Vocational Trade Schools in New Hampshire

Founded in 1970, Nashua Community College offers more than 50 programs in fields like technology, transportation, and health sciences. NCC offers its 2,300 students state-of-the-art equipment and labs. This, combined with focused, individualized instruction helps make NCC one of the best trade schools in New Hampshire.

Students at NCC can earn a degree in paralegal studies, culinary arts, or automotive technology. The college offers specialized degrees like the Honda automotive technology program. Students can also train in mechanical design technology, precision manufacturing, or aviation technology. In addition to associate programs, the college offers certificates in machine tool technology, collision repair, and aviation technology.

As part of the state's public community college system, NCC participates in the ApprenticeshipNH program, connecting students with paid apprenticeship opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, information technology, and hospitality.

Opened in 1965 at the New Hampshire Technical Institute, NHTI-Concord's Community College offers more than 90 programs. The college's 240-acre campus sits on the Merrimack River, and welcomes more than 4,600 students. NHTI ranks among the top New Hampshire technical colleges thanks to its programs in manufacturing, engineering, and technology.

NHTI's program offerings include advanced manufacturing, electronic engineering technology, manufacturing engineering technology, or mechanical engineering technology. The college also offers programs in dental hygiene, paralegal studies, emergency medicine, and hospitality. At the certificate level, NHTI offers programs in automation, building inspection, medical coding, and orthopaedic technology.

NHTI offers a workforce training program that builds the soft skills required for career advancement. The college also partners with local businesses to create targeted training programs. NHTI supports students through career services like assessments, career advising, and an internship and job posting board.

Founded in 1945, Manchester Community College offers more than 60 degree and certificate options. The school features flexible schedules, an affordable tuition rate, and partners with businesses in the Manchester area to incorporate experiential learning into its programs. These opportunities include paid internships, clinical rotations, and service-learning projects.

At MCC, students can pursue vocational training in automotive technology, construction technologies, or healthcare. The college offers degrees in medical assisting, automotive technology, and electrical technology. Students can also earn a certificate in medical coding, power sports, welding, or robotics. Local internship opportunities include paid internships, clinical rotations, and service-learning projects.

As one of the best vocational schools in New Hampshire, MCC also offers an apprenticeship option through the ApprenticeshipNH program. The program includes training in manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare. MCC operates as an open admission college. Students can work with admissions counselors to complete the enrollment process.

Part of the state's public community college system, White Mountains Community College grants degrees from its campus in Berlin. WMCC offers STEM degrees and certificates for students interested in engineering and technology. Students can also pursue vocational training in the culinary arts, health sciences, and construction fields.

The vocational programs at WMCC train students for specific career paths. WMCC offers vocational degrees in automotive technology and automotive service management. The college also offers degrees in trades management, as well as resort and recreation management. WMCC's vocational certificates include programs in welding, massage therapy, medical coding, baking and pastry arts, and veterinary assisting.

WMCC partners with the Omni Mount Washington Resort to offer a culinary arts apprenticeship program. The three-year program trains future chefs in food operation while earning an associate degree. Apprentices gain on-the-job training in paid roles at the resort during the program.

A public two-year college, Portsmouth-based Great Bay Community College is one of the best trade schools in New Hampshire. At GBCC, students can choose between more than 50 degrees and certificates in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and other high-demand fields.

The vocational degrees at GBCC include programs in nursing, technical studies, and veterinary technology. Students can also earn a degree in surgical technology. GBCC's vocational certificates include advanced composites manufacturing, automotive technology, motorcycle maintenance, and welding.

In addition to its vocational programs, students can enroll in a registered apprenticeship to complete classroom instruction while completing on-the-job training. GBCC's apprenticeship programs range from 1-6 years, and they include programs in transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. GBCC uses an open-access admission policy, meaning the college accepts all students. The college admits new students on a rolling basis.

Dating back to 1866, the University of New Hampshire is the state's flagship public research institution. From its campus in Durham, UNH provides cutting-edge facilities and vocational programs for its 15,000 students. With more than 200 programs, students can find an academic or vocational program to help them reach their career goals at UNH.

The university offers career-focused degrees in applied animal science, civil technology, and the culinary arts. Students can choose an animal agriculture concentration, pursue construction management, or sustainable energy management. The university's certificate programs train students in drone operations, soil science, and stormwater management.

UNH offers an apprenticeship experience for honors students. The program, which includes fellowship funding, supports students while they gain hands-on experience. Prospective students must submit an application, high school transcripts, and a letter of recommendation. UNH makes SAT or ACT scores optional.

Founded in 1968, River Valley Community College offers vocational programs from its campus in Claremont. RVCC reports that around two-thirds of graduates enter the workforce directly after earning their degree, while one-third transfer into a four-year college.

RVCC specializes in allied health and health science, with degrees for occupational therapy assistants, medical laboratory technicians, and physical therapist assistants. Students can also earn a degree in radiologic technology or respiratory therapy at RVCC. In addition to its degree-granting programs, the college offers certificates in healthcare management, healthcare applications, and medical assisting.

RVCC's advising and career center helps students succeed in class and transition to the workforce. The center offers career assessments to help students identify their strengths and professional interests. RVCC also connects students with paid internship and job opportunities.

Part of the state's public university system, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester offers undergraduate programs, including career-oriented associate degrees and certificates. UNH Manchester serves students through experiential learning. The university reports a low student-to-faculty ratio,16 labs and studios, and a high percentage of students who receive financial aid.

UNH Manchester offers more than 50 areas of study in high-demand fields. Students can earn an associate degree in the biological sciences, which blends classroom learning with laboratory training. Graduates from the program enter the workforce in industrial laboratories, clinical laboratories, or biotechnology jobs. The university also offers an associate degree in business administration that prepares students for entry-level job opportunities.

At UNH Manchester, students benefit from career and professional services. These include networking opportunities, career technology tools, and internship opportunities.

A private university, Rindge-based Franklin Pierce University dates back to 1962. The university encourages intellectual curiosity and experiential learning. By incorporating research, internships, and co-ops into its programs, Franklin Pierce builds career-ready skills. At Franklin Pierce, students can earn an associate degree or certificate from one of the top technical schools in New Hampshire.

Their career-oriented associate programs include options in business and criminal justice. The business program grants credit for certifications, professional licenses, and on-the-job training. The criminal justice degree trains students in policing, the courts, and corrections, meeting the educational requirements for several criminal justice careers.

Franklin Pierce also offers an online paralegal studies certificate, which emphasizes the practical skills needed for the legal field. The university supports students through academic assistance and career services.

A small, healthcare-focused school, St. Joseph School of Nursing provides individualized attention and clinical experience. St. Joseph offers an all-inclusive curriculum that does not require prerequisite courses for its degrees. Students can also access school and hospital resources during their study.

A private school associated with a Catholic hospital, St. Joseph offers an associate degree in nursing or medical assisting. The medical assisting program builds clinical skills and knowledge in a team-based learning model. With training in laboratory testing, assisting with outpatient procedures, and medical office administration, the degree leads to opportunities in hospitals and doctor's offices.

Prospective students submit an online application, an essay, and official transcripts. St. Joseph also requires minimum scores on a placement test during the admission process.