If you live in Killeen or the nearby region and you want to start a rewarding career without spending four years in post-secondary education, this page is for you.
Here we will compile information about the best trade schools in the region, the programs they offer, the cost, accreditation, admission requirements, duration, and curriculum.
The programs included in our list can prepare you for employment in rewarding careers such as:
- Medical Assisting
- Cosmetology
- Welding
- Construction
- And more
Most programs focus on hands-on training to prepare students for real-life situations and entry-level employment immediately after hire.
Flexible schedules are also available for students who have to keep a full-time job while preparing for a new career.
1Cybertex Institute of Technology
About the School
Cybertex Institute of Technology offers a variety of short-term technical training programs in the fields of Information Technology, Medical, Healthcare, and Construction Trades.
Students have access to flexible timings small-sized classes, and placement assistance.
Financial aid is also available for those who qualify.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the institute:
- Medical Assistant Program- a 45-week program
- Network Engineer Program- a 45-week program
- Vocational Nursing Program
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning- morning and evening classes for the HVAC program
The programs prepare students for the certification exams required for their careers of choice.
The Network Engineer program prepares students for 13 certifications, including Microsoft Azure, AWS, and more.
The Medical Assistant program prepares students for careers as certified Medical Assistants, Phlebotomists, and EKG Technicians.
After graduating from the Vocational Nursing Program students will be ready to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
HVAC program graduates will be eligible to take the EPA-608 certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Contact Information
- Phone: (254) 634-3500
- Website: https://cybertex.edu
2Elite Nurse Aide Training
About the School
Elite Nurse Aide Training is a family-owned and operated school in Killeen Texas.
The school is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Health and Human Services.
The curriculum used by Elite Nurse Aide Training is adopted from the Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide curriculum.
Course completion varies by program but most programs can be completed in less than 12 weeks.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Clinical Medical Assistant Certified
- Patient Care Technician
- Office Administration
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Electrocardiogram Technician
- CPR Initial & Recertification Course
- Certified Medication Aide Recertification Class
Contact Information
- Phone: (254) 628-2433
- Website: https://elitenurseaidetraining.com
3Central Texas College
About the School
Central Texas College offers programs designed to meet industry standards and provide students with expert guidance and hands-on training to help them master workplace skills.
The college offers degrees as well as stackable certificates that help students become job-ready.
Courses Offered
The college offers the following programs:
- Automotive Technician
- Baking and Pastry Specialization
- Information Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Diesel Technician
- Equine Management
- Food and Beverage Management
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians Assistant
- Service Management
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Billing
- Vocational Nursing
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant
- Welding
- And more
Costs, duration, and number of credits required for graduation vary depending on the program and the credentials it leads to.
Students need 60 credit hours for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding.
A Certificate of Completion in Medical Billing requires 30 credit hours.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 1800, Killeen, TX 76540-1800
- Phone: 800-223-4760
- Website: https://www.ctcd.edu
4Yahweh Beauty Academy
About the School
Yahweh Beauty Academy aims to train students to become professional cosmetologists by instilling in them the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to succeed.
The Cosmetology fields available at the school include Hair Stylist, Colorist, Braiding & Weaving, Nail Technician, Salon Owner, Platform Artist, and Beauty School Instructor.
The school’s main objective is to prepare students to pass the Texas Cosmetologist State Board exam.
Yahweh Beauty Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and the Texas Department of License and Regulation.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available:
- Cosmetology
- Class A Barber Course
- Manicuring/Nail Tech
- Hair Braiding Weaving
- Instructor
Contact Information
- Address: 431 N 38th Street Killeen, TX 76543
- Phone: 254-554-7771
- Website: https://yahwehbeautyacademy.com
5Training Center of Central Texas
The Training Center of Central Texas provides healthcare certification programs and training for the residents of Bell County.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the center:
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Comprehensive Medical Billing & Coding
- Dental Assistant Program
- Comprehensive Patient Care Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Solar Energy Technician
- Substation Technician
Program duration varies depending on the pathway and the credentials it leads to.
The Clinical Medical Assistant program can be completed in under six months.
The Phlebotomy Technician course is nine days long.
The school, instructors, and staff are approved and certified by the Texas Workforce Commission and Career Colleges & Schools of Texas.
The Medical Assistant curriculum includes the following modules:
- Medical Terminology: two weeks
- Medical Administrative Assisting: eight weeks
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Assisting- ten weeks
- Intro to Clinical Medical Assisting: seven weeks
- Career Strategies: two days
- Externship
Contact Information
- Address: 455 E Central Texas Expy, Harker Heights, TX, 76548
- Phone: (254)-213-3270
- Website: https://www.centextraining.com
6Southern Careers Institute
About the School
Southern Careers Institute is a trade and vocational school with several campuses in Texas.
The institute recently opened a campus in Waco, a half-hour drive from Killeen.
The institute offers training programs in the medical, beauty, and business career fields.
Students get hands-on preparation for important tests, including the NHA exam.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the Waco campus:
- Business Administration
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator
- Electrical Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Associate of Applied Science in Management
- Nurse Aide
- Welding
Contact Information
- Address: 1701 W Ben White Blvd. Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
- Phone: 833.SCI.TEXAS
- Website: https://scitexas.edu
7Texas 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 in Texas, including one in Marshall, North Texas, and Waco.
In-person, online, and hybrid programs are available.
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
8Abilene 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 learning 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
9Cisco 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 starting the fall of 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
10Careers of America
About the School
Careers of America is a school of welding and fitting.
The school aims to train America’s next generation of craftsmen.
It allows students to build careers in various fast-growing industries by delivering professional training for high-demand jobs.
Students have to meet several requirements, including:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid high school diploma or GED
- Completion of campus tour
Students spend almost 70 percent of their time on hands-on training.
After completing the course students are certified by the American Welding Association and NCCER.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Combination Pipefitter-Welder
- Combination Structural Fitter- Welder
- Intermediate Maritime Structural Pipefitter
- Advanced Marine Structural Pipefitter
- Intermediate Welder
- Advanced Welder
- Intermediate Pipefitting
- Advanced Pipefitting
- Field Safety
- Safety Technology
Courses Offered
- Address: 20005 State Highway 48, Brownsville, TX 78521
- Phone: (956) 621-1257
- Website: https://www.careersofamerica.com
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a rewarding career in only a few months, the trade schools included in our list can prepare you for employment in the field of your choice.
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue the research and choose the program that best fits your learning style, budget, and career aspirations.