Best Baton Rouge Trade Schools by Specialty
Healthcare and Nursing
Medical Training College – Focused health-care campus with Practical Nursing (LPN), Medical Assistant (including a hybrid option), Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, and medical office programs.
Unitech Training Academy – Broad set of allied health programs such as Medical Assistant, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technology, and Medical Billing & Coding, many finishable in about 9 months.
Delta College of Arts & Tech – Strong option for Practical Nursing, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Medical Office and Health Information Technician.
Baton Rouge Community College – Degree and diploma options in Nursing, Surgical Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Veterinary Technology, and other entry-level medical roles.
Remington College – Healthcare diplomas and degrees in Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Dental Assisting, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Tech, and Physical Therapy–related programs.
Skilled Trades and Construction
ABC Baton Rouge (ABC Pelican) – Flagship choice for construction trades like Electrical, Welding, Heavy Equipment Operator, Millwright, Mobile Crane Operator, Pipefitting, and Instrumentation, plus supervisory training.
ITI Technical College – Technical and industrial programs such as Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Electrical and Electronic Systems, Industrial Instrumentation, Process Technology, Construction Management, and Drafting and Design.
Baton Rouge Community College – Aviation Maintenance Technology, Construction Management, Automotive, Diesel Truck Technician, HVAC/R, Electrical, Pipefitting, and Welding.
Diesel Driving Academy – Specializes in Class A CDL training, from prep to advanced driver programs.
Moore Career College – Professional Barbering and Combination Welding for students seeking hands-on trades.
FORTIS College – HVAC, Electrical, Welding, Construction Management, and CDL alongside healthcare training.
Beauty, Massage, and Personal Services
Aveda Institutes – Baton Rouge – High-end Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Massage programs with strong brand recognition and externship links.
Paul Mitchell Schools – Baton Rouge – Cosmetology, Barbering, Nails, Esthetics, Makeup, plus an Instructor program.
Moore Career College – Massage-focused training such as Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, and Neuromuscular Therapy.
Remington College – Cosmetology and Nail Care diplomas for students who want beauty plus broader campus support services.
Business, IT, and Professional Programs
Baton Rouge Community College – Business Administration, Accounting Technology, Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, plus IT fields like Computer Science, Software Development, Cybersecurity, Networking, and Web Design.
Unitech Training Academy – IT Technician and IT Support Specialist programs for entry-level tech roles.
FORTIS College – Business Administration and Computer Systems Technician at a career-focused campus.
Upper Iowa University – Baton Rouge Center – Bachelor’s programs in Business (Accounting, Finance, Marketing, HR), Communications, Criminal Justice, Graphic Design, and Healthcare Management for students who want degree-level training while still staying career-focused.
Remington College – Business Administration, Graphic Design, and CAD Drafting along with HVAC and Building Maintenance.
List of Top Trade Schools in the Area
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
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
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
Cost, Cheapest Options, and Typical Tuition
Baton Rouge trade schools show a wide range of price points, which makes it easier to match programs to a specific budget.
Cheapest options:
ABC Baton Rouge charges $300–$600 per semester for most craft courses, with welding at $900–$1,600 depending on membership, making it one of the lowest per-term options for trades training.
Unitech Training Academy lists program costs starting around $1,800 for the least expensive courses.
Mid-range certificate and diploma programs:
Baton Rouge Community College reports an average annual cost of about $9,646, including tuition, fees, books, and living costs, which is below the national average for similar schools.
Aveda Institutes runs from about $9,966–$16,716 depending on whether you choose Esthetics, Massage, or Cosmetology.
Delta College of Arts & Tech lists an average annual cost of roughly $18,557 for its largest program (Practical Nursing), including tuition and typical expenses.
Diesel Driving Academy estimates around $10,000–$14,000 per year for its CDL programs.
FORTIS College averages about $15,000 per year for tuition, not including books and materials.
Moore Career College shows an average annual cost near $17,110 for its Barbering program.
Medical Training College reports most programs between $13,930 and $30,900 total, depending on the length and field.
Higher-cost technical and degree options:
ITI Technical College has an average total program cost around $29,181 before aid.
Remington College diploma tuition usually ranges from $6,800 to $21,000 per year, with associate and bachelor’s programs running higher.
Upper Iowa University estimates around $18,000 per year for full-time study at 12–18 credits.
If you average across the major certificate and diploma programs, a typical student might expect roughly $10,000–$18,000 total for many short-to-medium-length trade programs, while degree programs at schools like BRCC, Remington College, and Upper Iowa University can reach higher yearly totals but may offer broader long-term career paths.
Shortest Programs and Typical Duration
Baton Rouge offers both ultra-fast skills training and longer multi-year pathways:
Shortest programs
Diesel Driving Academy can get new drivers ready in as little as about three weeks for some CDL pathways.
ABC craft courses run by the semester, so a focused trade skill such as CORE or entry-level welding can be started and advanced in a single term.
Many beauty and massage modules at schools like Aveda Institutes, Paul Mitchell Schools, and Moore Career College can be completed in under a year.
Average program duration
Many healthcare and technical diplomas at Unitech Training Academy are designed to be finished in about 9 months.
Programs at Delta College of Arts & Tech typically take 7.5 to 24 months, with night tracks often on the longer side.
CDL, welding, HVAC, medical assistant, and dental assistant programs across schools such as FORTIS College, Medical Training College, and Baton Rouge Community College often land in the 9–18 month range.
Degree programs at BRCC, Remington College, and Upper Iowa University usually span two to four years, depending on transfer credits and enrollment status.
In practice, many Baton Rouge trade students can complete a job-ready credential in under a year, with more advanced clinical or technical paths stretching to two years or more.
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
If speed to employment matters, several schools focus on short, intensive training:
Diesel Driving Academy – Class A CDL programs designed for beginners, with some routes leading to job readiness in three weeks and more advanced tracks in 20–30 weeks.
ABC Baton Rouge – Semester-based craft courses in Electrical, Welding, Pipefitting, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Millwright, ideal for entry into construction sites and industrial plants.
Delta College of Arts & Tech – Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Practical Nursing programs that can finish in 7.5–24 months, with externships built in.
Medical Training College – Practical Nursing, Massage Therapy, and Medical Assistant programs, some with up to 240 hours of externship to ease the jump into clinics and offices.
Unitech Training Academy – Many healthcare and IT programs finish in about 9 months, giving a clear timeline for career change.
Aveda Institutes and Paul Mitchell Schools – Cosmetology and Esthetics programs that prepare students for state boards and salon work in roughly a year or less, depending on schedule and state rules.
These options are useful for adult learners who want a defined timeline from enrollment to entry-level employment.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Many Baton Rouge trade schools design schedules specifically for students who work or have families.
Baton Rouge Community College – Offers morning, afternoon, and evening classes, along with online, hybrid, and hyflex formats. This suits students who want to mix in-person labs with online lectures.
Unitech Training Academy – Provides traditional, online, and hybrid options with some evening classes, especially helpful for working adults in healthcare and IT programs.
Medical Training College – Runs night classes for programs such as Massage Therapy and uses a hybrid structure in the Medical Assistant program with set lab days and online coursework.
Moore Career College – Day classes from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and evening classes from 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., giving massage and barbering students a clear choice.
FORTIS College – Promotes flexible class hours and strong support services, which can help working learners keep momentum.
Remington College – Uses hybrid formats and externships, plus day and evening scheduling at many campuses.
ITI Technical College – Four-day-per-week structure with morning and evening options, blending class and lab time, which helps full-time workers.
Aveda Institutes and Paul Mitchell Schools – Many campuses offer morning, afternoon, and some evening sessions, plus online learning tools where available.
This mix of formats lets students build vocational training around existing jobs instead of stepping away from income entirely.