Fort Myers offers diverse vocational training opportunities through a mix of private institutions, public colleges, and specialized schools. The area’s growing healthcare sector and tourism industry drive demand for skilled professionals across multiple fields.
Best Schools by Specialty
Healthcare Programs
Top Choice: ATA College – Specialized healthcare focus since 2003 with programs ranging from $7,425 to $31,850. Offers practical nursing, dental assisting, medical assisting, and diagnostic medical sonography.
Comprehensive Option: Keiser University – Florida’s largest private not-for-profit university with extensive healthcare programs including nursing, medical assisting, and surgical technology.
Budget-Friendly: Fort Myers Tech – Public institution offering LPN, nursing assistant, and medical programs with average costs around $7,362 annually.
Specialized Training: Premiere International College – Nursing-focused institution founded on “nurses helping nurses” philosophy with associate and practical nursing programs.
Beauty & Cosmetology
Industry Leader: Aveda Institutes – Nationally recognized brand with cosmetology ($16,716), esthetics ($9,966), and massage therapy ($10,961) programs.
Brand Recognition: Paul Mitchell Schools – Connected to global professional hair care network with access to over 100,000 affiliated salons worldwide.
Local Focus: Florida Academy – Natural Awakenings “Best Holistic School” Award winner offering nail technology ($3,960), skincare, and cosmetology ($16,500) programs.
Skilled Trades & Technology
Comprehensive Training: Southern Technical College – HVAC, electrical, welding, and business programs with flexible day and evening schedules.
Diverse Options: Fort Myers Tech – Public institution offering automotive, construction, electrical, HVAC, and IT programs since 1967.
Specialized Skills: Florida Academy – Electrical technology and HVAC programs alongside beauty services.
Academic & University Programs
Research University: Nova Southeastern University – Private research university with nearly 300 degree programs and $5 billion projected economic impact.
Public Option: Florida Gulf Coast University – State university with 16,000+ students offering business, healthcare, and technology programs.
Community College: Florida Southwestern State College – Public institution serving 13,797 students with affordable associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Wellness & Massage Therapy
Specialized Training: Lee Professional Institute – Dedicated massage therapy focus with comprehensive 16-module program for $10,100.
Multiple Options: Available at Aveda Institutes, Florida Academy, and Keiser University
Aveda Institutes
The Aveda Institute in Fort Myers, Florida, offers world-class training in cosmetology, skincare, massage therapy, and nail technology, combining theory with extensive hands-on experience. Situated near Captiva and Sanibel islands, Fort Myers provides a mix of urban energy and island tranquility, along with ample job opportunities in high-end salons, luxury spas, and resorts.
Tuition ranges from $9,966 for esthetics to $16,716 for cosmetology, with state testing and licensing fees included. Students train in a clinic salon and spa environment under licensed educators, preparing for careers with practical experience and business skills. Fully accredited by NACCAS, the Fort Myers campus continues the Aveda tradition of excellence since joining the Be Aveda Institute family in 2022.
- 2040 Colonial Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33907
Florida Academy
Florida Academy, founded in 1990, is a career-focused institution in Fort Myers, Florida, offering programs in fields like nail technology, massage therapy, skin care, and electrical technology. Tuition ranges from $3,960 to $16,500, depending on the program, excluding additional costs like books and supplies. The academy emphasizes hands-on training and incorporates externships for certain programs, such as medical assisting, to provide practical experience. With a 100% acceptance rate and accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, Florida Academy ensures its programs meet quality standards. Recognized for its excellence, the academy has received awards like the Natural Awakenings “Best Holistic School” Award, cementing its reputation in Southwest Florida.
- 4387 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL Fort Myers, FL 33966
Florida Gulf Coast University
Founded in 1997, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) serves over 16,000 students annually, offering a wide range of programs, including 65 undergraduate degrees, 27 master’s degrees, and 7 doctoral programs. The university is known for its environmental commitment, showcased by a 15-acre solar field on campus. Tuition is approximately $6,118 for Florida residents and $25,162 for out-of-state students for the 2024-2025 academic year, with costs varying by program. FGCU provides flexible learning options, including traditional, online, and hybrid classes, along with practical training opportunities through internships and externships. Fully accredited by SACSCOC and 18 professional organizations, FGCU plays a vital role in strengthening Southwest Florida’s economy and fostering community engagement.
- 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Fort Myers, FL 33965
Florida Southwestern State College
Florida SouthWestern State College, founded in 1962, offers over 30 programs, including associate, bachelor’s degrees, and certificates in fields like nursing, business analytics, and crime scene technology. With tuition ranging from $3,461 for Florida residents to $23,920 for out-of-state students, the college provides flexible schedules with in-person, online, and hybrid classes. Accredited by SACSCOC, it has an 88% acceptance rate, making it an accessible and quality option for higher education.
- 8099 College Pkwy Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers Tech
Fort Myers Technical College, established in 1967 as Lee County Area Vocational Technical School, has evolved into a pivotal institution for vocational training, offering over 20 programs that effectively combine theoretical learning with practical application in state-of-the-art labs. The school provides specialized training in skilled trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical work, automotive services, nursing, HVAC, and carpentry, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in high-demand careers.
With a flexible schedule that includes full-time or part-time classes starting at 8:00 a.m., and options for online and hybrid learning, FMTC caters to a diverse student body aiming to transition smoothly into the workforce. Fort Myers Tech is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and Cognia, ensuring a high standard of education, which is further validated by endorsements from industry-specific bodies like the Florida Board of Nursing and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
With its commitment to career readiness and an open admission policy, Fort Myers Technical College stands out as a premier destination for students seeking practical, affordable education in skilled trades in southwest Florida.
- 3800 Michigan Avenue Fort Myers, FL 33916
Keiser University
Combining hands-on and in-class instruction, Keiser University helps prepare students to succeed in their chosen careers. The school’s Fort Myers campus offers a practical, collaborative learning experience for southwestern Florida students pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in education, criminal justice, information technology, or interdisciplinary studies.
- 9100 Forum Corporate Pkwy. Fort Myers, FL 33905
Nova Southeastern University
Southwest Florida students at the regional Nova Southeastern University campus in Fort Myers receive quality classroom instruction in nursing, education, business, counseling, and physician’s assistant disciplines. Partnerships with the Lee Memorial Health System, the Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, and Habitat for Humanity at Lee County also provide practicum hours for these certificates and degrees.
- 3650 Colonial Court Fort Myers, FL 33913
Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers offers nationally accredited training in cosmetology (1200 or 1300 hours), barbering and restricted barbering (900 hours each), and manicuring (180 hours), blending foundational theory with hands-on salon experience.
Located in a 10,000-square-foot facility near Gulf Coast Town Center, the school attracts students from across Southwest Florida and supports state licensure preparation. Learners benefit from financial aid options, community outreach opportunities, and digital tools that enhance their education both inside and outside the classroom.
- 9941 Interstate Commerce Drive Fort Myers, FL 33913
Southern Technical College
Allied health, design, nursing, business, and information technology are all subjects offered at Southern Technical College. Students can also learn technical trades. The training helps people acquire entry-level jobs after graduating. Degree and diploma programs are available, along with online classes. Courses vary to suit different learning styles, but they all focus on careers. By tuning into the needs of employers, the vocational school produces qualified graduates. Campuses are in Fort Myers, Sanford, Port Charlotte, Auburndale, Brandon, Orlando, and Tampa, Florida.
- 1685 Medical Ln. Fort Myers, FL 33907
Cost Analysis
Most Affordable Options
- Florida Academy – $3,960 for nail technology
- Florida Southwestern State College – $3,461-$4,561 for residents
- ATA College – $7,425 for echocardiography technician
- Fort Myers Tech – $7,362 average for largest program
Average Program Costs by Category
- Certificate Programs: $3,960 – $16,500
- Healthcare Training: $7,425 – $31,850
- Beauty Programs: $9,966 – $16,716
- Massage Therapy: $10,100 – $10,961
- University Programs: $6,118 – $35,880 annually
Highest Value Programs
- Southern Technical College: $4,500 – $22,000 annually (12-24 month completion)
- ATA College: 10-24 month programs with clinical externships
- Fort Myers Tech: Public rates with industry-standard equipment
Program Duration Ranges
- Quick Certificates: 6 months to 2 years
- Associate Degrees: 15 months to 2 years
- Bachelor’s Degrees: 3-4 years
- Specialized Training: 10-24 months
Most Popular Programs
- Medical Assistant – Available across multiple healthcare schools
- Nursing (LPN/RN/BSN) – High demand across all levels
- Cosmetology – Strong tourism-driven job market
- HVAC Technology – Growing construction and maintenance needs
- Dental Assistant – Expanding healthcare sector
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
ATA College provides 10-24 month healthcare programs with unpaid externships at healthcare partners, offering real-world experience before graduation.
Fort Myers Tech delivers hands-on training in well-equipped labs with six-hour daily schedules and career specialist support for job placement.
Southern Technical College offers accelerated programs completing in 12-24 months with day and evening flexibility.
Lee Professional Institute provides focused massage therapy training with three daily schedule options and comprehensive module-based learning.
Florida Academy combines classroom learning with hands-on training and medical assisting externships.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Evening Classes
Southern Technical College operates day and evening classes with small class sizes for personalized attention.
Lee Professional Institute offers morning (8 AM-1 PM), afternoon (1 PM-6 PM), and evening (6 PM-11 PM) sessions Monday through Thursday.
ATA College provides day (8 AM-5:30 PM) and evening (5 PM-11 PM) options Monday through Saturday.
Online and Hybrid Options
Keiser University features unique one-course-at-a-time format over four weeks with daytime, evening, and online options.
Nova Southeastern University offers extensive online programming with 24/7 campus amenities for residential students.
Premiere International College combines online and in-person classes with practical externships.
Flexible Scheduling
Fort Myers Tech provides full-time and part-time options with programs ranging from fully online to hybrid approaches.
Florida Southwestern State College offers day, evening, and weekend classes across multiple formats.
Financial Aid and Support Services
Federal Aid Acceptance
All institutions accept federal financial aid including Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study programs. Most maintain dedicated financial aid offices with payment plan options.
Institutional Support
Keiser University offers $4,000-$16,000 annual merit scholarships with over $3 billion statewide economic impact.
Nova Southeastern University provides $220 million in scholarships as Florida’s largest private research university.
Southern Technical College accepts federal aid, military benefits, and offers institutional financial aid plans.
Military Benefits
All schools accept VA benefits and GI Bill funding. Many provide specialized veteran support services and military-specific scholarships.
Industry Partnerships and Career Services
Strong Employer Networks
ATA College maintains healthcare partnerships for externship placements across the medical community.
Keiser University partners with over 1,000 industry advisors and maintains employer advisory boards.
Paul Mitchell Schools connects students to over 100,000 affiliated salons globally.
Career Support Services
Schools provide comprehensive career services including resume preparation, interview coaching, job placement assistance, and ongoing alumni support. Many feature dedicated career specialists and recruitment events.
Accreditation and Quality Standards
Fort Myers schools maintain proper accreditation from recognized agencies:
- ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools)
- SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)
- NACCAS (National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences)
- COE (Council on Occupational Education)
- ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges)
Notable School Features
Open Admission Policies
Most trade schools operate with 100% acceptance rates, making education accessible to motivated students regardless of academic background.
Small Class Sizes
Many institutions emphasize personalized attention through small class sizes and dedicated faculty support.
Real-World Experience
Schools prioritize hands-on training through externships, clinical rotations, and partnerships with local employers.
Making Your Decision
Key Decision Factors
- Career Goals: Match program offerings to target profession
- Budget Constraints: Compare total costs including supplies and fees
- Schedule Requirements: Evaluate class timing and format flexibility
- Timeline Needs: Determine acceptable program duration
- Support Services: Consider available student and career resources
Research Steps
- Contact schools for current tuition and program details
- Visit campuses to evaluate facilities and clinical partnerships
- Review job placement statistics and graduate outcomes
- Investigate financial aid options and payment plans
- Speak with current students and recent graduates
Regional Advantages
- Growing healthcare sector with expanding job opportunities
- Tourism industry supporting beauty and hospitality careers
- Mix of public and private institutions offering cost options
- Strong industry partnerships for externships and job placement
- Year-round programming accommodating various start dates
Fort Myers’ trade schools provide focused career preparation in a growing market with diverse opportunities across healthcare, beauty services, skilled trades, and technology sectors.