Mobile Trade Schools

Healthcare Programs dominate enrollment across Mobile’s trade schools. Nursing, medical assisting, dental programs, and pharmacy technician training consistently attract the highest student numbers.

Bishop State Community College offers comprehensive healthcare training including LPN, RN, and Physical Therapy Assistant programs, while FORTIS College and Remington College provide extensive medical specializations.

HVAC Training represents a rapidly growing sector in Mobile. Champion Technician Institute specializes exclusively in HVAC training with an impressive 100% job placement guarantee, while other schools offer HVAC as part of broader skilled trades programs.

Skilled Trades remain in high demand, with programs in welding, electrical, automotive technology, and diesel mechanics. Bishop State leads this category with comprehensive offerings including lineworker training and machine tool technology.

Business and Technology Programs attract students seeking office-based careers, with accounting, business administration, and computer systems training available across multiple institutions.

Average Cost of Trade School Programs

Mobile trade school tuition varies significantly by program type and institution:

Most Affordable Programs:

Mid-Range Programs:

  • Champion Technician Institute In-Person HVAC: $6,800
  • Bishop State (out-of-state): ~$8,000/year
  • Remington College diplomas: $6,800-$21,000/year

Higher-Cost Programs:

  • FORTIS College average: $15,000/year
  • Remington College Associate degrees: $23,000-$34,500/year
  • Remington College Bachelor’s degrees: $21,000-$34,000/year

Community colleges like Bishop State offer exceptional value, while specialized schools provide focused training at competitive rates.

Shortest Trade School Programs

Mobile offers several ultra-fast training options for rapid career entry:

Ultra-Fast Programs (6 weeks or less):

  • Champion Technician Institute HVAC: 6 weeks
  • Champion Technician Institute Online Fast Track: 6 weeks

Short-Term Programs (under 1 year):

  • Bishop State certificates: varies by program
  • FORTIS College certificates: varies by specialization
  • Remington College diplomas: 6-18 months

Medium-Length Programs (1-2 years):

  • Bishop State Associate degrees: typically 2 years
  • FORTIS College Associate degrees: 18-24 months
  • Remington College Associate degrees: 2 years

Average Program Duration

Mobile trade school programs typically fall into these timeframes:

  • Certificate Programs: 6 weeks to 1 year
  • Diploma Programs: 6 months to 2 years
  • Associate Degrees: 18-24 months
  • Bachelor’s Degrees: 3-4 years

Healthcare programs generally require 12-24 months, while skilled trades vary from 6 weeks to 18 months depending on specialization depth.

List of Trade Schools in Mobile

Here are all the options to choose from in Mobile and the surrounding area.

Bishop State Community College

Rating: 3.8 of 5

Bishop State Community College, part of the Alabama Community College System, serves around 4,000 students each semester and is known for its strong community engagement and partnerships with local businesses to ensure relevant educational programs. The college offers a range of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates with flexible scheduling options, including online and hybrid classes. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Bishop State maintains high standards of education. The college operates with an open admissions policy, making higher education accessible to a diverse student population. Tuition is affordable, with in-state students paying about $4,000 annually and out-of-state students around $8,000.

  • 351 N Broad St Mobile, AL 36603

Bryant Career Technical Center

Rating: 5.0 of 5

Bryant Career Technical Center, part of the Mobile County Public School System, has been providing specialized career training since 1975. The center offers programs in fields such as Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Health Science Technology, Welding, and more, equipping students with industry-relevant skills and certifications. Classes are held during regular school hours, focusing on in-person, hands-on training with no evening or online options available. The center also provides practical experience through employment opportunities and job placement assistance. Students can earn college credits through articulation agreements and dual enrollment with area post-secondary programs.

  • 8950 Padgett Switch Road, Irvington, AL 36544

Champion Technician Institute

Rating: 4.7 of 5

Champion Technician Institute, established in 2018, provides a fast-track HVAC program that can be completed in just 6 weeks, either in person or online. The school offers small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention, and prepares students for industry certifications like the EPA 608 and NATE Certification. Students can choose from various schedules, including daytime and evening classes, and the program guarantees a 100% job placement rate for graduates. The institute is certified by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors, confirming its legitimacy. Tuition costs $6,800 for in-person classes and $999 for online enrollment, with flexible financing options available.

  • 9973 Lifeline Ct, Mobile, AL 36608

FORTIS College

Rating: 4.3 of 5

Fortis College occupies a 50,000 square-foot facility and is located at 7033 Airport BLVD, Mobile, Alabama 36606 which is near interstate 65 and two regional malls. A learning resource center is available with internet access, computer stations, web-based resources, health reference books, and periodicals.

Medical labs are equipped with medical exam tables, computers, microscopes, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, EKG machines, mannequins, training models, simulation equipment and other medical training equipment as applicable.

Computer labs include student computer stations with internet access and word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, database, and medical billing/coding software applications.

Lecture rooms have internet connectivity, media cabinets, and digital projectors. There is a student lounge with vending machines and microwaves.

Library resources and library information services are available to students and faculty.

FORTIS COLLEGE also uses the offices and laboratories of local physicians, clinics, healthcare facilities and hospitals to provide on-the-job experiences for students. Administrative offices include academics, student and career services, financial aid, registrar, admissions, and business offices. There is a faculty workroom and faculty offices. Clinical and externship sites are in area doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other professional medical facilities.

HVAC Program is supported by dedicated lab space that houses various heating and cooling appliances as well as functioning equipment relative to the service of heating and air conditioning systems.

  • 7033 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608

Remington College

Rating: 3.1 of 5

Remington College Mobile offers construction, cosmetology, HVAC, medical assisting, billing and coding, and administration programs for students in Southwest Alabama. On-campus classrooms, labs, and salons allow learners to gain the traditional instruction and hands-on experience they need to obtain their diploma or degree.

  • 828 Downtowner Loop W. Mobile, AL 36609

Strayer University

Rating: 3.6 of 5

A wide range of online certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs are available at Strayer University. Those who attend on-campus classes at the scenic downtown Mobile location can receive face-to-face instruction that best suits their learning style. Students can study accounting, marketing, software development, education, and other courses at Strayer’s Mobile campus.

  • 3 Dauphin St Mobile, AL 36602

Career Services and Job Placement

Mobile trade schools emphasize employment readiness through:

  • Guaranteed Job Placement: Champion Technician Institute offers 100% placement guarantee
  • Industry Partnerships: Direct employer connections across all institutions
  • Externship Programs: Hands-on experience with local businesses
  • Resume and Interview Preparation: Comprehensive career coaching
  • Networking Opportunities: Regular employer visits and job fairs
  • Alumni Support: Ongoing career assistance post-graduation

Specialized Program Highlights

Champion Technician Institute HVAC Programs:

  • 6-week intensive training
  • Alabama Board certification
  • EPA 608 and NATE certifications
  • Small class sizes (10 students per instructor)
  • Online and in-person options

Bishop State Community College Strengths:

  • Affordable community college pricing
  • Comprehensive skilled trades programs
  • Healthcare program variety
  • Industry-aligned curriculum
  • Transfer-friendly credits

FORTIS College Advantages:

  • 24-hour campus access
  • Fast-paced career-focused training
  • Small class sizes with personal attention
  • Strong employer partnerships
  • Multiple program start dates

Choosing the Right Program

Consider these factors when selecting a Mobile trade school:

  1. Career Goals: Match program offerings to desired career path
  2. Time Commitment: Evaluate program length against career urgency
  3. Cost vs. ROI: Compare tuition against potential earnings
  4. Schedule Flexibility: Consider work/life balance needs
  5. Job Placement Support: Look for guaranteed placement or strong employer connections
  6. Accreditation: Ensure programs meet industry and employer standards
  7. Location: Consider commute and campus accessibility

Industry Demand in Mobile

Mobile’s economy creates strong demand for:

  • Healthcare Workers: Growing medical sector needs
  • HVAC Technicians: High demand in Gulf Coast climate
  • Skilled Trades: Port and industrial growth
  • Business Professionals: Expanding service sector
  • Technology Workers: Digital transformation needs

Mobile’s trade school landscape offers exceptional opportunities across multiple high-demand industries. Whether seeking rapid career change through Champion’s 6-week HVAC program or comprehensive education through Bishop State’s affordable associate degrees, these institutions provide clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers in the Mobile Bay region.

Good luck with your search!