Find out how long it takes to acquire a trade skill in any of the vocational schools in Texas.
Texas is one of the states with some of the best vocational and technical schools in the United States. You will find several vocational schools across the lone star state and the programs they offer are affordable.
Whether you prefer to pursue a career in dental assisting, construction, medical billing and coding, cosmetology, or information technology, you will find the perfect program at Texas vocational school.
Trade schools in Texas offer short-term certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs that can be completed within two years or less.
Stay with us as we discuss more on vocational in Texas and the programs they offer.
Why Choose a Trade School?
Trade or vocational schools are educational institutions where students acquire first-hand experience in specific skill trades. These institutions prepare students for exciting careers in automotive service technology, information technology, dental assisting, HVAC technology, etc.
In today’s job market, there is a high demand for workers with trade skills. The construction industry needs skilled welders, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and carpenters.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of electrical jobs will increase by 8% between 2019 and 2029. This shows an increase in growth which is faster than the national average for every occupation.
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts excellent growth for occupations such as dental hygienist and veterinary technology.
Vocational schools offer short-term certificates that can be completed within a few weeks and a diploma and associate degree program which takes about a few months or two years.
Students at four-year colleges take general courses, but those in vocational schools are engaged in hands-on training. The courses offered at vocational schools are designed to prepare students to fit into various industries and professions.
These institutions provide the necessary resources and materials for practical work in different fields of study. Those pursuing exciting careers in cosmetology gain first-hand experience by learning in a spa or salon setting.
Besides offering affordable programs, some vocational schools assist students with job placement.
Also Read: 10 Best Trade Schools for Welding in 2024
What Is the Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates?
Generally, the career and salary outlook for graduates with trade skills varies based on a few factors. Getting a high-paying job involves possessing good work experience, job location, and industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a trade occupation is about $55,000. Occupation in personal services pays an annual salary below $33,000 while management pays over $96,000 per year.
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data shows that Texas is a state with an above-average salary for many trade school occupations.
Occupational therapy assistants are among the high earners in Texas. They earn an average annual salary of over $67,000 while paralegals in the Lone Star state earn an average annual salary of over $54,000.
What Is the Cost to Attend Trade Schools in Texas?
Tuition at a four-year college is more expensive than that of a vocational school. Attending a four-year private college or university is quite steep, even in a state like Texas.
It will cost a college student an average of $100,000 to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Texas. Obtaining a degree from a vocational school in Texas costs an average of $33,000 while a diploma costs an average of $16,000.
If you calculate the return on investment (ROI), you will find out it’s better to attend a trade school. Those with a bachelor’s degree only make $30,000 or more per year, but will spend over $70,000 on average.
Let’s not forget student loan debt and the disadvantage that comes with it.
Trade schools in Texas offer affordable programs to students. The cost to obtain a trade school degree in Texas is about $33,000 and you will only spend about $16,000 for a diploma.
Financial Aid for Trade School Students in Texas
As a student, you can pursue financial aid opportunities at trade schools in Texas. All you need to do is to submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal financial aid.
Generally, tuition and fees at public universities in Texas charge cost over 8,500 each academic year, while community colleges in the state charge $2,200 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Scholarships for Trade School Students in Texas
Vocational schools in Texas offer different scholarships to eligible students.
Students can apply for any of these scholarships below provided they are eligible for it.
Amarillo Area Foundation
This scholarship is for trade school students from the Amarillo area.
Texas Education and Training Voucher Program
This scholarship is for foster children attending a post-secondary institution, certificate, and two-year programs.
The Community Foundation of West Texas
Students in the South Plains area are eligible to apply for more than 100 scholarships through the Community Foundation of West Texas.
Stars Scholarship Fund
Stars Scholarship Fund grants awards to both part-time and full-time students seeking a degree at any community college. Students must present an average GPA of 2.7 and must also reside in South or West Texas.
Maximum Independence Scholarship
Those who can apply for this scholarship are students living in North Texas. Applicants must demonstrate at least 15 hours of community service and enrol as first-time students in a trade school or college.
Programs Offered at Trade Schools in Texas
Here are some of the trade programs offered at vocational schools across Texas.
- HVAC Technology
- Auto Mechanic
- Electrical Technology
- Welding
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Healthcare Administration
- Cosmetology
- Pharmacy Technology
- Information Technology
- Massage Therapy
- Business Management
- Accounting
- Human Resources
- Criminal Justice
- CDL Truck Driver
- Cyber-security
- Marketing
- Healthcare Information
What are the Trade Schools in Texas?
Learn a trade skill today through any of the programs offered at these vocational schools in Texas.
#1. Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance has several campuses across the United States. It’s an institution that focuses on career-oriented aviation courses.
Aviation maintenance technology is one of the programs offered at AIM. It provides courses that cover important topics such as federal aviation regulations, airline communications, navigation and aircraft navigation systems, and aviation maintenance technician engineering.
Courses at this institution also cover topics like meteorology and aviation weather services, airline communication, and practical dispatch applications.
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Texas offers a two-day course in unmanned aircraft systems. AIM Texas location also offers an online continuing education certificate in professional aviation maintenance that can be completed within five weeks.
Programs offered at AIM can up to 5 weeks to 26 months depending on a student’s preference. The Aviation Institute of Maintenance charges $448 to $590 per credit depending on the program and location.
#2. Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College is an institution that offers both short-term certificate and associate degree programs in various fields of study. TSTC educate and train thousands of students across its 10 campuses in the state.
TSTC aircraft airframe technology program includes classes in aviation physics, drawings, mathematics, and shop practice. Its computer science program covers classes in programming fundamentals and computer organization.
TSTC dental hygiene programs cover relevant areas such as physiology, preventive dental hygiene care, anatomy, and periodontology. Other programs available at Texas State Technical College include cyber-security, culinary arts, and diesel equipment technology.
Learn a skill today at any of the ten campuses of TSTC. Depending on your program of choice, tuition at TSTC ranges from $210 to $421 per credit.
Also Read: Top 12 Trade Schools in Houston 2024
#3. Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech is another institution with several campuses across the United States. It’s also one of the best vocational schools in New York and Texas.
At Lincoln Tech, students can choose from a variety of diploma and associate degree programs.
Their programs include an Associate Applied Science in automotive service management, which covers areas like engine repairs and performance, drivability diagnostics, and electrical systems.
Lincoln Tech offers a diploma program in welding technology and it covers areas in fabrication processes and welding and cutting fundamentals. A diploma in diesel and truck technology focuses on teaching welding and hydraulics, preventative maintenance, and the basics of heavy-duty drive trains.
Expect to pay a tuition fee of $19,000 to $45,000 depending on your program of choice.
#4. Del Mar College
Del Mar College is one of the top-rated trade schools in Texas. It offers a variety of associate degree programs and certificate options in areas like health sciences, architecture, industrial technology, kinesiology and education, and aviation and automotive.
Programs offered at Del Mar College include a certificate and associate degree program in dental assisting. The curriculum covers areas such as radiology, dental science, and laboratory procedures.
Del Mar College tuition fee ranges from $1,600 to $2,965 per 15-credit semester.
#5. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute offers a variety of diploma programs in business and healthcare. Its medical administrative assisting technology program focuses on teaching financial record maintenance and insurance processing.
This vocational school also offers a dental assisting program that educates students on inventory control, infection control, preventative dentistry, and appointments and scheduling.
Learn the basics in shielded metal arc welding, safe equipment use, and inter-pass temperature control, through the welding program at this institution.
The programs offered at this institution can be completed within months or a year.
#6. Tulsa Welding School
Located in Houston, Texas, Tulsa Welding School is one of the best trade schools in the state. The Houston campus provides both day and evening classes to students.
The welding program offered at Tulsa Welding School covers relevant areas in welding. The welding program requires courses in structure welding, welding fundamentals, and basic pipe welding.
Tulsa Welding School’s refrigeration technology program requires courses in commercial and residential comfort systems, fundamentals of electricity, and advanced troubleshooting techniques.
Also Read: List of Top-Rated Cheapest Universities in Texas for International Students
#7. Universal Tech Institute
With three campuses across the state of Texas, Universal Tech Institute offers hands-on training in diesel mechanics, auto body repair, automotive mechanics, and welding.
The automotive technology program educates students on vehicle brake systems, automotive service writing, and hybrid vehicle system maintenance. The diesel technology program specializes in teaching diesel hydraulics systems, diesel truck manual transmission, and diesel truck transportation.
Welding focuses on engineering and fabrication, gas metal arc welding, and pipe welding.
Depending on your program of choice, tuition ranges from $20,000 to $56,000 per program.
#8. Fortis College
Fortis College is one of the top trade schools in Texas. It offers a variety of diploma programs in the healthcare medical field.
Entry requirements at Fortis College include a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must be at least 17 years or older at the time of starting the program.
Students who want to enrol in any medical technology program at Fortis College must be 18 years or older.
Depending on your program of choice, tuition at Fortis College varies between $15,000 and $31,000. This is what you should expect to pay if you want to pursue a career in medical billing & coding, HVAC and refrigeration, medical assisting, and surgical technology.
#9. Edge Tech Academy
If you want to pursue a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and basic refrigeration, Edge Tech Academy is the perfect place for you.
Edge Tech Academy offers hands-on training on low-voltage electrical wiring and technical customer service.
Take advantage of the four-week commercial driving license training class at Edge Tech Academy and learn all about defensive driving, trip planning, and general maintenance.
Also Read: 20 Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Texas
#10. Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute operates several campuses across the United States. The campuses in Texas offer a wide range of short-term certificate and associate degree programs.
Students at Pima Medical Institute, Texas study to establish exciting careers in radiology, through classes focused on pathology, principles of exposure, and positioning.
Those interested in veterinary technology take classes in lab animal science and exotic medicine, surgical nursing, and large animal nursing, while those who specialize in pharmacy technology take classes in inventory maintenance, pharmacy math, and pharmacology.
Conclusion
Texas is one of the states where trade school graduates are trained and secure jobs in various industries. Some of the highest earners in Texas include occupational therapy assistants and paralegals, according to BLS wage data.
Learn a trade skill at any of these trade schools in Texas.
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