Dayton Trade Schools

Trade schools in Dayton offer exceptional value through specialized, career-focused education that directly connects to employment opportunities. These institutions emphasize practical, hands-on training with small class sizes that provide personalized attention impossible at larger universities.

The schools create strong industry partnerships, with many programs offering externship placements at real businesses including design firms, tech companies, healthcare facilities, and massage therapy practices. Students benefit from accelerated programs that prepare them for immediate workforce entry, often with job placement assistance and lifetime career support.

Dayton School of Medical Massage

Rating: 3.9 of 5

Founded in Dayton in 1995, the Schools of Medical Massage now operates campuses in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Lima. Its curriculum blends classroom lectures, hands-on clinical labs, and real-world externship placements. Students can attend day or evening classes or choose an accelerated, twice-weekly track that wraps up in just 11 months. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and affiliated with the American Massage Therapy Association, the school enrolled 425 full-time students in 2023 and has thousands of alumni working across Ohio. Tuition is $18,423, the acceptance rate is 100%, and a net price calculator helps prospective students estimate their full costs and financial aid options.

  • 4457 Far Hills Avenue Dayton, OH 45429

Hondros College of Nursing

Rating: 2.5 of 5

At Hondros College of Nursing’s Dayton, OH campus, students find a focused learning environment with the necessary tools to start their nursing careers. The campus has six classrooms, three nursing labs, and a science lab, which provide a solid foundation for practical learning. A highlight of this location is the acclaimed Practical Nursing (PN) program. This program readies graduates to take the NCLEX-PN exam, a key step toward becoming a licensed nurse.

Full-time students can complete the PN program in a structured sequence, starting with one two-week module, followed by four eleven-week quarters. Those who need more flexibility can opt for part-time study over seven quarters, showing the college’s dedication to accommodating distinct student needs. The tuition for this transformative educational experience is an estimated $25,742, an investment into a fulfilling nursing career.

The educational goals of their programs are straightforward and impactful. Students in the Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS) are trained to support patients’ best outcomes, through skilled care and teamwork. The Diploma in Practical Nursing focuses on judicious nursing interventions to maintain and improve client health. These programs prepare students to make positive impacts on health and recovery across various healthcare environments.

  • 6520 Poe Ave. Dayton, OH 45414

Ohio Business College

Rating: 3.7 of 5

Ohio Business College, established in 1903, offers hands-on training in fields such as HVAC/R, electrical applications, truck driving, and healthcare. The school operates three campuses in Lorain County, Dayton, and Columbus, providing small class sizes, externships, and flexible scheduling. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, the college maintains a 100% acceptance rate for qualified applicants.

  • 5450 Salem Avenue Dayton, OH 45426
  • 1133 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd, Suite 170 Dayton, OH 45417

Ross Medical Education Center

Rating: 4.2 of 5

From Englewood to Beaver Creek, southwest Ohio residents can take the first step to their next career with the Ross Medical Education Center in Dayton. Students eager to get into the healthcare field can take either the dental assisting or nursing assistant program. Informative and efficient, these programs can be completed in as little as 36 weeks.

  • 4490 Brandt Pike Dayton, OH 45424


American National University

Rating: 3.7 of 5

American National University offers Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in fields ranging from health to business. American National University offers credited programs to help attendees find jobs. There are courses in medical billing, pharmacy tech, accounting, network administration, and more. Students develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in their careers. Distance learning and online classes are an option.

  • 1837 Woodman Center Dr. Kettering, OH 45420

The Modern College of Design

Rating: 4.3 of 5

The Modern College of Design enrolls just 189 students in 2023, ensuring personalized instruction in its associate and bachelor’s programs. Associate degrees in Graphic Design, User Experience Design, and Motion Graphics & Video Design run for two years (four semesters) and include required externships with real businesses. The Bachelor’s Completion in Design Leadership also spans two years and four semesters. Students choose from accelerated, part-time, or fully online schedules to fit their lives. Tuition totals $62,256 for associate programs and $52,679 for the bachelor’s track, and the college holds ACCSC accreditation with a 92% acceptance rate.

  • 1725 East David Road Kettering, OH 45440

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Dayton

Based on available data, trade school costs in the Dayton area vary significantly by program specialization:

Cost Breakdown:

The average cost across all programs is approximately $25,000, with business and healthcare programs offering the most budget-friendly entry points into professional careers.

Average Duration of Trade School Programs in Dayton

Dayton trade schools prioritize rapid career preparation with flexible completion timelines:

  • Shortest Programs: Some certificate programs can be completed in under one year
  • Dayton School of Medical Massage: 11-month accelerated track with classes twice per week
  • Ross Medical Education Center: Most programs 36 weeks or less
  • Associate Degree Programs: Typically 2 years
  • Bachelor’s Completion Programs: 2-4 years depending on prior education

The average program duration ranges from 11 months to 2 years, significantly shorter than traditional four-year degrees while providing direct pathways to employment.

Top 10 Most Common Trade Programs in Dayton

Based on the schools surveyed, the most frequently offered programs include:

  1. Healthcare & Medical Programs (Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Nursing)
  2. Massage Therapy & Wellness Services
  3. Business Administration & Accounting
  4. Pharmacy Technician
  5. Graphic Design & Web Development
  6. Computer Systems Technology
  7. Paralegal & Legal Studies
  8. Dental Assisting
  9. Veterinary Technology & Services
  10. Motion Graphics & Video Design

Examples of Trade School Courses

Healthcare Courses:

  • Medical assisting with clinical experience and externships
  • Pharmacy technician training with real-world simulations
  • Nursing programs with advanced lab simulations and clinical rotations
  • Dental assisting with hands-on patient care training
  • Medical billing and coding certification

Design & Technology Courses:

  • Graphic design with industry-standard software training
  • User experience (UX) design for digital platforms
  • Motion graphics and video design production
  • Web development and programming
  • Computer systems technician certification

Business & Professional Services:

  • Business administration with real-world case studies
  • Accounting with QuickBooks and financial software training
  • Paralegal studies with court procedure simulation
  • Health services management

Wellness Courses:

  • Therapeutic massage therapy with anatomy and physiology
  • Veterinary assistant and technician programs
  • Phlebotomy certification with clinical practice

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training in Dayton

Trade Programs Offering Apprenticeships

Several Dayton trade schools integrate real-world experience:

Benefits of Combining School with On-the-Job Training

The combination provides immediate application of classroom knowledge while building professional networks. Students gain confidence through real workplace problem-solving and often secure employment before graduation. Employers benefit by training workers to their specific standards, creating qualified candidate pipelines.

Students earn while learning, reduce financial burden, and develop industry-specific soft skills that classroom education alone cannot provide.

Online and Hybrid Trade School Programs in Dayton

Availability of Online Learning

Dayton trade schools offer various flexible learning formats:

Efficiency for Rural/Remote Residents

Online options eliminate commuting time and transportation costs for students in rural Ohio areas. Flexible scheduling allows students to maintain current employment while pursuing certification. 24/7 access to course content and student services makes quality education accessible to underserved communities.

However, programs requiring hands-on training (healthcare, massage therapy, design labs) still need in-person components for proper skill development and professional certification requirements.

Accreditation of Trade Schools in Dayton

Dayton trade schools maintain strong accreditation standards ensuring quality education:

Regional and National Accreditors:

Programmatic Accreditations:

All schools are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring students can access federal financial aid.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Trade School Students

Dayton trade schools offer comprehensive financial assistance:

Federal Aid Options:

  • FAFSA-based grants and loans for eligible students
  • Work-study programs available at select institutions
  • Federal Pell Grants for qualifying students

School-Specific Aid:

Custom Financial Planning:

  • Ross Medical provides consultants who review individual financial needs and build custom tuition coverage plans

Veterans Discounts and Special Considerations

Dayton trade schools demonstrate strong military support:

American National University:

  • Military Friendly designation
  • Blue Ribbon and Armed Service Recognition grants
  • Online courses with convenient start times for active duty
  • Dedicated support for veterans transitioning to civilian careers

Additional Military Benefits:

  • Multiple schools accept GI Bill benefits
  • Flexible online learning accommodates military schedules
  • Recognition that veterans’ disciplined backgrounds make them preferred students
  • Specialized financial aid counseling for military families

Career Services Provided by Schools

Dayton trade schools offer comprehensive career support:

Job Placement Services:

Professional Development:

  • Resume writing and interview preparation
  • Career development workshops and networking opportunities
  • Industry-specific job placement assistance
  • Alumni networking and professional community building

Ongoing Support:

  • American National University: Virtual library access, tutoring services, and online student portals
  • Lifetime career assistance at select institutions
  • Industry connections and employer partnerships

Dayton’s trade schools create intimate learning environments foster both technical competency and meaningful professional relationships. Many programs boast high graduation rates and focus on fast-growing career fields where employers actively seek certified professionals.

Nearby Cities

Take a look at options in other areas within about a 2 hours drive: