If you want to start a rewarding career without spending four years in higher education, this page is for you.
Here we will compile information about some of the best trade schools in the Amarillo region.
Students can typically graduate in only a few months and get a diploma or certificate that qualifies them for entry-level employment in the fields of their choice.
The programs included in our list offer hands-on training in some of the most high-demand professions, including:
- Automotive Service
- Medical Assisting
- Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
- Welding Technology
- Cosmetology
- Electrical Technology
- Law Enforcement
- And more
While certificates and degrees can typically be completed in less than a year, programs that offer two-year degree programs are also available.
1Exposito School of Hair Design
Exposito School of Hair Design helps students start rewarding careers in the hair and beauty industry.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog includes the following courses:
- Cosmetology Operator Courses
- Manicure Course
The 1000-hour Cosmetology Operator course can be completed in nine months and includes the following topics:
- Hairstyling, Hair Cutting, and Related Topics
- Hair Coloring and Related Theory
- Chemical Theory
- Manicuring and Related Theory
- Shampoo and Related Theory
- Salon Management and Practices
- Hair and Scalp Treatments and Related Theory
- Facials and Related Theory
- And more
Pivot Point training prepares students for a lifetime career in cosmetology.
After completing the Cosmetology program students are ready to pass a state exam given by the state exam administrator for a license to practice this profession in the state of Texas.
Contact Information
- Address: 3710 Mockingbird Lane, Amarillo, TX 79109
- Phone: 800-627-5875
- Website: https://www.expositoschoolofhair.com
2Milan Institute of Cosmetology
About the School
Milan Institute of Cosmetology offers career-focused training online and on campus.
The institute provides training in the fields of 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.
Milan Institute of Cosmetology also offers online programs that students can complete 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 institute’s campus 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
3MCA Skin Care Academy
MCA Skin Care Academy offers training programs that help students advance their careers or start brand new ones in the Esthetics World.
Courses Offered
The academy offers the following programs:
- Esthetics- a program that trains students in micro-dermabrasion, chemical peels, lash extensions, hydro facials, body waxing, and much more
- Lash Technician- this is a state-certified program that focuses on proper lash extension application while maintaining the integrity of the natural lashes, healthy choices, and how to become a successful lash artist
- Instructor Program- four weeks of all the building blocks students need to become an educator
Fees vary from $685 to $10,500, depending on the program.
The school has the following admission requirements:
- Complete an Application Form
- Provide a High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Driver’s License or Government issued ID
- Four References
Contact Information
- Address: 1100 S. Fillmore St, Suite 105 Amarillo TX 79101
- Phone: 806-730-3552
- Website: https://www.mca-esthetics.com
4Illustrated Lady Tattoo & Piercing Studio & School
About the School
Illustrated Lady Tattoo & Piercing Studio & School offers a one-year course that students can start at any time of the school year.
Students can start their first semester as soon as everything that is required for admission has been completed and approved.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be able to start any semester.
Their parents or guardians can make a personal payment plan if the students are under the age of 18.
The admission requirements include:
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training Test
- Drug Tests and other tests are to be done at the school’s private laboratory
- Criminal Background Check
Students learn in a studio atmosphere.
They study sterilization, cross-contamination awareness, and how to keep clients, families, and themselves safe.
The school prepares students for an apprenticeship in a licensed tattoo or piercing studio.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 S.W. 6th Avenue, Amarillo, Texas 79101
- Phone: 806-373-8707
- Website: http://www.illustratedladytattoo.com
5ed2go
About the School
ed2go offers many construction courses in Amarillo, Texas, and partners with colleges and universities from all over the state to make students’ experience as easy as possible.
Courses Offered
Some of the most popular construction courses in Amarillo include:
- Home Inspection Certificate
- QuickBooks For Contractors
- Maintenance Technician
Students can gain new skills and credentials wherever or whenever they can, without putting a pause on their job or family.
The Home Inspection Certificate program can be completed in 12 months and includes 200 course hours.
Other popular course topics in Amarillo include Medical, Networking, Microsoft, Programming, Operations, Fitness, Project Management, and Accounting.
Contact Information
- Address: PO Box 447, Amarillo, TX 79178
- Website: https://www.ed2go.com
6Texas State Technical College
About the School
Texas State Technical College provides hands-on education 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 in Texas, including Abilene, Brownwood, Breckenridge, and North Texas.
In-person, online, and hybrid programs are offered at the college.
Tuition costs vary from less than $3,000 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:
- Occupational Safety & Environmental Compliance
- Computer Networking & Systems Administration
- 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
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
8South Plains College
About the School
South Plains College is a comprehensive, two-year community college that offers academic transfer options and college-level technical education programs.
The college serves the greater South Plains area of Texas.
Available are educational programs that span the fields of arts and sciences, technical education, health sciences, continuing education, and workforce development programs.
The college’s main campus is in Levelland.
A campus is also located in Lubbock.
Courses Offered
The following technical programs are available at the college:
- Automotive Service
- Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Welding Technology
- Cosmetology
- Electrical and Power Transmission Technology
- Law Enforcement
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1625 13th Street, Lubbock, TX 79401
- Phone: 806.716.2700
- Website: https://www.southplainscollege.edu
9Texas College of Cosmetology
Texas College of Cosmetology is a beauty and vocational school with locations in Abilene, San Angelo, and Lubbock.
The classes provide students with hands-on instruction from some of the top stylists in the industry.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the Lubbock campus:
- Cosmetology
- Nail Technician
- Esthetician
Tuition and program duration vary depending on the program.
The 1000-clock-hour Cosmetology program costs $14,575.
This includes tuition, application fees, training kit, books, and uniform.
Cosmetology students receive hands-on training with expert instructors to master skills such as precision cutting, design artistry, the chemistry behind coloring and perms, facials, basic skincare, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 3602 Slide Road B-18, Lubbock, TX 79414
- Phone: (806) 785-0677
- Website: https://texascollegecosmetology.com
10Southern 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
Final Thoughts
If you’re a high school graduate or an adult who wants to start a new career without spending many years in post-secondary education, the trade schools included in our list can help you become career-ready in only a few months.
Now that you have read our selection of the best trade schools in Amarillo, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your career aspirations.