ABC Baton Rouge
ABC Pelican Baton Rouge, founded in 1950, is a construction training center that serves over 2,000 students annually across two Louisiana locations. The school offers hands-on programs in welding, electrical work, heavy equipment operation, and millwright training, as well as supervisory courses for career advancement. Evening classes run Monday through Thursday, with no online or externship options. Tuition varies based on membership status, starting at $300 per semester for GBRIA/ICC members and up to $1,600 for non-members in certain courses. The school is accredited by the NCCER, ensuring industry-standard construction education.
- 19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Aveda Institutes
The Aveda Institute in Baton Rouge, Louisiana offers a comprehensive cosmetology program that blends online-based curriculum with hands-on salon floor training. Students gain essential skills in hair cutting, coloring, makeup, nail care, and business development while practicing on real clients under the supervision of licensed instructors.
The campus salon operates Wednesday through Saturday, with service hours ranging from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing students with practical experience during those times. Retail services are available Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., enhancing students’ exposure to client interactions and product knowledge. This program prepares students to enter the beauty industry with confidence, skill, and a strong foundation in customer service.
- 2834 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) was established in 1998 and now serves over 7,371 students, offering more than 70 programs in business, healthcare, and technical fields. Students can earn transfer degrees, applied associate degrees, and technical diplomas in areas such as aviation maintenance, nursing, and computer networking. The college provides flexible scheduling with morning, afternoon, evening, online, and hybrid courses to accommodate different learning needs. The average annual cost is $9,646, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, making BRCC an affordable option. Accredited by SACSCOC, the college maintains high academic standards and follows an open-door admissions policy with a 100% acceptance rate.
- 201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Delta College of Arts & Tech
Founded in 1983, Delta College of Arts & Technology provides career training in healthcare, business, and design fields. Students can complete programs like Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, and Graphic Design in 7.5 to 24 months, with night classes taking longer. The college operates on a 100% open-admissions policy and offers day and night schedules for flexibility. Tuition for the Practical Nursing program is approximately $18,557 per year, covering tuition, fees, books, and supplies. While online courses are not available, Delta College provides hands-on externships and job placement assistance to support students in starting their careers.
- 7380 Exchange Pl, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Diesel Driving Academy
Diesel Driving Academy provides Class A CDL training through three programs: Advanced CDL, Basic CDL, and CDL Prep Driver Training. Students receive hands-on training with modern equipment, ensuring they gain real-world trucking skills. The Advanced CDL program lasts 20 weeks for day students and 30 weeks for night students, offering flexible scheduling. Tuition estimates range from $10,000 to $14,000 per year, with financial aid and carrier sponsorships available. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), the academy has a 100% acceptance rate and offers job placement assistance to graduates.
- 8067 Airline Hwy Baton Rouge, LA 70815
FORTIS College
From Shenandoah to South Baton Rouge, Louisiana residents can receive high-quality training at Fortis College in Baton Rouge, LA. Students can look into getting a rewarding, worthwhile education in medical technology, HVAC-R, and other healthcare professions. Fortis College offers financial aid for qualified individuals and offers tours for any interested students.
- 14111 Airline Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70817
ITI Tech
Founded in 1973, ITI Technical College focuses on hands-on training and personalized instruction, serving around 500 students in a supportive learning environment. The college offers programs in Electrical Technology, Industrial Instrumentation, Construction Management, and more, aligning training with industry needs.
Students follow a structured four-day-a-week schedule, with morning and evening options, and gain real-world experience through lab work and externships.
Tuition averages $29,181, but financial aid and net price calculators help students estimate their costs. Accredited by ACCSC, ITI ensures its programs meet recognized career education standards, and it offers job placement assistance for graduates.
- 13944 Airline Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Medical Training College
Founded in 1992, Medical Training College has grown into a trusted institution for healthcare education, now serving students at its New Orleans campus. The school offers career-focused programs, including Practical Nursing (LPN), Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, and Medical Office and Health Information Technician, with some programs available in a hybrid format. Students can choose from day, evening, and hybrid schedules, with select programs featuring hands-on externships for real-world experience. Tuition ranges from $13,930 to $30,900, depending on the program, with financial aid options available. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), Medical Training College in New Orleans follows an open admissions policy, ensuring 100% acceptance for qualified applicants.
- 10525 Plaza Americana Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell School’s Baton Rouge campus offers industry-approved instruction to teach students the necessary skills for a cosmetology career. Classes include hair styling, cutting and coloring, as well as makeup application, bone structure and facial shape adaptability. Students also learn nail and skincare techniques when pursuing this credential.
- 12158 Coursey Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Remington College
Students at Remington College’s Baton Rouge campus in Louisiana can enjoy smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction while pursuing their HVAC certificate or process technology degree. An on-campus lab also allows aspiring medical assistants to practice collecting patient samples and performing initial point-of-care testing.
- 4520 S Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Unitech Training Academy
Founded in 1997, Unitech Training Academy has grown to offer more than 10 programs across six campuses in Louisiana. Students can pursue quick training options, such as Medical Billing and Coding, Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, and Electrical programs, with many courses completed in as little as 9 months. The academy provides flexible learning formats, including traditional, online, hybrid, and evening classes, and offers hands-on externships for select programs. Tuition varies from $1,800 to $15,495, depending on the program, with financial aid options available. Unitech is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and follows an open admissions policy, allowing for 100% acceptance of qualified applicants.
- 4354 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Suite D295, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Upper Iowa University
Students at Upper Iowa University’s Baton Rouge campus can pursue undergraduate and graduate-level degrees in business, criminal justice, accounting, health services administration, education, marketing, and information technology. UIU-Baton Rouge also partners with nearby community colleges to ensure a smooth credit transfer process for students returning to finish their degrees.
- 2431 So. Acadian Thruway, St. 287 Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Precision Weld Testing & Training
Precision Weld Testing & Training (PWTT) offers practical welding instruction for individuals looking to enter the industrial, commercial, or residential welding fields. The 10-week program covers Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) at both beginner and advanced levels. Classes run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, making it accessible for working professionals. Tuition ranges from $1,610 to $2,645, with costs varying based on course selection. Accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS), PWTT ensures industry-standard training for aspiring welders.
- 6309 Industrial Dr, Geismar, LA 70734
What to Know About Trade Schools in Baton Rouge
Key Takeaways
- Baton Rouge has a variety of trade schools focusing on construction, healthcare, cosmetology, and skilled trades.
- Hands-on training is a major focus, with most schools offering lab-based learning and externships.
- Affordable tuition options exist, with some schools providing discounts for members or military veterans.
- Accredited programs ensure students earn recognized certifications that lead to employment.
- Fast-track programs allow students to enter the workforce in as little as a few months.
- Career placement services are available at many schools to assist graduates with finding jobs.
1. Diverse Career Training Opportunities
Baton Rouge offers a variety of vocational and technical education options, catering to industries such as construction, healthcare, cosmetology, skilled trades, and business administration. Schools like ABC Pelican Baton Rouge focus on construction trades, while Aveda Institute specializes in cosmetology and wellness, and Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) provides both technical diplomas and associate degrees.
2. Hands-On Learning is a Priority
Most trade schools in Baton Rouge emphasize hands-on training. Programs in welding, electrical work, CDL driving, and HVAC provide practical experience. Schools such as ABC Pelican, Diesel Driving Academy, and ITI Technical College ensure students get real-world training through lab-based instruction, externships, and supervised clinical experiences.
3. Affordable and Flexible Education
Trade schools in Baton Rouge are more affordable than traditional four-year universities. BRCC offers an average annual tuition of $9,646, making it one of the most affordable options. ABC Pelican offers membership-based tuition discounts, and Delta College and ITI Tech provide evening and hybrid classes to accommodate working adults.
4. Strong Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Accreditation is a key factor among these institutions. Schools such as ABC Pelican (NCCER), Baton Rouge Community College (SACSCOC), Delta College (COE), and Aveda Institute (NACCAS) ensure that their certifications and degrees meet industry standards and are recognized by employers.
5. Career-Focused Programs and Job Placement
Many schools offer career placement services, ensuring students transition smoothly into the workforce. Diesel Driving Academy, Fortis College, and Unitech Training Academy assist graduates with resume building, interview coaching, and employer connections. Programs such as Aveda’s externships help students secure job placements even before graduation.
6. Military & Veteran Benefits
Several schools offer tuition assistance and special programs for veterans. Institutions such as Paul Mitchell Schools, Fortis College, and BRCC accept GI Bill benefits and other financial aid for military personnel, making vocational education accessible to those who served.
7. Average Program Duration
The duration of programs varies by field, but most trade schools offer short-term career training. Programs at ABC Pelican and Diesel Driving Academy can be completed in as little as three weeks to six months, while nursing and allied health programs at Delta College and Medical Training College range from 12 to 24 months.
8. Growing Demand for Skilled Trades
Baton Rouge’s trade schools align with the region’s workforce needs, particularly in construction, healthcare, and transportation. With Baton Rouge’s ongoing infrastructure projects and healthcare expansion, graduates from welding, HVAC, and medical assistant programs can expect strong job prospects.