Why Choose Trade School?
Vocational schools in Michigan serve thousands of students each year who are seeking a career-focused education. As early as high school, students can pursue a career that combines their talents and passions with industry-specific skills training and education. Trade schools may lead to an associate degree, a diploma, or a certificate.
Michigan trade schools include public schools and private colleges. Trade school programs often offer training for the state's growing industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 74% of graduates from technical and trade school programs find work in their field, compared to 53% of graduates with academic credentials. FIND PROGRAMS By Heather Mullinix Published on July 14, 2020
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Trade school programs include a mix of classroom and experiential training. For instance, learners in occupational therapy assistant programs complete clinical training to build hands-on skills. Michigan offers many resources to help students meet their educational and career goals through the Michigan Talent Investment Agency.
This guide ranks the best vocational schools in Michigan. It also covers other important information for prospective students, such as scholarship opportunities for trade school students and common careers and potential salaries for graduates.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What is the difference between a trade school and a college? | Trade schools provide career-focused training, focusing on the skills necessary for a specific job. Colleges emphasize academic training, which incorporates courses in a variety of disciplines. |
What can you learn at a trade school? | Vocational schools in Michigan offer hundreds of career training opportunities, many of which are aligned with in-demand jobs throughout the state. Trade schools offer training in areas such as allied health, technology, and cosmetology. |
What are examples of vocational jobs? | Examples of vocational jobs include electrician, cosmetologist, occupational therapy assistant, paralegal, and paramedic. |
What are the different types of trade schools? | Michigan's system of community colleges includes 28 schools offering a variety of technical and vocational programs in areas like allied health, technology, and the skilled trades. |
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Prospective students should ensure that any school they attend holds accreditation and state licensure. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to factors like student learning outcomes, academic rigor, and faculty qualifications.
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.
Schools may hold regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions. The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits schools in Michigan. National accreditation applies to for-profit, vocational, and trade schools. National accrediting agencies include the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Council on Occupational Education. Additionally, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission accredits online schools.
All postsecondary educational institutions serving Michigan residents must seek authorization to operate in the state. Michigan participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements program, which offers a uniform set of standards for state authorization.
Vocational Trade Schools in Michigan
With so many vocational schools in Michigan, students may need help selecting the school that best meets their needs. Learners can use the following ranking to help them find programs aligned with their interests and goals.
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Washburn Institute of TechnologyLocation
Topeka, KS
Tuition$5472
Graduation Rate82%
With its newly remodeled automotive lab, the Washburn University Institute of Technology's Auto Service Technician program provides students with both classroom and hands-on learning opportunities as they learn about the maintenance and repair of engines, brakes, transmissions and electrical systems in various types of vehicles. The program can be completed in 2 semesters by full-time students, or in 4 semesters by part-time and high school students. Upon completion, students will earn a 52-credit hour technical certificate and be eligible to pursue an associate or more advanced degree.
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Salina Area Technical CollegeLocation
Salina, KS
Tuition$4531
Graduation Rate77%
Salina Area Technical College's Automotive Technology program prepares students for careers as general mechanics, brake specialists, transmission specialists, specialists in electronic systems and others. Students receive a personal tablet computer upon enrollment, and have the option of earning a technical certificate (53 credits) in 4 semesters or an Associate of Applied Science degree (68 credits) in 5 semesters. In addition to classroom and on-campus shop work, students also work in real-world situations as part of their education. While classes must be attended in-person, free online tutoring is available.
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Central Louisiana Technical Community CollegeLocation
Alexandria, LA
Tuition$3335
Graduation Rate72%
Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CTCC) has anautomotive programthat prepares students to service all types of vehicles upon graduation. This 60-credit program is generally completed in 4 semesters based on a full-time schedule (15 or more hours per semester). Students who complete the entire program earn a technical diploma (the highest credential for the program), and may take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification test. The program itself, as well as all of its instructors, are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
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Arkansas State University-Mountain HomeLocation
Mountain Home, AR
Tuition$2256
Graduation Rate51%
Arkansas State University's automotive program offers 2 options for students to gain entry-level skills as auto mechanics. They can earn a technical certificate in Automotive Systems Repair over the course of 2 semesters and 48 credits, or an Associate of Applied Science in Workforce Technology with an emphasis in automotive systems repair with 1 additional semester and 12 credits. ASU emphasizes hands-on training, and uses a curriculum developed by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) to lead to National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Some core courses may be taken online; however, the majority of students' time is spent in the on-campus shop.
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Lake Area Technical InstituteLocation
Watertown, SD
Tuition$2616
Graduation Rate67%
Lake Area Technical Institute's (LATI) Automotive Technology program emphasizes hands-on training to prepare students for future careers as service technicians, transmission specialists and auto shop managers. This 18-month program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and instructors hold certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Graduates may also go on to complete a Light Duty Diesel Technology program; for this option, students earn their ASE certifications in Automobile and Light Truck over a summer session, or enroll for a third year of study (9 months), culminating in an AAS degree in addition to ASE certification.
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Mitchell Technical InstituteLocation
Mitchell, SD
Tuition$3488
Graduation Rate70%
Mitchell Technical Institute's Diesel Power Technology AAS degree prepares students for careers as mechanics, service technicians or field technicians specifically for machinery in the agriculture industry. Graduates may also work in sales at agricultural power equipment dealerships. Students will learn the fundamentals of power trains, hydraulics, air conditioning and electrical systems, and will participate in an internship to gain hands-on experience. The degree requires 76 credits taken over 5 semesters. Various scholarships are available.
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Brigham Young University-IdahoLocation
Rexburg, ID
Tuition$3920
Graduation Rate53%
Brigham Young University-Idaho's Automotive Technology Program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and offers students several options. On-campus students may obtain bachelor's degrees in either automotive engineering, advanced vehicle systems or automotive technology (requiring 120 credits over 4 years), or obtain an associate degree in automotive technology (64 credits). Students must take at least one course online; those interested in pursuing their studies completely online may choose BYU's Auto Service Technology Certificate. Students in this program learn skills such as diagnosis and repair, maintenance, and automotive operation; credits earned can be applied toward a full automotive degree or translated directly into the workplace as a service adviser or technician. The certificate program is composed of 17 credits, with each course worth 2-3 credits.
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Cabell County Career Technology CenterLocation
Huntington, WV
Tuition$2700
Graduation Rate94%
High school students and adult learners interested in becoming entry-level automotive technicians may apply to the automotive technology program at Cabell County Career Technology Center. High school students spend half a day in class over 2 years, for a total of 1,080 hours, while adults can attend evening classes over 2 years for a total of 1,200 hours. Students spend the majority of their time in the lab. The high school program teaches 4 core courses (Fundamentals of Automotive Technology, Basic Engine Concepts, Brake Systems, and Suspension and Steering Systems); the adult program has additional subject areas. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education with approval by the West Virginia Department of Education, students are able to earn hours to become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). A student services coordinator assists with services such as job shadowing and job placement.
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Alexandria Technical & Community CollegeLocation
Alexandria, MN
Tuition$4768
Graduation Rate64%
The Diesel Mechanics program at Alexandria Technical Community college uses both classroom and lab work to prepare graduates for work on construction and agricultural equipment, as well as truck repair and maintenance. Students can obtain an AAS degree with the completion of 108 credits over 2 years, or the Diesel Mechanics diploma with 99 credits over the course of 2 years. Many scholarships are available to students through ATC's various industry partnerships. Graduates go on to jobs as diesel technicians, fleet mechanics and field service technicians.
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Mesalands Community CollegeLocation
Tucumcari, NM
Tuition$1320
Graduation Rate38%
In Mesalands Community College's Power Technology program, students may earn an Associate of Applied Science in either automotive technology or diesel technology with 61 credit hours, or an applied science certificate in either field with 37 credits. Programs provide students with the fundamentals and knowledge to service and repair vehicles pertaining to their specialization. Certificates can take as little as 6 months to 1 year to complete, while AAS degrees take 2 years or 4 semesters.
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South Seattle CollegeLocation
Seattle, WA
Tuition$3393
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Weber State UniversityLocation
Ogden, UT
Tuition$4611
Graduation Rate50%
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Arkansas Tech UniversityLocation
Russellville, AR
Tuition$5256
Graduation Rate47%
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Northern Michigan UniversityLocation
Marquette, MI
Tuition$9330
Graduation Rate52%
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Ferris State UniversityLocation
Big Rapids, MI
Tuition$11144
Graduation Rate51%
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Cossatot Community College of the University of ArkansasLocation
De Queen, AR
Tuition$2445
Graduation Rate37%
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Pittsburg State UniversityLocation
Pittsburg, KS
Tuition$5396
Graduation Rate51%
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Wisconsin Indianhead Technical CollegeLocation
Shell Lake, WI
Tuition$4171
Graduation Rate59%
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Lakeshore Technical CollegeLocation
Cleveland, WI
Tuition$3910
Graduation Rate58%
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SUNY College of Technology at AlfredLocation
Alfred, NY
Tuition$6470
Graduation Rate56%
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Pickens Technical CollegeLocation
Aurora, CO
Tuition$2280
Graduation Rate79%
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Eastern Arizona CollegeLocation
Thatcher, AZ
Tuition$2400
Graduation Rate31%
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Northeast Community CollegeLocation
Norfolk, NE
Tuition$2700
Graduation Rate48%
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Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell CampusLocation
Roswell, NM
Tuition$1800
Graduation Rate30%
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SUNY College of Technology at DelhiLocation
Delhi, NY
Tuition$6470
Graduation Rate55%
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Athens Technical CollegeLocation
Athens, GA
Tuition$2136
Graduation Rate30%
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Hutchinson Community CollegeLocation
Hutchinson, KS
Tuition$2688
Graduation Rate33%
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North Seattle CollegeLocation
Seattle, WA
Tuition$3393
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Manhattan Area Technical CollegeLocation
Manhattan, KS
Tuition$4290
Graduation Rate53%
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Traviss Technical CollegeLocation
Lakeland, FL
Tuition$2851
Graduation Rate86%
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Southwest Wisconsin Technical CollegeLocation
Fennimore, WI
Tuition$4002
Graduation Rate51%
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H Councill Trenholm State Community CollegeLocation
Montgomery, AL
Tuition$5310
Graduation Rate34%
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Northwest Iowa Community CollegeLocation
Sheldon, IA
Tuition$4710
Graduation Rate56%
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Southside Virginia Community CollegeLocation
Alberta, VA
Tuition$4133
Graduation Rate36%
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Washburn UniversityLocation
Topeka, KS
Tuition$7644
Graduation Rate38%
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Ridge Technical CollegeLocation
Winter Haven, FL
Tuition$3888
Graduation Rate97%
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University of West AlabamaLocation
Livingston, AL
Tuition$7286
Graduation Rate36%
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Williston State CollegeLocation
Fredricksburg, VA
Tuition$3399
Graduation Rate41%
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Idaho State UniversityLocation
Pocatello, ID
Tuition$5243
Graduation Rate36%
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Lake Region State CollegeLocation
Devils Lake, ND
Tuition$3326
Graduation Rate37%
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University of Arkansas-Fort SmithLocation
Fort Smith, AR
Tuition$3840
Graduation Rate31%
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Randolph Community CollegeLocation
Asheboro, NC
Tuition$1824
Graduation Rate25%
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Lurleen B Wallace Community CollegeLocation
Andalusia, AL
Tuition$3510
Graduation Rate27%
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Seward County Community CollegeLocation
Liberal, KS
Tuition$1888
Graduation Rate38%
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Miles Community CollegeLocation
Miles City, MT
Tuition$3720
Graduation Rate42%
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Stanly Community CollegeLocation
Albemarle, NC
Tuition$2432
Graduation Rate29%
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Dodge City Community CollegeLocation
Dodge City, KS
Tuition$1410
Graduation Rate42%
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Moraine Park Technical CollegeLocation
Fond du Lac, WI
Tuition$3965
Graduation Rate46%
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SUNY MorrisvilleLocation
Morrisville, NY
Tuition$6470
Graduation Rate53%
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Garden City Community CollegeLocation
Garden City, KS
Tuition$1824
Graduation Rate31%
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Many in-demand careers offer job satisfaction and above-average earnings without requiring an expensive or time-consuming degree. Professional trade occupations offer a median income of $54,000 and make up more than 545,000 jobs in Michigan, with more than 47,000 job openings each year.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation reports that businesses continue to expand their operations in the state thanks to business-friendly policies and a coordinated talent program developing a skilled workforce. In-demand fields include medical device manufacturing, cybersecurity, healthcare, and composite materials manufacturing. Michigan also remains at the center of global automotive manufacturing and leads the nation in information technology job growth.
Physical therapy assistants and medical sonographers are among the state's fastest-growing careers, with projected growth of 31% and 19%, respectively. With a two-year degree, physical therapy assistants can earn $35,000-$76,000 annually.
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
Trade schools in Michigan prepare graduates for positions in diverse fields, such as healthcare, technology, and the skilled trades. The following sections outline just a few of the many types of trade schools.
Dental Hygienist Schools
Dental hygienists work in dental practices under the supervision of a dentist. They provide hands-on patient care, examining gum health, taking dental x-rays, and cleaning patients' teeth. They also explain procedures and offer educational information on oral health.
Schools may offer an associate degree in dental hygiene. Most programs take two years to complete. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, dental radiography, and dental science. Many programs require clinical practice, placing students in dental offices to observe and provide patient care.
After graduation, dental hygienists must seek licensure from the Michigan Board of Dentistry. The BLS projects jobs for dental hygienists to grow 11% between 2018 and 2028. The BLS also reports a median annual salary of $65,610 for Michigan dental hygienists.
Learn more about accredited dental hygiene programs.
Mechanic Schools
Students seeking a mechanic diploma from a trade school in Michigan can specialize in areas like automotive repair, diesel engine repair, industrial machinery, or aviation maintenance. These programs require 1-2 years of study, depending on the program focus.
Automotive mechanics often work in service departments of dealerships or independent repair shops, repairing and maintaining passenger vehicles. Auto mechanics must obtain certification from the Michigan Secretary of State. The BLS reports that these professionals make an average salary of $43,980.
Diesel engine mechanics specialize in the upkeep repair of commercial trucks and heavy equipment. They may work with commercial fleets, dealers, or specialty repair services. Diesel mechanics make an average salary of $47,650. Aviation mechanics may work for airlines or airport operators. This specialization requires certification by the Federal Aviation Administration. Aviation mechanics make an average salary of $57,410.
Industrial machinery mechanics work in manufacturing facilities, ensuring equipment operates properly. These professionals typically make $19-$30 per hour.
Learn more about accredited mechanic schools.
Paralegal Schools
Paralegals and legal assistants assist attorneys with case management, legal research, and office efficiency. These professionals typically hold an associate degree. Paralegal students take courses in areas like criminal justice, legal research, and legal writing. Students may also take part in hands-on projects or find internships with local law practices.
Michigan does not require licensure for paralegals. Paralegals, however, must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $51,740.
Learn more about accredited paralegal schools.
Radiology Technician Schools
Trained to perform diagnostic imaging tests, radiology technicians may work in hospitals, medical groups, or imaging facilities. These professionals may pursue an associate degree or certificate. Students take classes on topics like patient safety, anatomy, and image evaluation. Instruction includes classroom lectures and clinical training.
Michigan does not require state licensure for radiology technicians, but some specializations require additional training and certification, such as mammography and MRI technology. The BLS projects jobs for radiology technicians to grow 9% between 2018 and 2028.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits radiology technology programs, including radiography, radiation therapy, MRI, and medical dosimetry.
Explore accredited radiology technician schools.
Financial Aid for Trade School Students
Students can access multiple financial aid resources to help pay for their trade school education, such as loans, scholarships, and grants. To qualify for federal financial aid, students must submit the FAFSA every year. However, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid.
The federal Pell Grant program assists students in paying for their postsecondary education, with a maximum award of $6,345 in the 2020-21 school year. This need-based program considers the cost of a student's selected institution, enrollment status, and the expected family contribution.
States, schools, and philanthropic organizations may also use FAFSA information to determine financial awards. Because some programs offer funding on a first-come, first-served basis, students should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.
Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following section outlines several scholarship opportunities for students at vocational schools in Michigan.
Scholarship for Trade School Students
Scholarships may award recipients based on factors like need, academic record, and community involvement. The following list outlines several of many scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Michigan.
Clarence A. 'Buck' Iles Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship goes to graduating high school seniors pursuing postsecondary training in any building trade. Applicants must live in Saginaw County. The Saginaw
Community Foundation manages the scholarship program.
Amount: Varies
Daniel Gerber Sr. Medallion Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Students graduating from qualifying Michigan high schools with a 3.71 GPA or higher may apply for this renewable scholarship program. Selection criteria includes
extracurricular and community activities, leadership, and academic achievement.
Amount: Up to $10,600 over four years
Dallas-Plangetis Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Students from Washtenaw County with Type I diabetes may apply for this scholarship managed by Diabetes Scholars. Students may use their award at trade and
vocational schools. Applicants must submit recommendations from physicians and teachers or counselors.
Amount: $1,000
Kids' Chance of Michigan
Who Can Apply: Children of workers killed or severely injured in workplace accidents may apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be 17-22 years old and enrolled in a
university, college, or vocational school in Michigan.
Amount: Varies
Tiderington Family Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Tiderington family of Saginaw County established this scholarship fund in 1996 for students seeking a vocational career. Applicants must live in Saginaw
County and submit an essay and recommendations.
Amount: Varies