Overview

Not every lucrative career requires a full university education or four-year degree—and with the rising cost of education, you shouldn’t have to pay for what you don’t need. Additionally, many professions are paying less attention to that bachelor’s degree; depending on the profession, sometimes an associates degree or certificate of completion carries as much weight as a four-year degree. This is why vocational schools are getting so popular these days. Rather than focus on all the additional academics, these schools now offer focused career training in your field of interest, without all the extra classes and expense.

As a student at a trade or vocational school, you’ll focus your attention on the career path you’ve chosen, learning at an accelerated pace. You can usually choose from a wide range of careers, from court reporting to nursing to graphic arts, and tuition is usually much lower than at a four-year school. Best of all, within one to two years, you’ll be ready for an entry-level position in your chosen profession with a certificate, diploma or an associates degree.

Find Trade / Vocational Schools Near You!

School Website Length to Graduate: 9 Months Location: AK-Anchorage, CA-Canyon Country, AK-Wasilla, CA-Lancaster, CA-Long Beach, CA-Oxnard, WA-Bellingham, WA-Pasco, WA-Vancouver, Online Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

Charter College is a private, independent institution of higher education that follows a dramatically new direction. Charter is neither a liberal arts college, a university, nor a vocational school.  Instead, Charter College borrows certain elements from each of those respected educational institutions to create a unique and innovative experience for our students.

We offer career-focused education in the growing fields of Health Care, Business, Criminal Justice and Information Technology and strive to provide our students, both young and old, with an education that’s both relevant in today’s workspace and cutting-edge in technology and focus Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 15 Months Location: AL-Birmingham, AL-Huntsville, AL-Montgomery, MS-Biloxi, GA-Augusta, SC-Charleston, FL-Jacksonville, SC-Greenville, Online Students per Class: 11-20 Tuition to Graduate: $22,600 Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

The Virginia College Therapeutic Massage program requires completion of 96 credits. Four in a foundation class, which prepares students for their educational experience, sixteen credits in general education requirements, and 76 in specific massage related areas.

In addition, students will study Swedish massage, Deep tissue massage, Therapeutic massage, Eastern massage techniques, Special population massage and Massage business principles, law, and ethics. Students receive an all-encompassing education in the aspects of the massage therapy business.

ADVANTAGES

Students of the Therapeutic Massage program focus on areas such as Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Medical terminology, Medical law, Pathophysiology, Nutrition and health science and Introduction to massage. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 9 Months Location: AL-Birmingham, AL-Jacksonville Students per Class: 11-20 Tuition to Graduate: $20,854

DESCRIPTION

The Culinard is a private institute that is affiliated with the Culinary Institute of Virginia College. As part of their mission statement they say, “a place where students seek not to simply develop a taste for the finest cuisine, but a taste for success.”

The school has a team of dedicated faculty, led by Dean of Culinard Antony Osborne and includes a collection of professionals to offer you one of the most comprehensive culinary instruction and training programs available. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 50 Weeks Location: AL-Mobile, FL-Jacksonville, FL-Pensacola Students per Class: 11-20 Tuition to Graduate: $16,549 Subject: Cosmetology

DESCRIPTION

The Cosmetology Program prepares the student to become a professional cosmetologist, capable of pursuing a career as a cosmetology professional, working in a variety of styling salon environments or operating a private cosmetology business.

Students learn cosmetology by studying and practicing techniques in a wide range of cosmetology modalities, including haircutting, creative hair styling, coloring, modern nail technology, skin care, chemistry, facials, and salon management.

ADVANTAGES

Fortis maintains and operates a Career Services Center to assist graduates in gaining employment. Fortis provides placement assistance to its graduates at no additional charges. Graduate candidates get the opportunity to meet with the Director of Career Services during their last semester to discuss services available in their individual job search. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 18 Months Location: AL-Mobile, FL-Tampa, LA-Baton Rouge, LA-Lafayette, OH-Cleveland, SC-Columbia, TN-Memphis, TN-Nashville, TX-Houston, TX-Garland, TX-Webster Students per Class: 11-20 Subject: Cosmetology

DESCRIPTION

You can help others achieve the flawless, put together look they desire with help from the Cosmetology Diploma program at Remington College. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 36 Hours Location: AR-Little Rock Students per Class: 1-10 Tuition to Graduate: $500

DESCRIPTION

The Bartending School began operation in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1990. Since then we have trained thousands of bartenders and developed a reputation for providing capable and well-prepared employees for the rapidly growing beverage industry.

At The Bartending School in Little Rock, students learn the complete art and business of bartending including: traditional and modern drink recipes, electronic and computerized cash register operation, opening, closing and inventory procedures, laws pertaining to bar operations in Arkansas as well as the hands-on business of mixing and serving cocktails. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 9 Months Location: AZ-Mesa, NM-Albuquerque Students per Class: 21-30 Tuition to Graduate: $11,800 Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

As a student in the Massage Therapist program at Pima, you’ll learn how to perform therapeutic massage techniques for preventive maintenance, recovery from injury, stress management, relaxation and general wellness.

Pima’s massage therapist classes teach techniques in Swedish massage; condition-specific massage, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain and headaches; Asian theory and body work; spa technologies; massage for special populations, including elderly, athletes and pregnant women; and sports-injury management. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 40 Hours Location: AZ-Phoenix Students per Class: 1-10 Tuition to Graduate: $399

DESCRIPTION

As a student at our Phoenix and Tempe bartending school you will learn over 150 drinks in an actual bar environment with hands on training, mixing and pouring from day one!

Customer service skills, State Alcohol Awareness Certification (Responsible Bartending), are also included. Our Lifetime Job Placement Assistance, and Free Class Refreshers are unique in the education/training field.

ADVANTAGES

A diploma from our school will give you the advantage to pick and choose your work environment. Our class gives you the availability to learn at your own pace in just 40 hours. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 12-22 Months Location: AZ-Phoenix Students per Class: 21-30 Tuition to Graduate: $291 Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

Established in 1964, The Bryman School is committed to both students and the health care community. The success of Bryman is built upon a foundation of excellence in curriculum, staffing and equipment.

By offering highly focused course work and small classes the school believes that it is preparing students for success and meeting the needs of the health care industry. Bryman is committed to a “hands-on” approach that provides graduates with the knowledge and expertise that make them qualified for positions in a rapidly growing industry. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 32 Weeks Location: AZ-Phoenix, AZ-Tempe, AZ-Tucson Students per Class: 1-10 Tuition to Graduate: $14,000 Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

If you have a strong interest in natural health and want to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in this fulfilling industry, the Massage Therapy Diploma program from Brookline College could be the perfect choice for you.

You can learn the ins and outs of a variety of massage techniques used to help in rehabilitating injuries, reducing stress, and increasing relaxation. Brookline College can also provide you with a solid background in health and wellness, anatomy, physiology, and much more. In addition, a 160-hour practicum component can allow you to gain valuable, real-world experience. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 48 Weeks Location: AZ-Phoenix, AZ-Tempe, AZ-Tucson, ID-Boise, NM-Albuquerque, WA-Spokane Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

You can prepare for a career in the rewarding and fulfilling natural health industry with help from the Massage Therapy program at Carrington College.

The comprehensive curriculum uses a combination of Swedish and other manual massage techniques, as well as energetic therapies and other bodywork methods. Carrington College will also teach you the ins and outs of human anatomy, physiology, massage therapy ethics, and effective communication.

ADVANTAGES

Our Career Services department can offer you the assistance you need to evaluate your options and the guidance you deserve to apply for a position that matches your interests and expertise. These services are available to all Carrington College graduates at no charge and include job search training, resume writing and interview preparation. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 7-12 Months Location: AZ-Phoenix, AZ-Tempe, NV-Las Vegas, UT-Salt Lake City, UT-Utah Valley, CO-Westminster, CO-Aurora Students per Class: 30+ Tuition to Graduate: $12,640 Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

With over 18 years of experience training massage therapists; Arizona School of Massage Therapy (ASMT) is a great place to begin your career in massage therapy. Founding and managed by professional massage therapists, ASMT is focused on providing hands-on, career-based education to prospective massage therapists. Having graduated over 1,800 students in 2004, Arizona School of Massage Therapy was able to place 97% of them in massage-related work fields.

And that’s just the beginning! ASMT is an educational institution with a singular focus…to train and place qualified massage therapists. The school realizes that its reputation is determined by the success and reputations of graduates from ASMT. And if you make a decision to attend ASMT and work hard you could begin your career in as little as seven months. Read More...

School Website Location: AZ-Prescott, AZ-Sedona Students per Class: 30+ Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

NAMTI is a Northern Arizona massage school that offers a variety of comprehensive therapeutic massage and bodywork programs encompassing the best of the Eastern and Western healing modalities of the world. It is our belief that by providing students with a strong scientific background, coupled with the holistic studies of the East, an ultimate level of competence as a therapist can be achieved! We have offered these exceptional programs since 2000 in beautiful Northern Arizona, with campus locations now in both Sedona and Prescott. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 9 Months Location: AZ-Scottsdale Students per Class: 11-20 Tuition to Graduate: $27,820 Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

Arizona Culinary Institute’s program was designed to make sensible and efficient use of your time and resources. Students are able to complete our program and earn their diplomas in as little as 9 months.

Our program begins with 6 weeks dedicated to learning the “Basics,” which allows you to begin or enhance your career right away. You will never grasp these basic skills in a classroom, however, so be prepared to start cooking in our professional kitchens right away!

ADVANTAGES

We offer all ACI students employment assistance while they are in school, upon graduation and throughout their career. The career placement of our students into rewarding and satisfying employment is one of our primary missions. Read More...

School Website Length to Graduate: 46.5 Hours Location: AZ-Scottsdale, AZ-Tucson, FL-Tampa Bay, IL-Chicago, IL-Crystal Lake, IL-Woodbridge, MA-Boston, NJ-Wall, PA-King of Prussia, WA-Seattle Students per Class: 30+ Tuition to Graduate: $11,965 Subject: Therapeutic Massage

DESCRIPTION

With a focus on the client, students extensively study theory, communication, and ethical concerns within the profession of massage therapy.

Students learn from a variety of methods, such as direct instruction and hands-on practice and focus not only on the physical task but also the scientific principals behind each technique. Upon completion, students will be able to sit for the National Certification Exam and will be qualified to work within the health care community as a massage therapist.

ADVANTAGES

Cortiva faculty members are exceptional teachers; lead instructors are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and have an average of five years teaching experience. They are also professionals in the massage therapy field. Read More...