Most trade training in Montana happens at the public two-year colleges of the Montana University System, where residents pay about $4,100 to $5,350 a year in tuition and fees. This page covers the 7 two-year colleges in Missoula, Kalispell, Helena, Butte, Bozeman, Great Falls and Billings, plus a Billings CDL school and the online programs Montana students can use. The state is big, so the online section shows what you can study from home and what still needs hands-on hours.
Montana at a glance
- Schools on this page
- 7 public two-year colleges and 1 private CDL school, in 7 cities
- Lowest-cost routes
- Paid apprenticeships; public two-year colleges at about $4,100 to $5,350 a year for residents; CDL courses from about $3,350
- Short courses
- CDL in 6 to 8 weeks ($3,349 to $6,000); a one-semester lineworker pre-apprenticeship in Butte; phlebotomy in Bozeman
- Licensed trades
- The state licenses electricians, plumbers, nurses, EMTs and paramedics, pharmacy technicians, cosmetologists and barbers
- Statewide median pay
- Electricians $76,760; plumbers $79,960; line installers $110,320; welders $55,610 (BLS 2025)
Facts checked October 2026 from each college’s published pages and Montana University System tuition schedules.
Montana Trade Schools by Region
Every region has a public two-year college, but programs differ: aviation maintenance is in Helena, electrical and plumbing apprentice classes in Kalispell, lineworker training in Butte and most dental and respiratory programs in Great Falls. Pick the program first, then check the online options before you plan a move.
Online options for Montana students
Online study can save a long drive or a move, but it cannot replace the supervised hours Montana requires for licensed trades. Each card shows what you can study online, what still happens in person and where to look. The linked profiles have prices and full details. Before you pay, ask the school in writing whether it enrolls Montana residents and how it handles hands-on work near you.
Veterinary technician and assistant
- Online
- Great Falls College’s veterinary technician degree is taught online, with limited time on campus. National schools teach veterinary assistant coursework online.
- In person
- Great Falls students do their clinical work at a partner veterinary clinic. Penn Foster requires a veterinary assistant externship of at least 100 hours, and Blackstone a 40-hour clinical experience and a 100-hour externship.
- Before you enroll
- Great Falls’ program has initial accreditation from the AVMA, takes applications from September 25 to December 18, 2026, and needs a partner clinic. Ask a clinic near you whether it will host you before you enroll anywhere.
Explore: Great Falls College (vet tech degree) · Penn Foster · Blackstone · U.S. Career Institute
Medical billing and coding
- Online
- All of the coursework. None of the online programs we profile requires an externship.
- In person
- Nothing required by Montana, which has no license for this work. City College (Billings) and Great Falls College teach coding certificates on campus.
- Before you enroll
- Employers look for a national credential such as the AAPC CPC or NHA CBCS. Ultimate Medical Academy is the online school that takes federal aid; the others sell payment plans.
Explore: Penn Foster · U.S. Career Institute · Blackstone · WTI · Ultimate Medical Academy
Pharmacy technician
- Online
- The coursework.
- In person
- It depends on the program: some require an externship at a pharmacy and one makes it optional. See the details below.
- Before you enroll
- The Montana Board of Pharmacy licenses pharmacy technicians and requires them to keep a current national certification, so pick a program that prepares you for the PTCB or ExCPT exam. Ask who arranges the externship and whether a pharmacy near you will take you.
Externship by program
- Penn Foster: required, at least 130 hours at a community pharmacy, placed by a coordinator
- Blackstone: required, 160 hours at a CVS or Walgreens near you, depending on availability
- WTI: its 2025-26 handbook lists a 200-hour externship at a site you arrange
- U.S. Career Institute: optional 80-hour Walgreens externship for eligible graduates
Explore: Penn Foster · Blackstone · U.S. Career Institute · WTI
HVAC
- Online
- Theory and EPA 608 exam prep.
- In person
- Penn Foster and USCI have no hands-on training, so you learn on the job. Pinnacle ends with a required 10-day, 80-hour boot camp in Kansas City, Missouri, with airfare included in its price. Gallatin College (Bozeman) and FVCC (Kalispell) teach HVAC-R in person.
- Before you enroll
- Montana has no statewide HVAC technician license, but handling refrigerant needs EPA 608 certification. Check with your city’s building department for local rules.
Explore: Pinnacle Career Institute · Penn Foster · U.S. Career Institute · Gallatin College · FVCC
EMT
- Online
- Idaho Medical Academy teaches its EMT course online.
- In person
- Online students attend a four-day skills week, which can be held at Helena College’s Airport Campus. IMA also lists a twice-weekly evening EMT course in Helena for $1,500.
- Before you enroll
- Montana EMTs pass the NREMT exam and are licensed through the Board of Medical Examiners. IMA takes no federal aid and is not accredited; ask how its course leads to a Montana license.
Explore: Idaho Medical Academy · Great Falls College · Helena College
Trades that need in-person training
- Electrician and plumber: Montana licenses require an approved apprenticeship or thousands of hours of work: 8,000 hours for a journeyman electrician, 5 years for a journeyman plumber. FVCC teaches evening classes for electrical and plumbing apprentices.
- Cosmetology and barbering: the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists requires 1,500 school hours for cosmetology, 1,100 for barbering, 650 for esthetics and 400 for manicuring. Helena College teaches cosmetology.
- Nursing: practical and registered nursing programs approved by the Montana Board of Nursing include clinical hours, and Missoula College, FVCC, Helena College, Great Falls College and City College all teach it.
- Shop trades: welding, diesel, automotive, carpentry, machining, heavy equipment and aircraft maintenance are learned in a shop at the two-year colleges.
- CDL: federal rules require behind-the-wheel training. Missoula College, Highlands College, FVCC and SAGE in Billings teach it.
Some online programs exclude Montana residents. U.S. Career Institute says Montana residents cannot become licensed through its dental assisting program. Nightingale College enrolls Montana nursing students but may not run clinicals in the state, and it sued the Montana Board of Nursing over that rule in February 2026.
Montana Schools by Region
Each card is a short overview with a link to the college’s own site. Prices are tuition and mandatory fees for a full-time year unless noted.
Western Montana
Missoula College teaches most trades and health programs in Missoula, with UM Bitterroot College in Hamilton for the Bitterroot Valley. Flathead Valley Community College serves Kalispell and, through its Libby campus, Lincoln County.
Missoula College (University of Montana)
Missoula’s two-year college: welding, diesel equipment, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, construction management and an 8-week CDL course. Health programs include nursing (86.36% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025), paramedicine, radiologic and surgical technology and medical assisting, and the Big Sky Culinary Institute teaches cooking.
- Length
- Certificates of 1 to 2 semesters; 2-year AAS degrees
- Accredited
- NWCCU, through the University of Montana
- Federal aid
- Yes
Cost: $5,208 a year in tuition and fees for Montana residents and $19,288 for non-residents (2026-27); CDL $6,000
Visit the college’s site →Flathead Valley Community College
Northwest Montana’s community college, with trade classes for working apprentices: evening electrical apprentice classes, a plumbing apprentice program, electrical degrees, HVAC-R, building trades and heavy equipment operation. It also teaches welding, machining, gunsmithing, CDL, practical and registered nursing, paramedicine and radiologic technology.
- Length
- CDL 8 weeks; certificates of 2 to 3 semesters; 2-year AAS degrees; apprentice programs up to 4 years
- Accredited
- NWCCU
- Federal aid
- Yes
Cost: $5,202 a year for Flathead and Lincoln county residents, $6,593 for other Montanans, $12,360 out of state (2026-27)
Visit the college’s site →Southwest Montana
Three two-year colleges serve southwest Montana: Helena College for aviation, diesel and welding, Highlands College in Butte for line work and construction, and Gallatin College in Bozeman for HVAC-R, welding and flight training.
Helena College (University of Montana)
Home to an FAA-approved aviation maintenance program, a Miller Electric regional welding training center, diesel (Snap-on, Cummins and Daimler training), automotive, CNC and manual machining, fire and emergency services and cosmetology. Its practical and registered nursing graduates posted 100% NCLEX pass rates in the latest cohorts it reports.
- Length
- Certificates of about 1 year; 2-year AAS degrees; aviation maintenance 5 semesters
- Accredited
- NWCCU, through the University of Montana
- Federal aid
- Yes
Cost: About $4,477 a year in tuition and fees for Montana residents (2025-26; 2026-27 not yet posted), plus program fees of $250 to $750 a semester
Visit the college’s site →Highlands College of Montana Tech
Butte’s trade college: automotive, welding, precision machining and construction technology, where students build a 1,400 sq ft home. Its one-semester Pre-Apprentice Line program, run with NorthWestern Energy, IBEW and NECA, includes a Class A CDL, and it also teaches heavy equipment, fiber splicing, mining technology and radiologic technology.
- Length
- Pre-apprentice line 1 semester; CDL 6 to 8 weeks; 2-year AAS degrees
- Accredited
- NWCCU, through Montana Tech
- Federal aid
- Yes
Cost: About $4,390 a year for Montana residents, $6,040 under WUE, $11,220 out of state; Pre-Apprentice Line $11,161.69 for residents (2025-26); CDL $4,500
Visit the college’s site →Gallatin College (Montana State University)
Bozeman’s two-year college: welding, HVAC-R, carpentry, CNC machining and drafting, plus an FAA Part 141 professional pilot degree flown at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. It also teaches medical assisting, phlebotomy, culinary arts and a 14-week summer law enforcement academy.
- Length
- Phlebotomy 8 credits; certificates of about 1 year; 2-year AAS degrees
- Accredited
- NWCCU, through Montana State University
- Federal aid
- Yes
Cost: About $4,133 a year for Montana residents and $16,178 for non-residents (2026-27)
Visit the college’s site →North-central Montana
Great Falls College is the region’s two-year college. Further north in Havre, Montana State University-Northern offers associate degrees in diesel, electrical technology, plumbing, automotive and agricultural mechanics, plus diesel bachelor’s degrees.
Great Falls College MSU
Great Falls’ two-year college, strongest in health care, with practical and registered nursing, dental hygiene and dental assisting, surgical technology, respiratory therapy, sonography, paramedic and physical therapist assistant programs. It also teaches welding and fabrication, and its veterinary technician degree is mostly online, with clinical work at a partner clinic near you.
- Length
- Certificates of about 1 year; 2-year AAS degrees; vet tech 5 semesters
- Accredited
- NWCCU
- Federal aid
- Yes
Cost: $4,262 a year in tuition and fees for Montana residents, $5,890 under WUE, $13,144 out of state (2026-27)
Visit the college’s site →Billings and eastern Montana
City College at MSU Billings is the main trade college in eastern Montana. Further east, Miles Community College in Miles City teaches nursing and radiologic technology, and Dawson Community College in Glendive teaches welding and corrosion technology.
City College at MSU Billings
Billings’ trade college, with welding, diesel, automotive, collision repair, carpentry, construction management, instrument and electrical technician, process plant and energy technician programs. It also teaches nursing, paramedic, radiologic technology, ultrasound, medical coding and cybersecurity, and says its graduates have a 97% job placement rate.
- Length
- Certificates of 30 to 40 credits (about 1 year); AAS degrees of 61 to 80 credits
- Accredited
- NWCCU, through MSU Billings
- Federal aid
- Yes
Cost: About $5,345 a year for Montana residents and $6,972 under WUE (2026-27)
Visit the college’s site →SAGE Truck Driving School
An in-person CDL school with Class A and Class B courses and a refresher for experienced drivers, part of a chain of 25 locations. It is not accredited and takes no federal aid, and it publishes no Montana price, so ask Billings for a written quote.
- Length
- Class A 150 to 160 hours, about 4 to 5 weeks
- Accredited
- No institutional accreditor
- Federal aid
- No
Cost: No Montana price published; $4,995 to $5,595 for Class A elsewhere (2025)
View school profile →Montana State University-Northern, Miles Community College, Dawson Community College and Montana’s seven tribal colleges also offer career programs. Check their programs and prices on each college’s own site.
Costs and financial aid
Prices the colleges published, with the year. They are tuition and mandatory fees for a full-time year (two semesters at 12 or more credits) and exclude program fees, books and tools unless noted.
| College | Montana residents | Out of state | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallatin College (Bozeman) | $4,133 | $16,178 | 2026-27 |
| Great Falls College | $4,262 | $13,144 ($5,890 under WUE) | 2026-27 |
| Highlands College (Butte) | $4,390 | $11,220 ($6,040 under WUE) | Estimate, year not stated |
| Helena College | $4,477, plus program fees of $250 to $750 a semester | $11,648 | 2025-26 |
| Flathead Valley CC (Kalispell) | $5,202 in-district; $6,593 other Montana counties | $12,360 | 2026-27 |
| Missoula College | $5,208 | $19,288 (no WUE) | 2026-27 |
| City College (Billings) | $5,345 | $6,972 under WUE | 2026-27 |
Short courses cost less: CDL training is about $3,349 at FVCC (in-district, 2025-26 basis), $4,500 at Highlands College and $6,000 at Missoula College. Highlands’ one-semester Pre-Apprentice Line program costs $11,161.69 for residents (2025-26), CDL included. Living costs are often the bigger expense: Missoula College’s full 2026-27 cost of attendance for an in-state student is $29,544.
Paying for training
- Federal aid: all 7 public colleges on this page take Pell Grants and federal loans through the FAFSA. SAGE and Idaho Medical Academy do not.
- Western Undergraduate Exchange: students from other western states can pay a reduced rate under the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) at Great Falls College, Highlands College, City College and in designated programs at FVCC. Missoula College does not take WUE.
- Apprenticeships: apprentices are paid while they train. Find sponsors through Montana Registered Apprenticeship; FVCC runs evening classes for electrical and plumbing apprentices.
- Scholarships: each college lists its own. Out of state, Western Welding Academy in Gillette, Wyoming, offers Montana residents scholarships of up to $3,500 for its remaining 2026 start dates.
- Veterans: check with the VA that your program is approved for the GI Bill before you enroll.
Trade pathways and licensing
How each trade works in Montana, where to train and which license you need. Pay is the Montana median annual wage for all experience levels (BLS 2025, via O*NET OnLine). Licenses are issued by boards in the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
Electrical and plumbing
Montana licenses electricians and plumbers statewide. A journeyman electrician needs an approved apprenticeship or 8,000 hours of practical experience, then an exam on the National Electrical Code; a residential electrician needs 4,000 hours. A journeyman plumber needs 5 years of experience or an approved apprenticeship, then an exam.
- Length
- About 4 years through an apprenticeship; 1- to 2-year college programs first can help
- License
- Journeyman, residential and master electrician from the Montana State Electrical Board; journeyman and master plumber from the Montana Board of Plumbers
Where to train:
- FVCC: Electrical Technology certificate and AAS, a 4-year evening Electrical Apprentice program and a Plumbing Apprentice program
- Highlands College: the Pre-Apprentice Line program for lineworkers, with NorthWestern Energy, IBEW and NECA
- City College: Instrument and Electrical Technician AAS and Energy Technician certificate
- MSU-Northern in Havre: electrical technology, plumbing and pipe fitter associate degrees
Online option: None for the license hours; classroom work happens alongside paid work. See online options
Time at a board-approved school can count toward plumbing experience, but ask the board before you rely on it. Sources: MCA 37-68-305; MCA 37-69-304.
HVAC, welding, construction and heavy equipment
Montana has no statewide license for HVAC technicians, welders or carpenters, but technicians who handle refrigerant need federal EPA 608 certification, and employers look for AWS welding certifications.
- Length
- 1 year (certificates) to 2 years (AAS degrees); heavy equipment 1 to 2 semesters
- Montana median pay
- $60,850 HVAC mechanics; $55,610 welders; $58,820 carpenters; $61,580 equipment operators; $110,320 line installers
- License
- EPA 608 for refrigerant work
Where to train:
- Welding at all seven colleges; Helena College is a Miller Electric regional training center
- HVAC-R: Gallatin College (certificate or AAS) and FVCC (certificate)
- Carpentry and construction: Missoula College, Gallatin College, Highlands College (students build a home), City College and FVCC’s building trades program
- Heavy equipment: Missoula College (fall entry only), FVCC (NCCER, CDL first) and Highlands College
Online option: HVAC theory and EPA 608 prep can be studied online; welding and carpentry cannot. See online options
Diesel, automotive, CDL and aviation
Montana does not license auto or diesel mechanics; employers look for ASE certification and manufacturer training. Truck drivers need a commercial driver’s license after federal entry-level training, and aircraft mechanics need the FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificates.
- Length
- CDL 6 to 8 weeks; certificates about 1 year; AAS degrees 2 years; aviation maintenance 5 semesters
- Montana median pay
- $59,990 diesel mechanics; $58,740 auto technicians; $58,870 truck drivers; $64,170 aircraft mechanics
- License
- Montana CDL; FAA mechanic certificates; none for auto or diesel work
Where to train:
- Diesel: Missoula College, Helena College, City College and MSU-Northern
- Automotive: Helena College, Highlands College and City College (also collision repair)
- CDL: Missoula College ($6,000, Missoula and Hamilton), Highlands College ($4,500), FVCC (about $3,349 in-district) and SAGE in Billings
- Aviation: Helena College for FAA aircraft maintenance and Gallatin College for professional pilots
Online option: None we would recommend; these trades are learned in a shop or a truck. See online options
Nursing and healthcare
Montana nurses take the NCLEX after a program approved by the Montana Board of Nursing. Pharmacy technicians are licensed by the Montana Board of Pharmacy and must hold a national certification. Medical assistants and phlebotomists need no state license; employers look for national certifications.
- Length
- Phlebotomy 8 credits; practical nursing about 3 semesters; RN degrees about 2 years after prerequisites
- Montana median pay
- $85,280 RN; $62,210 LPN; $46,820 medical assistants; $77,070 radiologic technologists; $98,440 dental hygienists
- License
- NCLEX and a Montana nursing license; Board of Pharmacy license for pharmacy technicians
Where to train:
- Nursing: Missoula College, FVCC, Helena College, Great Falls College and City College, plus Miles Community College
- Dental hygiene and dental assisting: Great Falls College (hygiene also admits a Bozeman cohort in odd years)
- Radiologic technology: Missoula College, FVCC, Highlands College and City College
- Medical assisting and phlebotomy: Missoula College, FVCC and Gallatin College
Online option: Billing and coding and pharmacy technician coursework can be studied online, and Great Falls College’s vet tech degree is mostly online; nursing cannot be. See online options
Great Falls College’s practical nursing program is approved by the Montana Board of Nursing but not yet nationally accredited, and its RN program is an ACEN candidate. Missoula College has no fall 2026 respiratory care cohort.
EMT, paramedic and fire
Montana licenses EMTs and paramedics as emergency care providers through the Board of Medical Examiners, after an approved course and the NREMT exam.
- Length
- EMT one semester or less; paramedic about 2 years as an AAS; fire 1 to 2 years
- License
- Montana emergency care provider license; NREMT exam
Where to train:
- Paramedic: Missoula College (CAAHEP; 91.7% NREMT pass rate in 2024), Great Falls College, FVCC and City College
- Fire: Helena College (Firefighter I and II, hazmat, wildland; residencies in Livingston and Frenchtown) and City College (fire science AS)
- Law enforcement: Gallatin College‘s 14-week summer academy
Online option: Idaho Medical Academy’s online EMT course ends in a skills week in Helena. See online options
Cosmetology and barbering
The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists licenses beauty workers after school hours and an exam: 1,500 hours for cosmetology, 1,100 for barbering, 650 for esthetics, 400 for manicuring and 600 for electrology. Applicants must be 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Length
- 400 hours (manicuring) to 1,500 hours (cosmetology)
- License
- Montana cosmetologist, barber, esthetician and manicurist licenses
Where to train:
- Helena College: Cosmetology AAS, 4 semesters over 15 months, preparing for the state board exam
Online option: None; Montana requires school hours. See online options
Montana also has private beauty schools we have not yet reviewed; check that any school is approved by the board. Source: MCA 37-31-304.
IT, culinary and other careers
No state license is needed for IT, coding or culinary work; employers look for industry certifications.
- Length
- Certificates of about 1 year to 2-year associate degrees
- Montana median pay
- $58,460 computer support specialists; $81,950 information security analysts; $50,190 medical records specialists
- Certification
- Industry certifications; none required by the state
Where to train:
- Cybersecurity and networking: Great Falls College, Highlands College, Gallatin College and City College
- Culinary arts: Missoula College (Big Sky Culinary Institute), Gallatin College and FVCC
- Gunsmithing: FVCC‘s Firearms Technologies program
Online option: Billing and coding is the most common online choice; see the online options. See online options
Frequently asked questions
What are the best trade schools in Montana?
Montana’s main trade schools are its public two-year colleges: Missoula College, Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, Helena College, Highlands College in Butte, Gallatin College in Bozeman, Great Falls College and City College in Billings. The best one depends on the trade: Helena for aircraft maintenance, Highlands for line work, FVCC for electrical and plumbing apprentice classes and Great Falls for dental and respiratory programs.
What trade schools are in Billings, MT?
City College at MSU Billings teaches welding, diesel, automotive, collision repair, carpentry, instrument and electrical technician, nursing, paramedic and radiologic technology, for about $5,345 a year for Montana residents in 2026-27. SAGE Truck Driving School in Billings teaches CDL courses.
Can I go to trade school online in Montana?
For some careers, yes. Great Falls College teaches its veterinary technician degree mostly online, and medical billing and coding, pharmacy technician and HVAC theory can be studied online. Licensed trades are different: electricians and plumbers need thousands of hours of work, and nursing, cosmetology and EMT licenses need hands-on training.
Where can I become a vet tech in Montana?
Great Falls College MSU offers an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician associate degree that is taught online with limited time on campus, so students across Montana can take it while working at a partner clinic. Applications for the next cohort run from September 25 to December 18, 2026.
How do you become an electrician in Montana?
A journeyman electrician license from the Montana State Electrical Board needs an approved apprenticeship or 8,000 hours of practical experience, plus an exam on the National Electrical Code. Most people train as apprentices; Flathead Valley Community College teaches evening classes for electrical apprentices.
How much does trade school cost in Montana?
Full-time tuition and fees at Montana’s public two-year colleges run from about $4,133 a year at Gallatin College to $5,345 at City College Billings for residents in 2026-27. CDL courses cost about $3,349 to $6,000, and all seven colleges take federal financial aid.
Facts checked October 2026. College facts come from each college’s own program and tuition pages and the Montana University System program inventory and tuition schedules. Online school facts come from their profiles on this site, where the original sources are linked. Pay figures are Montana median annual wages from BLS 2025 data, via O*NET OnLine. Licensing requirements are from the Montana Code Annotated (2025) and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry boards.