Rhode Island offers diverse career training opportunities through specialized trade schools, technical institutes, and certification programs. Whether you’re seeking healthcare credentials, skilled trades training, or beauty industry expertise, the Ocean State provides accessible pathways to rewarding careers. This guide highlights the best programs by specialty, costs, durations, and flexible options for working adults.
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List of Top Trade Schools in Rhode Island
911Programs
911Programs is a Rhode Island training school for EMS and allied health careers, with roots back to 1991 and current authorization from the Rhode Island Department of Health. It offers fast, skills-focused certificates—such as EMT, Phlebotomy, EKG Technician, and Medical Assistant—for new entrants and working professionals.- 22 Veterans Memorial Dr. Warwick, RI 02886
- Healthcare and Nursing
Building Futures
Building Futures is a nonprofit that runs a nationally recognized, hands-on pre-apprenticeship preparing low-income adults for paid union apprenticeships in the building trades. About 50 students enroll each year, with additional initiatives that help employers launch apprenticeship programs across industries.- 1 Acorn Street Providence, RI 02903
- Skilled Trades
Community College of Rhode Island
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the state's only public community college, teaching certificates, a practical nursing diploma and associate degrees at four campuses and online. Its career programs center on health care: registered and practical nursing, plus accredited dental hygiene, radiography, sonography, respiratory therapy and physical therapist assistant degrees. It also teaches fire science, cybersecurity and paralegal studies. Rhode Island residents pay $255 per credit (part time) in 2026-27.- 400 East Ave. Warwick, RI 02886
- 1762 Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, RI 02865
- One Hilton St. Providence, RI 02905
- One John H. Chafee Blvd. Newport, RI 02840
- Healthcare and Nursing, Dental, Radiology, Massage Therapy, Medical Billing and Coding, Public Safety, Computer and Information Technology, Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Education
Davies Career & Technical High School
Davies Career & Technical High School is a statewide public CTE high school (grades 9–12) founded in 1971 and now serves up to 900 students. Learners complete academic coursework plus hands-on training and graduate job-ready, with over 90% earning industry certifications.- 50 Jenckes Hill Road Lincoln, RI 02865
- Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades
Empire Beauty Schools
Providence, on Broadway, is Empire's only Rhode Island campus. It teaches 1,000-hour cosmetology ($18,043 in total), 600-hour esthetics ($11,096) and a 300-hour educator program that, at $3,400, is the cheapest instructor training on Empire's pages (September 2026). Empire's 2024 NACCAS disclosure gives Providence 83.74% graduation, 60.76% placement and 84.54% licensure.- 151 Broadway Providence, RI 02903
- Cosmetology and Barbering
HITEP
HITEP Inc is a Rhode Island training provider focused on Certified Nursing Assistant education, built on competence, care, commitment, and dignity. The seven-week CNA program blends classroom instruction with clinical practice and includes support for state licensure.- 515 Elmwood Ave Providence, RI 02907
- Healthcare and Nursing
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech's Rhode Island campus, in the Lincoln Mall, teaches electrical, HVAC, welding, medical assisting and practical nursing. Its nursing program also holds ACEN accreditation; 81% of 2024 graduates passed the NCLEX-PN on the first try, and 97% of 2022 starters who graduated were working as LPNs within a year. ACCSC accredited; federal aid accepted.- 622 George Washington Hwy Lincoln, RI 02865
- Automotive, Computer and Information Technology, Dental, Electrical, HVAC and Building Services, Healthcare and Nursing, Machine Operation, Medical Assisting, Skilled Trades, Welding
NETTTS
Students can undergo CDL or HVAC training at one of the four New England Tractor Trailer Training School campuses. The New England Tractor Trailer Training School, commonly known as NETTS specializes in commercial truck driving and transportation-related training programs including Class A and Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training. These programs cover essential skills such as vehicle operation, safety procedures, and regulations. A significant aspect of NETTS' approach to education is hands-on training from experienced instructors. Students often have the opportunity to practice their driving skills with modern trucks and equipment, preparing them for real-world situations on the road. NETTS often offers job placement assistance to graduates. The school is accredited ACCSC.- 600 Moshassuck Valley Ind. Hwy. Pawtucket, RI 02860
- Trucking and Transportation
New England Institute of Technology
New England Institute of Technology (New England Tech) is a private nonprofit university that teaches nursing and health sciences, skilled trades, technology and design on a quarter calendar, mostly on campus, at three Rhode Island campuses. Most associate degrees take about 18 months. For 2026-27, trades and practical nursing cost $18,540 a year, most health and technology programs $35,925, plus $3,000 in fees. Its ADN graduates had an 82% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025.- 1 New England Tech Boulevard East Greenwich, RI 02818
- 2480 Post Road Warwick, RI 02886
- 65-110 Access Road Warwick, RI 02886
- Healthcare and Nursing, Veterinary Services, Public Safety, Criminal Justice and Law, Automotive, Skilled Trades, Welding, HVAC and Building Services, Electrical, Construction, Computer and Information Technology, Graphics, Design, and Arts, Business
Paul Mitchell Schools
Rhode Island's only Paul Mitchell school is in Cranston, on Chapel View Boulevard, and is run by Von Curtis, Inc., which operates six Paul Mitchell schools. It teaches 1,000-hour cosmetology, 600-hour esthetics, a 300-hour nail program and a 300-hour instructor program, but not barbering. Its cosmetology program is shorter than the 1,500 hours common at Paul Mitchell schools in many other states.- 30 Chapel View Blvd., Suite 100 Cranston, RI 02920
- Cosmetology and Barbering
Providence Career & Technical Academy
Providence Career and Technical Academy is a public technical high school opened in 2009 that serves about 700 students with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. Students earn a high school diploma plus an industry certification in one of eleven career pathways, supported by both classroom study and hands-on training.- 41 Fricker Street Providence, RI 02903
- Skilled Trades, Professional Services
Rhode Island Construction Training Academy
Rhode Island Construction Training Academy (RICTA) runs state-approved apprenticeship training built on National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards. Serving 200+ learners, RICTA prepares apprentices across nine construction trades through structured classroom hours plus on-the-job training.- 249 Roosevelt Avenue Lower Level Pawtucket, RI 02860
- Skilled Trades
Warwick Area Career & Technical Center
Warwick Area Career & Technical Center is a public career-tech high school (grades 10–12) opened in 1974 and serving about 500 students. It pairs academics with hands-on training, supported by a 23.8:1 student-teacher ratio and industry-standard equipment.- Warwick Area Career & Technical Center 575 Centerville Rd, Bldg 5 Warwick, RI 02889
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Best Trade Schools by Specialty
Healthcare Programs
Rhode Island excels in healthcare training with multiple options for aspiring medical professionals:
911Programs leads emergency medical services training, offering EMT certification alongside allied health programs including Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Medical Assistant. With roots dating back to 1991, this institution provides both day and evening classes with online-hybrid formats and hands-on externships in real healthcare settings.
HITEP Inc specializes in Certified Nursing Assistant training through an intensive 7-week program costing $2,000. Students complete clinical practicum hours at Skilled Nursing Facilities and receive a 120-day temporary Nursing Assistant license while preparing for the National Nursing Assistant Assessment Program exam. The program holds approval from both the Rhode Island Department of Health and American Red Cross.
Lincoln Tech at Lincoln Mall offers comprehensive healthcare pathways including Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, and Nursing programs with 100% acceptance rate and partnerships with major healthcare corporations.
New England Institute of Technology provides extensive healthcare options including EMT, Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Surgical Technologist programs with experienced faculty balancing classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Skilled Trades Training
For construction and technical trades, Rhode Island offers several excellent options:
Building Futures operates a nationally recognized pre-apprenticeship program preparing low-income individuals for registered apprenticeships in building trades. This non-profit charges no tuition and maintains an 11% acceptance rate, ensuring committed candidates receive quality training. The program partners with Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, offering direct entry into paid union apprenticeships upon graduation.
Rhode Island Construction Training Academy (RICTA) has trained apprentices since 1992 through state-approved programs in Carpentry, HVAC, Electrical, Sheet Metal, and Pipefitting. Programs require 144 hours of annual instruction over 2-4 years, with evening classes twice weekly (6:00-9:00 PM) allowing full-time employment. Tuition ranges from $1,050 for ABC RI members to $1,550 for non-members.
Davies Career & Technical High School serves grades 9-12 statewide, offering Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Careers, Electrical, and Pre-Engineering Technology with over 90% of graduates earning industry certification. The school charges no tuition and is accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Warwick Area Career & Technical Center provides tuition-free training in Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, Aviation, and Construction Trades for grades 10-12, with a 23.8:1 student-teacher ratio and Career Learning Experience externships.
Transportation and Commercial Driving
New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) specializes in commercial truck operation since 1965, enrolling 250-700 students per campus. Programs include CDL Class A ($12,445), CDL Class B ($3,695), and HVACR Technology ($23,595). The school operates with 100% acceptance rate and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration approval for Entry-Level Driver Training.
Cosmetology and Beauty
Rhode Island offers multiple beauty education pathways:
Empire Beauty School operates at 151 Broadway in Providence as part of the nation’s largest cosmetology school system with 76 locations. Average tuition is $16,200 with 100% acceptance rate, offering Cosmetology, Esthetics/Aesthetics, Educator Training, and Nail Technology with NACCAS accreditation.
Paul Mitchell Schools in Cranston provides Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, Nails, Makeup, and Instructor programs. Annual costs average $14,200 for tuition plus $3,165 for books and supplies, with 100% acceptance rate and NACCAS accreditation.
Providence Career and Technical Academy includes Cosmetology among its 11 specialized career pathways for approximately 700 high school students with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
New England Institute of Technology leads tech training with programs in Computer Programming, Computer Systems Technician, Cybersecurity, Networking, Software Engineering, and Web Development, plus specialized offerings in Game Design, Game Programming, and Graphic Design.
Lincoln Tech offers Computer Systems Technician training through hands-on instruction with specialized equipment and corporate partnerships.
Trade School Program Costs
Free Training Options
Several Rhode Island institutions offer completely tuition-free programs:
- Building Futures: Construction pre-apprenticeship (no tuition)
- Davies Career & Technical High School: All career programs (grades 9-12)
- Warwick Area Career & Technical Center: All career programs (grades 10-12)
Most Affordable Programs
Budget-Friendly Options Under $5,000:
- HITEP Certified Nursing Assistant: $2,000 (7 weeks)
- RICTA Construction Training (ABC members): $1,050 annually
- NETTTS CDL Class B: $3,695
Mid-Range Programs ($5,000-$15,000):
- 911Programs: $1,200-$15,000 depending on certification
- NETTTS CDL Class A (160-hour prep): $6,595
- NETTTS CDL Class A (540-hour full): $12,445
- Empire Beauty School: Average $16,200
- Paul Mitchell Schools: $14,200 tuition + $3,165 supplies
Higher Investment Programs ($20,000+):
- Lincoln Tech: $20,000-$35,000 for most programs
- NETTTS HVACR Technology: $23,595
Average Program Duration
Quick Entry Programs (Under 3 Months):
- HITEP Certified Nursing Assistant: 7 weeks
- Various 911Programs certifications: Several months maximum
Short-Term Programs (3-6 Months):
- Building Futures Construction Pre-Apprenticeship: Several weeks intensive
- 911Programs EMT Training: Several months
- Various short certifications (Phlebotomy, EKG Technician)
Medium-Length Programs (6-12 Months):
- Empire Beauty School Cosmetology: Varies by format
- Paul Mitchell Schools programs: Varies by specialty
- Various Lincoln Tech certificates: 700-1,600 clock hours
Extended Programs (1-4 Years):
- RICTA Construction apprenticeships: 2-4 years (144 hours annually)
- Davies Career & Technical High School: 4 years (grades 9-12)
- Warwick Area Career & Technical Center: 3 years (grades 10-12)
- New England Institute of Technology degrees: Varies by program
Fast Track Programs
For those seeking rapid workforce entry, Rhode Island offers several accelerated pathways:
Healthcare Fast Tracks
HITEP’s 7-Week CNA Program represents the quickest healthcare entry point at just $2,000. Graduates receive temporary licensure within weeks, allowing immediate employment under supervision while preparing for national certification. The program includes clinical practicum hours ensuring hands-on readiness.
911Programs provides multiple quick certifications in Phlebotomy, EKG Technology, and Medical Assisting, with day and evening schedules accommodating urgent career transitions. Programs include externships providing real healthcare setting experience before graduation.
Skilled Trades Accelerated Options
Building Futures offers intensive full-time construction pre-apprenticeship requiring just several weeks, after which graduates move directly into paid union apprenticeships. This earn-while-you-learn model means students begin receiving wages immediately after the brief training period—completely tuition-free.
NETTTS CDL Class B program costs just $3,695 and prepares students for immediate commercial driving careers in approximately 80 hours of training, perfect for those needing rapid income generation.
Beauty Industry Quick Start
Short-format Paul Mitchell Schools programs in specialized areas like nails or makeup allow faster completion than full cosmetology licenses, with morning, afternoon, and some evening sessions accommodating tight timelines.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Rhode Island recognizes that many career-seekers balance employment, family obligations, and education. Multiple institutions provide flexible scheduling:
Evening and Weekend Programs
RICTA Construction Training specifically serves working adults with evening classes twice weekly (6:00-9:00 PM) from September through April, allowing full-time daytime employment while gaining credentials. This 144-hour annual requirement spreads over manageable evening sessions for 2-4 years depending on trade.
911Programs runs both day and evening classes with some online-hybrid formats, providing maximum flexibility for various schedules. Externships and clinical experiences are arranged around work commitments.
NETTTS offers morning, afternoon, and evening class options for CDL training, plus innovative at-home 3D HVAC simulation training for HVACR students.
HITEP accommodates varied schedules with day and evening Certified Nursing Assistant classes running back-to-back seven-week sessions throughout the year, providing multiple annual start dates.
Part-Time and Self-Paced Options
Paul Mitchell Schools blend classroom instruction with online learning through portals and virtual classes, allowing students to balance salon practice with flexible theory completion.
Empire Beauty School offers part-time day or evening options alongside full-time schedules, with some online coursework available for beauty theory.
Hybrid Learning Models
911Programs pioneered online-hybrid formats combining virtual instruction with hands-on lab and clinical requirements, reducing time away from work for classroom sessions.
Providence Career and Technical Academy incorporates digital learning platforms including Zoom sessions, Google Classroom modules, and Mindtap resources supporting traditional instruction—though programs primarily require in-person attendance for hands-on skill development.