Trade SchoolsIf you want to start a rewarding career without spending four years in higher education, a trade school can be a viable alternative.
Their hands-on programs are designed to prepare students for a variety of in-demand careers in allied health, skilled trades, cosmetology, and other fields.
Classes are available on-campus and online to fit different students’ schedules.
To help you choose the program that best fits your schedule, budget, and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the best trade schools available for Abilene students.
Our list includes schools that can prepare you for careers in a range of in-demand occupations, including:
- Aircraft Technology
- Welding
- Cosmetology
- Medical Assisting
- Web Design
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- And more
1Texas State Technical College
About the School
Texas State Technical College provides hands-on education that prepares students for a wide range of career paths.
Students may choose from more than 40 programs and degrees.
Workforce training courses designed for those who want to accelerate their current careers are also available.
The college has twelve physical campuses, including Abilene, Brownwood, Breckenridge, and North Texas.
In-person, online, and hybrid programs are available.
Costs vary from less than $3000 to more than $18,000 depending on the program and the credentials it leads to.
Texas State Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Courses Offered
Texas State Technical College provides a variety of programs, including:
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology
- Electrical Power & Controls
- Welding Technology
- Computer Science
- Web Design & Development
- Drafting & Design
- Health Information Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2082 Quantum Loop, Abilene, TX 79602
- Phone: 800-792-8784
- Website: https://www.tstc.edu
2Abilene Medical School
About the School
Abilene Medical School prepares students for careers as medical assistants.
The course is designed to help students start new careers in the medical field at a fraction of the cost of other schools.
The school provides affordable tuition and flexible payment plans.
The curriculum is taught by passionate and knowledgeable school instructors.
Each week of training consists of a combination of pre-recorded lectures, online learning activities, and hands-on lab skills.
Students complete lectures and online activities during the week at their own pace, from the safety of their homes.
The activities are due weekly.
Students attend a 4.5-hour class dedicated specifically to learning and perfecting their lab skills in a real dental office in Abilene.
The program costs $3,290 if paid in full.
Contact Information
- Address: 4351 Ridgemont Drive, Abilene, TX 79606
- Website: https://abilenemedicalassistant.com
3Neecee's Barber and Cosmetology College
Neecee’s Barber and Cosmetology College is designed to help students take the first step toward a wide variety of careers within the hair industry.
Students receive top-quality educational materials and instructor support.
Courses Offered
The college offers the following programs:
- Operator- a 33-week course that includes 1000 clock hours
- Class A Barber- a 33-week course that consists of 1000 clock hours
- Operator Cross Over to Class A Barber- a 10-week 300 clock hours program
Students attend classes 31 hours per week.
The Operator and Class A Barber programs cost $14,950 each.
This includes tuition, application, uniform, kit, and books.
The Operator Cross over to Class A Barber program costs $4,988.
Contact Information
- Address: 1813 Industrial Blvd., Abilene, TX 79602
- Phone: (325) 673-7970
- Website: https://neeceescollege.com
4Abilene Dental Assistant School
About the School
Abilene Dental Assistant School offers a training program that provides students with the skills, training, and requirements they need to enter the local workforce as dental assistants.
The 12-week dental assistant course is designed to help students graduate debt-free.
The comprehensive hybrid learning program includes in-person labs at a local dental office once a week, paired with at-home learning through self-paced online classes during the week.
Each week consists of a combination of pre-recorded lectures, online learning activities, and hands-on skills.
Students complete lectures, online modules, and activities during the week from the comfort of their homes.
The assignments are due weekly.
Each week trainees attend a 4.5-hour class dedicated to learning and perfecting their lab skills in a real dental office in Abilene.
Contact Information
- Address: 4741 Buffalo Gap Rd. Abilene, TX 79606
- Website: https://abilenedentalassistantschool.com
5On The Spot Massage Academy
On The Spot Massage Academy prepares students for a real-world career by offering a hands-on massage therapy program.
Students receive comprehensive, personalized instruction.
Courses Offered
The Massage Therapist curriculum includes:
- Massage Technique
- Health & Hygiene
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Business Practices & Professional Ethics
- Hydrotherapy
Students learn from a staff with more than 40 years of experience.
The 500-hour course teaches students how to become effective and successful massage therapists.
Day classes are available in Abilene.
Tuition is $5,500 and includes books, sheets and supplies.
Students need to provide their preferred type of scrubs and comfortable closed-toed shoes.
After graduating from the program, students are eligible to take the MBLEX and become licensed as massage therapists in Texas.
Contact Information
- Address: 2449 South Willis Street Suit 204, Abilene, Texas 79605, United States
- Phone: 325-280-3621
- Website: https://otsmassageacademy.com
6Abilene Christian University
About the School
Located in the city of Abilene, Abilene Christian University has a 272-acre main campus filled with broad green spaces.
Abilene Christian University offers a variety of vocational formation programs.
The university provides innovative and industry-leading undergraduate and graduate degrees committed to the vocational formation of every student.
The courses include:
- A curriculum that focuses on the formation of students’ vocational identity
- Co-curricular opportunities that deepen students’ capacity to experience meaningful work
- Faculty and staff are committed and willing to help students understand and experience how their work contributes to the common good
Contact Information
- Address: 1600 Campus Court, Abilene, TX 79601
- Phone: 325-674-2000
- Website: https://acu.edu
7Cisco College
About the School
Cisco College offers a variety of programs at two campuses: Cisco and Abilene.
The Abilene campus provides flexible degree and program options to help students launch or advance their careers.
Cisco College offers courses for general studies, health sciences, career & technical training, and more.
Effective fall 2024, in-district residents pay $157 per semester hour for online and Abilene campus courses.
Courses Offered
The following career/technology programs are available:
- Automotive Technology, Performance, and Driveability
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Firefighter Certification
- Fire Technology
- HVAC/R Technician
- Industrial Technology
- Welding
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Phlebotomy
- Surgical Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 717 E. Industrial Blvd, Abilene, TX 79602
- Phone: 325-794-4400
- Website: https://www.cisco.edu
8Southern Careers Institute
About the School
Southern Careers Institute provides vocational training in the Waco, Texas area.
The institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The institute provides a variety of trade programs:
- Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator
- Electrical Technician
- HVAC
- Welding
The following medical programs are also available:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
- Medical Office Specialist
- Nurse Aide
- Pharmacy Technician
Students may also prepare for other rewarding careers, including cosmetology, esthetician, or administrative assistant.
Contact Information
- Address: 3700 S IH 35, Suite A, Waco, TX 76706
- Phone: 254-304-9800
- Website: https://scitexas.edu
9Ed2go
About the School
Animation courses are available in Abilene through ed2go.
The platform allows students to gain new skills and credentials whenever and wherever they want while keeping a job.
The courses are offered for students who have decided to level up their careers and for those who are trying to learn animation for the first time.
Courses Offered
Some of the most popular animation courses in Abilene include:
- How to Get Started in Game Development
- Video Game Design and Development
- Digital Game Artist Certificate
The Digital Game Artist Certificate program trains students to become professional game artists in just 18 months.
Students develop core skills related to Digital Art, 3D Art, Modeling, Character Design, and Environmental Art Design.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Website: https://www.ed2go.com/location/us/Texas/Abilene/Animation
10Milan Institute of Cosmetology
About the School
Milan Institute of Cosmetology offers a variety of career-focused training programs available online and on-campus.
The institute provides training in Healthcare, Beauty, and Massage Therapy.
Students get access to practical experience, flexible schedules, and passionate instructors.
The institute has campuses in California, Nevada, and Texas.
The school also offers online programs that students can complete at their own pace, from the comfort of their own homes.
Milan Institute of Cosmetology is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the Milan Institute of Cosmetology in Amarillo:
- Advanced Cosmetology
- Advanced Esthetician
- Administrative Medical Assistant
- Cosmetology
- Dental Assistant
- Esthetician
- Manicurist
- Medical Assisting
Contact Information
- Address: 7001 I-40 West, Amarillo, Texas 79106
- Phone: 806-349-4100
- Website: https://milaninstitute.edu
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of the best trade schools in Abilene, Texas the next step is to decide what career path you want to pursue and what school will take you there.
Choosing your future occupation is an important step so we encourage you to complete thorough research before deciding where to enroll.
Trade Schools by City in Texas
