Arizona Trade Schools

Arizona’s trade schools are creating direct pathways to well-paying careers, with graduates finding immediate employment opportunities across various sectors. The state depends on healthcare and trade professionals.

Arizona has become a top destination for career training, with over 50 trade and vocational schools across Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. From aviation and automotive technology to comprehensive healthcare programs, these institutions are supported by a dynamic Southwest job market that offers year-round employment in rapidly growing industries.

Here is everything you need to know about trade schools and vocational training across the state.

Search By Cities

• Mesa Trade Schools
• Phoenix Trade Schools
• Tucson Trade Schools

Best Schools by Specialty

Healthcare Programs

Pima Medical Institute leads healthcare education with comprehensive programs across multiple campuses in Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson. Offering Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in healthcare fields, Pima maintains ABHES accreditation and boasts a 94% employment rate with graduates earning a mean annual wage of $50,090.

Arizona College of Nursing operates across five Arizona locations (Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson) with CCNE-accredited BSN programs and comprehensive allied health training. The school maintains partnerships with influential nursing associations and focuses on systematic assessment for optimal student success.

Brookline College excels in healthcare and nursing education with campuses in Tempe and Tucson, plus specialized BSN centers in Phoenix. Their programs range from Medical Assisting ($14,456) to comprehensive Nursing BSN programs ($92,079), with extensive online learning opportunities.

Carrington College provides career-focused healthcare training across four Arizona campuses (Mesa, Phoenix locations, and Tucson) with fast-track completion options in 7-15 months. They offer medical administration, dental assisting, medical assisting, and veterinary services programs.

Aviation & Automotive Technology

Universal Technical Institute dominates automotive and transportation training with campuses in Avondale and Phoenix. With over 50 years of experience and partnerships with 35+ leading brands, UTI offers automotive technology, diesel technology, collision repair, and welding programs with industry-standard equipment and job placement assistance.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance provides specialized FAA-licensed aviation training in Phoenix. Founded in 1969, AIM offers Aviation Maintenance Technology, Avionics Technician, and Aviation Maintenance Technical Engineer programs with ACCSC accreditation.

Arizona Automotive Institute has served the Phoenix area since 1968, offering automotive service technician, combination welding, diesel/heavy truck, electrical, and HVAC programs in 5-10 week intensive courses.

Skilled Trades & Technical Training

The Refrigeration School has trained HVAC/R technicians in Phoenix since 1965, maintaining a 94% employment rate and focusing on hands-on learning with E-STAR and M-STAR troubleshooting systems.

National Technical Institute specializes in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical technician training with programs completing in 2-4 months. Their Phoenix campus offers flexible scheduling and practical skills training.

Arizona Western College provides comprehensive skilled trades training including automotive technology, welding, HVAC, construction, and electrical technology through affordable community college programming.

Business & Technology

DeVry University operates in Phoenix with technology-focused programs including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Computer Information Systems, and Business Administration. Classes start every 8 weeks with online, hybrid, and on-campus options.

University of Advancing Technology stands out as a 100% STEM-focused institution in Tempe, offering cutting-edge programs in cyber security, game design, artificial intelligence, and software engineering with both online and on-campus delivery.

Grand Canyon University provides extensive business and technology programs as the largest private Christian university worldwide, serving over 20,000 on-campus and 70,000 online students with frozen tuition rates since 2009.

Beauty & Cosmetology

Empire Beauty Schools operates five Arizona locations (Avondale, Chandler, Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson) as part of the largest cosmetology network nationwide, offering cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology programs with hands-on salon training.

Paul Mitchell Schools provides comprehensive beauty education in Phoenix with programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nails, and makeup, connected to over 100,000 salons worldwide.

Cost Analysis

The average cost for all trade schools mentioned in Arizona is approximately $17,960.

Average Costs by Institution Type

• • Community Colleges: $2,240 – $13,438 annually (most affordable)

• • Specialized Trade Schools: $7,000 – $32,650 program totals

• • Private Vocational Colleges: $15,000 – $51,800 annually

• • University Programs: $16,500 – $40,000+ annually

Most Affordable Programs

Arizona Western College offers the lowest costs at approximately $2,880 annually for in-state students, while Central Arizona College charges $75 per credit hour for Arizona residents, making quality education highly accessible.

Cost Range by Program Type

• • Quick Certifications: $3,495 – $16,200 (2-6 months)

• • Standard Trade Programs: $15,000 – $35,000 (6-18 months)

• • Aviation/Automotive Specialties: $20,000 – $51,800 (12-24 months)

• • Healthcare Degrees: $14,456 – $92,079 (varies by level)

Shortest Programs

National Technical Institute offers the fastest career entry with HVAC and plumbing programs completing in just 2-4 months. Vocational Training Institute provides welding programs in as little as 2 weeks intensive or 5 weeks evening schedule.

Program Duration Averages

• • Ultra-Fast Track: 2-6 months (basic certifications)

• • Standard Programs: 6-18 months (most specialties)

• • Comprehensive Training: 18-24 months (advanced technical programs)

• • Degree Programs: 16 months – 4 years (associate through bachelor’s)

List of Top Trade Schools in Arizona

Guide to Specific Trades in Arizona

• • How to Become an HVAC Tech in Arizona

• • How to Become a Plumber in Arizona

• • How to Become a Welder in Arizona

Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch

2-4 Month Fast Track Options

National Technical Institute leads rapid career entry with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical programs designed for immediate workforce entry. Their Commercial Refrigeration program costs just $3,495 and prepares students for high-demand positions.

Vocational Training Institute offers ultra-intensive welding training in just 2 weeks for day programs or 5 weeks for evening schedules, providing immediate entry into well-paying skilled trades.

6-Month Accelerated Programs

Arizona Heart Foundation School of Ultrasound provides specialized cardiac and vascular ultrasound training in 6-12 months with small cohorts of just 10 students maximum, ensuring personalized attention and immediate job readiness.

The Refrigeration School offers 6-15 month HVAC/R programs with 94% employment rates and hands-on training using industry-standard equipment.

Healthcare Fast Track

East Valley Institute of Technology provides tuition-free healthcare training for high school students and affordable postsecondary programs ($2,000-$5,000 annually) in EMT, medical assisting, and nursing preparation.

Beauty Industry Quick Start

Empire Beauty Schools and Paul Mitchell Schools offer accelerated cosmetology training with hands-on salon experience, preparing students for immediate entry into the growing beauty industry with connections to thousands of salons nationwide.

Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults

Maximum Schedule Flexibility

DeVry University excels in adult-friendly education with:

• • New classes starting every 8 weeks year-round

• • Online, hybrid, and weekend options

• • Evening classes available

• • Military and working adult support services

Penn Foster College provides ultimate flexibility with:

• • 100% online, self-paced programs

• • 24/7 course access

• • $2 daily cost structure

• • Programs completing in 4-11 months

• • 0% interest payment plans

Evening and Weekend Options

Mesa Community College accommodates working adults with evening classes and hybrid formats across their multiple campuses, offering affordable community college rates with flexible scheduling.

Central Arizona College provides evening and weekend classes across five campus locations, allowing students to balance work and education effectively.

Online and Hybrid Learning

University of Advancing Technology offers most programs online with specialized tools for remote STEM education, allowing working professionals to advance in cutting-edge technology fields.

Grand Canyon University serves over 70,000 online students with day, evening, and online class options, providing around-the-clock flexibility for students with demanding schedules.

Working Adult Support Features

• • 100% acceptance rates at most institutions

• • Military and veteran support with GI Bill acceptance and specialized scholarships

• • Payment plans and financial aid available at all major institutions

• • Career services during enrollment helping students transition careers

• • Lifetime job placement assistance at specialized trade schools

• • Evening and weekend scheduling across multiple institutions

Specialized Training Excellence

Industry Partnership Leadership

Universal Technical Institute maintains the strongest industry connections with partnerships across 35+ automotive and transportation brands, providing direct employment pathways and tuition reimbursement opportunities from major manufacturers.

Technology Innovation Focus

University of Advancing Technology stands out as one of only 100% STEM-focused institutions nationwide, offering cutting-edge programs in artificial intelligence, cyber security, and game development with both theoretical and practical applications.

Healthcare Excellence

Pima Medical Institute and Arizona College of Nursing provide comprehensive healthcare education with extensive clinical partnerships, multiple campus locations, and strong employment outcomes in Arizona’s growing healthcare sector.

Unique Geographic Advantages

Arizona’s year-round construction season, growing aerospace industry, and expanding healthcare needs create exceptional opportunities for trade school graduates. The state’s proximity to California markets and Mexico border trade enhance career prospects across multiple industries.

Financial Support & Career Services

Comprehensive Financial Aid

Most institutions offer extensive financial assistance including federal aid, state grants, and institutional scholarships. Notable programs include:

• • $15+ million in scholarships at Universal Technical Institute

• • Military tuition discounts across most institutions

• • Payment plans with 0% interest at Penn Foster College

• • Tuition-free programs for high school students at EVIT

Career Support Excellence

Arizona trade schools provide dedicated placement services with strong employer partnerships. Many maintain direct connections to major employers including government agencies, healthcare systems, automotive manufacturers, and technology companies, ensuring graduates have immediate access to career opportunities in the state’s growing economy.

Arizona’s trade schools combine cutting-edge technology training, flexible scheduling, comprehensive support services, and strong industry connections to prepare students for successful careers in the Southwest’s dynamic and growing job market.