Best Louisville Trade Schools by Specialty
Healthcare
ATA College – Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Medical Coding, X‑Ray Tech, RN bridge (10–24 mo)
American National University – Medical Assisting, Health Service Management
Business & Technology
Sullivan University – Business, Technology, Legal Studies, Pharmacy Tech, PA programs
American National University – MBA, Cybersecurity, IT certificates
Skilled Trades
ABC Indiana/Kentucky – Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Carpentry apprenticeships (8,000 hrs)
Building Institute of Louisville – HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Masonry, Painting
Cosmetology & Esthetics
Empire Beauty School – Cosmetology, Cosmetology Education
Paul Mitchell The School Louisville – Cosmetology (1,500 hrs), Esthetics (750 hrs), Teacher Training (750 hrs)
Cost & Duration Stats
- Average Tuition: ~$11,000 /year
- Cheapest Program: Electrical apprenticeship—$1,615–$2,015 per year
- Most Expensive: ATA College diplomas—$22,680 average
- Shortest Program: ATA diploma tracks start at 10 months
- Average Program Length: 12–18 months
Most Popular Programs
- Electrician
- HVAC Technician
- Mechanic & Engine Technician
- Plumber
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Culinary & Pastry
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
- Apprenticeships at ABC Ind./Ky. – start electrical or HVAC training with paid on‑the‑job hours
- Medical Assisting at ATA – finish in as little as 10 months with hands‑on externship
- Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School – complete state licensing hours in about 12 months
- Esthetics at Paul Mitchell – 750 hrs of classroom and salon practice
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
- Evening & Hybrid Classes at Building Institute – weeknight sessions (6–9 PM) plus online modules
- Day & Evening Tracks at ATA College – choose schedules to fit work or family
- Remote Resources at Paul Mitchell – salon‑style instruction plus digital tools
- Weekly Hybrid at ABC Ind./Ky. – combine online theory with local lab time
Career Support & Outcomes
- Job Placement assistance at ATA, Empire Beauty, Paul Mitchell, and Building Institute
- Tuition‑Free Degree Option through Vincennes University for ABC apprentices in Indiana
- 100% Acceptance at ATA College, open to all qualified applicants
- National Competitions and networking events through ABC craft contests
List of All Trade Schools in Louisville
ABC Indiana / Kentucky
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Indiana/Kentucky is one of the largest ABC chapters in the U.S., ranking in the top five for membership size. It offers federally recognized apprenticeship programs in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and more, providing 8,000 hours of hands-on training alongside coursework accredited by NCCER. Tuition varies by program and membership status, with electrical apprenticeships costing between $1,615 and $2,015 per year. Students can choose from weekly hybrid learning formats or in-person classes at multiple locations across Kentucky and Indiana. ABC also hosts national craft competitions and offers a tuition-free associate degree option through Vincennes University for apprentices in Indiana.
- 1810 Taylor Avenue Louisville, KY 40213
American National University
American National University’s Louisville, KY campus offers a selection of medical assisting and health service management courses with accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Students at this location can also enroll in international programs to pursue a master’s degree in business administration, cybersecurity, and information technology.
- 4205 Dixie Hwy. Louisville, KY 40216
ATA College
ATA College offers healthcare-focused diploma and associate degree programs ranging from 10 to 24 months, with average tuition around $22,680. At its Louisville, Kentucky campus, students can pursue in-demand programs such as Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Medical Coding, X-Ray Tech, Registered Nursing, and the LPN to RN Bridge. Day and evening classes provide flexibility, and many programs include hands-on externships to build real-world clinical skills. ATA College is accredited by ABHES and offers financial aid for those who qualify, along with graduate career placement support. With a 100% acceptance rate, ATA College is accessible to anyone ready to enter a healthcare career.
- 10200 Linn Station Road, Suite 125, Louisville, KY 40223
Building Institute of Louisville
The Building Institute of Louisville is a specialized training school that provides practical construction education for tradespeople, established in 2008 and operated by the Building Industry Charitable Foundation. It offers programs in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and painting, designed to help working adults gain or enhance trade skills. Classes are held in the evenings from 6-9 PM and transition into a hybrid model with both in-person and remote sessions. Tuition costs range between $8,000 and $10,000 per semester, with a $1,000 non-refundable deposit required upfront and payment plans available. Although employment is not guaranteed post-graduation, the school supports students in their job search, equipping them with industry-relevant skills and experience.
- 1000 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40223
Empire Beauty Schools
Do you live in the Louisville area and want to start your dream career in cosmetology? The Empire Beauty School in Louisville, KY, can help. This location offers programs in cosmetology and cosmetology education. Upon graduation, Empire Beauty School can assist in helping students through the licensing process to become licensed professionals.
- 5120 Dixie Hwy. Louisville, KY 40216
- 5314 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY 40291
- 151 Chenoweth Ln. Louisville, KY 40207
Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell The School Louisville offers cosmetology (1500 hours), esthetics (750 hours), and teacher training (750 hours) programs in a 14,500-square-foot facility located in The Forum Shopping Center. Students from Kentucky and Southeast Indiana enjoy access to top-tier instruction alongside nearby upscale shopping and dining experiences. The school provides hands-on training in a salon-like environment, complemented by digital resources that are accessible both on and off campus.
Flexible scheduling options, including day and potential evening classes, accommodate students balancing other responsibilities. Financial aid, scholarships, and community-focused events round out the school’s supportive and engaging learning environment.
- 156 N Hurstbourne Parkway Louisville, KY 40222
Sullivan University
Programs at Sullivan University in Louisville, KY include physicians assistant, pharmacy tech, legal studies, business and technology, nursing, and culinary arts courses. At the Louisville campus, students have access to kitchens, medical labs, and well-equipped classrooms that provide hands-on training to prepare them for their chosen careers.
- 3101 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40205
- 4000 Dupont Cir. Louisville, KY 40207