10 Best Trade Schools inSouth Carolina

1Charlotte Dental Assisting School

Dental assisting is a great career choice that often results in finding a secure, well-paid job.

The Charlotte Dental Assisting School is dedicated to providing a top-notch education in the field of dentistry.

The classes are held in an actual dental office, so students will have a unique opportunity to get a feel for what’s it like in the real work.

Their courses last for 12 weeks and will teach students all the techniques and skills needed to excel in this industry.

They focus on teaching modern techniques in a hands-on manner, allowing for better learning.

Classes are held only on Fridays and Saturdays, making it very accessible for individuals who are currently working, raising a family, or both.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must obtain an up-to-date immunization record
• Must bring a government-issued photo ID
• Must make a down payment made before the first day of class

Fees: The tuition fee for their dental assisting course is $3,810. They offer various payment plans.

The school offers the following courses:

• Dental assisting

Contact:

• Charlotte Dental Assisting School
• Address: 5950 Fairview Rd, Suite 16, Charlotte, NC 28210
• Phone:  704-419-8666
• Website: https://charlottedentalassistantschool.com/

2Carolina Nursing Assistant Program Academy

Carolina Nursing Assistant Program Academy is a renowned institution that has won numerous awards for its excellence in education.

The school was awarded the School of Excellence award in 2014 and 2018 for the highest passing rate in whole South Carolina.

Namely, their current written and passing skill score is a staggering 100%.

That means that no one has failed, just further proving how amazing their courses are.

Besides, if you’d like to become a part of the healthcare industry, but don’t want to spend five and more years on education, then becoming a certified nurse is a shortcut that everyone can take.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be able to pass a pre-exam test with a score of at least 45
• Must have a good command of English
• Must be at least 17 years of age
• Must pass a health physical test
• Must pass the background check
• Must pass the drug test

Fees: The tuition fee for their Certified Nursing Assistant program is $1,015.  There’s also a $55 fee for a background check and a drug test.

The school offers the following courses:

• Certified Nursing Assistant Course

Contact:

• Carolina Nursing Assistant Program Academy
• Address: 2712 Middleburg Dr. Suite 222 Columbia, SC 29204
• Phone: 803-588-9158
• Website: http://www.cnapa.com/

3Donaldson Career Center

Donaldson Career Center aims to provide a versatile education in multiple sought-after areas of expertise.

There is a high demand for specialized workers in most of the industries that this school educates you about.

They hope to teach students many marketable skills that will be of help when seeking jobs in the future.

What’s great is that students that choose to go with courses such as welding, carpentry, firefighting, or aircraft maintenance, are likely to find employment before or straight after graduation.

Donaldson Career Center aims to inspire prospective students to further develop their skills and to teach them how to be competitive.

The atmosphere at this school is very relaxing, yet still dynamic enough to motivate students to enhance their skills and be instantly ready to become a part of the workforce.

Enrollment: Admission requirements may vary depending on the selected course. Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about enrollment requirements for respective courses.

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

The school offers the following courses:

• Aircraft Maintenance
• Automotive Technology
• Barbering
• Carpentry
• Cosmetology
• Culinary Arts
• Digital Art and Design
• Esthetics
• Firefighting
• Mechatronics
• Nail Technology
• Welding

Contact:

• Donaldson Career Center
• Address: 100 Vocational Dr., Greenville, SC 29605
• Phone: 864-355-4650
• Website: https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/donaldsn/

4Southeastern Institute

Southeastern Institute has been serving the community since 1994.

Initially, the school only provided courses in clinical massage, but due to the high volume of interest, they broadened their program range and incorporated many other healthcare-related courses.

The school’s goal is to provide students with an excellent education that is going to be dynamic, accessible, and useful in the long run.

Southeastern Institute is accredited and licensed by the following bodies:

• Accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists
• Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
• Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Must provide SAT scores

There might be additional requirements, depending on the selected course. Contact the school’s admission office to get further information.

Fees: Contact the school’s admission department to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs.

The school offers the following courses:

• Electronic Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
• Hospitality Certificate
• Medical Assisting Certificate
• Pharmacy Technology
• Pharmacy Technology – Non-Title IV
• Phlebotomy – Non-Title IV
• Professional Clinical Massage Therapy
• Medical Assisting, AAS
• Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS

Contact:

• Southeastern Institute
• Address: 2431 Aviation Avenue, Suite 703, North Charleston, SC 29406
• Phone: 843-747-1279
• Website: https://www.acecareer.edu/

5Kenneth Shuler Cosmetology School

Due to its popularity, the Kenneth Shuler Cosmetology School is spread all over South Carolina, and it has eight school locations, including:

• Spartanburg
• North Augusta
• Rock Hill
• Greenville
• Garners Ferry
• St. Andrews
• Goose Creek
• Florence

The school focuses on teaching all the latest techniques and prepares prospective graduates for state board exams.

Students will have classes at student salons, which mimic the real-world hair salon environment.

That will help them to adjust quicker once they finish the course and start looking for jobs.

If you think the courses are too expensive, don’t worry.

Kenneth Shuler Cosmetology School offers multiple scholarships and financing options, including:

• Kenneth Shuler JumpStart Scholarship
• ACE Grant
• Pat Goins Memorial Scholarship
• SportClips Scholarship
• NCEA Esthetician Scholarship
• Joe Francis Hair Care Scholarship
• OPI Scholarship
• Federal Student Aid

Enrollment: All applicants must complete the following before enrollment:

• Must complete a “Ger more info now” form on their website
• Must have the call with their admission staff
• Must meet with the school’s financial aid coordinator

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

• Cosmetology – $8,048
• Esthetics – $9,100
• Cosmetology instructor training – $850

The school offers the following courses:

• Cosmetology
• Esthetics
• Cosmetology instructor training

Contact:

• Kenneth Shuler Cosmetology School
• Address: 449 St. Andrews Rd. Columbia, SC 29210
• Phone: 803-760-7388
• Website: https://kennethshuler.com/locations/greenville/

6International Diving Institute

International Diving Institute is a unique educational institution, as there aren’t many like it in the United States.

Completing any of the school’s courses is likely to result in instant, high-paid employment with many benefits.

Their goal is to provide the new generations with a high-quality education that will help them land jobs in the marine construction industry.

The school’s staff is comprised of instructors that work or have worked in the US Navy, Army, or the Marine Corps, making them more than qualified to educate prospective industry professionals.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED< or equivalent
• Must be a legal US citizen
• Must pass a physical exam

Some requirements may vary depending on the selected course, so don’t hesitate to call their admission office to get further information.

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

• Air/Mixed Gas Surface Supplied Diving – Contact the school to get further information about the price of this course
• DCBC Unrestricted Diving – $7,900
• Underwater Welding – $4,900
• HAZWOPER/HAZMAT – $1,500
• ROV Pilot & Technician – $8,500
• Underwater Burning – $2,500

The school offers the following courses:

• Air/Mixed Gas Surface Supplied Diving
• DCBC Unrestricted Diving
• Underwater Welding
• HAZWOPER/HAZMAT
• ROV Pilot & Technician
• Underwater Burning

Contact:

• International Diving Institute
• Address: 2340 Avenue F, North Charleston, SC 29405
• Phone: 843-740-1124
• Website: https://www.idicharleston.edu/

7Piedmont Technical College

Piedmont Technical College was established in 1966, and it has been serving the community ever since.

They offer some of the most comprehensive and accessible courses in the country, with so many different options to choose from.

Most of their courses last for up to two years, after which students will be fully capable to seek active employment and become a part of the workforce.

The school offers the following scholarships and financing options;

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal SEOG –Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• SC Needs-Based Grant
• SC Lottery Tuition Assistance Program
• Federal Direct Loans
• Federal Direct Plus Loans
• Life Scholarship
• VA Educational Benefits
• Scholarships

The college itself is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

All their individual programs have also been accredited by respective legal entities.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Must complete a placement test
• Submit an online application

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

The school offers the following courses:

• Diversified Agriculture
• Horticulture Technology Program
• Administrative Office Technology
• Business Administration
• Commercial Art
• Computer Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Early Care & Education
• Funeral Service
• Human Services
• Electronic Engineering Technology
• Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Options
• Engineering Design Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Health Care Certificate
• Medical Assisting
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Patient Care Technician
• Pharmacy Technology
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Radiologic Technology
• Respiratory Care
• Surgical Technology
• Veterinary Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Building Construction Technology
• Gunsmithing
• Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
• Machine Tool Technology
• Mechatronics Technology
• Welding

Contact:

• Piedmont Technical College
• Address: 620 N. Emerald Rd, Greenwood, SC 29648
• Phone: 1-800-868-5528
• Website: https://www.ptc.edu/

8Recording Connection

The Recording Connection school is a renowned name in the music industry.

All their courses are carefully designed to follow all the latest industry trends.

They have state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, ready to take on motivated students who want to pursue a career in music.

Many of their students will get a chance to visit famous recording studios and get a feel of what’s it like in the real world.

Students will also get a chance to learn alongside engineers and music producers that work for many celebrities including Taylor Swift, Deadmau5, Snoop Dogg, Rolling Stones, Skrillex, Kendrick Lamar, and many more.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements.

Fees: Tuition fees for each course go as follows:

• Recording Connection for Audio Engineering & Music Production – $12,860
• Recording Connection for Advanced Audio Engineering & Music Production – $13,360
• Recording Connection for Hip Hop & Beat Making – $12,970
• Recording Connection for Live Music – $12,860
• Recording Connection for Ableton Electronic Music Production – $13,220
• Recording Connection for Advanced Ableton Electronic Music Production – $16,220
• Recording Connection for Logic Pro Electronic Music Production – $12,970
• Recording Connection for Music Producing – $12,970
• Recording Connection for Live DJ – $13,220
• Recording Connection for Music Business – $12,750

Students who meet the criteria will have an opportunity to receive a scholarship or a grant.

The school offers the following courses:

• Audio Engineering & Music Production
• Advanced Audio Engineering & Music Production
• Hip Hop & Beat Making
• Live Music
• Logic Pro Electronic Music Production
• Ableton Electronic Music Production
• Advanced Ableton Electronic Music Production
• Music Producing
• Live Dj
• Music Business

Contact:

• Recording Connection
• Address: 547 Griffith Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA
• Phone: 704-625-0275
• Website: https://www.recordingconnection.com/school-locations/charlotte

9Real Estate School of South Carolina

Real estate can be a very lucrative career choice, but proper education is a must if you want to pass the state exam and become a licensed real estate agent.

This school is one of the leading educational facilities in South Carolina when it comes to real estate education.

Their staff is comprised of licensed real estate professionals with years of active experience of working in the industry.

Real Estate School of South Carolina wants to provide students with top-notch education at very competitive prices.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special enrollment requirements.

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

• South Carolina Real Estate License Course Unit I – $399
• South Carolina Real Estate License Course Unit II – $299
• South Carolina Real Estate License Course Unit I + II discount – $649

The school offers the following courses:

• South Carolina Real Estate License Course Unit I
• South Carolina Real Estate License Course Unit II

Contact:

• Real Estate School of South Carolina
• Address: 607 B Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
• Phone: 843-566-9129
• Website: http://www.realestateschoolofcharleston.net/

10School of Advanced Bodywork

School of Advanced Body Work was founded by Kyle Wright, an expert in the field of massage therapy with 30 years of experience.

This school offers advanced training and provides students with a large number of prospective job opportunities.

Here, students will mostly focus on resolving chronic muscle tension and learn what causes it and how it can be effectively aided.

Massage therapy is another rapidly-growing industry that is in demand for professional workers.

The school is adamant in providing students a top-notch education at reasonable prices.

That’s exactly why they offer multiple payment plans.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a legal U.S. citizen
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED
• Must be willing and able to pass a background check upon applying for their state license

Fees: The tuition fee for their Professional Clinical Massage and Bodywork Therapy Program is $8,500.00. There is also a $75 registration fee.

The school offers the following courses:

• The Professional Clinical Massage and Bodywork Therapy Program

Contact:

• North Carolina School of Advanced Body Work
• Address: 820 Tyvola Road, Suite 203, Charlotte, NC 28217
• Phone: 980-224-8449
• Website: https://www.ncsab.com/