10 Best Trade Schools inPennsylvania

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Giving up education just because you don’t think traditional colleges are a good fit can be a risky move.

Instead, you should explore many interesting alternatives such as trade schools.

Unlike colleges, trade schools are much cheaper and don’t last as long – some courses last for only a couple of weeks!

If you’re in Pennsylvania and would like to check out these type of schools, then look no more.

To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best trade schools in Pennsylvania.



State FlagTrade Schools by City


1Rosedale Technical College

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rosedale Technical College is one of the biggest vocational institutions and it offers a wide variety of courses.

They constantly evolve their curriculum to match all the latest industry standards.

That means that students will be able to obtain jobs faster in many competitive industries.

This vocational college has a long tradition of producing successful industry expert – they’ve been operating for 70 years now.

Of course, their programs have been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career School and Colleges and is licensed by the Pennsylvania Board of Private Licensed Schools.

Rosedale Technical College also offers multiple financing options, including the following:

  • Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Grant
  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  • Student Educational Assistance Foundation Grant
  • Federal Direct Loan Program
  • Federal Direct PLUS Loans
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Workforce Investment Act
  • Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Trade Readjustment Allowances
  • Pittsburgh Promise

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED
  • Must have a valid driver’s license

Fees: The average price of Rosedale Technical College’s tuition fees is $13,250.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Collision Repair Technology
  • Industrial Technician
  • Welding Technician
  • CDL Training
  • Automotive Technician
  • Diesel Technician
  • Electrical Technician
  • Collision Repair Technology
  • HVAC Technician
  • Welding Technician

Contact:


2Dog Grooming School of Pennsylvania

Did you know that, in the US, the pet industry is worth over $75 billion?

That makes it one of the most lucrative career options in the world.

Luckily, the Dog Grooming School of Pennsylvania is here to teach you how to become an expert dog groomer.

It is known that pets are considered to be a part of the family, so it’s no wonder that owners invest thousands into their health, maintenance, and well-being.

This school has been around since 2015, it has still succeeded in expanding its student and customer base.

The program lasts for only four weeks, it focuses on hands-on teaching, and it’s very well-rounded.

Here, prospective students will learn about the grooming process itself, but also about the most crucial aspects of handling and caring for dogs.

Enrollment: All applicants must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: The tuition fee for their professional dog grooming course is $4,990. All professional tools and textbook fees are included in the overall tuition cost.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Professional Dog Grooming

Contact:


3PIA School for Aviation Maintenance and Electronics Technology

PIA School for Aviation Maintenance and Electronics Technology was originally founded in 1929 and it has served thousands of students ever since.

Here, the staff puts a strong focus on hands-on learning.

Aviation is very tricky and can be potentially dangerous, which is exactly why practical experience is crucial.

This school offers degree programs as well as certifications and diplomas in various aviation areas.

PIA School for Aviation Maintenance and Electronics Technology also offers multiple financial aid options, including:

  • Federal Pell Grant. Students
  • Pennsylvania State Grant
  • Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
  • Direct Parent PLUS Loans
  • Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
  • PA CareerLink (PA TAA/TRA funding programs)
  • Private Undergraduate Education Loans

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED
  • Must take a Math Skills Assessment test

Fees: The tuition fees for each of their courses go as follows:

  • Aviation Maintenance – $38,500
  • Aviation Electronics – $38,500

There is also a $150 registration fee.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Aviation Maintenance
  • Aviation Electronics

Contact:

  • PIA School for Aviation Maintenance and Electronics Technology
  • Address: 5 Allegheny County Airport, West Mifflin, PA 15122
  • Phone: 800-444-1440
  • Website: https://pia.edu/

4Lincoln Tech

If you’re looking for a school that offers high-quality education and has a lot of program options to choose from, then Lincoln Tech is the perfect place for you.

The school has been operating for over 70 years, making it one of the nation’s leading providers of vocational education.

They are dedicated to offering superior educational programs that will help individuals obtain specialized skills and advance in their careers.

Lincoln Tech’s program was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Enrollment: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about enrollment requirements.

Fees: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs for respective courses.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Collision Repair and Refinishing
  • Diesel Technology
  • Heavy Equipment
  • CNC Machining and Manufacturing
  • Electrical / Electronics
  • HVAC
  • Welding Technology
  • Dental Assistant
  • Massage Therapy
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Assistant Technology
  • Medical Coding and Billing
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Nursing (Practical)
  • Patient Care
  • Culinary Arts
  • International Baking and Pastry
  • Aesthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • Nail Technology
  • Computer and Network Support Technician

Contact:


5Monroe Career & Technical Institute

Monroe Career & Technical Institute strives towards providing students with a top-notch education.

This technical school offers a wide variety of courses in multiple different specialized areas – 24 courses, to be exact.

They only teach the latest techniques and use state-of-the-art equipment, allowing students to prepare for working in the real-world more efficiently.

Monroe Career & Technical Institute’s staff is comprised of seasoned industry professionals who’d like to pass on their knowledge and experience to others.

Overall, this is an amazing educational institution that offers an abundance of courses for very reasonable prices.

Enrollment: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about enrollment requirements.

Fees: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs for respective courses.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Automotive Collision Repair
  • Automotive Technology
  • Carpentry
  • Computer Information Science
  • Computer Networking & Security
  • Cosmetology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Culinary Arts
  • Diesel Technology
  • Drafting & Design Technology
  • Electrical Technology
  • Electronics Technology
  • Graphic Communications
  • Health Professions
  • Horticulture
  • Hotel, Resort, and Tourism Management
  • HVAC Technology
  • Marketing
  • Masonry
  • Outdoor Power Equipment Technology
  • Plumbing
  • Precision Machining
  • School to Career Opportunities
  • Welding Technology

Contact:

  • Monroe Career & Technical Institute
  • Address: 194 Laurel Lake RdBartonsville, PA 18321
  • Phone: 570-629-2001
  • Website: https://www.monroecti.org/

6Institute of Medical and Business Careers

Originally founded almost 25 years ago, in 1995, this school has since become a synonym for quality healthcare education.

The environment at this school is very fast-paced, yet very relaxed and supporting at the same time.

The school’s aim is to provide the best healthcare education to students because caring for others is not a small task.

Proper education is crucial, especially in this industry.

Furthermore, the Institute of Medical and Business Careers offers multiple financing options to make their classes more accessible to everyone.

The Institute of Medical and Business Careers is institutionally accredited by the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools, as well as the Better Business Bureau.

Enrollment: All applicants must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED

Fees: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs for respective courses.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Business Administration – Marketing and Management (A.S.B.)
  • Dental Assisting (Diploma)
  • Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy (Diploma)
  • Medical Assisting Technician (A.S.T.)
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Diploma)
  • Medical Insurance Billing and Coding (Diploma)
  • Medical Office Administrator (Diploma)
  • Medical Records Technician (A.S.T.)
  • Veterinary Technician (A.S.T.)
  • Welding Technology (Diploma)

Contact:

  • Institute of Medical and Business Careers
  • Address: 133 Jefferson Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
  • Phone: 855-773-0758
  • Website: https://imbc.edu/

7Lawrence County Career & Technical Center

Lawrence County Career & Technical Center is located in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

When it comes to technical colleges, this school is one of the favorites among students due to its excellence in education, as well as amazing instructors that are very student-oriented.

They recognize the need for custom teaching, so they individualize all their lessons according to students’ needs.

Lawrence County Career & Technical Center was established in 1969 to meet the needs of the community and produce successful industry professionals that will diligently serve and help the community.

Their curriculum was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is focused on hands-on teaching and learning.

Enrollment: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about enrollment requirements.

Fees: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs for respective courses.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Collision Repair
  • Commercial Art
  • Computer Office & Technology
  • Construction Trades
  • Cosmetology
  • Electrical Occupations
  • Health Assistant
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Masonry
  • Oil & Gas
  • Restaurant Trades
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Welding

Contact:


8Penn Nursing

Penn Nursing School has been the number one school in the world when it comes to healthcare education.

Not only that, but it also has the biggest number of master’s programs that are also number one.

It goes without saying that this institution is the best place to get an education in healthcare and related sciences.

It serves hundreds of students anually, most of which are able to score jobs straight upon graduation.

Penn Nursing is accredited by the following legal entities:

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council on Accreditation (COA)
  • Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)

Furthermore, Penn Nursing also offers accelerated nursing courses, where students can obtain a degree in eighteen months.

Enrollment: All applicants must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED. They also must be legal US citizens.

Fees: The tuition fees for their accelerated programs averages at $24,050.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Adult-Gerontology
  • Acute Care
  • Primary Care
  • Family
  • Health Leadership
  • Neonatal
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse-Midwifery
  • Nursing and Healthcare Administration
  • Pediatric
  • Acute Care
  • Primary Care
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health
  • Women’s Health/Gender-Related

Contact:


9Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology

Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology was originally founded in 1987 to serve the needs of students and the community.

Their goal is to provide the most comprehensive healthcare education to individuals who’ll eventually dedicate their lives to helping others.

Working in healthcare is not a mundane task.

It bears great responsibilities and requires a lot of effort and time.

However, the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology aims to make its programs more fun and dynamic, to show students that school doesn’t have to be boring.

The school offers multiple scholarships and accepts various financing options, including:

  • Nurses Touch Lives Scholarship
  • Nursing Pathway Scholarship
  • Examination Scholarship
  • Personal Merit Scholarship
  • Imagine America Scholarship
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • PHEAA
  • Student Loan Program
  • PLUS Loan Program
  • GI Bill Program

Enrollment: All applicants must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED. They also must be legal US citizens.

Fees: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs for respective courses.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Practical Nursing
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Office Administration

Contact:

  • Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology
  • Address: 1015 Mt. Braddock Road, Mt. Braddock, PA 15465
  • Phone: 724-437-4600
  • Website: https://www.piht.edu/

10European Medical School of Massage

The field of massage therapy has been growing rapidly, especially after recent discoveries on its amazing health benefits, both physical and mental.

The demand is growing, yet there are still not enough professionals to meet the demand.

Not many massage therapy schools are accredited, but this one is – by the Commission on Massage Therapy.

Another special fact about this school is that they have a 100% employment rate – yes, you read that correctly.

That means that prospective graduates are likely to find a job opportunity before or straight after completing the programs.

The school also offers multiple financing options for students who meet the criteria.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • All applicants must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED
  • Must submit an essay
  • Must complete a Basic Skill Test
  • Must provide proof of legal US residence
  • Must complete a physical exam

Fees: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs for respective courses.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Core 700 Hour Program – Diploma in Medical Massage Therapy

Contact:

  • European Medical School of Massage
  • Address: 2913 Windmill Rd #12, Sinking Spring, PA 19608
  • Phone: 610-670-6100
  • Website: https://emsom.edu/

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants12,530$65,940$31.70$95,260$42,570
Medical Records Specialists9,120$49,680$23.88$63,720$36,590
Nursing Assistants65,220$39,780$19.12$46,170$33,780
Dental Assistants10,330$47,770$22.97$58,830$36,580
Medical Assistants24,250$42,090$20.24$53,650$34,680
Phlebotomists5,330$43,100$20.72$51,830$35,350
Electricians20,770$73,100$35.15$111,830$43,690
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters13,540$69,670$33.50$101,460$44,420
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics29,100$50,380$24.22$73,650$30,570
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers18,980$58,920$28.33$80,380$38,430
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Pennsylvania, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Pennsylvania is one of the best countries for vocational education.

Not only is it home to the number one nursing school in the world, but there’s also an abundance of other amazing educational facilities that are top-notch.

As you can see, most of these schools have a very high employment rate, making them a safe career choice.