Vocational Trade Schools in Nevada

A technical education is a great way to open up a new pathway in your career. Nevada contains trade schools that offer a variety of programs in a range of industries.
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Updated July 26, 2023

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Why Choose Trade School?

Trade schools in Nevada offer career-focused training in high-demand fields like healthcare, the skilled trades, and legal services. Graduates can pursue jobs like medical assistant, mechanic, electrician, paralegal, and physical therapy assistant.

Vocational programs typically include classroom and experiential learning requirements. Paramedic studies students, for example, practice lifesaving skills in an ambulance or hospital setting, while electricians gain hands-on skills through laboratory and practicum requirements. Many vocational programs offer self-paced and accelerated options designed for busy students. Learners can also choose an online vocational program to maximize flexibility.

Vocational programs offer several benefits over four-year programs. For example, earning a vocational certificate or degree generally takes 1-2 years, allowing students to complete their program and enter the workforce faster than students in four-year programs. Professionals with an occupational credential also benefit from a higher employment rate than those with an academic credential, according to 2009 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Our list ranks the best vocational schools in Nevada to help prospective students find the right fit for their needs. This page also introduces career and salary data for trade school occupations, requirements for popular vocational careers, and scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Nevada.

FAQ

What do trade schools offer?

Trade schools offer job training in high-demand areas like allied healthcare, the skilled trades, and legal services. They also train professionals in areas such as beauty services, emergency services, and food service.

How much does a trade school cost?

The cost of trade school varies depending on the school and program. However, Nevada community colleges charge around $3,000 per year, on average, in tuition and fees.

What is the difference between a trade school and a college?

Trade schools provide job-oriented training that blends classroom and experiential learning, while colleges focus on academic training in a variety of disciplines. However, many colleges also offer vocational programs.

Can trade school credits transfer?

Yes, credits earned at a trade school can often transfer to other institutions. In general, credits earned from a regionally accredited institution are most likely to transfer.

Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools

Prospective students should always check a school's accreditation and licensing status before submitting an application. Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students. Schools must undergo a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency to earn accreditation. During the review, the accrediting agency evaluates the school's student learning outcomes, academic mission, and faculty qualifications.

Students benefit from accreditation in several ways. For example, 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. In general, community colleges and four-year universities hold regional accreditation. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities regionally accredits schools in Nevada.

Trade and vocational schools in Nevada often pursue national accreditation from a specialized agency like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which accredits over 650 trade and technical schools nationwide. Other accrediting agencies include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which awards accreditation to online schools.

Postsecondary schools in Nevada also need a license to operate. The Nevada System of Higher Education lists approved schools in the state.

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Vocational Trade Schools in Nevada

Trade schools in Nevada train students for careers in healthcare, the skilled trades, and other in-demand fields. By choosing a top-ranked vocational program, professionals can advance their education and increase their earning potential in just 1-2 years. The following list ranks the best vocational schools in Nevada.

Find Vocational and Trade Schools in Nevada

Students in Nevada can pursue vocational and trade education during both their secondary and postsecondary studies. For instance, secondary students can attend high schools with career and technical education programs, while postsecondary students can find vocational programs through the state's community colleges. Students can use the following tool to find trade and vocational schools in Nevada.

Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates

Trade school graduates can work in high-demand fields. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects much faster-than-average job growth for dental hygienists, HVAC technicians, and paralegals between 2018 and 2028.

Overall, trade school occupations pay around $55,000 per year, on average. However, salaries vary by factors like education, experience, and industry. For example, personal care and food service careers tend to pay below-average salaries, while management occupations pay over $96,000 per year, on average, according to the BLS.

Location also impacts potential salaries. For example, dental hygienists in Nevada earn over $85,500 per year, on average, while electricians earn nearly $65,000 per year, according to the BLS.

Prospective students considering trade schools in Nevada can research the earning potential and growth in their specific field to learn more.

What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?

Vocational training prepares students for careers in areas like allied health, the skilled trades, and technology. This section introduces several popular trade school programs in Nevada. In addition to these options, prospective students can research vocational programs in other areas.

Dental Hygienist Schools

Dental hygienists work under the supervision of dentists, conducting oral examinations and educating patients about oral health. They remove tartar and plaque from teeth, apply protective treatments, and take dental X-rays. Dental hygienists also report their findings to dentists and document patient treatment plans.

An associate degree is the minimum education requirement for dental hygienist jobs. During an associate program, students take classes in areas like anatomy, oral hygiene, and periodontics. Programs also incorporate clinical training to build students' patient care skills.

After earning a degree, dental hygienists must apply for a license. In Nevada, the Board of Dental Examiners licenses dental hygienists. The BLS reports that dental hygienists earned a median annual pay of over $76,000 in 2019, with much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028.

Learn more about dental hygienist programs.

Mechanic Schools

Mechanics, also known as automotive service technicians, conduct repairs and perform inspections on vehicles. They identify problems, repair or replace parts, and explain automotive repairs to clients. Mechanics also perform maintenance to keep cars and trucks running smoothly.

A certificate or degree in automotive service technology prepares graduates for careers as a mechanic. Many schools offer specialized training in areas like engine repair, diesel engines, and brake systems. In addition to coursework, students complete hands-on training as part of their program.

Mechanics can pursue professional certification from an organization like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence to demonstrate their skills. In 2019, mechanics earned a median annual salary of $42,000.

Learn more about mechanic programs.

Paralegal Schools

Paralegals assist attorneys by conducting legal research and drafting documents like contracts. They also take affidavits from witnesses, file briefs and appeals with the court, and help lawyers during trials. Paralegals may specialize in an area like corporate law or litigation.

Vocational schools in Nevada offer paralegal studies degree and certificate programs to train paralegals. During these programs, students take classes in areas like contract law, legal writing, corporate law, and legal research. Paralegals do not need a license to practice, but some paralegals pursue professional certification to demonstrate their skills.

The BLS reports that paralegals earned a median annual income of $51,740 in 2019, with much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028.

Learn more about paralegal studies programs.

Radiology Technician Schools

Radiology technicians, also called radiographers, use medical equipment to take diagnostic images like X-rays. They position patients for imaging, operate diagnostic imaging equipment, and evaluate image quality. Radiology technicians must follow safety procedures to protect patients.

Most radiology technicians hold an associate degree. During an associate program, students take courses on topics like radiation physics, patient care, anatomy, and image evaluation. Students also complete clinical training to build their skills. After completing a degree, most professionals pursue certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

In every state, radiology technicians need a license. In Nevada, the Department of Health and Human Services licenses professionals who work with radiation-producing machines. According to the BLS, radiology technicians earned a median annual salary of $62,280 in 2019, with faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028.

Learn more about radiology technician programs.

Financial Aid for Trade School Students

Trade school students can use loans, grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to help pay for their education. Students can apply for federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, by submitting the FAFSA. However, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid.

Students can also lower the cost of their vocational training by choosing an affordable school. In Nevada, public universities cost nearly $6,000 per year, on average, while private universities charge more than $23,000 per year. In contrast, Nevada community colleges charge an average of $3,000 per year in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Scholarship for Trade School Students

Many private foundations, government agencies, and professional associations offer scholarships for students attending trade and tech schools in Nevada. In addition to the scholarships listed below, Nevada trade school students can research opportunities based on factors like their school or field of study.

Nevada Promise Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports students attending a Nevada community college. Applicants must live in Nevada and hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. Recipients can use the award to earn a certificate or associate degree.
Amount: Covers tuition and fees

Apply for Scholarship

Otto A. Huth Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports former foster youths attending postsecondary institutions. Applicants must attend a school in Nevada and demonstrate a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Amount: Varies

Apply for Scholarship

Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships

Who Can Apply: The Horatio Alger Foundation awards scholarships to students attending eligible programs, including career and technical programs at accredited postsecondary institutions. Recipients must demonstrate financial need.
Amount: Up to $2,500

Apply for Scholarship

Regents' Scholar Award

Who Can Apply: Nevada awards the Regents' Scholar Award to one student at each of Nevada's community colleges, state colleges, and universities every year. Recipients must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership ability, and service contributions.
Amount: $5,000

Apply for Scholarship

Public Education Foundation Scholarships

Who Can Apply: The Public Education Foundation administers over 370 scholarships primarily for students living in Nevada. Requirements vary depending on the scholarship.
Amount: Varies

Apply for Scholarship

Additional Education and Career Resources

Clark County School District - Magnet Schools and Career Academies

Information source for secondary students interested in CTE in southern Nevada.

Nevada Association for Career and Technical Education

An association of members of Nevada's education, business, industry, government and other sectors who are interested in promoting and supporting CTE in Nevada. Provides information on advocacy and CTE-related news and events.

Nevada Workforce Informer

Economic data and analysis for Nevada. Includes employment projections, wage information, labor market information and press releases.

Washoe County School District – Signature Academies and Career and Technical Education

Information source for secondary students interested in CTE in northern Nevada.

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