Oregon offers diverse vocational training opportunities across healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and business sectors. From quick-entry certificate programs to comprehensive apprenticeships, students can find affordable pathways to high-demand careers throughout the state.
100% Acceptance Rates: Multiple institutions maintain open-door admissions policies, including Lane Community College, Portland Community College, Blue Mountain Community College, Clackamas Community College, Rogue Community College, and Paul Mitchell Schools. This accessibility ensures education opportunities for all qualified applicants.
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List of Top Trade Schools in Oregon
160 Driving Academy
160 Driving Academy is the largest U.S. commercial truck driving school, with 150+ locations across 44 states. Training blends 40 hours of classroom prep with 120 hours of behind-the-wheel practice to prepare students for the CDL exam, usually in about four weeks.- 16140 SE 82nd Dr Clackamas, OR 97015
- 30 E 17th Eugene, OR 97401
- 3050 Samike Drive Medford, OR 97501
- Skilled Trades
Area I Plumbers
Area I Plumbers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) is a non-union, open shop apprenticeship program founded in 1976 that offers a structured path into the plumbing trade. The four-year program includes classroom instruction through Clackamas Community College and roughly 7,700 hours of paid on-the-job training. Tuition is charged per term, usually between $450 and $690 plus fees.- 15800 Boones Ferry Rd Suite B-3 Lake Oswego, OR 97035
- Skilled Trades
Aveda Institutes
Aveda Institutes, established in 1982, operates 63 accredited schools nationwide, offering programs in cosmetology, esthiology, and massage therapy. Known for hands-on training and externships that lead to job placements, the institute provides flexible class schedules and tuition ranging from $9,966 to $16,716 depending on the program.- 325 NW 13th Avenue Portland, OR 97209
- Healthcare and Nursing, Professional Services
Blue Mountain Community College
Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) provides high-quality education and training with flexible class schedules, including online and hybrid options. Serving approximately 2,000 students each semester, BMCC offers a variety of associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas tailored to community needs.- 2411 NW Carden Ave. Pendleton, OR 97801
- Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology
Clackamas Community College
Clackamas Community College offers a wide range of academic programs including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer options in fields like business, healthcare, technology, and the arts. With flexible class schedules and online learning opportunities, CCC provides accessible education tailored to student needs.- 19600 Molalla Avenue Oregon City, OR 97045
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Law
Concorde Career College
With several locations throughout the United States, Concorde prepares attendees for jobs in healthcare and dentistry. This institution prides itself on providing an educational experience that is student centered, community based, and achievement driven.
Career seekers interested in studying a trade in healthcare or dental care can go to Concorde Career College for a diploma or associate degree in an array of fields. The institution offers programs in diagnostics, including cardiovascular and medical sonography. Allied health programs include medical assisting and office administration.
Several programs also focus on patient care, such as massage therapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, surgical technology, and coursework for physical therapy assistants. Concorde helps interested students prepare for high-level dental care, as well, with programs and training for dental assistants and hygienists.
- 1425 NE Irving St Portland, OR 97232
- Healthcare and Nursing, Massage Therapy, Phlebotomy Technician, Radiology, Wellness
Institute of Technology
The Institute of Technology, or IOT, is a trade school that offers vocational programs in business, computer technology, medical science, criminal justice, culinary arts, and cosmetology. Students enjoy hands-on experience, flexible class schedules, and career-focused instruction.- 4700 Silverton Rd. NE Salem, OR 97305
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Cosmetology and Barbering, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, HVAC and Building Services, Wellness
Lane Community College
Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon serves 15,000+ students each year with affordable, flexible pathways—transfer prep, technical training, certificates, and associate degrees—across eight fields of study. Programs often include hands-on components (e.g., clinicals or externships) and can be taken in-person or online through LaneOnline, with options like hybrid, HyFlex, and live streaming.- 4000 East 30th Ave. Eugene, OR 97405
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Northwest College of Construction
Northwest College of Construction was created in 2005 by four industry associations to tackle skilled-trade shortages through coordinated training and apprenticeships. The college delivers pathways from entry-level craft training to leadership coursework, with strong employer partnerships and council-approved apprenticeship programs.- 8111 NE Holman St Portland, OR 97218
Paul Mitchell Schools
There are more than 100 Paul Mitchell Schools nationwide that prepare future professionals for careers in the beauty industry. Students can learn in-demand skills to become cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians and nail designers.- 234 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97205
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Pioneer Pacific College
With four campuses in Oregon, Pioneer Pacific College offers courses in Healthcare, Business, Paralegal Studies, and Culinary Arts.- 4145 SW Watson Ave., #300 Beaverton, OR 97005
- 3800 Sports Way Springfield, OR 97477
- 1701 SW Jefferson St. Portland, OR 97201
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
Portland Community College
Portland Community College (PCC) is Oregon’s largest post-secondary institution, serving 50,000+ students across four campuses, ten centers, and many neighborhood sites. Founded in 1961 and independent since 1968, PCC’s mission is broad access—offering flexible online, in-person, and hybrid learning so students can study on their own schedule.- 705 N. Killingsworth St. Portland, OR 97217
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Education, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services, Construction, Medical Assisting
Rogue Community College (RCC)
Founded in 1970, Rogue Community College (RCC) is a prominent member of the Oregon Community College system, known for its affordable education tailored to community needs. With a variety of degrees and certifications, flexible class schedules, and accreditation from NWCCU, RCC ensures accessible learning opportunities for students in Oregon and beyond.- 3345 Redwood Hwy. Grants Pass, OR 97527 Grants Pass, OR 97527
- Skilled Trades, Computer and Information Technology
Sheet Metal Institute
The Sheet Metal Institute is a nonprofit union training center (SMART Local 16) serving Oregon and Southwest Washington with state-of-the-art campuses in Portland and Springfield. It provides five-year, state-registered apprenticeships that blend paid, full-time work with intensive classroom training, producing a steady pipeline of highly skilled sheet metal professionals.- 2739 NE 178th Ave. Portland, OR 97230
- Skilled Trades
Silverhawk Aviation Academy
Silverhawk Aviation Academy is a professional flight school in Idaho that Catherine Rad Weber has operated since 1998, and it holds FAA Part 141 approval for both airplane and helicopter training. The academy trains students on Cessna 172 aircraft and Robinson R22/R44 helicopters and offers one-on-one instruction during standard business hours. It provides ratings from private through commercial and instructor levels, but it does not publish acceptance or enrollment numbers.- 581 SW 33rd St Ontario, OR 97914
- Skilled Trades
Sumner College
Sumner College, founded in 1974 in Portland, Oregon, as The Court Reporting Institute, transitioned to healthcare education after its 2007 acquisition and now operates campuses in Portland and Bend. The college became Oregon's first private proprietary school authorized to award a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2022 and enrolls 300-500 students annually. Sumner holds institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) with an 87% acceptance rate.- 8338 NE Alderwood Rd Suite 100 Portland, OR 97220
- 960 SW Disk Dr Bend, OR 97702
- Healthcare and Nursing
Treasure Valley Community College
Treasure Valley Community College is a public institution founded in 1962 that now operates four locations across Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho, enrolling more than 3,000 students per year. The college offers certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees with flexible online, hybrid, and in-person options. Tuition varies by residency, and healthcare programs often include clinical externships for real-world training.- 650 College Blvd Ontario, OR 97914
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Education, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades
Related Guide
Best Oregon Trade Schools by Specialty
Healthcare Programs
Top Healthcare Training:
Lane Community College leads with comprehensive programs including nursing (RN, LPN, RN to BSN), dental assisting, dental hygiene, physical therapist assistant, and allied health specialties
Portland Community College offers dental assisting, dental hygiene, medical assisting, radiography, medical laboratory technology, nursing, and veterinary technology
Clackamas Community College provides CNA, dental assistant, emergency medical technician, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, and RN programs
Concorde Career College specializes in accelerated healthcare training with programs in dental assisting, medical assisting, medical laboratory technician, nursing, pharmacy technician, radiology, sonography, and surgical technology
Massage Therapy & Wellness:
- Aveda Institutes – Therapeutic Massage Program: $10,961
- Institute of Technology – Massage Therapy: $16,000-$36,000 range
- Lane Community College – Massage Therapy included in health sciences offerings
Skilled Trades
Construction & Manufacturing:
Northwest College of Construction offers free apprenticeships in multiple construction trades with tuition and books covered by industry training trusts
Blue Mountain Community College provides diesel tech, industrial systems, precision agriculture, professional truck driver, and welding programs
Portland Community College features construction trades, electrician apprenticeship, auto collision repair, automotive service, aviation maintenance, diesel service, HVAC/R installation, CNC milling, machine manufacturing, mechatronics, and welding
Specialized Trades:
Sheet Metal Institute delivers free five-year apprenticeships in sheet metal work and service systems technology with 1,000 classroom hours plus 8,000 on-the-job training hours
Rogue Community College offers automotive specialist, CNC operator, construction trades apprenticeship, diesel, electrical apprenticeship, manual machinist, and welding programs
Technology Programs
Computer Science & IT:
Clackamas Community College leads with computer & network administration, computer science, full-stack web development, geographic information systems, and microelectronics systems
Portland Community College provides computer information systems, advanced Windows network security, cybersecurity, database design and SQL, web development and design, and computer science
Lane Community College offers computer network operations, cybersecurity, and software development
Blue Mountain Community College includes computer science and software development
Business Programs
Business Administration & Management:
Portland Community College provides accounting, business administration, management, and marketing
Clackamas Community College offers accounting, administrative assistant, business management, digital media, human resources, project management, and marketing
Rogue Community College features accounting, business administration, and management programs
Lane Community College includes accounting, business management, and project management
Cosmetology & Beauty
Beauty Industry Training:
Paul Mitchell Schools offers cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nails, makeup, and instructor programs with average yearly costs of $14,200 plus $3,165 for supplies
Aveda Institutes provides cosmetology ($16,716) and esthetics programs ($9,966) with 80% of externships leading to job offers
Institute of Technology includes barbering and cosmetology in its program offerings
Culinary Arts
Lane Community College stands out with both baking & pastry and culinary arts programs, while Institute of Technology offers baking and pastry arts alongside culinary arts training.
Cost Comparison for Oregon Trade Schools
Cheapest Programs:
- Northwest College of Construction: FREE apprenticeship tuition (industry-funded)
- Sheet Metal Institute: FREE five-year apprenticeship program
- Blue Mountain Community College: $119 per credit for in-state students
- Rogue Community College: $120 per credit for in-state students
Mid-Range Options:
- Portland Community College: $138 per credit (Oregon residents)
- Lane Community College: $149 per credit (residents)
- Clackamas Community College: $126 per credit (Oregon residents)
Private Institution Costs:
- Aveda Institutes: $9,966-$16,716 depending on program
- Paul Mitchell Schools: ~$14,200 base tuition plus $3,165 for supplies
- Concorde Career College: $17,500-$67,000 full program ($550-$750 per credit)
- Institute of Technology: $16,000-$36,000 depending on program
Average Program Cost: Community college programs typically range from $2,000-$8,000 for certificate programs, while associate degrees cost $5,000-$15,000 for in-state students. Private institutions average $15,000-$25,000 for vocational certificates.
Program Duration
Shortest Programs (Under 1 Year):
- Concorde Career College: Programs complete in as little as 8 months
- Most certificate programs at community colleges: 6-12 months
- CNA programs: Typically 4-6 weeks
- Phlebotomy: Usually 8-16 weeks
Average Duration:
- Certificate programs: 6 months to 1 year
- Diploma programs: 1 year
- Associate degrees: 2 years full-time
- Apprenticeships: 1-6 years depending on trade
Longest Programs:
- Sheet Metal Institute apprenticeship: 5 years
- Northwest College of Construction apprenticeships: 1-6 years depending on trade
Quick-Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
Several Oregon schools offer accelerated pathways to employment:
8-12 Month Healthcare Careers:
- Concorde Career College completes programs in 8 months with blended online/in-person format
- Medical assisting programs across multiple institutions finish in under 1 year
- Pharmacy technician training typically requires 6-9 months
- Phlebotomy certifications complete in weeks, not months
Fast-Track Beauty Careers:
- Aveda Institutes reports 80% of externship participants receive job offers
- Paul Mitchell Schools connect graduates to 100,000+ salons worldwide
- Esthetics programs at Aveda finish faster than full cosmetology training
Immediate Earning Through Apprenticeships:
- Northwest College of Construction places students in paid positions while training
- Sheet Metal Institute apprentices earn wages during their entire five-year program
- Construction apprenticeships provide income from day one with no tuition costs
Best Flexible Learning Options in Oregon
Oregon trade schools recognize that many students balance education with employment and family responsibilities:
Hybrid and Online Options:
- Lane Community College offers over 250 online courses with fully online, hybrid, hyflex, and live streaming formats
- Portland Community College provides online, in-person, and hybrid courses across hundreds of programs
- Concorde Career College’s blended model combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experience
- Blue Mountain Community College offers online and hybrid course options with morning, afternoon, and evening classes
Evening and Weekend Classes:
- Lane Community College schedules evening classes typically lasting 2.5 hours on Mondays and Wednesdays
- Portland Community College offers morning, afternoon, and evening options
- Northwest College of Construction conducts classes once weekly in the evening or once monthly for full days
- Most community colleges provide multiple start times throughout the day
Part-Time Study While Working:
- Sheet Metal Institute apprentices work full-time jobs while attending 40 hours of classes for five weeks annually
- Northwest College of Construction apprentices maintain paid employment during training
- Paul Mitchell Schools offer morning, afternoon, and select evening sessions
- Community colleges allow students to take fewer credits per term to accommodate work schedules