Are you thinking about enrolling in a Florida trade school? You might be shocked to find that trade schools in Florida can help you get a job that pays well and requires a lot of training.
While many undergraduate graduate students with significant debt, Florida trade school graduates frequently begin their careers with little or no debt.
This article combines information on fifteen of the best trade schools in Florida. Each school’s general information is included in the compilation (tuition costs, acceptance rate, program details, etc) to assist you in selecting the best school for your educational needs.
Let’s take a look at some of Florida’s greatest schools!
Looking for a trade school student loan? Check out: 10 Best Student Loans For Trade Schools
Are Trade Schools In Florida Worth It?
Trade schools provide career-focused programs that prepare you for specialized jobs. These programs, often known as vocational or technical schools, prepare you for jobs in fields such as plumbing, auto maintenance and repair, healthcare, and technology.
In addition, a large number of trade schools provide a variety of financial help programs. There are various advantages to attending a trade school. In comparison to four-year programs, Florida trade schools often take only 1-2 years to finish, allowing graduates to enter the job sooner.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, professionals with occupational credentials had a lower unemployment rate than those with academic credentials.
The educational expense also is considerably decreased and made pocket friendly due to the reduced number of years spent in a vocational school. Tuition and other academic exercises are not too expensive in Florida trade schools.
Read also:The Highest Paying Jobs for Trade School Graduates
How Much Does The Best Trade Schools In Florida Cost?
One of the benefits of Florida trade schools, as we’ve covered, is that it’s more economical, which means that you can start your career debt-free.
The average trade schools in Florida have roughly $33,000 in tuition cost. That’s a bargain when compared to a bachelor’s degree. A four-year degree can cost up to $150,000 on average, according to CollegeBoard.
Check out: Highest Paying Trade School Jobs in the World
What Are The Requirements For Getting Into The Best Trade Schools In Florida?
When compared to four-year institutions, Florida trade schools have a simpler admission process. The requirements for trade schools in Florida vary by institution, but they generally follow the same guidelines. They include:
Admissions Criteria
While most trade schools in Florida do not demand essays as part of the application process, applicants must still meet certain requirements. Some Florida trade schools, for example, require high school graduation or a GED certificate. Those who have not completed high school may be required to take a standardized test.
Age Limitations
You will usually meet the age criteria for the best trade schools in Florida if you have completed high school. Candidates must be at least 17 years old to apply to Florida trade schools, though age limits vary by school.
Applicants under the age of 17 may require parental permission to enroll in these trade schools. Candidates as young as 16 and a half years old can sometimes apply if they have a release letter from their high school. Applicants for trades like dental assisting and cosmetology, however, must be at least 17 years old.
Testing Prerequisites
You are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores to Florida trade schools. Students who have not completed high school may be required to take placement exams to enroll in the best trade schools in Florida.
Students with high ACT or SAT scores, on the other hand, may be able to avoid these placement exam requirements. It’s a plus if you’ve taken these tests, but they’re not necessary.
Documents of Importance
Many trade schools allow applicants to submit their applications online. Common prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED Certificate, as well as academic transcripts. While letters of recommendation and SAT/ACT scores are not required by trade schools, they can help applicants stand out.
How To Apply For The Best Trade Schools In Florida
In Florida, the application process for trade schools is relatively straightforward. On their websites, they have a central online application, or you can contact the institution for admissions information. In addition, there are usually no application deadlines. You can apply at any time, but you may need to wait until the start of your desired program before registering.
Additionally, you may be required to interview or talk with an admissions representative after completing the application.
The majorities of the best trade schools in Florida are open enrollment and are not selective. Most schools and programs do not need you to take the SAT/ACT, and you are not required to prepare an essay.
A high school diploma, GED, or state-approved homeschooling are normally required for admission to a technical or vocational school.
See also: 15 Best Trade School Online | Paid and Free
Overview Of The Best Trade Schools In Florida
Florida is well-known for its high-quality higher education. While the Sunshine State is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, it also develops the majority of its industries’ trained workers through a network of dozens of trades and vocational schools.
Below is an overview of the best trade schools in Florida
- #1 Florida State College at Jacksonville
- #2 Indian River State College
- #3 Palm Beach State College
- #4 Miami Dade College
- #5 Gulf Coast State College
- #6 Broward College
- #7 Valencia College
- #8 Seminole State College of Florida
- #9 Tallahassee Community College
- #10 Pasco-Hernando State College
- #11 Manatee Technical College
- #12 Daytona State College
- #13 Northwest Florida State College
- #14 Orange Technical College-Mid Florida Campus
- #15 Santa Fe College
15 Best Trade Schools In Florida in 2024
Here’s a list of the best trade schools in Florida, together with details on the types of programs offered, job prospects for graduates, and resources for locating the proper program.
#1. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College is located in Jacksonville. It was founded in 1966 and enrolls approximately 52,000 students each year. It offers approximately 100 technical certificates and labor certifications, as well as 45 associate degrees. Bachelor’s degrees are also available in 13 subjects. Hybrid and online classes are among the college’s flexible enrollment choices.
Automotive service management technology, aviation maintenance management, and culinary management are all programs for students considering this FSCJ as one of the best trade schools in Florida to attend. Cardiovascular technology, dental hygiene, medical laboratory technology, and radiation treatment are among the college’s allied healthcare disciplines.
FSCJ offers credentials in specialized fields such as chemical laboratory specialists, environmental science technicians, and scientific workplace preparation.
They also offer apprenticeship programs for automotive service mechanics, carpenters, electricians, and HVAC technicians in addition to vocational degrees and certificates. The school is one of the cheapest Florida trade schools, with financial aid available to students.
- Tuition cost: $2,878/year
- Application fee: $25
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#2. Indian River State College
Indian River State College is a public college in Fort Pierce which offers a wide range of vocational degree and certificate programs on its 87-acre main campus and six branch campuses. When it comes to offering students with on-campus and online education, IRSC places a premium on accessibility and affordability.
Building construction technology, culinary management, electronics engineering technology, and electrical power technology are among the associate degrees available. Associate degrees in dental hygiene, radiography, and respiratory care are also available at the college.
Automotive service technology, aviation, medical assisting, phlebotomy, and surgical technology are among the occupational credentials offered by IRSC. Short-term training in firefighting, culinary arts, dental assisting technologies, and pest control operations are also available to students. Apprenticeship programs in aviation, culinary operations, plumbing, welding, and other in-demand fields are also available at the institution.
- Tuition cost: $2,764/year
- Application fee: $0
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#3. Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College, founded in 1933 is located in Lake Worth. It enrolls about 49,000 students each year and is considered one of the best Florida trade schools.
This institution offers associate degrees in ophthalmic medical technology, dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography, and radiography, among other fields. Emergency medical services, electrical power technology, engineering technology, and environmental science technology are among the associate degrees available.
Paramedics, biotechnology laboratory professionals, environmental science technicians, hazardous materials specialists, and mechanics can all get occupational credentials from the college. Students can receive certificates in practical nursing, patient care assisting, medical assisting, surgical technology, and dental assisting in the allied health area.
PBSC also provides apprenticeship programs that combine classroom education with on-the-job training. To complete their course, students work for a private sector sponsor.
- Tuition cost: $2,444/year
- Application fee: $40
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#4. Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is the largest college in Florida trade schools, with over 92,000 students enrolled each year. MDD, one of Florida’s best vocational schools, places a premium on personal attention and community on its eight campuses. Hundreds of vocational certificates and degrees are available at the college.
Culinary arts management, electrical engineering technology, funeral services, and industrial engineering technology are among the associate degrees offered by MDC. Dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography, radiography, veterinary technology, and respiratory care are among the allied health degrees offered by the college.
Transportation, manufacturing, mechatronics, and information technology are among the occupational credentials available to students. MDC also has apprenticeship programs where students are matched with firms that provide paid work experience. According to the college, 94 percent of apprentices keep their jobs after completing the program.
- Tuition cost: $2,838/year
- Application fee: $30
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#5. Gulf Coast State College
Gulf Coast State Institution, a public college in Panama City, is one of the best trade schools in Florida. The university offers cheap associate degrees and technical certificates that are centered on the workforce.
Dental medicine, emergency medical services, and engineering technology are just a few of the professions where students can acquire an associate degree. Culinary management, radiography, veterinary medicine, and surgical services are among the associate degrees offered by the college.
Alternative energy systems, composite fabrication, pneumatics, hydraulics, and motor manufacturing are all fields where students can receive occupational credentials. Certificates in dental assisting, automation, emergency services, and surgical technologies are also available. Gulf Coast offers apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, in addition to occupational certificates and degrees.
- Tuition cost: $2,370/year
- Application fee: $20
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#6. Broward College
Broward College is a public college in Fort Lauderdale that offers associate degrees and vocational certificates in a variety of high-demand disciplines. The college claims to have a track record of providing one-year certifications in current and new industries.
These certifications aid students in building vital skills for an ever-changing workforce, thereby making BC one of the best Florida trade schools.
Broward College provides a variety of associate degrees with an emphasis on specific careers. Associate degrees in marine engineering management, automobile service management technology, vision care technology, and aviation maintenance management are available to students. Radiography, respiratory care, culinary arts management, and paralegal studies are all available at the college.
Medical office management, medical sonography, and radiation treatment are just a few of the healthcare jobs that students can pursue with a vocational degree. Broward College offers vocational credentials in avionics technology, marine technology, and automobile service technology in the technical field. Apprenticeships in a variety of disciplines are also available to students.
- Tuition cost: $2,830/year
- Application fee: $35
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#7. Valencia College
Valencia Institution is a public college founded in 1967 and located in Orlando. The institution provides accelerated skills training and vocational programs that prepare students for employment.
Associate degrees are available in baking and pastry management, electrical engineering, CAD drafting, and fire science technology at the school. There are additional associate degrees in cardiovascular technology, dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography, and medical administration available at the college.
Valencia College offers vocational credentials that educate students for professions in technical fields, healthcare, and skilled trades. Construction technology, emergency medical services technology, radiography, and veterinary technology are among the certificates available.
In addition to technical credentials, the college is among few Florida trade schools that offer apprenticeship training in the culinary arts.
- Tuition cost: $2,474/year
- Application fee: $35
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#8. Seminole State College of Florida
Seminole State College of Florida was founded in 1966 on a former citrus plantation. Today, this trade school has four campuses throughout central Florida and enrolls about 30,000 students each year. It is considered one of the best trade schools in Florida.
The College offers associate degrees and vocational certificates in a variety of fields, including automotive engineering technology, fire service technology, and emergency medical services, among others. They also offer degrees in health services administration, industrial technology administration, and construction administration.
Vocational credentials are available in fields such as automotive services, construction, and allied healthcare. Construction apprenticeships are also available at the college, which gives on-the-job training in commercial electricity, plumbing technology, and fire sprinkler system technology.
- Tuition cost: $3,131/year
- Application fee: $0
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#9. Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee Community Institution is a public college in Florida’s state capital, which was founded in 1966. The institution offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs that prepare students for careers and opportunities.
Engineering technology, building construction management, and pharmacy management are just a few of the associate degrees available at TCC. The college also offers degrees in dental hygiene, radiologic technology, surgical services, and emergency medical services technology to prepare students for professions in healthcare.
Welding technology, machining, industrial machinery repair, and pipefitting are just a few of the occupational credentials available to students. TCC also offers credentials for endoscopy technicians, pharmacy technicians, surgical technology specialists, and paramedics in the healthcare area. There are apprenticeship programs for electricians, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, and plumbers at the college.
- Tuition cost: $2,026/year
- Application fee: $0
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#10. Pasco-Hernando State College
Small class sizes, low tuition rates, and customized attention are all priorities of Pasco-Hernando State College located at New Port Richey.
In over 30 disciplines, the college provides career-focused training, and programs like Engineering technology, industrial management technology, and aircraft maintenance administration are among the associate degrees available. Emergency medical services, radiography, and nursing are among the allied health degrees offered by the college.
Students can earn vocational credentials at PHSC in subjects like welding, phlebotomy, emergency services, and surgical technology. Internships, service learning, and extended volunteer opportunities are all ways the college incorporates experiential learning into its curricula. Their apprenticeships also allow students to gain practical experience.
All high school graduates and GED diploma recipients are welcome at the PHSC, which has an open-door policy. PHSC provides online education in addition to on-campus programs to accommodate busy students’ schedules.
- Tuition cost: $3,155/year
- Application fee: $25
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#11. Manatee Technical College
Manatee Technical College is located near Sarasota Bay, Bradenton. The college provides over 50 career preparation programs. Health science, construction services, transportation, manufacturing, and information technology are among the college’s vocational possibilities.
Medical assisting, dental assisting technology, and medical laboratory assisting are also among the healthcare programs offered by the college.
The college’s specialized healthcare programs can help students prepare for professions such as optometric assistants, patient care technicians, and pharmacy technicians.
Students can receive certificates in baking and pastry arts or food service in the culinary arts. The college also provides apprenticeship programs in collaboration with local businesses, preparing students to enter the workforce directly following graduation like most Florida trade schools.
- Tuition cost: $4,481/year
- Application fee: $30
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#12. Daytona State College
Daytona State Institution is a public college in Daytona Beach, founded in 1957. The school now has over 100 degree and certificate programs to choose from, including vocational programs which prepare students for professions in engineering, technology, business, healthcare, and other rapidly expanding industries.
Emergency medical services, electrical engineering technology, and environmental science technology are among the associate degrees offered by Daytona State. Hospitality management, industrial management technology, and culinary management are all options available for students.
Apprenticeship programs for aspiring electricians, plumbers, and pipefitters are also available at Daytona State. These programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job experience. The college has an open-door policy, which means that any student with a high school diploma or its equivalent is welcome to apply.
- Tuition cost: $3,106/year
- Application fee: $0
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#13. Northwest Florida State College
Northwest Florida State College is located in Niceville and was founded in 1963. The trade school offers certificates and degrees from its campus in the Florida panhandle. They also offer a variety of vocational programs with a focus on marketable skills that are tailored to the needs of the local workforce.
An associate degree in engineering technology with specializations in digital manufacturing and electronics is available to students. Nursing, radiography, and dental assisting are among the allied health occupations for which the college offers degrees and certificates.
Apprenticeships at the institution combine classroom education with on-the-job training. Apprenticeships such as hospitality, machining, construction, and plumbing are available to students. Northwest Florida State College also provides online courses like most Florida trade schools to accommodate busy students’ schedules.
- Tuition cost: $3,133/year
- Application fee: $0
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#14. Orange Technical College-Mid Florida Campus
Orange Technical College-Mid Florida is one of the best trade schools in Florida with a 106-acre campus in Orange County, Orlando. The institution offers vocational programs and apprenticeship training. They also have animation, programming, and design training centers to help students get ready for jobs in Orlando’s $5 billion industry.
Electronic system integration, lodge operations, machining technologies, and welding technology are among the vocational credentials made available to students. The college also provides automotive studies with specializations in accident repair, service repair, and diesel systems.
Apprenticeship programs at the college combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training in a real-world setting. The apprentices are paid by their employers while participating in free training and can become journeymen in the skilled trades after finishing the curriculum.
- Tuition cost: $3,658/year
- Application fee: $40
- Acceptance rate: 100%
#15. Santa Fe College
Santa Fe is a public college in Gainesville, founded in 1965 and currently, enrolls roughly 18,000 students yearly. Through its practical programs, the college stresses educational opportunity and economic development.
Over 90% of career and technical students either enter the workforce or pursue a higher degree after graduation, according to the college. Chemical technology, biotechnology lab technology, and biomedical equipment are all fields where students can acquire associate degrees. Diagnostic medical sonography, dental hygiene, emergency medical services, and radiography are among the other degrees offered by the college.
Automotive service technology, applied welding technology, and surgical technology are all alternatives for vocational credentials. They also offer apprenticeship programs for carpenters and electrical construction professionals.
- Tuition cost: $2,563/year
- Application fee: $0
- Acceptance rate: 100%
What Are The Highest Paying Trade School Jobs In Florida?
There are a handful of skilled craft jobs in Florida that are both in high demand and pay a median wage of more than $50,000. Most of these jobs don’t require a four-year college degree.
Below is a table of some of the highest-paying trade school jobs in Florida and their salary rate:
| Jobs | Salaries |
| Plumber | $56,117 |
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | $55,452 |
| Electrician | $56,763 |
| Dental Hygienist | $77,306 |
| MRI Tech | $74,655 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $58,469 |
| Medical Sonographer | $62,923 |
| Radiology Tech | $61,910 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $62,844 |
| Electronics Technician | $67,439 |
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Nail technicians, airplane mechanics, network administrators, and occupational therapy assistants are just a few of the jobs available to trade school graduates in Florida. Salary levels for trade school graduates vary greatly due to the wide range of positions available. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), trade school jobs pay roughly $55,000 per year on average.
Healthcare support jobs pay $45,000 per year on average, whereas personal care and service occupations pay $32,000 per year. Managerial positions, on the other hand, pay an average of nearly $96,000 per year.
Many trade school occupations have above-average possibilities for advancement. HVAC technicians, paralegals, and occupational therapy assistants, for example, are expected to see substantially faster-than-average job growth between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS.
FAQs On The Best Trade Schools In Florida
The price of trade schools in Florida is mostly determined by the program you select but the average cost of a Florida trade school is $33,000.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Florida has around 300 trade and vocational schools.
Technology, construction, healthcare, cosmetology, welding, and other trade school disciplines are common in Florida.
Trade schools have a less stringent admissions process than four-year colleges and universities. Extracurricular activities, grades, and test scores may not be as important as dedication and passion. Although some schools may need students to have work experience, Florida trade schools’ standards are often less stringent.
For less money than a four-year college, the best trade schools in Florida can give a faster road to a well-paying and happy profession. Whether you should attend a trade school or college is primarily determined by your job goals. Many trades also demand people to continue training on the job and gain professional qualifications to grow.
The most essential benefits of a trade school are its return on investment and hands-on training. To obtain hands-on experience, students complete classroom lessons whether online or in-person as well as job opportunities with local businesses and organizations. Cosmetology students, for example, receive hands-on training in operating salons, while electricians frequently complete apprenticeships at local businesses. These types of experiences frequently lead to future job chances.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct trade school could be the next step toward achieving your career objectives. Florida trade schools provide high-quality education in a variety of professions. Various colleges can help you establish a successful career, whether you want to be a medical assistant, a bartender, or a skilled welder.
With so many possibilities available, you must properly investigate your options before making a decision. Many elements may impact your decision, like costs, timetable, location, duration, and so on but remember to evaluate the completion rate, job placement rate, and school accreditation as well.
References
- Bestcolleges.com – Trade School Application Guide
- Skillpointe.com – The 24 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs — No Bachelor’s Degree Required
- Accreditedschoolsonline.org – Vocational Trade Schools in Florida
- Onlytradeschools.com -Best Trade Schools In Florida
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