Vocational Trade Schools in New York

Trade schools in New York provide career-focused training for in-demand fields like healthcare, industrial technology, the skilled trades, and legal services. Potential jobs for graduates include medical assistant, electrician, paralegal, and paramedic.

During a vocational program, students take classes in their field and complete clinical or laboratory requirements to build hands-on skills. For example, paramedic studies students apply classroom learning in an ambulance or hospital setting.

Many trade and technical schools offer self-paced or accelerated options to fit the schedule of busy students. Learners can also choose an online vocational program to complete their training in a flexible format.

Many trade and technical schools offer self-paced or accelerated options to fit the schedule of busy students. Learners can also choose an online vocational program to complete their training in a flexible format.

Vocational programs offer several benefits compared to four-year programs. For example, earning a vocational certificate or degree generally takes 1-2 years, meaning vocational students can graduate 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 New York to help prospective students find the right school for their needs. This page also provides career and salary data for trade school occupations, introduces popular vocational programs, and lists scholarship opportunities for trade school students in New York.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Trade schools in New York train students for the workforce through job-focused coursework and hands-on requirements. By attending a top-ranked vocational program, professionals can advance their education and increase their earning potential in just 1-2 years. This section ranks the best vocational schools in New York.

Yes, schools increasingly offer vocational programs online. Students can often complete courses online and meet any experiential learning requirements locally.

Yes, many private foundations, government agencies, and professional associations offer scholarships for trade school students.

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

Many trade schools accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning students can apply at any time. Most trade schools also offer multiple start dates each year.

Prospective trade school students should research a school’s accreditation and licensing status before submitting an application. Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students. Colleges and universities 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, faculty qualifications, and academic mission.

Accreditation benefits students in several important 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.

In New York, schools that offer vocational certificates and degrees may hold regional or national accreditation. Community colleges and four-year universities typically hold regional accreditation. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education grants regional accreditation to schools in New York.

Trade and vocational schools in New York often hold national accreditation from a specialized accrediting agency like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which accredits over 650 trade and technical schools nationwide. Similarly, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission accredits online schools.

In addition to accreditation, postsecondary institutions should hold a license to operate from the state. The New York State Office of Higher Education provides a list of approved schools in the state.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that trade school occupations pay an average wage of $55,000 per year. However, salary varies by factors like industry, experience, and location. For example, in New York, paralegals earn around $58,000 per year, on average, while electricians make $79,500 annually, according to the BLS.

The demand for many trade school occupations continues to grow. For example, the BLS projects much faster-than-average job growth for dental hygienists, paralegals, and HVAC technicians between 2018 and 2028.

Students considering vocational schools in New York can research the earning potential and job growth in their specific field for more information.

Trade school programs blend classroom and hands-on learning to prepare students for specific career paths. Many vocational and trade schools offer programs in high-demand fields like healthcare, the skilled trades, industrial technology, and legal services.

This section introduces popular trade school programs. In addition to the programs below, prospective students can research vocational programs in other areas.

Trade school students can help pay for their vocational training through financial aid opportunities, including loans, grants, and scholarships. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. To determine their eligibility for federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, students must submit the FAFSA every year. However, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid.

Students can also make their education more affordable by choosing an affordable school. In New York, public universities charge nearly $8,000 per year in tuition and fees, on average, while private universities cost around $39,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In contrast, New York community colleges charge around $5,000 per year in tuition and fees.

Many private foundations, government agencies, and professional organizations offer scholarship opportunities to help students pay for vocational training. In addition to the following opportunities, students can research scholarships based on factors like their school or field.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports New York residents attending approved colleges and universities in the state. The tuition assistance program includes income limits.

Amount: Up to $5,165

Who Can Apply: This foundation offers multiple scholarship awards to students living in the Hudson Valley area. Requirements vary depending on the scholarship.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Learners involved in agriculture can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit an essay on the issues facing agriculture in their county.

Amount: $1,000-$1,500

Who Can Apply: Students attending a career or technical program at an accredited, nonprofit school can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate critical financial need.

Amount: $2,500

Who Can Apply: Offered by the Ascend Educational Fund, this scholarship supports immigrant students and children of immigrants who graduated from a high school in New York City.

Amount: Up to $20,000