10 Best Trade Schools inRichmond, VA

Page Navigation

If you want to prepare for a career in allied health, skilled trades, or the beauty industry and you’re located in Richmond, this page is for you.

Professions such as medical assistant, welder, technician, or cosmetician, can be learned at a trade school or community college.

Many Richmond schools offer career-ready programs that can be completed in a few months and are focused on the skills that get you ready for employment and the licensing exam.

We invite you to read further and choose the program that best meets your needs and professional aspirations.



1JT Pharmacy Training Program

About the School

JT Pharmacy offers a training program that prepares students for successful careers as Pharmacy Technicians.

The classes are available in day and night schedules as well as online.

Tuition for the program is $950 if paid in full.

The program can be completed in 12 weeks and leads to a Certificate.

Before enrolling, you must request a registration form by contacting the school via email.

The school offers an externship with Walgreens Pharmacy for online training.

Students enrolled in this program learn from an instructor with 23 years of experience in the pharmacy industry.

She has an Associate Degree in Pharmacy and National Certification with the Board of Pharmacy.

An online pharmacy technician course on a worldwide training platform is also available and costs $1,050.

No externship is required for the online course, but students participate in a simulation class.

Courses Offered

The Pharmacy Technician program teaches students how to serve patients in a pharmacy setting.

The program covers topics such as:

  • Pharmacy Technician Roles
  • Pharmacy Law
  • Pharmacy Calculations
  • Pharmacology
  • Aseptic Techniques to include Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
  • Sig Code/Prescription Decoding
  • Inventory and Pharmacy Management
  • Insurance Billing
  • And more

Contact Information


2Fortis College

About the School

Fortis College offers training programs in nursing, healthcare, medical, dental, massage therapy, and skilled trades at its Richmond campus.

Total costs for attending Fortis College vary between $13,066 and $48,906, depending on the program and its duration.

Fortis College in Richmond, Virginia is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available in Richmond:

  • Practical Nursing – a program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN examination that gives them a practical nurse license.
  • Surgical Technology – a program that leads to an associate’s degree that prepares students for employment as members of an operating room team
  • Sterile Processing Technician – graduates have the training needed to take the exam for national certification as Central Sterile Processing Technician
  • Medical Assisting – the program prepares students for medical assisting careers in medical offices and clinics, combining office administration with clinical areas.
  • Dental Assisting – graduates receive a diploma and are ready for entry-level employment as dental assistants
  • Massage Therapy – a program that combines lecture with hands-on instruction in Swedish techniques, pathology, physiology, kinesiology, and anatomy
  • HVAC Technician- a program that prepares students for entry-level employment

Contact Information

  • Address: 2000 Westmoreland Street, Suite A. Richmond, VA 23230 
  • Phone: (804) 323-1020
  • Website: https://www.fortis.edu

3LB Beauty Academy

About the School

LB Beauty Academy offers day and evening classes that prepare students for careers in the beauty industry.

The courses offered by the Academy comply with the Laws and Regulations set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Tuition is between $2,000-$9,500, depending on the course.

The registration fee is $200, with $100 being nonrefundable.

Kit and books are included.

To be eligible for enrollment you need:

  • To be at least 16 years of age
  • To Complete an in-person interview

The Licensure Diploma programs offered by LB Beauty Academy are regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations.

The classes combine theory with practical hands-on applications.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available:

  • Barber Diploma – 1,100 hours
  • Basic Esthetics Diploma – 600 hours
  • Master Esthetics – 600 hours
  • Basic Makeup Artistry – 65 hours
  • Cosmetology Diploma – 1500 hours
  • Esthetics Instructor – 150 hours
  • Nail Care – 150 hours
  • Natural Hair Care/Braiding – 55 hours
  • Permanent Cosmetic Makeup – 90 hours
  • Tattoo – 750 hours
  • Wax – 115 hours

Contact Information


4Virginia School for Nurse Aides

About the School

Virginia School for Nurse Aides offers training programs for those who want to start a career as a Certified Nurse Aide, Registered Medication Aide, or Personal Care Aide.

The school offers day and evening classes.

Courses Offered:

The following courses are available at Virginia School for Nurse Aides:

  • Certified Nurse Aide – this program prepares students ready to perform all the tasks included in a CNAs job description, including:
    • ensuring and promoting patients’ rights
    • measuring and recording vital signs
    • assisting patients in daily activities
    • assisting patients with mobility
    • promoting patient safety and environmental cleanliness
  • Medication Aide – this program teaches students how to properly administer topical medication, eye drops, insulin injections, buccal and transdermal medication.
  • Personal Care Aide – this program teaches students how to provide one-on-one supervision and assistance to clients in clients’ homes.

Classes are kept small to give students individualized attention and instruction.

The CNA class can be completed in five weeks.

Tuition for this program costs $1,375 if paid in full.

The Medication aide program costs $700 if paid in full and can be completed in three weeks.

A CNA/Medication aide program that can be completed in 8 weeks is also available and costs $1,873 if paid in full.

Personal Aide Care Training costs $400 and is nine days long.

Contact Information


55 Star CDL Training

About the School

If you want to start a career as a commercial driver, 5 Star CDL Training offers training programs at its two Richmond campuses.

Founded in 2016, the school has since trained men and women ages 18 to 75.

5 Star offers training that is described as “Professional-Patient-Personable” according to their website.

The school partners with employers to help students find employment and to make sure that they have decent salaries, health benefits, advancement opportunities, as well as tuition reimbursement.

You need to be at least 18 years of age, and you need a valid driver’s license before enrolling in the class.

If you want to cross over state lines, you must be at least 21.

The school has a graduation rate of 97 percent.

According to the 5 Star website, 99 percent of their students obtain employment after graduation.

New classes start bi-weekly.

Courses Offered

5 Star is offering Class A and Class B CDL training.

They also provide specialized custom instruction and training seminars.

Their areas of training include:

  • Pre-trip vehicle inspection
  • Entry-Level Driving Regulations
  • Safety/Accident Awareness and Prevention Seminars
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • FMCSR Rules and Regulations
  • Shifting Training
  • Endorsements Training
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address:
    • 2201 East Belt Blvd, Richmond, Virginia 23224
    • 601 Commerce Road Richmond, VA 23224
  • Phone: (804)447-7076
  • Website: https://fivestarcdl.com

6Professional Career Institute

About the School

Professional Career Institute offers a variety of training programs that prepare students for certifications and a career in the medical field.

Admission requirements vary depending on the program.

For example, the requirements for the Pharmacy Technician program include:

  • Being at least 18 years of age
  • Having a high school diploma or GED
  • Providing proof of identity
  • Providing a Social Security Card
  • Completing a criminal background check

For the Medication Aide course, you will also need previous experience as a nursing assistant or another related profession.

Tuition is between $450-$1,250, depending on the program.

Payment plans are available.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available:

  • Nurse Aide – a program that prepares you for a career as a caregiver in only six short weeks.
  • Pharmacy Tech – a three-week course that prepares students for a career as a pharmacy tech working closely with pharmacists and in doctor’s offices.
  • Personal Care – an intensive two-week course that prepares students for a career working as caregivers.
  • Medication Aide – an intensive 68-hour course that covers drug classifications, side effects, and other related topics.

Contact Information


7Community College Workforce Alliance

About the School

Community College Workforce Alliance is offering individual training and certifications along with services for businesses.

The classes taught at the school are conducted by industry experts that help students navigate the programs from start to graduation.

Courses Offered

Courses are available in the following fields:

  • Healthcare – this career path includes courses for Pharmacy Technician, Medical Coding, Clinical Medical Assistant programs
  • Skilled Trades – with programs in Introductory Craft Skills, HVAC Level 1, Electrical Level 1, Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1, Plumbing Level 1, Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control, Lead Abatement Inspector, Lead Abatement Risk Assessor, Lead Abatement Supervisor, Lead Abatement Worker
  • Information Technology – with courses such as CompTIA Network +, CompTIA Security +, CompTIA Fundamentals +, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Linux +, and more
  • Customer Service – this includes a class in National Retail Certification in Customer Service & Sales
  • Commercial Driver’s License
  • Manufacturing – with classes for Lead Practitioner Certification, Manufacturing Technician Level 1, Manufacturing Specialist, and more
  • Logistics – with classes for Certified Logistics Technician
  • Teacher Education
  • Virtual Classes

Contact Information


8Empire Beauty Schools

About the School

Empire Beauty Schools prepares students for an exciting career in the beauty industry.

There are three Empire Beauty Schools in Virginia, one of which is located right here in Richmond.

Students who graduate from this class are ready for the Virginia state licensing exam.

The school has a student salon/clinic where students can work with real clients while building their portfolios.

Empire Beauty Schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

Their cosmetology program includes hands-on training in fundamental and advanced techniques.

Empire Beauty Schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

All their programs are also approved by the NACCS.

Courses offered

The following courses are available:

  • Cosmetology- a 1,500 hours course that covers topics in hair design, haircutting, color & texture, basic skincare, and business/retail training.
  • Esthetics- a program that covers facials, waxing, makeup artistry, and more.
  • Nail Technology- a 210-hour program that includes classes in manicuring and pedicuring, spa manicuring and pedicuring, gel manicuring, acrylic and 3D Acrylic enhancements, nail art, and more.

Contact Information


9Reynolds Community College

About the School

Reynolds Community College is offering degree and certificate programs in many different fields.

Certificate programs provide specific training for a variety of professions and can lead to employment immediately after graduation.

Associate degrees can help you start a career or continue towards a bachelor’s degree.

In-state tuition at Reynolds Community College is $166.60 per credit hour, including auxiliary and activity fees.

Out-of-state tuition is $366.7o in total.

The total program cost depends on the number of credits included in each program.

You can apply online using the college’s website.

Courses Offered

Associate degree programs are available in a variety of fields, including:

  • Accounting
  • Culinary Arts
  • Emergency Medical Services- Paramedic
  • Human Services
  • Management
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Nursing
  • And more

Certificate programs are also provided in:

  • Accounting – a 35-credit program
  • Automotive Technology – a 59 credit program
  • Dental Assisting – a program that includes 44 credits
  • Diesel Mechanics Technology – a 38-credit program
  • Early Childhood Development – a program with 34 credits
  • Practical Nursing – a 44-credit program

Contact Information


10Mise En Place

About the School

Mise En Place is located in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip.

With more than 10 years of experience in creating culinary works of art, Mise En Place helps students turn ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Students enrolled in this program learn essential cooking skills under the direction of an executive chef and some of the area’s finest food and wine specialists.

Some of the school’s classes are online, while others are in-person.

The classes are open for all experience levels, from novices to seasoned home cooks.

Costs are between $25-$150, depending on the class.

Classes are between 2 and 3 hours long.

Courses Offered

The school offers training specific to each season.

Their offer includes classes such as:

  • Winter Soups and Stews
  • Couples in the Kitchen: Gastropub Dinner
  • Dinner With the One You Love
  • Meal Prep
  • Early Spring Vegetarian Dishes
  • And more

Students who attend these classes learn how to prepare a variety of meals, including soups, salads, cupcakes, pies, and many more.

They also learn other useful skills, such as how to properly sharpen a knife, how to saute a chicken breast, and how to tell the difference between cumin and thyme.

Contact Information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants2,330$58,300$28.03$81,020$41,470
Medical Records Specialists1,130$54,000$25.96$69,740$38,750
Nursing Assistants6,580$37,570$18.06$46,260$29,150
Dental Assistants1,550$46,570$22.39$60,390$35,960
Medical Assistants2,560$40,740$19.59$46,350$33,260
Phlebotomists580$43,750$21.04$49,710$37,610
Electricians3,430$58,880$28.31$80,800$37,250
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters1,940$56,840$27.33$73,220$38,810
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics2,800$52,700$25.34$77,170$34,050
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers2,460$56,100$26.97$76,940$38,640
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Richmond, VA metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have read our list, it is time to continue your research and choose the program that best meets your educational needs and professional aspirations.

Before deciding where to apply, make sure the institution you choose is reliable, has the appropriate credentials, and offers a curriculum that covers all the relevant topics.


USA FlagTrade Schools by City in Virginia

See all schools in Virginia >