10 Best Trade Schools inChesapeake, VA

1Chesapeake Career Center

About the School

Established in 1967, Chesapeake Career Center is the oldest career and technical school in the Commonwealth.

The center serves students from all seven high schools in Chesapeake.

Bus transportation is provided to students.

The first step in the application process is to complete an online application.

Your high school counselor will then submit your transcript, attendance profile, and discipline records.

Before deciding to apply for one of the center’s programs is best if you discuss it with your high school counselor.

For some programs, there are also pre-requisites.

For example, for the Practical Nursing program, you need to have taken Algebra I, Biology, Chemistry, and a 2.5 GPA.

Applicants for the firefighter and EMT programs must be at least 16 years of age before the first day of class.

Courses Offered

Chesapeake Career Center is offering courses in the following areas:

• Auto Body Collision I, II, and III
• Auto Tech
• Cosmetology
• Cybersecurity
• Dental Assistant
• Early Childhood Education
• Electricity
• Emergency Dispatch
• EMT
• Firefighting
• HVAC – 1-year program
• Mechatronics
• Nail Tech
• Nurse Aide
• Pharmacy Tech
• Practical Nursing
• Welding

Most programs can be completed in one or two years.

Contact Information

• Address: 312 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322
• Phone: 757-547-0153
• Website: https://cpschools.com

2Centura College Allied Health & Trades

About the School

Centura College is offering training programs at five locations in Virginia.

Tuition is between $350-$700 per credit hour, depending on the program.

Financial assistance is available to help students afford the programs.

Applicants must be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance and need a graduation diploma or equivalent.

A government-issued photo ID is also required.

Program-specific admission requirements may also apply.

For example, applicants for the Dental Assistant program undergo a background check, and they need a passing score on the Wonderlic SLE.

The application fee is $25

Centura College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Careers Schools and College.

Courses Offered

The college offers training in three industries:

• Health Sciences
• Skilled Trades
• Business

The following programs are available at the Chesapeake campus:

• Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Medical Assisting Concentration in Clinical Support
• Medical Assistant with Limited-Scope Radiologic Technology Diploma
• Medical Assistant Diploma
• Massage Therapy Diploma
• Esthetician Diploma
• Bachelor of Science Degree with Business Concentration in Allied Health Management
• Bachelor of Science Degree with Business Concentration in Operations Management
• Bachelor of Science Degree with Business Concentration in Management

A Teacher’s Assistant paraprofessional diploma and a Baccalaureate degree in Business are also available.

Contact Information

• Address: 932 Ventures Way, Chesapeake, VA 23320
• Phone: 877-523-9528
• Website: https://www.centuracollege.edu

3Tidewater Tech

About the School

Tidewater Tech is helping students build a career by offering training programs that can be completed in a few months.

Those interested can schedule a campus tour through the school’s website.

Tidewater Tech has a wide range of accreditations and is a member of highly respected organizations such as the Council of Occupational Education, American Welding Society, National Automotive Technician Education Foundation, Mobile Air Conditioning Society, and more.

Tuition costs vary between $17,400-$26,100, depending on the program and the number of credit hours.

The cost per credit hour is $700-$725.

Additional costs include a $100 administration fee, a $25 application fee, exam fees between $75-$925, and a $25 library fee.

Some programs also need a uniform or a tool kit- which adds between $100 and more than $700 to the total costs, depending on the program.

Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

• Auto Technician
• Building and Construction Trades
• Combination Maritime Welding
• Combination Welding
• HVAC

Programs also give students the opportunity of earning certifications that give them a competitive advantage in the job market.

Contact Information

• Address: 4535 East Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
• Phone: (757) 858-8324
• Website: https://tidewatertechtrades.edu

4Sentara College of Health Sciences

About the School

Sentara College of Health Sciences offers healthcare education in a real clinical environment.

Students enrolled in their programs gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation facilities and clinical settings.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program and the credential it offers.

For example, the 4-semester Adult Electrocardiography program costs approximately $26,000 in total.

The 5-semester traditional BSN program costs a little over $33,000 in total.

Admission requirements vary depending on the program, but there are a few requirements that apply to all pathways:

• Students need a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Applicants must be at least 18 by the first day of class.
• Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The College holds multiple accreditations by institutions such as the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and more.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Associate Degree programs in:
  • Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
  • Non-invasive Vascular Study
  • Adult Echocardiography
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Surgical Technology
• Certificate Programs in:
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Monitor Surveillance
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology

Contact Information

• Address: 1441 Crossways Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23320
• Phone: (757) 388-2900
• Website: https://www.sentara.edu

5Tidewater Community College

About the School

Tidewater Community College offers classes in condensed sessions that last a few weeks.

Tuition and fees sum up to $185.35 per credit hour for Virginia students and $385.45 for out-of-state residents.

Total costs vary depending on the program you choose and the number of credit hours included in that program.

The phlebotomy program, for example, has 12 credits which means that it will cost approximately $2,200 for Virginia residents.

Those who already know what program they want to take can apply online by filling out an inquiry form.

Prospective students who need assistance in finding the right program can be assisted by an advisor.

Founding sources such as scholarships, grants, and military benefits are available to students who qualify.

Courses Offered

The college is offering classes in the following fields:

• Arts & Humanities
• Business, Computer Science & IT
• Science & Mathematics
• Health Professions
• Manufacturing and Transportation
• Engineering, Maritime & Skilled Trades
• Public & Professional Services
• Social Sciences & Education

The programs offered by Tidewater Community College are preparing students for careers as automotive technicians, truck drivers, EMTs, nurses, pharmacy technologists, phlebotomists, welders, and many other paths.

Contact Information:

• Address: 1428 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322
• Phone: 757-822-5100
• Website: https://www.tcc.edu

6Albemarle Area School of Real Estate

If you want to start a career in real estate the first step is to get your license.

The skills needed for this exam can be learned through a pre-licensing course.

About the School

Albemarle Area School of Real Estate is offering a prelicensing program for those who want to start a career in real estate.

Their classes are available face to face, over Zoom, or in a Hybrid format.

Students must complete a Certificate before starting the first class meeting.

This certificate outlines the rights and obligations of the school and the student and has been approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Students must be at least 18 years of age and it’s recommended that they have a high school diploma or GED before enrolling in the program.

There is a 40% military discount available for students who qualify.

Courses Offered

Albemarle Area School of Real Estate offers an 80-hour pre-licensing course available in daytime or evening schedules.

Post-licensing courses that are 30-hour long are also available.

These classes cover:

• Broker Relationships and Responsibilities
• Contracts and Closings
• NC Laws, Rules, & Legal Concepts.

Contact Information:

• Address: Chesapeake, VA 23320, United States
• Phone: +1 (919) 518-5145
• Website: https://www.albemarleareaschoolofrealestate.com

7Freewater Technologies

About the School

Freewater Technologies was founded in 2005 and is delivering high-quality instructor-led training in IT and management ever since.

The school is offering certification training and advanced security courses available for commercial and government entities.

They have a 98% succession rate on the first certification attempt.

The courses are instructor-led classroom style.

Each course includes courseware, labs, exam prep, a computer for each student, a notebook, pens, and highlighters.

After graduation students receive a certificate of completion.

The instructors can offer additional labs or one-on-one sessions with the students if needed.

Each student’s progress is monitored by an instructor, test administrator, TA manager, and technical analyst to determine if any additional assistance is necessary.

Courses offered

Their catalog includes a variety of courses, including:

• Computer Network Defender
• Certified Incident Handler
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• System Security Certified Practitioner
• Information Security System Management Professional
• ITIL Foundations
• And many more

The following Freewater Proprietary courses are also available:

• Freewater Network Forensics Analysis Course
• CEH and NFA Combo
• Redshell
• WOMBAT – Levels 1 and 2
• Classes are between 1-10 days long

Contact Information

• Address: 816 Greenbrier Circle, Suite 201, Chesapeake, VA 23320
• Phone: 757-499-6150
• Website: https://freewatertech.com

8JASA Trade School

About the School

JASA, Inc. Trade School offers hands-on educational opportunities that prepare future industry leaders.

Courses Offered

The school is providing courses on the following topics:

• HVAC – a program designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs as HVAC Installers, Service Technicians, and other careers in this industry
• Multimedia Entrepreneur- a program that prepares specialists in branding, marketing, and professional web design and development.
• Plumbing- a program that prepares students for employment as plumber helpers.
• Heavy Machinery- a program designed to equip students with a basic understanding of heavy equipment operation.
• Diesel Mechanic- a program that covers basic diesel engine operations and teaches students how to troubleshoot and repair diesel engine issues.
• Welding- this program covers all major welding processes.
• Cyber Security- a program that teaches students how to protect networks and computers.
• Barber program- this pathway prepares students who can provide a variety of hair and skin-related services.
• Orthodontic- courses that cover entry-level procedures performed by an orthodontic dental assistant.

Program duration varies depending on the training pathway.

For example, the electrician course is available in one and five-week programs.

Contact Information

• Address: 8565 Sudley Road Suite D Manassas, VA 20110
• Phone: 571 306 3066
• Website: https://jasainctradeschool.com

9Advanced Technology Institute

About the School

Advanced Technology Institute is offering training programs for students who want to start a career in automotive, commercial driving, diesel, HVAC, and welding.

The programs lead to associate degrees or diplomas, depending on the pathway the student chooses.

The courses focus on hands-on education.

The institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Costs vary between $4,000 and more than $36,000 depending on the program.

For example, the commercial driving class A tractor-trailer certificate program costs $6,760 while the class B program costs $4,285.

The AOS Trades Leadership with Specialization in Automotive Technology costs $36,420 in total.

The application fee is $50

Courses Offered

The following classes are available at the institute’s campus in Virginia Beach:

• Automotive Technology
  • Associate in Occupational Science Trades Leadership with Specialization in Automotive Technology
  • Automotive Technology Diploma
• Diesel/Heavy Vehicle
  • Associate in Occupational Science with Specialization in Heavy Vehicle Technology
  • Heavy Vehicle Technology Diploma
• HVAC/Refrigeration
  • Associate in Occupational Science with Specialization in HVAC Technology
  • HVAC Technology Diploma
• Maritime Welding
  • Associate in Occupational Science with Specialization in Maritime Technology
  • Maritime Technology Diploma

Commercial Driving programs for Class A and Class B tractor-trailers are also available at the school’s Norfolk campus.

Contact Information

• Address: Main Campus 5700 Southern Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462
• Phone: 888-346-2315
• Website: https://www.auto.edu

10Horizon Flight Center, LLC

About the School

Horizon Flight Center, LLC is offering access to professional instructors and staff.

You must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a student pilot license and to solo.

A complete medical exam is also required to get your Student Pilot Certificate.

You must be at least 17 years old to obtain your private pilot license.

Students are in the left seat of the airplane from the first moment of training.

The first session includes takeoff, controlling the airplane, and discovering the fun of flying.

A 15-minute Discovery Flight in the school’s Redbird FMX simulator is also available.

No experience is necessary, the school’s instructors will be the student’s copilot.

Ground school studies and practice flights help students understand the principles of flight and prepare students for their first solo flight.

The flight exams consist of a written exam followed by a flight exam with an FAA-designated examiner.

Courses Offered

Horizon Flight Center offers training for the following topics and ratings:

• Cessna System
• CFI and CFII
• Commercial Pilot
• Discovery Flight
• Instrument Rating
• Multi-engine
• Private Pilot
• Redbird FMX

Contact Information

• Address: 2801 Airport Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23323, United States
• Phone: (757) 421-9000
• Website: https://horizonflightcenter.com