New Jersey’s trade schools provide clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers with the flexibility and support needed for success in today’s competitive job market. Below is an analysis of trade school options and career paths for students.
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List of Top Trade Schools in New Jersey
ACI Medical & Dental School
ACI Medical & Dental School, a leading technical institution in New Jersey, stands out as one of the top choices for those seeking programs in the thriving medical and dental industries. The school, located in Central New Jersey, offers a range of programs geared toward dental and medical assisting certifications including Dental Radiology, Patient Care Technician Program, Phlebotomy & EKG.- 215 Broad Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724
- Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Phlebotomy Technician
American Institute
With campuses in New Jersey and Connecticut, American Institute offers student-centered learning through distance education with on-campus support in healthcare, business and language. The faculty, staff, and curricula provide a real-world, relevant education. The school’s goal is to give people all they need to begin a new career. For flexibility, there are hybrid programs that combine in-person and online schooling.- 346 Lexington Ave. (Clifton) Paterson, NJ 07011
- 80 Cottontail Ln., Suite 103 Somerset, NJ 08873
- 2363 Lakewood Rd. Toms River, NJ 08755
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Electrical, Medical Billing and Coding, Wellness
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
AIM's New Jersey campus in Hasbrouck Heights, formerly the Teterboro School of Aeronautics, teaches the 21-month Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P) certificate and a short A&P exam-prep course for experienced mechanics. AIM's campus page lists day classes only. In AIM's 2025 accreditor report, 72% of 2021–22 A&P starters graduated and 72% of available graduates were employed in the field. ACCSC accredited; federal aid accepted.- 459 NJ-17 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
- Aviation, Electrical, Skilled Trades, Welding
Berkeley College
Berkeley College New Jersey has three campuses: Newark, Woodbridge and its main campus in Woodland Park; Paramus closed in 2022. All of Berkeley's campus-based health programs are here. Medical assistant (CAAHEP-accredited certificate), patient care and sterile processing are taught at all three, and practical nursing, LPN-to-BSN and surgical technology (not programmatically accredited since January 2025) only at Woodland Park. Its Fall 2019 cohort graduation rate within 150% of normal time was 44%.- 536 Broad Street Newark, NJ 07102
- 430 Rahway Avenue Woodbridge, NJ 07095
- 44 Rifle Camp Road Woodland Park, NJ 07424
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Sterile Processing Technician, Computer and Information Technology, Criminal Justice and Law, Graphics, Design, and Arts, Communications and Media
Burlington County Institute of Technology
Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) is a public vocational-technical school district in New Jersey with two campuses serving over 2,000 high school and adult students each year. It offers more than 30 career majors across areas like health sciences, advanced technology, cosmetology, business, and the performing arts, combining classroom work, hands-on labs, and real-world training such as apprenticeships and clinicals. Tuition and program length vary by certificate or high school pathway, and the adult education division is accredited by MSA.- 695 Woodlane Road Westampton, NJ 08060
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
CDE Career Institute
CDE Career Institute, established in 1996, offers certificate programs in various fields such as medical transcription, office administration, and phlebotomy at its Pennsylvania and New Jersey campuses. The institute provides flexible scheduling options, including day, evening, and online classes, and offers lifetime job placement assistance. Accredited by the Council On Occupational Education and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, CDE Career Institute ensures a credible and supportive educational experience.- 157-183 Main St Paterson, NJ 07505
- Medical Billing and Coding, Phlebotomy Technician
DeVry University
New Jersey has one DeVry campus, on Route 1 South in Iselin, with free on-site parking. Onsite classes are held on weekday evenings, typically 6 to 10 pm, and most coursework is online. Business, accounting and health information programs are open to New Jersey students online; undergraduate tuition was $514 per credit hour and Keller graduate tuition $776 for 2025–26 sessions.- 517 Route 1 S, Ste 1000 Iselin, NJ 08830
- Business, Computer and Information Technology, Healthcare Administration, Medical Billing and Coding
Eastern International College
Eastern International College offers courses for students to earn associate's and bachelor's degrees in a variety of fields. In addition to offering a selection of convenient online classes, Eastern International College in Jersey City has on-campus courses for students pursuing allied health degrees. Associate's and bachelor's degree programs at EIC include nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, dental hygiene, and cardiovascular technology.- 684 Newark Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07306
- 251 Washington Ave. Belleville, NJ 07109
- Healthcare and Nursing
Eastwick College
Offering a variety of degrees and certificates, Eastwick College is one of New Jersey's top accredited schools for health sciences, facilities management, electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, and culinary arts. They offer associate's degrees in hospitality management, culinary arts, HVAC, funeral services, medical billing and coding, IT and networking, nursing, sonography, and welding.- 10 South Franklin Tpk. Ramsey, NJ 07446
- 103 Park Ave. Nutley, NJ 07110
- 250 Moore St. Hackensack, NJ 07601
- 634 Market St. Paterson, NJ 07513
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Computer and Information Technology, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, HVAC and Building Services, Social Services
Empire Beauty Schools
Empire has three New Jersey campuses: Bloomfield, Union and Cherry Hill. All teach 1,200-hour cosmetology and a 500-hour educator program ($6,375). Cosmetology totals were $19,377 at Bloomfield and Union and $21,129 at Cherry Hill (September 2026). Cherry Hill reported 97.92% placement for 2024, the highest of any Empire campus. The Bordentown and Paramus campuses are closed.- 15 Ward St Bloomfield, NJ 07003
- 2100 State Hwy 38 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
- 1126 Morris Ave Union, NJ 07083
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Fortis College & Fortis Institute
Fortis has two New Jersey campuses, Fortis Institute Lawrenceville and Fortis Institute Wayne (formerly Berdan Institute), both accredited by ABHES. Both teach medical assisting, dental assisting, medical billing and coding, HVAC-R and an electrical systems technician program. Wayne also has a lab technician certificate for biotech and manufacturing labs, which is not a medical laboratory program. Wayne's massage therapy program takes no new students.- 2572 Brunswick Pike, Suite 100 Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
- 201 Willowbrook Blvd Wayne, NJ 07470
- Healthcare and Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental, Radiology, Pharmacy Tech, Medical Billing and Coding, Sterile Processing Technician, Public Safety, HVAC and Building Services, Welding, Electrical, Trucking and Transportation, Massage Therapy, Cosmetology
HoHoKus School of Trade & Technical Sciences
HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences offers diploma and certification programs. Fields include electrical, plumbing, welding, manufacturing technology, facilities management, mortuary science, and welding. The fast-paced courses allow students to finish in as little as six months. Once completed, graduates are qualified for gainful employment.- 634 Market St. Paterson, NJ 07513
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Computer and Information Technology, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, HVAC and Building Services, Social Services
Hudson Training Center
Hudson Training Center began in 2007 and reports more than 3,900 graduates, with a focus on hands-on vocational training for working students. The school offers certificate programs in trades such as electrical, plumbing, automotive, HVAC, and welding, with evening schedules and some online resources to support learning. Tuition runs about $2,600 to $5,000 depending on program length and schedule, and the school advises students to contact them for full fee details.- 2321 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 301 North Bergen, NJ 07047
- 1600 E St Georges Ave Linden, NJ 07036
- 440 Bergen Blvd Palisades Park, NJ 07650
- Skilled Trades
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech started in Newark in 1946 and has six New Jersey campuses. Mahwah, Union and South Plainfield teach trades, including machining at Mahwah and diesel, heavy equipment and transport refrigeration at South Plainfield. Iselin and Paramus focus on healthcare and IT, and Moorestown mixes trades with practical nursing. Most trade programs cost about $33,000 to $42,000 on 2025 tuition sheets. ACCSC accredited.- 675 US Route 1 South, 2nd Floor Iselin, NJ 08830
- 70 McKee Dr Mahwah, NJ 07430
- 308 W. Route 38 Moorestown, NJ 08057
- 240 Bergen Town Center Paramus, NJ 07652
- 901 Hadley Rd South Plainfield, NJ 07080
- 2299 Vauxhall Rd Union, NJ 07083
- Automotive, Computer and Information Technology, Dental, Electrical, HVAC and Building Services, Healthcare and Nursing, Machine Operation, Medical Assisting, Skilled Trades, Welding
Monmouth County Vocational School District
Monmouth County Vocational School District is a public New Jersey career and technical education system founded in 1958 that serves county high school students and adult learners. It offers hands-on training in fields like automotive, cosmetology, carpentry, welding, dental assisting, and HVAC, with clinical experiences in some healthcare tracks. High school programs run for half the school day, while adult programs often meet at night or on weekends, and adult tuition varies by program.- 4000 Kozloski Road Freehold, NJ 07728
- Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Professional Services
Morris County Vocational School District
The Morris County Vocational School District in Denville, NJ provides career and technical education for high school and adult learners, with roots dating back to 1969. The district offers full-time academies, shared-time programs, and adult certificate training in fields like healthcare, construction, culinary arts, IT, and engineering. High school programs carry no tuition for county students, while adult certificate programs range from about $400 to $3,200, with nursing programs starting at $13,471, and the district is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools.- 400 East Main Street Denville, NJ 07834
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Paul Mitchell Schools
New Jersey has one school in the Paul Mitchell network: Parisian Beauty Academy in Hackensack, a partner school under its own name. It teaches a 1,200-hour cosmetology hairstyling program in English and Spanish, 600-hour skin care, a 50-hour braiding course and 600-hour teacher training. Its 300-hour manicuring program is not currently enrolling. A Brick (Jersey Shore) location on older lists is not on Paul Mitchell's locator.- 21 Passaic Street Hackensack, NJ 07601
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Pennco Tech
Pennco Tech ranks among the top technical schools of its region. The two campuses are in Blackwood, New Jersey and Bristol, Pennsylvania. Programs include HVAC, automotive, medical assisting, and pharmacy technician training. The experienced instructors have practical background experience in their fields.- 99 Erial Rd. Blackwood, NJ 08012
- Healthcare and Nursing, Automotive, HVAC and Building Services, Trucking and Transportation
Prism Career Institute
Prism Career Institute, established in 2004, provides career-focused education with a strong emphasis on personalized attention in a supportive environment. The institute offers diplomas and certifications in fields such as Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, and Healthcare Administration, with flexible class schedules and both online and hybrid learning options.- 3 Executive Campus Ste 280 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
- Healthcare and Nursing
Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools
Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools in Bridgewater, NJ is known for Career and Technical Education programs that blend academics with hands-on training for both high school students and adult learners. The school offers 19+ CTE pathways, grants high school diplomas and vocational certificates, and provides adult training through Raritan Valley Community College with in-person, evening, and some online options. Adult tuition runs at $192 per credit for in-county students and $272 for out-of-county learners, and the school is fully accredited by the New Jersey State Department of Education.- 6350 Bridgewater, NJ 08807
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Universal Technical Institute
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) trains automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine, aviation, welding, HVACR and industrial technicians at 17 campuses in 10 states. Most core programs take 9 to 12 months and mix online theory with lab work, with optional manufacturer training from brands such as BMW, Ford and Cummins. ACCSC accredited; federal aid and VA benefits accepted.- 1515 Broad St Bloomfield, NJ 07003
- Automotive, Aviation, HVAC and Building Services, Skilled Trades, Trucking and Transportation, Welding
In Depth Guides to Specific Trades in NJ
- How to Become a CNA in New Jersey
- How to Become an LPN in New Jersey
- How to Become an Electrician in New Jersey
- Plumbing Schools in New Jersey
- Top Welding Classes in New Jersey
Best Schools by Specialty
Healthcare Programs
ACI Medical & Dental School leads the healthcare education sector with impressive 96% pass rates on National Credential Exams and 94% employment rates. Their comprehensive programs include Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy, EKG, PCT, and Dental Assistant with Dental Radiology.
Eastern International College specializes in allied health fields, offering eight sought-after degrees including Cardiovascular Technology and a BS in Dental Hygiene Completion Program.
Eastwick College provides extensive healthcare training across four New Jersey campuses, with programs ranging from Dental Assistant to Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Business and Administrative Programs
Berkeley College stands out for business education, offering accelerated pathways where Associate’s degrees can be completed in just 16 months and Bachelor’s degrees in three years. Their programs span Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Marketing.
Strayer University excels in flexible business education with their innovative “binge-worthy” coursework approach, serving over 50,000 students worldwide with programs in Business Administration, Finance, and Human Resources.
Skilled Trades Excellence
Lincoln Tech operates multiple New Jersey locations and partners with major corporations like BMW and Audi for specialized automotive training. Their comprehensive skilled trades programs include HVAC, Electrical, and Automotive Technology.
HoHoKus School of Trade & Technical Sciences has been training skilled professionals since 1954, offering efficient programs in Electrician Apprenticeship, Manufacturing Technology, Plumbing, and Welding that can be completed in as little as six months.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance provides specialized aviation maintenance training with FAA licensing, featuring programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Avionics, and Combination Welding.
Technology and IT Programs
DeVry University offers cutting-edge technology programs including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, and Software Development, with flexible hybrid and online learning options.
Berkeley College also excels in technology education with programs in Computer Programming, Computer Systems Technician, Networking, and Web Development.
Beauty and Cosmetology
Aveda Institutes leads beauty education with over 7,000 annual graduates and 80% of externships leading to job offers. Programs include Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Massage Therapy.
Paul Mitchell Schools provides comprehensive beauty education with connections to over 100,000 salons worldwide, offering programs in Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nails.
Cost Analysis and Program Information
Average Costs
- Healthcare Programs: $13,000 – $27,200
- Business Programs: $12,200 – $26,900 annually
- Skilled Trades: $10,000 – $30,000
- Beauty/Cosmetology: $9,966 – $16,716
- Technology Programs: $20,000 – $35,000
Most Affordable Options
CDE Career Institute offers the most budget-friendly programs, ranging from $3,400 to $13,850, including Medical Billing & Coding, Medical Office Assistant, and Phlebotomy Technician programs.
Shortest Programs
Several schools offer rapid career entry:
- HoHoKus School: Programs as short as 3-6 months
- Pennco Tech: 18-26 week programs for Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician
- CDE Career Institute: Short-term Phlebotomy Technician program
Average Program Duration
Most trade school programs in New Jersey range from 6 months to 2 years, with:
- Certificate programs: 6-18 months
- Associate degrees: 16-24 months
- Specialized training: 3-12 months
Quick Entry Programs
New Jersey’s trade schools recognize the need for rapid career transitions. FORTIS College offers fast-paced programs with small class sizes, allowing students to graduate earlier and start earning quickly.
Universal Technical Institute provides accelerated training where some programs can be completed in as little as one year, with others taking up to 18 months. Their industry partnerships often lead to immediate employment opportunities.
ACI Medical & Dental School maintains efficient programs that prioritize hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring students gain practical experience quickly. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, they maintained a robust 60% graduation rate.
Flexible Learning Options
Understanding that many students are working professionals, New Jersey trade schools offer remarkable flexibility:
Cortiva Institute provides day and night classes depending on the program and location, with campuses generally open from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday.
DeVry University leads in flexible scheduling with new classes starting every 8 weeks, offering on-campus, entirely online, and hybrid formats. Weekend classes are available, along with day and evening options.
Lincoln Tech accommodates working adults with classes from 8 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday, and weekend options at select locations.
American Institute Trade School offers both standard day courses and evening options across multiple New Jersey locations, making education accessible regardless of work schedules.
Strayer University excels in flexibility for working professionals, offering both online and on-campus resources. Students can complete degrees online while having access to campus resources whenever needed.
New Jersey’s Thriving Vocational Education Landscape
Statewide Investments in Vocational-Technical Facilities
New Jersey has made substantial investments in vocational-technical education, with 18 of the state’s 21 counties offering vocational programs as part of their public school systems. The state’s commitment is evident through a 2018 bond measure that allocated $275 million for expanding and renovating county vocational schools across the state.
These investments have resulted in significant facility improvements, including BCIT’s $8 million expansion of welding and HVAC shops, Camden County Technical School’s nearly 21,000-square-foot culinary arts expansion, and new specialized facilities for biotechnology, hospitality, and manufacturing programs.
High Demand and Economic Advantages of Trade Programs
The demand for vocational education in New Jersey far exceeds capacity, with 2.4 applicants competing for each available seat statewide. This surge in interest reflects broader economic trends, as rising college costs make four-year degrees increasingly unaffordable while trade programs offer direct pathways to well-paying careers.
Students can complete many programs tuition-free and enter the workforce earning salaries up to $60,000, with opportunities in high-demand fields including healthcare, construction trades, HVAC, and emerging areas like cybersecurity and biotechnology.
Top Rankings, Certifications, and Industry Partnerships
New Jersey’s vocational schools are achieving exceptional academic recognition, with county vocational-technical schools comprising nine of the top 10 high schools in the state according to U.S. News & World Report rankings. High Technology High School ranked 24th nationally, while Edison Academy Magnet School placed 42nd nationally.
These schools provide students with industry certifications, union apprenticeship opportunities, and work-based learning experiences that create smooth transitions from education to employment, with employers consistently reporting that vocational graduates are among their most desired and work-ready candidates.