Mississippi offers diverse vocational training pathways through technical centers, community colleges, and specialized career schools. Students can choose from quick-entry certificate programs to two-year associate degrees across healthcare, skilled trades, business, and technology fields.
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Table of Contents
- Best Schools by Specialty
- List of Top Mississippi Trade Schools
- Cost Analysis
- Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
- Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
- Program Duration and Completion Times
- Most Popular Programs Across Mississippi
- Accreditation and Quality Standards
- Financial Aid Opportunities
- Career Services and Job Placement
- Regional Considerations
Best Schools by Specialty
Healthcare Programs
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College leads in healthcare diversity, offering 14 medical programs including Dental Hygiene, Respiratory Care Technology, Surgical Technology, and both ADN and LPN-to-RN pathways. East Mississippi Community College provides strong options in Ophthalmic Technology and Emergency Medical Technician training alongside traditional nursing degrees.
For specialized allied health training, Concorde Career College offers accelerated programs in Dental Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy Technology, and Surgical Technology, with completion times as short as 8 months. Mississippi Delta Community College stands out for Physical Therapist Assistant and Medical Laboratory Technology programs.
Skilled Trades
College & Career Technical Institute serves as Mississippi’s largest technical center with comprehensive offerings in welding, diesel service technology, HVAC, and construction. The Ingalls Maritime Academy program prepares students for shipbuilding careers unique to the Gulf Coast region.
Harrison County Technical Center provides two-year programs in automotive technology, precision machining, welding, and construction integrated with students’ high school education. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College excels in precision manufacturing, welding technology, and automotive programs including collision repair.
Business and Professional Services
Mississippi Delta Community College offers accounting technology, administrative office technology, and business management programs alongside unique hospitality training. East Mississippi Community College provides specialized culinary programs including Baking and Pastry Arts, plus hotel and restaurant management pathways.
Technology Programs
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College leads with cutting-edge Cybersecurity Technology, Computer Networking, and IT Specialist programs. East Mississippi Community College offers database administration, computer programming, and drafting/design alongside mechatronics technology for advanced manufacturing careers.
List of Top Mississippi Trade Schools
College & Career Technical Institute
College & Career Technical Institute (CCTI) is Mississippi’s largest high school technical center, serving roughly 200 students in grades 9–12 with state-of-the-art labs and hands-on, career-focused training. Part of the A-rated Pascagoula-Gautier School District, CCTI prepares students for immediate employment or further education across fields like Law & Public Safety, Architecture/Drafting, Welding, Diesel Technology, Health Sciences, and Logistics.- 2602 Market Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Concorde Career College
With several locations throughout the United States, Concorde prepares attendees for jobs in healthcare and dentistry. This institution prides itself on providing an educational experience that is student centered, community based, and achievement driven.
Career seekers interested in studying a trade in healthcare or dental care can go to Concorde Career College for a diploma or associate degree in an array of fields. The institution offers programs in diagnostics, including cardiovascular and medical sonography. Allied health programs include medical assisting and office administration.
Several programs also focus on patient care, such as massage therapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, surgical technology, and coursework for physical therapy assistants. Concorde helps interested students prepare for high-level dental care, as well, with programs and training for dental assistants and hygienists.
- 7900 Airways Blvd Southaven, MS 38671
- Healthcare and Nursing, Massage Therapy, Phlebotomy Technician, Radiology, Wellness
Delta Technical College
Delta Technical college offers courses in mechanical trades, healthcare, cosmetology, and professional truck driving. Students at Delta Technical College's Horn Lake campus receive comprehensive instruction to help them qualify for jobs in allied health, cosmetology, commercial trucking, or skilled trades like welding, HVAC, pipefitting and electrical work. On-site welding, HVAC, and cosmetology labs also provide hands-on training so students can apply and perfect their skills.- 6550 Interstate Blvd. Horn Lake, MS 38637
- 113 Marketridge Dr. Ridgeland, MS 39157
- Healthcare and Nursing, Cosmetology and Barbering, HVAC and Building Services, Trucking and Transportation
East Mississippi Community College
East Mississippi Community College serves 4,145 students across the Scooba and Golden Triangle (Mayhew) campuses, with additional sites at Columbus Lion Hills Center and Communiversity, plus online through the Mississippi Virtual Community College. The SACSCOC-accredited college offers associate degrees and certificates in fields like nursing, mechatronics, baking and pastry, criminal justice, and business. EMCC uses online, hybrid, day, and evening formats, and operates with open enrollment.- 1512 Kemper St. Scooba, MS 39358
- 8731 South Frontage Rd Mayhew, MS 39753
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Harrison County Technical Center
Harrison County Technical Center (HCTC) is a public, hands-on career and technical education school serving Harrison Central, West Harrison, and D’Iberville high school students through two-year programs integrated into the regular school day. Students typically apply in 9th or 10th grade for the following year, and district funding means most attend without paying tuition.- 15600 School Road Gulfport, MS 39503
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades
Metro Booming Training Academy
Metro Booming Training Academy is a Mississippi non-profit workforce school offering hands-on training in skilled trades inside a 35,000-sq-ft facility with eight lift-equipped bays on a 10-acre campus. Licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration, the academy focuses on quick entry to work through programs like Forklift Operator, Automotive Service Technology, Maintenance & Light Repair, Work Ready Electrical, and Intro to HVAC, with day, evening, and weekend schedules.- 201 N Green Avenue, Suite 1B Jackson, MS 39203
- Skilled Trades
Mississippi Delta Community College
Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead has served the Delta region since 1926 and enrolls about 2,000 students each semester. The college offers SACSCOC-accredited associate degrees and short certificates across fields like welding, accounting technology, computer networking, phlebotomy, and medical laboratory technology, with day, evening, and online classes. Students gain hands-on experience in programs such as nursing through clinical externships.- PO Box 668 Hwy 3 & Cherry St. Moorhead, MS 38761
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a SACSCOC-accredited college serving about 8,091 students, with roots dating to 1911. The college offers certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs with online, hybrid, and in-person options. Many healthcare programs include clinical experiences that build job-ready skills.- 51 Main Street Perkinston, MS 39573
- 2300 Highway 90 Gautier, MS 39553
- 2226 Switzer Rd. Gulfport, MS 39507
- 19330 Hwy 67 Biloxi, MS 39532
- 11203 Old Highway 63 South Lucedale, MS 39452
- 1000 Jerry Saint Pe’ Hwy. Pascagoula, MS 39568
- 21500 B. Street Long Beach, MS 39560
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services, Massage Therapy
Roadmaster Drivers School
Roadmasters Drivers School provides students with the skills and hands-on training they need to obtain a Class A commercial driver's license. The school partners with a variety of industries hiring new drivers with Class A licenses. Classroom locations are nationwide and the curriculum is between three and four weeks long. A truck driving education is both affordable and accessible to anyone looking for long time work that pays well.
- 1500 W Highland Dr Jackson, MS 39204
- Trucking and Transportation
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a liberal arts college offering many undergraduate and graduate degrees. Located north of Tampa, FL, the main campus has an enrollment of over 2,200 students. Total registration in online courses and at centers in other states is nearly 15,000. The school is the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in Florida.- 81 Fifth Street, Suite 11 Columbus AFB, MS 39710
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Communications and Media, Computer and Information Technology, Graphics, Design, and Arts
Strayer University
Strayer University is a private college that offers online and in-person programs from associate's to master's levels. The school has locations in over 15 different states. Degree options include business and criminal justice. SU has a mission to teach students the skills they need to grow and thrive.
- 100 East Capitol St, Suite 100 Jackson, MS 39201
- Criminal Justice and Law, Architecture, Computer and Information Technology, Trucking and Transportation
Cost Analysis
Most Affordable Options
Public school district students attending College & Career Technical Institute or Harrison County Technical Center pay no tuition as these programs integrate with public high school education.
For community college programs, in-state tuition remains remarkably affordable:
- Mississippi Delta Community College: $1,725 per semester (15-21 credits)
- East Mississippi Community College: $1,800 per semester flat rate (15-19 credits)
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: $1,800 per semester (15-21 credits)
Metro Booming Training Academy offers the most budget-friendly quick certifications, with forklift operator training at just $533 and automotive/maintenance programs at $1,575.
Private Institution Costs
Concorde Career College tuition ranges from $17,500 to $67,000 for complete programs ($550-$750 per credit). Delta Technical College prices individual programs from $1,726 (Phlebotomy) to $18,616 (Welding & Pipefitting). Roadmaster Drivers School charges approximately $7,000 for CDL training across 4-5 weeks.
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
Ultra-Fast Certifications (Under 6 Months)
Several Mississippi schools offer rapid training pathways for students needing immediate employment:
Metro Booming Training Academy provides intensive hands-on training across five focused programs, all completable within weeks to months. The 10-acre facility features 35,000 square feet of warehouse space with eight professional-grade equipment bays. Programs include Forklift Operator, Automotive Service Technology, Maintenance & Light Repair, Work Ready Electrical, and Introduction to HVAC.
Roadmaster Drivers School delivers Class A CDL training in just 4-5 weeks through 180-200 hours of intensive instruction, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. With over 100,000 graduates across 30 years, the school provides job placement services and works with trucking companies offering up to 100% tuition reimbursement.
Short-Term Healthcare Certifications at community colleges include:
- Phlebotomy (Mississippi Delta CC: starting at certificate level)
- EMT training (East Mississippi CC and Mississippi Gulf Coast CC)
- Medical Assisting (multiple institutions, typically 8-12 months)
- Dental Assisting (Concorde Career College: 8-month accelerated track)
Eight-Month Accelerated Programs
Concorde Career College specializes in compressed healthcare training, allowing students to complete Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Surgical Technology programs in approximately 8 months. The blended education model combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences, maintaining quality while accelerating completion.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Evening and Weekend Classes
Metro Booming Training Academy accommodates diverse schedules with three session options: day classes (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM), evening sessions (Monday-Thursday, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM), and Saturday classes (8:00 AM-4:30 PM).
Mississippi Delta Community College schedules day classes starting at 8:00 AM with evening courses beginning at 6:00 PM. East Mississippi Community College offers evening classes in Adult Education and select career-technical programs, though availability varies by semester.
Online and Hybrid Options
Multiple community colleges participate in the Mississippi Virtual Community College, launched in 2000, providing fully online coursework options. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers several certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs entirely online, with additional hybrid formats combining online instruction with laboratory experiences.
Part-Time Study Pathways
All Mississippi community colleges accommodate part-time enrollment, charging per credit hour for students taking fewer than 15 credits. This flexibility allows working adults to maintain employment while gradually progressing toward credentials. East Mississippi Community College’s 100% acceptance rate and open enrollment policy particularly supports adult learners returning to education.
Program Duration and Completion Times
Certificate Programs: 3 Months to 1 Year
Short-term certificates dominate quick-entry trades like forklift operation, basic HVAC, CDL training, and entry-level healthcare positions. Most community colleges offer certificate options completable within one to two semesters.
Diploma Programs: 1 Year
One-year diploma programs provide more comprehensive training than certificates while remaining shorter than associate degrees. These appear frequently in skilled trades, culinary arts, and some healthcare specialties.
Associate Degrees: 2 Years
Traditional associate degree programs require approximately two years for full-time students. Popular two-year pathways include:
- Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
- Business Management Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Welding Technology
- Computer Networking Technology
- Culinary Arts Technology
Part-time students typically extend completion to three or four years depending on course load and work commitments.
High School Integration: 2-4 Years
College & Career Technical Institute and Harrison County Technical Center offer two-year programs for students applying during 9th or 10th grade, integrating career training with regular high school curriculum.
Most Popular Programs Across Mississippi
Healthcare Dominates Enrollment
Nursing programs (ADN, LPN, and LPN-to-RN pathways) consistently attract the highest enrollment across all community colleges. Medical assisting, dental assisting, and surgical technology follow as top healthcare choices, reflecting strong regional job demand.
Skilled Trades Maintain Strong Interest
Welding technology appears at virtually every institution reviewed, indicating sustained demand for certified welders in Mississippi’s manufacturing and industrial sectors. Automotive technology, HVAC, and electrical programs similarly show consistent enrollment across multiple campuses.
Emerging Technology Fields
Cybersecurity technology represents a growing program area, with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College receiving National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defence designation from the NSA. Computer networking and IT specialist programs respond to digital transformation across industries.
Business and Management
Accounting technology and business management programs provide stable enrollment, offering clear pathways to office positions across diverse industries. Administrative office technology trains students for immediate employment in clerical and support roles.
Accreditation and Quality Standards
Regional Accreditation
All Mississippi community colleges reviewed maintain accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring credits transfer to four-year institutions and degrees meet employer expectations.
Specialized Program Accreditation
Healthcare programs typically hold additional accreditation from discipline-specific bodies. Nursing programs maintain approval from state boards of nursing and often hold Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation.
State Licensing
The Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration licenses private career schools like Metro Booming Training Academy, ensuring compliance with state standards even without traditional accreditation.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Federal Aid Eligibility
All community colleges accept federal financial aid including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and work-study programs. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.
Military and Veteran Benefits
Schools like Roadmaster Drivers School, Delta Technical College, and Concorde Career College explicitly welcome veterans using GI Bill benefits. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has earned Military Friendly School designation, providing specialized support for service members and veterans.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Roadmaster Drivers School partners with trucking companies offering up to 100% tuition reimbursement for new hires. Many employers throughout Mississippi provide educational benefits for employees pursuing career advancement through community college programs.
Institutional Scholarships
Concorde Career College operates a scholarship foundation providing awards based on academic achievement and economic hardship. Delta Technical College offers private loans for students not qualifying for federal assistance.
Career Services and Job Placement
High Placement Rates
Concorde Career College reports a 94% acceptance rate with graduates often securing employment within six months. The 92% certification exam pass rate for nursing graduates nationwide (AACN data) indicates strong preparation quality.
Employer Partnerships
Roadmaster Drivers School maintains relationships with major trucking carriers, with recruiters regularly visiting campuses so students can discuss employment and benefits before graduation. Many attendees identify potential employers before completing training.
Comprehensive Career Support
Schools provide resume preparation assistance, interview technique coaching, and job search resources. East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College both offer dedicated career services helping students transition from classroom to employment.
Externships and Clinical Placements
Healthcare programs incorporate clinical externships in real medical facilities, providing hands-on experience under professional supervision. Delta Technical College’s externship program connects students with skilled mentors in actual job settings, combining course knowledge with industry exposure.
Regional Considerations
Gulf Coast Healthcare Opportunities
The concentration of healthcare programs at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (serving approximately 8,091 students across multiple campuses) reflects strong medical employment opportunities along the coast. The region’s hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities create consistent demand for trained healthcare workers.
Delta Region Agricultural and Industrial Base
Mississippi Delta Community College (approximately 2,000 students) serves the Delta region with programs aligned to agricultural equipment operation, automotive mechanics, and precision manufacturing supporting the area’s industrial base.
Metropolitan Jackson Opportunities
Metro Booming Training Academy’s Jackson location provides accessible workforce development in Mississippi’s capital city, targeting immediate employment needs in automotive service, construction, and industrial sectors.
This comprehensive landscape of Mississippi trade schools offers pathways for students at every career stage, from high school integration through adult career changes, with options spanning immediate employment certificates to two-year degrees preparing for advanced opportunities.