Trade and vocational schools in Idaho train students for careers in high-demand areas like healthcare, the skilled trades, technology, and legal studies. During a vocational program, students take classes in their field and build practical skills through practicum, lab, or clinical requirements. HVAC technicians, for example, apply their classroom training in hands-on lab work, while dental hygienists complete clinical requirements to strengthen their skills.
Trade schools offer several benefits compared to four-year schools. For example, earning a vocational certificate or degree typically takes 1-2 years, allowing professionals to enter the workforce faster than students in four-year academic programs. Additionally, the employment rate for professionals with an occupational credential exceeds the rate for professionals with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Many trade and vocational schools offer self-paced or accelerated programs to fit the schedule of busy students. Learners seeking flexibility can also attend online vocational programs.
This page introduces the top vocational schools in Idaho to help prospective students find the best program to reach their professional goals. We also cover other important information for students, such as the importance of accreditation, scholarship opportunities, and potential careers and salaries for graduates.
Top 10 Vocational Trade Schools in Idaho
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FAQ
QUESTION
ANSWER
Can trade school credits transfer?
Yes. Credits earned at a vocational or trade school can transfer to other institutions. However, many schools only accept credits from regionally accredited institutions.
What is the difference between trade school and vocational school?
Both trade and vocational schools offer career-focused training. At a trade school, students can earn a certificate or degree in a vocational field.
When can I apply to trade school?
Many trade schools accept applications on a rolling basis and offer multiple start dates throughout the year. Prospective students should research application requirements and deadlines at each potential school.
How long does trade school take?
Earning a vocational certificate or degree generally takes 1-2 years. Some trade schools in Idaho offer accelerated options that take less time.
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Prospective trade school students should always check a school’s accreditation and licensing status before applying. Accredited schools meet the highest standards for granting degrees. To earn accreditation, colleges and universities must undergo a rigorous review process from an independent agency that evaluates the school’s student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission. Accredited schools must regularly repeat the review to maintain their status.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.
In addition to accreditation, colleges and universities must gain approval from the state to grant degrees. The Idaho State Board of Education approves public and private institutions, including trade and vocational schools in Idaho.
Idaho’s vocational and trade schools provide career-ready training for professionals in many areas, including healthcare, legal services, technology, and the skilled trades. By attending a top-ranked trade school in Idaho, students can advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Our list ranks the best vocational schools in Idaho.
Find Vocational and Trade Schools in Idaho
According to the Idaho Department of Labor, 17 of the 20 occupations with the largest amount of vacancies can be filled by trade school graduates. Use the search tool below to find the vocational and trade school programs in Idaho that can help you reach your career goals.
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Trade school graduates can pursue diverse roles, like HVAC technician, dental hygienist, medical assistant, cosmetologist, and pharmacy technician. Because trade schools in Idaho prepare graduates for so many different careers, the salaries for trade school occupations vary widely. However, trade school graduates in many fields earn above-average salaries and enjoy strong projected job growth.
Trade school jobs offer an average salary of $55,000 per year. Personal care and service occupations pay around $32,000 per year, while managerial roles pay an average salary of over $96,000 annually. Healthcare practitioner and technical occupations offer around $55,000 per year and healthcare support occupations offer around $45,000 per year, on average.
Many trade school careers offer strong job growth projections. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects much faster-than-average job growth for HVAC technicians, occupational therapy assistants, and paralegals between 2018 and 2028.
Prospective trade school students can research Idaho salary data to learn more about state wages in their field. For example, in Idaho, dental hygienists earn nearly $76,000 per year, on average, and HVAC technicians make around $44,000 per year. Paralegals in Idaho earn $48,000 per year, on average, while occupational therapy assistants make around $53,000 annually.
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
Trade and vocational schools in Idaho offer certificates and degrees in high-demand fields like construction management, medical assisting, electrical technology, and paralegal studies. Completing a vocational program typically takes 1-2 years and prepares graduates for opportunities in growing areas, including healthcare, technology, and the skilled trades.
This section introduces some popular trade school programs in Idaho. Prospective students can also research vocational programs in other fields.
Construction Management Schools
Construction managers plan and supervise construction projects. Also known as general contractors, they prepare cost estimates and work timetables, supervise workers and subcontractors during
construction, and communicate with clients throughout the construction process. Construction managers must also follow building and safety codes.
Vocational and trade schools in Idaho offer construction management and construction technology programs to prepare students for careers as construction managers. During these programs,
students take courses on topics like construction materials, cost estimation, and building codes. Construction managers
earned a median annual salary of over $95,000 in 2019 and benefit from faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028.
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems. They test systems, repair worn or defective parts, and discuss HVAC systems with customers.
HVAC training programs prepare students for careers as HVAC technicians. Students take courses on topics like HVAC system design, electrical systems, and heating systems. Programs also include
hands-on training to strengthen technical skills. HVAC technicians
earned a median annual salary of nearly $49,000 in 2019 and enjoy much faster-than-average projected job growth.
Some states require a professional license to work as an HVAC technician. In Idaho, the Division of Building Safety
grants HVAC licenses for HVAC apprentices, HVAC journeymen, and HVAC contractors.
Electricians install electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings. They also maintain electrical systems and perform repairs. They must read technical diagrams, use testing
devices to identify electrical problems, and repair wiring or other equipment.
Trade and tech schools in Idaho offer electrician programs, which include coursework in circuitry, electrical installation, and safety practices. Students also learn about electrical code
requirements and electrical theory.
Electricians earned a median annual income of over $56,000 in 2019 and enjoy faster-than-average
projected job growth between 2018 and 2028. Electricians typically need a license to practice. In Idaho, the Division of Building Safety
licenses electricians. The state grants licenses to apprentice electricians, journeyman electricians, master electricians, and electrical contractors.
Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists treat patients. They assist patients with therapeutic activities, teach patients to use special equipment, and report each patient’s
progress to occupational therapists.
Typically, occupational therapy assistants hold an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. During the program, students take courses in anatomy,
rehabilitation therapy, and medical terminology. Programs also incorporate fieldwork where students build practical skills. Occupational therapy assistants earned a median annual pay of over $59,000 in 2019,
with much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028.
In most states, occupational therapy assistants need a license to practice. In Idaho, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
grants licenses to occupational therapy assistants who complete an approved occupational therapy assistant program.
Paralegals support lawyers by conducting legal research, investigating cases, and drafting legal documents. They write reports to help lawyers prepare for trial, arrange evidence for attorney
review, and file briefs and appeals with the court. Paralegals may specialize in an area of law, such as corporate paralegals or litigation paralegals.
A paralegal studies program prepares students for careers as paralegals. During a certificate or degree in paralegal studies, students take courses on topics like legal writing, civil
litigation, and legal research. The BLS reports that paralegals and legal assistants earned a median
annual pay of over $51,000 in 2019, with much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028.
Trade and vocational programs often cost less than four-year academic programs. Most two-year colleges charge lower tuition rates than four-year institutions. In Idaho, public universities cost over $7,000 per year, on average, in tuition and fees, while private universities cost nearly $6,000 per year. In contrast, community colleges cost around $3,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
In addition to choosing an affordable school, students can lower the cost of their education through financial aid. Students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid programs, including loans and grants. Applicants must submit the FAFSA every year to receive federal financial aid.
Scholarships and grants represent one of the best forms of financial aid for college students because, unlike loans, they do not require repayment. The next section introduces scholarship opportunities for students at vocational schools in Idaho.
Scholarship for Trade School Students
Trade school students may qualify for many scholarship opportunities in Idaho. For example, the state offers several scholarships for Idaho college students, including students attending career technical education programs. In addition to the following scholarships, students can research additional opportunities based on their school or field.
Idaho Opportunity Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Offered by the state, this scholarship funds Idaho students with a minimum 2.7 GPA who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must be attending an eligible
college or university in Idaho. Amount: Up to $3,500
Who Can Apply: Idaho students attending an eligible Idaho college or university, including vocational schools in Idaho, as adult learners can apply for this scholarship.
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. Amount: Up to $3,500
Who Can Apply: Students pursuing career technical education at an Idaho school can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be Idaho residents with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
Who Can Apply: The Idaho Community Foundation offers more than 70 scholarships for Idaho students, including students at trade and tech schools in Idaho. Requirements vary by
scholarship. Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: The Pride Foundation offers over 60 scholarships to LGBTQ+ students and allies in the Pacific Northwest, including students at vocational schools in Idaho. Amount: Varies
Idaho Division of Professional-Technical Education
This agency supports the teachers and administrators that provide career and technical education around the state.
Idaho Department of Labor
The Idaho Department of Labor’s website includes information to help those looking for a job, applying for unemployment, or considering for career training.
Idaho Career Atlas
The Idaho Career Atlas uses Idaho labor data to give students and workers a guide to possible careers. It includes data on career paths, salaries, and necessary certificates and licenses.
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