands-on section that allows them to experience different techniques.

Career guidance is included in the program.

Continuing education classes that help massage therapists keep up with the latest advancements in the field are available at the Center.

Contact Information

• Address: 720 Grand Avenue, Billings, MT 59101
• Phone: 406-534-8324
• Website: http://limahana.co

8Sage Truck Driving School

About the School

Sage Truck Driving School is offering hands-on training programs that prepare students for trucking jobs.

SAGE’s nationwide employer network offers tuition loan reimbursement.

Students can get preapproved for hire with major trucking companies before they start their training.

Courses Offered

SAGE offers Class A and Class B CDL license training and covers tankers, air brakes, flatbed, and double-triple trailers.

The following programs are available:

• Comprehensive Tractor-Trailer Driver Training – a program that consists of 150-160 hours of instruction conducted over 4-5 weeks.
• Commercial Driver’s License Essentials- this program includes essential knowledge and practical skills that qualify students as entry-level supervised over-the-road or in-town drivers of tractor-trailers.
• Advanced Class A CDL Training- this program is for students who have some truck experience

The advanced program consists of 80 hours of instruction conducted over 2-3 weeks and prepares students for a career as an entry-level over-the-road or in-town truck driver.

• Straight Truck Class B Driver- for those who want to earn a Class B CDL license for delivery trucks, dump trucks, water trucks, waste trucks, and concrete mixers.
• Truck Driver Refresher Training – a program designed for those who have some previous experience and want to prepare for the written and practical portions of the CDL exam.

Contact Information

• Address: 2110 Overland Ave Suite 103, Billings, MT 59102
• Phone: 406-652-3030
• Website: https://www.sageschools.com

9The Legacy Corporation

About the School

The Legacy Corporation is a family enterprise that prepares students for truck driving careers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $47,130 as of May 2020.

Experience and good skills can help you make more than $70,000 per year as a truck driver.

Truck drivers have to:

• Drive long distances
• Follow traffic laws
• Secure cargo for transport
• Inspect trailers before and after the trip
• Report incidents to a dispatcher
• Maintain a log of the work hours, following state and federal regulations
• Keep trucks and equipment in good working order

Courses Offered

The Legacy Corporation offers training for future truck drivers.

Students who attend their classes complete their training in trucks that are equipped with the latest technology available.

The truck’s operation is monitored by computers which allow instructors to provide students with the best instruction possible.

The school’s training yard has state-of-the-art cameras that record the truck’s movements.

The program also includes intensive classroom instruction that covers rules and regulations that apply to the commercial driver profession.

Graduates of this program are ready to take their license exams and equipped with the skills needed for this profession.

Contact Information

• Address: 1236 Cordova St, Billings, Montana 59101
• Phone: 800.457.5744
• Website: https://legacyschools.com

10160 Driving Academy

About the School

With locations throughout the US, 160 Driving Academy offers truck driving training that can be completed in as few as four weeks.

Those interested in enrolling in one of their programs can start by filling out a form on the school’s website.

Courses Offered

The following driving classes are available at the school:

• CDL Training
• CDL Class A
• CDL Refresher Course
• CDL Test Preps

CDL training combines classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel training.

The classroom training portion lasts one week and covers the rules and regulations applicable to the truck driver profession.

In the classroom, students learn all the information needed to pass the written portion of the Class A CDL exam.

Behind-the-wheel training includes practice driving on the school’s course and local streets, roads, and highways.

Students also get many hours of observation experience.

After completing this course, students are ready to take the licensing exam.

The CDL Class A license allows students to drive a truck that has more than 26,000 pounds and towing vehicles that have more than 10,000 pounds.

This license is one of the most popular licenses for truck drivers.

Contact Information

• Address: 2376 Main St Suite 814, Billings, MT 59105
• Phone: (406) 313-2394
• Website: https://www.160drivingacademy.com