Trade schools in Kentucky offer vocational and technical training to prepare students for skilled careers in industries such as healthcare, construction, technology, and more.
With flexible schedules and hands-on programs, these institutions serve both adults seeking career changes and young people entering the workforce.
Below is a detailed overview of trade schools in Kentucky, their costs, programs, and benefits for students, including veterans.
Table of Contents
- Best Trade Schools in Kentucky by Specialty
- Cost & Duration at a Glance
- List of Top Trade Schools in Kentucky
- Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
- Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
- Accreditation of Trade Schools
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Top 10 Most Common Trade Programs in Kentucky
- Examples of Trade School Courses
- Value for Veterans
- Career Services for Students
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Best Trade Schools in Kentucky by Specialty
Healthcare
ATA College offers Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Medical Coding, X‑Ray Tech, and an LPN‑to‑RN bridge in 10–24 month programs.
American National University provides Medical Assisting, Health Service Management, Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, and more with 100% acceptance.
Larock Healthcare Academy delivers certificates in EKG, Phlebotomy, Medical Billing & Coding, and Medical Office Administration in 2 weeks to 5 months.
Ross Medical Education Center features 36‑week allied health diplomas like Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, and Veterinary Technician.
Business & Technology
American National University leads in Business Administration, Cybersecurity, and IT certificates.
Sullivan University offers Business, Technology, Legal Studies, and Healthcare Administration degrees up to doctorate.
Interactive College of Technology provides HVAC, IT, Accounting, and Medical Office Administration in flexible formats.
Kentucky Community & Technical College System delivers a broad spectrum of tech, business, and health programs across 70+ campuses.
Skilled Trades
ABC Indiana/Kentucky runs NCCER‑accredited Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Carpentry apprenticeships with 8,000 hr on‑the‑job training.
Building Institute of Louisville teaches HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Masonry, and Painting in evening and hybrid classes.
Kentuckiana Electrical Apprenticeship combines paid full‑time work with biweekly classroom sessions.
Enzweiler Building Institute offers apprentice‑model Carpentry, Electric, HVAC, Masonry, Plumbing, and Welding.
Kentucky Welding Institute certifies Pipe, Structural, and Fabricator Welders with intensive daily training.
Trade Tech provides online CEUs in HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical at $20 per 2 CEUs.
West Kentucky College offers Automotive, Welding, Diesel, HVAC, CDL, and Construction Technology through KCTCS.
Beauty & Cosmetology
Empire Beauty School teaches Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology with flexible day/evening or online theory.
Paul Mitchell The School Louisville offers Cosmetology (1,500 hrs), Esthetics (750 hrs), and Instructor Training in a salon‑style environment.
Cost & Duration at a Glance
- Average Tuition: ~$12,000 / year
- Cheapest Program: Kentuckiana Electrical Apprenticeship (tuition‑free)
- Shortest Program: Larock Healthcare Academy (2‑week Blood Lab Specialist)
- Average Program Length: ~12 months
- Most Popular Programs: Electrician, HVAC Technician, Plumbing, Welding, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Cosmetology, Automotive Technology
List of Top Trade Schools in Kentucky
ABC Indiana / Kentucky
- 157 Venture Court, Suites 1 & 2 Lexington, KY 40511
- 101 Vanderbilt Ct. Bowling Green, KY 42103
- 1810 Taylor Avenue Louisville, KY 40213
- Skilled Trades
American National University
American National University offers Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in fields ranging from health to business. American National University offers credited programs to help attendees find jobs. There are courses in medical billing, pharmacy tech, accounting, network administration, and more. Students develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in their careers. Distance learning and online classes are an option.- 115 East Lexington Ave. Danville, KY 40422
- 2376 Sir Barton Way Lexington, KY 40509
- 4205 Dixie Hwy. Louisville, KY 40216
- 50 National College Blvd. Pikeville, KY 41501
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Computer and Information Technology, Medical Billing and Coding, Phlebotomy Technician
ATA College
ATA College is a private, for-profit institution specializing in healthcare education with programs in fields like nursing, dental assisting, and veterinary assisting. Students can earn diplomas, certificates, or associate degrees in as little as 10 to 24 months. The school offers flexible scheduling with on-campus and online options, along with externships for hands-on experience.- 10200 Linn Station Road, Suite 125, Louisville, KY 40223
- Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades
Building Institute of Louisville
The Building Institute of Louisville, founded in 2008, offers hands-on construction training with flexible evening classes tailored for working adults. Programs include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and painting, with hybrid schedules combining in-person and remote instruction. Tuition ranges from $8,000 to $10,000 per semester, and payment plans are available to support students.- 1000 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40223
- Skilled Trades
College for Technical Education
The College for Technical Education (CTE) in Lexington, Kentucky, offers hands-on, career-focused training in fields such as medical assisting, cosmetology, and building trades. Known for small class sizes and practical learning, CTE provides flexible class schedules, including day, evening, and online options. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, tuition costs range from $5,000 to $20,000, with programs emphasizing real-world experience through training and externships.- 1165 Centre Pkwy. #120 Lexington , KY 40517
- Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Professional Services
Empire Beauty Schools
Empire Beauty Schools offers hands-on experience in cosmetology, skincare, and cosmetology education at all of their locations. Attendees receive training for in-demand beauty jobs. Full and part-time programs are available to fit each student’s lifestyle. High-quality career tracks include cosmetology and hair styling.- 554 Westport Rd. Elizabethtown, KY 42701
- 7285 Turfway Rd. Florence, KY 41042
- 5120 Dixie Hwy. Louisville, KY 40216
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Enzweiler Building Institute
The Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI), established in 1967, is a leading apprenticeship-based school for construction trades, offering hands-on programs in fields like carpentry, HVAC, and welding. Students work during the day and attend in-person classes twice a week in the evening, gaining real-world experience alongside their education. Tuition varies by program, with most starting at $2,750 and some specialized programs, like HVAC, costing up to $5,920.- 2751 Circleport Dr., Erlanger, , KY 41018
- Skilled Trades
Interactive College of Technology
Interactive College of Technology is a for-profit school with seven campuses throughout Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas. Coursework at this institution allows students to gain industry certifications, teaching them the skills needed to work in a number of settings.
At the Interactive College of Technology, students can earn their GED, continuing education credits to qualify for a particular job or promotion, or pursue associate of science degrees in business and accounting. Two campuses, small class sizes, personalized instruction, flexible class schedules, and hands-on training allow students to earn their education on their own terms. ICT's North and Southwest Houston campuses also offer Vocational English as a Second Language classes and continuing education courses for those who need additional certifications for work.
- 76 Carothers Rd Newport, KY 41071
- Business, Computer and Information Technology, HVAC and Building Services
Kentuckiana Electrical Apprenticeship
The Kentuckiana Electrical Apprenticeship, established in 1956, offers a four-year program combining full-time, hands-on electrical work with bi-weekly classroom sessions. Covering 69 Kentucky counties and 7 in Southern Indiana, the program trains over 400 new apprentices annually and provides ongoing education for 1,600 skilled workers. Sponsored by IBEW Local 369 and NECA, it offers free tuition while requiring apprentices to provide their own tools and safety gear.- 4315 Preston Hwy, #100 Louisville , KY 40213
- Skilled Trades
Kentucky Community & Technical College System
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the largest higher education and workforce training provider in Kentucky, with 16 colleges and over 70 campuses statewide. Offering certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and IT, KCTCS supports flexible learning with day, evening, and online courses. Tuition starts at $189 per credit hour for resident students, with additional costs for materials and housing.- 300 North Main Street Versailles, KY 40383
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Kentucky Welding Institute
Kentucky Welding Institute (KWI), established in 2015 in Flemingsburg, KY, offers intensive, hands-on welding education through its Certified Pipe Welder, Certified Structural Welder, and Certified Fabricator Welder programs. With an 8-hour daily schedule focused on practical skills, students benefit from a 15:1 student-to-instructor ratio and lifetime job placement assistance. Tuition for the Welding Technology program is $18,200, and federal financial aid options like Pell Grants are available.- 1828 Maysville Road Flemingsburg, KY 41041
- Skilled Trades
Larock Healthcare Academy
Larock Healthcare Academy offers hands-on healthcare training across four locations in Ohio and northern Kentucky, with certificate programs lasting 2 weeks to 5 months. The school focuses on small class sizes, in-person instruction, and real clinical experience both on campus and at local healthcare facilities. Programs include Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and Medical Billing and Coding.- 16 Spiral Drive Florence, KY 41042
- Healthcare and Nursing
Paul Mitchell Schools
There are more than 100 Paul Mitchell Schools nationwide that prepare future professionals for careers in the beauty industry. Students can learn in-demand skills to become cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians and nail designers.- 3644 Boston Road Lexington, KY 40514
- 156 N Hurstbourne Parkway Louisville, KY 40222
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Ross Medical Education Center
The Ross Medical Education Center offers training in a variety of disciplines, including Nursing, Medical Assisting, and Dental Assisting. In addition to the 40 campuses across the U.S., online associate’s degrees are available. Scheduling is flexible so that enrollees can balance personal responsibilities.- 4001 Fort Campbell Blvd. Hopkinsville, KY 42240
- 1751 Scottsville Rd., Suite 1 Bowling Green, KY 42104
- 600 Rodeo Dr., Suite 2 Erlanger, KY 41018
- 410 Southtown Blvd., Ste 6 Owensboro, KY 42303
- Healthcare and Nursing, Veterinary Services
South Central Kentucky College
South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) offers diverse academic programs, including nursing, surgical technology, and commercial driver’s license training, across six locations in Bowling Green, Glasgow, and Franklin. With flexible class schedules, including online and hybrid options, students can pursue certificates or associate degrees tailored to their career goals. Accredited by SACSCOC, SKYCTC provides affordable tuition and hands-on learning opportunities through clinical externships.- 1845 Loop Dr. Bowling Green, KY 42101
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Sullivan University
Sullivan University provides undergraduate, graduate, masters, and doctorate degrees in Accounting & Finance, Allied Health, Business, Legal Studies, Hospitality, Nursing, Pharmacy & Heath Sciences, and Technology & Design. Sullivan University emphasizes industry-focused training so graduates are prepared to enter the job market. Students can achieve all levels of learning with a curriculum spanning from certificates all the way to doctoral degrees. Enrollees may choose between 5 Kentucky campuses, as well as a flexible online option.- 2355 Harrodsburg Rd. Lexington, KY 40504
- 122 South Main Cross St. Louisa, KY 41230
- 3101 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40205
- 31 Warehouse Street, Bldg.65 Fort Knox, KY 40121
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Computer and Information Technology, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, Radiology
The Medical Institute of Kentucky
The Medical Institute of Kentucky, founded in 2008, offers short-term training in allied health and business fields, including programs for medical and dental assistants. With campuses in five Kentucky cities, it provides small class sizes, flexible schedules, and a hybrid learning model combining online and in-person training. Licensed by the Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education, tuition ranges from $2,900 to $11,800, depending on the program.- 2720 Old Rosebud Rd. #230 Lexington, KY 40509
- Healthcare and Nursing
Trade Tech
Trade Tech, founded in 2015, offers a modern approach to continuing education in Kentucky, focusing on professional development for trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. The school provides flexible online courses, allowing students to learn at their own pace with affordable tuition options, starting at $20 for most CEU hours. For specific details on costs, programs, or accreditations, contacting the school directly is recommended.- 1025 Majestic Dr, Lexington, , KY 40513
- Skilled Trades
West Kentucky College
West Kentucky College, part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), provides accessible education to around 2,000 students annually. The college offers certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in fields such as healthcare, IT, and business, with flexible scheduling that includes morning, evening, and online classes. Accredited by SACSCOC, it ensures quality education at competitive tuition rates.- 4810 Alben Barkley Drive Paducah, KY 42001
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
ATA College’s diploma tracks can be completed in as little as 10 months.
Larock Healthcare Academy offers its Blood Lab Specialist certificate in just 2 weeks and the Medical Assistant certificate in 5 months.
Trade Tech lets you earn CEUs online quickly (2 CEUs for $20).
Kentuckiana Electrical Apprenticeship combines paid work with one‑day‑per‑week classes from August through June.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
ABC Indiana/Kentucky delivers hybrid schedules with one four‑hour in‑person session plus three hours online weekly.
Building Institute of Louisville starts with evening classes (6–9 PM) before shifting to two days in‑person and two days remote per week.
Interactive College of Technology provides day, evening, and fully online courses across healthcare, IT, and business.
KCTCS supports day/evening, online, hybrid, and accelerated courses with multiple start dates.
Sullivan University offers on‑campus, hybrid, and fully online degree tracks from certificates through doctorates.
Accreditation of Trade Schools
Accreditation ensures that trade schools meet strict educational standards. Institutions like KCTCS are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), while specialized schools such as the Kentucky Welding Institute hold accreditations from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Accreditation not only validates the quality of education but also allows students to access federal financial aid.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Kentucky trade schools offer numerous financial aid opportunities to make vocational training affordable. Students can apply for federal Pell Grants, Work-Study programs, and scholarships like the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, which covers tuition for high-demand programs.
Some schools, such as Sullivan University, provide institutional scholarships of up to $45,000, while American National University supports veterans with benefits like the Blue Ribbon Grant.
Top 10 Most Common Trade Programs in Kentucky
- Healthcare: Nursing, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting
- Skilled Trades: HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, Electrical Technology
- Technology: Computer and Information Technology, Cybersecurity
- Business: Business Administration, Accounting
- Culinary Arts: Baking, Pastry, and Culinary Management
- Automotive Technology: Collision Repair, Diesel Mechanics
- Construction: Carpentry, Masonry
- Cosmetology: Hair Styling, Esthetics
- Transportation: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Graphic Design: Visual Arts and Multimedia
Examples of Trade School Courses
Trade schools in Kentucky offer a diverse array of courses, including:
- NU 206 – Foundations of Professional Nursing: Teaches basic nursing care and safety protocols.
- HVAC – Master/Journeyman: Covers installation and repair of heating and cooling systems.
- Computer Systems Technician: Focuses on IT support and network management.
- Certified Pipe Welder: Provides specialized training for industrial welding.
Value for Veterans
Veterans benefit significantly from Kentucky trade schools, many of which participate in the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program.
Schools like American National University and Sullivan University offer military discounts and grants, ensuring veterans can access quality education while transitioning to civilian careers.
Flexible schedules and online options further accommodate active-duty personnel.
Career Services for Students
Career services play a pivotal role in the success of trade school graduates. Institutions like the Interactive College of Technology provide lifetime career placement, helping students with resume building, job searches, and interview preparation.
Many schools partner with local businesses and organizations to connect graduates with employment opportunities, ensuring a seamless transition from training to the workforce.