Sacramento Trade Schools

Alliant International University

Rating: 4.1 of 5

Alliant International University formed from the merger of three institutions (including the California School of Professional Psychology) and became a public benefit corporation in 2015, aligning its private operations with a public-good mission. With ~3,871 students, it offers flexible online learning plus required field placements in areas like psychology, nursing, and education so working adults can advance without pausing their careers.

• 2030 W. El Camino Ave. Sacramento, CA 95833

American River College

American River College is a public community college in the Los Rios Community College District, enrolling more than 30,000 students annually and offering clear paths to either direct employment or transfer to four-year universities. Students can earn associate degrees and certificates in areas such as Automotive Technology, Nursing, Computer Information Science, Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management, Administration of Justice, and Electronics Technology, with program lengths typically running from one semester up to two years. The college runs on a Fall, Spring, and Summer semester system, with classes available during the day and evening and in online, in-person, or hybrid formats to fit different schedules. Health-related programs like Nursing and Respiratory Care include required clinical experiences at partner sites, and a Work Experience program lets students earn credit while completing internships tied to their major. Tuition is $46 per unit for California residents and $466 per unit for non-residents, and students can use the school’s net price calculator to estimate total costs and explore financial aid.

• 4700 College Oak Drive Sacramento, CA 95841
• 2421 Del Paso Road Sacramento, CA 95835

Asher College

Rating: 4.7 of 5

The Asher College Sacramento Campus, which opened in 1998, offers focused vocational education across Medical, Business, and IT career fields. The campus provides personalized instruction, hands-on training, and comprehensive support services to prepare students for direct employment. Coursework includes programs such as Pharmacy Technician, Office Accounting, and Computer & Network Technician, as well as various CompTIA and Cisco certifications. Asher College has built solid connections with major Sacramento-area employers, including Sutter Health, Intel, and State of CA, positioning its graduates for numerous employment opportunities throughout the region.

• 1215 Howe Ave Suite 101 Sacramento, CA 95825

Blake Austin College

Rating: 3.4 of 5

Blake Austin College, located in Vacaville about 35 miles from Sacramento, offers programs in Vocational Nursing and Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy. The Medical Assistant course will prepare you for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam. The Vocational Nursing course will prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The school is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

• 770 Mason St Suite 200, (Vacaville) Sacramento, CA 95688

Carrington College

Rating: 4.4 of 5

Californians interested in medical or dental assisting careers, pharmacy technology, or veterinary tech training should consider attending on-campus or online courses at Carrington College in Sacramento, CA. Shorter programs take nine to twelve months, while others may take up to two years.  Carrington College’s Sacramento campus, which is just off Highway 50, delivers hands-on training in a diverse range of medical programs in California. Reachable by both car and light rail, this expansive two-building campus spans seven acres. Offering degree and certificate programs in allied health, the Sacramento campus boasts modern classrooms with advanced technology, a comprehensive student success center, and a four-bed simulation laboratory. Additional facilities include a dental hygiene clinic, radiography laboratory, nursing laboratory, veterinary technology surgery suite, pharmacy technology lecture classroom, and Dental Assisting laboratories.

• 8909 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95826

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

Rating: 3.7 of 5

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts (founded 2004) is an ABHES-accredited healthcare school offering 20+ allied health, imaging, and nursing programs across multiple California campuses and online, serving about 2,861 students annually. Programs feature flexible schedules for working adults and required clinical rotations to build real-world skills, with tuition ranging roughly from $4,000 to $52,000 per academic year.

• 8810 Cal Center Drive 3rd Floor Sacramento, CA 95826

InterCoast Colleges

Rating: 3.4 of 5

InterCoast Colleges, established in 1982, stands as a pillar of vocational education in Rancho Cordova, CA. Offering a spectrum of hands-on programs, from Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling to Solar Installation, InterCoast ensures students are equipped for diverse careers in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Renowned for its flexible schedules, veteran-friendly financial aid, and career-focused curriculum, InterCoast Colleges serves as a launching pad for students’ professional aspirations. Accredited by the ACCSC, it upholds rigorous standards, while its robust career services, including job fairs, cement its commitment to student success.

• 9738 Lincoln Village Dr., Ste 120 Rancho Cordova, CA 95827

National Holistic Institute

Rating: 4.6 of 5

National Holistic Institute in Sacramento provides a serene environment for students to study and complete their massage therapy training. An advanced neuromuscular therapy program is also available for students planning to pursue physical therapy, athletic trainer, chiropractor, and nursing careers.

• 1610 Arden Way, Suite 110 Sacramento, CA 95815

Paul Mitchell Schools

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Paul Mitchell School has two Sacramento campuses. One location is part of MTI College, offering well-rounded cosmetology and barbering courses. The other campus is a 21,000-square-foot training center where students can learn the necessary skills to become cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians.

Founded in 1980, Paul Mitchell Schools are a network of beauty education institutes linked to the renowned Paul Mitchell brand, graduating nearly 10,000 students annually from over 90 locations. Their programs include cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nails, makeup, and an Instructor Program to prepare students for state board exams and careers in the beauty industry. Schools offer flexible class schedules with morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, along with blended online and hands-on training. Accredited by NACCAS and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, these schools ensure legitimacy and quality education. Tuition costs average $14,200 per year, plus $3,165 for supplies, though exact figures vary by location.

• 2100 Arden Way #265 Sacramento, CA 95825
• 5231 Madison Ave Sacramento, CA 95841

San Joaquin Valley College

Rating: 3.9 of 5

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is a private for-profit college with multiple campuses across California. Established in 1977, SJVC offers a variety of vocational and career-focused programs in fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and trades. The college is known for its hands-on training, flexible class schedules, and supportive learning environment. SJVC also provides career services to assist students with job placement and advancement opportunities after graduation. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and offers diplomas, certificates, and associate degree programs.

• 11000 Olson Dr., Ste 100 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
• 8909 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95826

UEI College

Rating: 4.2 of 5

At UEI College Sacramento, students receive hands-on training to prepare them for their chosen career paths. Automotive technician, HVAC, and electrician technician courses are available for UEI Sacramento students wanting to pursue a job in the skilled trades. Meanwhile, aspiring healthcare workers can enroll in the school’s dental or medical assisting or medical billing and coding programs.

• 4424 Florin Rd. Sacramento, CA 95823

Unitek College

Rating: 3.7 of 5

Unitek College Sacramento offers nine classrooms, three labs, a library, and several other campus resources for students pursuing vocational nursing, BSN, medical and dental assistant, office administration, and physical therapy assistant degrees. Unitek Sacramento is also a recognized “School of Excellence” with Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) accreditation.

• 4330 Watt Avenue, 4th Floor Sacramento, CA 95821

Universal Technical Institute

Rating: 4.3 of 5

The Universal Technical Institute’s Sacramento, California campus emphasizes hands-on learning and industry-specific training, preparing students for successful automotive, diesel, welding, and HVAC/R careers. With a focus on practical experience, the campus boasts state-of-the-art labs equipped with industry-specific equipment, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. One standout feature is the Roush Yates Power & Performance lab, catering to students in automotive and diesel programs. Here, students engage in engine teardowns and rebuilds, gaining invaluable experience under the guidance of experienced instructors.

The campus offers four core programs, including diesel mechanic training, welding training, HVACR training, and electric vehicle training, each tailored to meet the demands of their respective industries. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on training, students can graduate in 9 to 12 months equipped to earn professional credentials and ASE certifications, setting them on a path to success.

In addition to core programs, students can participate in specialized training programs through Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs, further enhancing their skills and employability. With support services such as housing assistance, career services, and financial aid, the Universal Technical Institute’s Sacramento campus ensures students have the resources they need to thrive academically and professionally.

• 4100 Duckhorn Dr. Sacramento, CA 95834