Nebraska offers diverse career training opportunities through specialized trade schools that prepare students for high-demand industries. From healthcare and skilled trades to beauty and wellness, Nebraska’s educational institutions provide accelerated programs designed to launch careers quickly and affordably.
The state’s largest community college system, combined with specialized private institutions, serves both recent high school graduates and working adults seeking career transitions or advancement.
Table of Contents
- Best Schools by Specialty
- List of Top Trade Schools in Nebraska
- Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
- Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
- Program Costs and Duration Analysis
- Specialized Training Features
- Accreditation and Quality Assurance
- Financial Aid and Support Services
- Career Services and Job Placement
Best Schools by Specialty
Healthcare Training Excellence
Metropolitan Community College leads comprehensive healthcare education as Nebraska’s largest community college, serving 13,085 students with programs in nursing, emergency medical technology, respiratory therapy, and medical assisting. Established in 1974, MCC offers both certificate and associate degree options with 100% acceptance rates.
Fulton Homes Education Center specializes in rapid healthcare certification, partnering directly with major Nebraska healthcare systems including CHI, One World Community Health, and Methodist. Their programs provide direct employment pathways upon graduation.
Dental Assistant Education Center offers intimate training with class caps of just five students, ensuring personalized attention throughout the 15-week program plus 225-hour externship experience.
Phlebotomy Training Specialists operates 121 locations across 41 states and has graduated over 20,000 students since 1993, offering monthly start dates with day, evening, and weekend options.
Skilled Trades and Technical Training
Metropolitan Community College provides comprehensive skilled trades education including automotive technology, diesel technology, welding, electrical apprenticeships, plumbing, construction, and precision machine technology. Their programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience.
Roadmaster Drivers School delivers specialized commercial driving training with over 100,000 graduates in 30 years of operation. Their 4-5 week CDL program costs approximately $7,000 and includes job placement services with trucking company partnerships.
Beauty and Wellness Specialization
Xenon Academy has provided beauty education since 1986, offering cosmetology (1,800 hours), esthetics (600 hours), and barbering (1,800 hours) programs across Omaha and Grand Island campuses. Students begin serving real clients after 200 classroom hours.
The Aesthetics Academy opened in 2024 with a focused 15-week, 600-hour esthetics program featuring experienced instructors and hands-on training from day one.
Universal College of Healing Arts has operated since 1995, offering massage therapy diplomas (12 months) and associate degrees (5 semesters) with weekend intensive formats and enrollment between 14-27 students.
Business and Technology Programs
Metropolitan Community College offers comprehensive business education including accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, human resources, and financial counseling. Technology programs cover computer programming, cybersecurity, database science, information systems, and web development.
List of Top Trade Schools in Nebraska
Dental Assistant Education Center
Dental Assistant Education Center in Nebraska offers a focused dental assisting certificate program with small class sizes capped at five students. The 15-week program includes classroom instruction followed by 225 hours of externship experience, with evening and Saturday classes available. Tuition is $4,873, with total costs averaging around $5,500 including books and uniforms.- 2430 South 73rd Street, Suite 202 Omaha, NE 68124
- Healthcare and Nursing
Fulton Homes Education Center
Fulton Homes Education Center, established in 2020, offers in-person healthcare certificate programs including CNA, CMA, EKG, Phlebotomy, and Pharmacy Technician. Partnering with major Nebraska healthcare systems, the school provides direct employment pathways for graduates. Tuition ranges from $320 to $950, though additional fees apply.- 13750 Millard Ave. Suite 150 Omaha, NE 68137
- Healthcare and Nursing
Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Nebraska, founded in 1974, is the state’s largest community college by enrollment, serving over 13,000 students. The school offers both certificates and associate degrees in fields such as business, computer programming, early childhood education, and fashion design, with schedules that include online, evening, hybrid, and accelerated options. Tuition is $70 per credit hour for Nebraska residents, $105 for out-of-state students, and $106.50 for international students.- 5300 N. 30th St., Bldg. 10 Omaha, NE 68111
- 829 N 204th St. Elkhorn, NE 68022
- 835 N. Broad St. Fremont, NE 68025
- 106 Peacekeeper Dr., Building 323C, Room 218 Offutt AFB, NE 68113
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Education, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Phlebotomy Training Specialists
Phlebotomy Training Specialists (PTS), founded in 1993, offers in-person certificate programs designed to prepare students for the National CPT Exam and a career in phlebotomy. With 121 locations across 41 states, PTS combines classroom instruction from experienced phlebotomists with extensive hands-on blood draws and supervised clinical externships. Tuition ranges from $500 to $3,000 depending on location, with additional supply costs.- 11414 W Center Rd Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68144
- Healthcare and Nursing
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.
- 10008 Sapp Bros Drive Suite C Omaha, NE 68138
- Trucking and Transportation
The Aesthetics Academy
The Aesthetics Academy, launched in 2024, offers certification in Esthetics and Esthetics Instructor programs through a 15-week, 600-hour schedule designed to meet state licensing requirements. Classes run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with some Saturday sessions for advanced students, and all training takes place on-site. Tuition is not listed online, requiring direct contact for cost details.- 11020 Prairie Brook Rd Omaha, NE 68144
- Professional Services
Universal College of Healing Arts
Universal College of Healing Arts in Omaha, founded in 1995, offers small, personalized massage therapy training through diploma and associate degree programs. Classes follow a weekend-intensive format with online study between sessions, allowing flexibility for students with weekday commitments. Accredited by ABHES, the school combines theory, hands-on practice, and supervised clinical work to prepare graduates for careers in the healing arts.- 8702 N 30th Street Omaha, NE 68112
- Healthcare and Nursing
Xenon Academy
Xenon Academy, operating since 1986 with campuses in Omaha and Grand Island, trains students in cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering through hands-on, in-person programs. Classes run Tuesday through Friday, offering intensive weekday instruction and real client experience after 200 classroom hours. The school is accredited, has open admissions, and provides personalized training from experienced industry professionals.- 8516 Park Dr Omaha, NE 68127
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
Ultra-Fast Healthcare Certification
Fulton Homes Education Center offers the fastest healthcare entry programs:
- CNA: $350 (shortest duration)
- CMA: $320
- EKG: $950
- Phlebotomy: $850
- Pharmacy Technician: $700
Rapid Specialized Training
Roadmaster Drivers School provides 4-5 week CDL certification for approximately $7,000, with many students securing employment before graduation through company partnerships offering up to 100% tuition reimbursement.
Dental Assistant Education Center delivers dental assisting certification in 15 weeks for $4,873 (approximately $5,500 including books and uniforms), with evening classes accommodating working students.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Evening and Weekend Programs
Universal College of Healing Arts offers unique weekend intensive massage therapy training, with classes running Saturday 9 AM-5 PM and Sunday 9 AM-4 PM, allowing students to maintain weekday employment while pursuing certification.
Dental Assistant Education Center accommodates working professionals with evening classes Monday through Friday (5:30-9:30 PM) and Saturday sessions (9:00 AM-2:00 PM).
Phlebotomy Training Specialists provides monthly start dates with day, evening, and weekend options across multiple locations to fit various schedules.
Hybrid and Online Learning
Metropolitan Community College offers maximum flexibility with accelerated courses, blended classes, hybrid courses, traditional face-to-face instruction, online courses, and remote delivery options. Evening classes are available for many programs, accommodating working adult schedules.
Program Costs and Duration Analysis
Most Affordable Options
- Fulton Homes CMA: $320 (cheapest overall)
- Fulton Homes CNA: $350
- Phlebotomy Training Specialists: $500-$3,000 (varies by location)
- Dental Assistant Education Center: $4,873
- Metropolitan Community College: $70 per credit hour (Nebraska residents)
Shortest Programs
- Fulton Homes healthcare certifications: Various durations under 6 months
- Roadmaster Drivers School CDL: 4-5 weeks
- Dental Assistant Education Center: 15 weeks
- The Aesthetics Academy Esthetics: 15 weeks (600 hours)
- Xenon Academy Esthetics: 600 hours
Average Program Duration
Most certificate programs range from 4 weeks to 15 weeks for rapid entry careers, while comprehensive programs like cosmetology and massage therapy require 12-18 months. Healthcare programs generally require longer training periods due to clinical requirements and state licensing standards.
Most Popular Program Categories
- Healthcare (medical assisting, dental assisting, nursing, phlebotomy)
- Skilled trades (automotive, welding, electrical, CDL)
- Beauty and wellness (cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy)
- Business and technology
- Transportation and logistics
Specialized Training Features
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention
Dental Assistant Education Center caps classes at five students, while Universal College of Healing Arts maintains enrollment between 14-27 students, ensuring individualized instruction throughout training programs.
Industry Partnership Programs
Fulton Homes Education Center’s partnerships with major healthcare systems provide direct employment pathways, while Roadmaster Drivers School works with trucking companies offering tuition reimbursement and guaranteed job placement opportunities.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
Nebraska trade schools maintain various accreditations ensuring educational quality:
- Metropolitan Community College: Higher Learning Commission accreditation
- Universal College of Healing Arts: ABHES accreditation and US Department of Education recognition
- Xenon Academy: National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences accreditation
- Dental Assistant Education Center: Nebraska Department of Post Secondary Education approval
- Fulton Homes: Nebraska Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services licensing
Financial Aid and Support Services
Most schools offer comprehensive financial aid including federal grants, loans, and payment plans. Metropolitan Community College provides a net price calculator, while specialized schools often work directly with students on individual payment arrangements. Veterans receive dedicated support through VA benefits acceptance at institutions like Roadmaster Drivers School and Universal College of Healing Arts.
Career Services and Job Placement
Leading Nebraska trade schools provide robust career support including job placement assistance, industry partnerships for direct hiring, hands-on training with real clients, and ongoing career support. Many programs boast high employment rates and strong industry connections, with some offering guaranteed job placement or tuition reimbursement through employer partnerships.
Nebraska’s trade school landscape offers comprehensive career training opportunities with flexible scheduling, affordable costs, and strong industry connections, making it an excellent choice for both traditional students and working adults seeking career advancement or transition in growing industries.