Missouri’s trade school system offers comprehensive career training opportunities across major metropolitan areas including Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. The state’s diverse economy, from manufacturing and agriculture to healthcare and transportation, creates strong demand for skilled workers across multiple industries.
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List of Top Trade Schools in Missouri
ABC Heart of America
ABC Heart of America, a regional chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), provides apprenticeship programs, safety training, and industry-recognized certifications across Kansas. Offering hands-on training in plumbing, pipefitting, electrical work, carpentry, HVAC, and more, students earn practical experience while getting paid. With flexible class schedules and a tuition model based on apprenticeship status, ABC Heart of America helps students avoid student debt while preparing for high-demand careers.- 4035 Denton Road Kansas City, MO 64133
- 2275 Cassens Drive, Suite 140 Fenton,, MO 63026
- Skilled Trades
American Trade School
American Trade School, located in St. Ann, Missouri, offers hands-on training in HVAC and Electrical trades, both completed in 14 months. With small class sizes and flexible schedules, students receive individualized instruction in a fully in-person learning environment. The school is ACCSC-accredited, has open admissions, and provides job placement assistance to help graduates find employment.- 3925 Industrial Drive Saint Ann, MO 63074
- Skilled Trades
Arizona College of Nursing
Missouri's campus is on Park 270 Drive in Maryland Heights, in the St. Louis area, and holds initial approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. It is one of the newer campuses, with no published placement or NCLEX-RN results yet. Tuition is $880 per credit, or $105,600 for the 120-credit BSN (2026–27), plus a $700 resource fee each semester.- 1807 Park 270 Dr, Suite 500 Maryland Heights, MO 63146
- Healthcare and Nursing
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
AIM's Missouri campus is on Raytown Road in Kansas City and teaches the 21-month Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P) certificate and a short A&P exam-prep course for experienced mechanics. It is one of three AIM campuses with weekend classes as well as day and evening shifts, and it has an on-site FAA written-test center and a 13,000-square-foot hangar. ACCSC accredited; federal aid and GI Bill accepted.- 4100 Raytown Rd Kansas City, MO 64129
- Aviation, Electrical, Skilled Trades, Welding
Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center
Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center opened in 1967 and now trains more than 600 high school and adult learners each year in high-demand technical fields. Programs lead to certificates, industry licenses, or elective high school credits, with schedules offered day and evening to support working students. Tuition varies by program, and the school holds COE accreditation.- 1080 South Silver Springs Road Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Concorde Career College
Concorde's Kansas City college teaches at two sites; the main campus is in the St. Joseph Medical Center building. It offers a pre-licensure BSN (ACEN initial accreditation, April 2026), practical nursing, dental hygiene with a public clinic, sonography, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy and more, and runs Concorde's online programs. Missouri's nursing board reports NCLEX pass rates of 88% (RN) and 94% (PN) for January to September 2025. ACCSC accredited.- 930 Carondelet Dr Kansas City, MO 64114
- 3239 Broadway Blvd Kansas City, MO 64111
- Dental, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare and Nursing, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Tech, Phlebotomy Technician, Radiology, Sterile Processing Technician
Criders Institute of Welding
Criders Institute of Welding, serving Kansas City since 2015, offers hands-on training for students seeking welding certifications. Programs range from a 16-week basic welding course to a 24-week advanced pipe welding program, with small class sizes ensuring personalized instruction. Tuition varies by program, with costs starting at $285 for hobby classes and up to $21,000 for the Master Pipe Welding Program.- 300 NW Jefferson Grain Valley, MO 64029
- Skilled Trades
Electrical Connection
Electrical Connection is Missouri’s largest provider of licensed electrical contractors and a leader in electrician training, offering apprenticeships and continuing education through its partnership with IBEW Local 1 and NECA St. Louis. Its earn-as-you-learn model allows apprentices to gain paid hands-on experience while receiving industry-standard instruction. Continuing education is free, and apprenticeships provide wages and benefits, making it a cost-effective pathway to an electrical career.- 5735 Elizabeth Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110
- Skilled Trades
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University's Missouri location, on Emerson Road in St. Louis, is an Accelerated BSN learning site with Mercy as its main clinical partner. It teaches only GCU's hybrid ABSN for students with a prior bachelor's or 60+ transferable credits: online theory, on-site skills and simulation labs, and clinicals, with a nursing core of as few as 16 months. ABSN tuition is $850 per credit (2026–27). Other GCU programs are online.- 721 Emerson Rd, Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63141
- Business, Communications and Media, Computer and Information Technology, Criminal Justice and Law, Graphics, Design, and Arts, Healthcare and Nursing, Sports Management
Hendren Services & Code Academy
Hendren Services & Code Academy in Independence, Missouri provides short, intensive training for plumbers and mechanical professionals who need master exam prep or backflow certifications. Programs run from a single day to 40 hours, with flexible evening and weekend schedules and fully in-person instruction. Tuition ranges from $400 to $900 depending on the course, and students earn certificates tied to industry exams.- 1011 W US Highway 24 Independence, MO 64050
- Skilled Trades
Kansas City School of Phlebotomy
The Kansas City School of Phlebotomy provides hands-on healthcare training with small class sizes for personalized instruction. Programs include Phlebotomy, Clinical Medical Assisting, EKG Technician, and Clinical Laboratory Assisting, with tuition starting at $500. While the school lacks institutional accreditation, many programs are accredited by relevant organizations, and externships offer real-world experience.- 2838 Warwick Trfy. Kansas City, MO 64108
- Healthcare and Nursing
Lewis & Clark Career Center
Lewis & Clark Career Center provides hands-on career and technical education through partnerships with five St. Charles County school districts. Offering 15 specialized programs, students gain industry certifications, high school credits, and potential college credit. With small class sizes and a half-day schedule, students receive practical training while continuing academic coursework at their home high schools.- 2400 Zumbehl Road St. Charles, MO 63301
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri, offers over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and online programs with a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The university provides flexible class formats, including evening and hybrid options, with hands-on learning in fields like counseling and healthcare. Tuition for full-time undergraduates is $21,094 per year, while graduate tuition varies by program, starting at $525 per credit hour.- 209 S Kingshighway St Saint Charles, MO 63301
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Technology, Arts
Local 8 Training Center
Plumbers Local 8 Training Center offers a five-year paid apprenticeship that blends over 1,800 classroom hours with more than 8,700 hours of paid on-the-job training. Graduates earn a U.S. Department of Labor journeyworker certificate along with trade credentials in areas like medical gas, welding, and backflow. Tuition is not charged, and apprentices earn wages while training.- 5950 Manchester Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64130
- Skilled Trades
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute, known as MTI, is an accredited vocational school that provides an alternative to the conventional four-year college path by offering specialized education in mechanical trades, allied health, cosmetology, and truck driving. Many programs can be completed in under a year. offers training in a variety of fields, including Allied Health, Mechanical Trades, Cosmetology and Trucking & Transportation.- 3600 S. Glenstone Outer Rd. Springfield, MO 65804
- Healthcare and Nursing, Cosmetology and Barbering, HVAC and Building Services, Massage Therapy, Medical Billing and Coding, Phlebotomy Technician, Trucking and Transportation, Welding, Wellness
Paul Mitchell Schools
Missouri has three Paul Mitchell schools. Columbia and Springfield each teach barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, nails and instructor training; at Columbia, barbering is 1,000 hours and cosmetology 1,500. The St. Louis school, at Maryland Plaza, teaches only 1,500-hour cosmetology. Springfield's operator is listed as The System, a Paul Mitchell Partner School; the other two have separate PMMO companies.- 1101 Hutchens Drive Columbia, MO 65203
- 3017 S. Kansas Expressway Springfield, MO 65807
- 30 Maryland Plaza, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63108
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Pinnacle Career Institute
Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) specializes in career-focused training for high-demand fields like Wind Turbine Technology, HVAC, and Tower Technician work. With flexible class schedules, online learning, and hands-on training, PCI prepares students for industry-specific careers. Accredited by ACCSC, the school offers financial aid and an open admission policy, making education accessible and workforce-ready.- 11500 N Ambassador Dr Suite 221, Kansas City, MO 64153
- Skilled Trades
Ranken Tech
Ranken Technical College, a nonprofit institution in St. Louis, Missouri, provides hands-on, career-focused training in skilled trades and technology. Offering Associate degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas in fields like Automotive Technology, Electrical & Electronics, IT, and Manufacturing, the college emphasizes practical learning through internships and apprenticeships. With flexible class schedules, online course options, and financial aid, Ranken prepares students for in-demand careers with industry-recognized training.- Ranken Technical College 4431 Finney Ave. St. Louis, MO 63113
- Ranken Technical College 755 Parr Road Wentzville,, MO 63385
- Ranken Technical College 651 John Deere Drive Troy,, MO 63379
- Ranken Technical College 1907 Perryville Blvd. Perryville,, MO 63775
- Ranken Technical College 975 Perry Ave. Ashland, MO 65010
- Skilled Trades, Technology
Rolla Technical Institute
Rolla Technical Institute (RTI) in Rolla, MO, provides career and technical education for high school and adult students, offering 17 vocational programs and four academic programs. Programs like Collision Repair, Information Technology, and Fire & Rescue Technology focus on hands-on training with dual credit opportunities. Tuition ranges from $8,788 to $10,836, and evening and online classes are available for select programs.- 1304 East 10th Street, 500 Forum Drive, Rolla, MO 65401
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
St Louis School of Phlebotomy
The St. Louis School of Phlebotomy provides hands-on healthcare training through programs in Phlebotomy, Clinical Medical Assisting, EKG Technician, and Clinical Laboratory Assisting. With small class sizes and on-site learning, students gain practical experience, including externships with clinical labs and hospitals. Tuition starts at $500, making it an affordable option for those pursuing a healthcare career.- 6717 Vernon Ave. St. Louis, MO 63130
- Healthcare and Nursing
St. Charles Community College
St. Charles Community College in Cottleville, Missouri enrolls over 10,000 credit students per year and offers more than 60 affordable academic and workforce programs. Students can pursue associate degrees or certificates with flexible scheduling options including online, hybrid, and in-person formats. Tuition varies by residency, and the college holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation.- 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive Cottleville, MO 63376
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
St. Louis Community College
St. Louis Community College (STLCC), Missouri's second-largest higher education institution, offers affordable associate degrees, certificates, and career training programs. With flexible schedules, online options, and hands-on training in fields like nursing, cybersecurity, and legal studies, STLCC serves over 34,000 students annually. Tuition starts at $122 per credit hour for in-district students, making it a cost-effective choice for higher education.- 3400 Pershall Road, Ferguson, MO 63135
- 5600 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
- 11333 Big Bend Road, St. Louis, MO 63122
- 2645 Generations Drive, Wildwood, MO 63040
- 3140 Cass Ave. St. Louis, MO 63106
- 4115 Meramec Bottom Road, St. Louis, MO 63129
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology
Wichita Technical Institute
Wichita Technical Institute (WTI) trains about 900 undergraduates each year across healthcare and technical programs at its Wichita, KS, and Joplin, MO campuses. ACCSC accredits WTI, which offers small-class instruction, externships, and job placement support. Tuition ranges by program, with per-quarter costs of about $3,900–$4,200.- 1715 N. Rangeline RD. Joplin, MO 64801
- Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology
Local Guides
Best Schools by Specialty
Community College Leadership
St. Louis Community College leads Missouri’s public education sector as the state’s largest higher education institution, serving 34,404 students across six campuses with programs in Cybersecurity, HVAC, Medical Assistant, Nursing, and Software Development at significantly reduced costs compared to four-year universities.
Healthcare Programs
Arizona College of Nursing operates a St. Louis location offering comprehensive nursing programs including BSN and 3-Year BSN options with CCNE accreditation and ABHES institutional accreditation across its 20-campus network.
Concorde Career College provides specialized healthcare training in Kansas City with programs completing in as little as 8 months, offering Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, and Surgical Technology with blended online and hands-on learning.
Midwest Technical Institute operates a Springfield location with 25+ years of experience offering Medical Assisting, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, and Phlebotomy programs with CAAHEP accreditation for specific programs.
Skilled Trades Excellence
Ranken Technical College stands as Missouri’s premier technical college in St. Louis, serving 1,800 students with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio offering Associate of Technology degrees in Automotive Technology, Construction, Electrical, Manufacturing, and Information Technology with HLC accreditation.
American Trade School provides focused HVAC and Electrical training in St. Ann with 14-month programs, small class sizes (120 students annually), and flexible day/evening schedules with ACCSC accreditation.
Specialized Technical Training
Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers comprehensive aviation training in Kansas City with FAA licensing and ACCSC accreditation, providing Aviation Maintenance Technology and Avionics programs with strong industry placement.
Electrical Connection represents Missouri’s largest electrical contractor training provider through IBEW Local 1 and NECA partnership, offering registered apprenticeships with paid training and comprehensive benefits.
Beauty and Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell Schools operates three Missouri locations (Columbia, Springfield, St. Louis) providing comprehensive beauty education with access to over 50,000 Paul Mitchell salons worldwide for job placement opportunities.
Construction and Trades Apprenticeships
ABC Heart of America serves Kansas City region with NCCER-accredited apprenticeship programs in Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, HVAC, and Construction, offering paid training with flexible scheduling and U.S. Department of Labor approval.
University Programs
Lindenwood University in St. Charles offers comprehensive programs including Game Design, Business Administration, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Healthcare Administration with 15:1 student-faculty ratio and HLC accreditation.
Cost Analysis and Program Investment
Tuition Range Overview
Missouri trade schools demonstrate wide cost variation based on program type and institutional level:
Most Affordable Options:
- Community colleges: $122-$233 per credit hour (St. Louis Community College)
- Specialized healthcare: $500-$1,000 per program (phlebotomy schools)
- Apprenticeships: Often tuition-free with paid training (ABC Heart of America, Electrical Connection)
Mid-Range Investment:
- Technical colleges: $695 per credit hour (Ranken Technical College)
- Healthcare programs: $16,000-$19,000 annually (Arizona College of Nursing)
- Skilled trades: $17,510 average annual cost (American Trade School)
Premium Programs:
- University programs: $21,094 block tuition (Lindenwood University)
- Specialized training: $20,000-$30,000 (Aviation Institute of Maintenance)
- Advanced programs: $17,500-$67,000 depending on length (Concorde Career College)
Average Cost Estimate
Based on available data, Missouri trade schools average $14,000-$20,000 for complete certification programs, with significant savings available through community colleges and apprenticeship programs.
Quick Entry Programs
Ultra-Fast Certifications
Healthcare Quick Start: Multiple institutions offer accelerated programs including 4-week phlebotomy training for $500 and 8-month healthcare programs through Concorde Career College.
Specialized Welding: Criders Institute of Welding provides focused welding programs from 4-6 months with 12:1 student-instructor ratios and comprehensive certification preparation.
Accelerated Technical Training
Pinnacle Career Institute offers specialized wind energy and HVAC programs designed for rapid workforce entry, while American Trade School provides 14-month focused HVAC and Electrical training.