Best Schools by Specialty
Healthcare Programs
Ross Medical Education Center leads Tennessee’s healthcare education with over 40 specialized programs including nursing, medical assistant, dental assisting, pharmacy technician, and veterinary services. With ABHES accreditation and programmatic certifications from ASHP and ACPE, Ross offers comprehensive healthcare training with strong industry connections.
South College provides extensive healthcare options including nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, surgical tech, sonography, and radiology programs. With 141 years of experience and SACSCOC accreditation, South College offers both undergraduate and graduate healthcare degrees.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology rounds out healthcare offerings with practical nurse, dental assisting, pharmacy technology, and surgical tech programs through the state’s TBR system.
Skilled Trades Excellence
Electrician Training Academy specializes exclusively in electrical trades, offering apprenticeship and CW/CE programs with direct industry backing from Local 760 IBEW. Students earn while they learn through 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers the most comprehensive skilled trades selection including automotive technology, HVAC, welding, machining, electronics, heavy equipment operation, and truck driving programs.
Beauty and Cosmetology
Aveda Institutes provides premium beauty education with NACCAS accreditation, offering cosmetology ($16,716), esthetics ($9,966), and therapeutic massage ($10,961) programs with 80% externship-to-job conversion rates.
Paul Mitchell Schools delivers comprehensive beauty training including cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nails, and makeup programs with connections to over 100,000 Paul Mitchell salons worldwide.
Business and Technology
Strayer University leads in business education with ACBSP-certified programs in accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing, plus cybersecurity and computer programming options.
Remington College offers business administration, graphic design, and computer-aided design programs alongside their healthcare and culinary offerings.
Cost Analysis and Program Duration
Average Costs
- Most Affordable: Electrician Training Academy ($800 annual tuition + $301 tools)
- Mid-Range: TCAT programs ($3,000-$5,000 annually)
- Premium Programs: Aveda Institutes ($9,966-$16,716), Ross Medical ($23,021 annually)
- University Level: South College ($2,100-$5,500 quarterly), Strayer University ($1,525 per course)
Shortest Programs
Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers some of the quickest entry points with programs typically completed in under one year.
Ross Medical Education Center provides accelerated healthcare training with most programs completing in 36 weeks or less.
List of Top Schools in the Area
Aveda Institutes
Douglas J Aveda Institute Knoxville offers cosmetology, esthiology, and master barbering programs in a uniquely restored historic building in the heart of downtown. Students receive a hands-on, well-rounded education that blends modern techniques with classic styles, supported by experienced instructors and an online-based curriculum. The campus provides training in client services, business development, and wellness practices to prepare students for professional beauty careers.
Classes run Monday evenings and Tuesday through Friday from morning through 10:00 p.m., with Friday daytime hours ending at 4:30 p.m. The institute’s vibrant location near Market Square adds to the experience, with easy access to events, shops, and restaurants.
- 516 S. Gay Street Knoxville, TN 37902
Electrician Training Academy
The Electrician Training Academy (ETAK) in Knoxville has trained electricians since 1971, offering a unique structure with active electrical professionals on its Board of Trustees and Training Committee. It features two main programs: an Apprenticeship program and the CW/CE program, with students advancing to journeyman status upon completing 8,000 hours of training. Classes are held in person and combined with full-time work shifts, allowing students to earn a paycheck as they train. Tuition includes an $800 annual fee and $301 for tools, with additional training costs, like community college tuition, covered by the academy. With Tennessee’s electrician demand projected to outpace national growth, ETAK provides strong industry connections and promising job prospects for graduates.
- 6107 Central Avenue Pike Knoxville, TN 37912
Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell The School Knoxville, an affiliate of Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, LLC, opened its doors in 2011. With a goal of being more than just a beauty school, it offers expert courses in various areas, including cosmetology, barbering, teacher training and eyelash extensions. Courses are continuously rolling, with new enrollments about every four weeks.
Located near West Town Mall and the University of Tennessee, the school’s 13,600-square-foot space has made a mark in the beauty education scene. The facility blends high-tech and modern aesthetics, creating a progressive environment that prepares professionals for the dynamic beauty industry. Course fees vary between $7,000 and $24,000, but the on-campus Financial Aid Office is present to guide students through available options.
A unique aspect of enrollment at Paul Mitchell Knoxville is the opportunity to give back to the community. Students can donate time and skills to diverse charities through various activities, like cut-a-thons and fashion shows.
Finally, the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, Inc. (NACCAS) assures its quality, cementing its reputation as a trustworthy institution for beauty careers.
- 8380 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919
Remington College
Remington College first opened back in 1997 and has grown to include not just several physical campuses but also an online platform. As a non-profit institution, the interests and education of the students come first, a commitment reflected in every program and service offered. The online campus is not only a member of ACCSC, ensuring you receive an education that meets rigorous standards, but also holds specialized accreditations for particular programs.
The Remington College Online Dallas Campus offers a variety of online courses. These are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to earn diplomas, Associate Degrees, or Bachelor’s Degrees across several fields, including Healthcare, Trades, Business & Technology, and more. Tuition ranges from $12,565 to $30,590, allowing a broad range of students to join.
An attractive aspect of this online education is that Remington College gifts each new student a laptop. This benefit, integrated into the tuition, is a practical step to ensure uninterrupted learning, no matter where students may be. By receiving a laptop right at the start, students are given the resources necessary to thrive in their selected fields without additional stress or demands.
Beat Production and Recording Arts Technology, Database Management and Administration, Digital Graphic Art, Restaurant, Hospitality and Retail Management, Criminal Justice Completion Degree, Organizational Management Completion Degree, Cybersecurity.
- 7415 Maynardville Pike #101 Knoxville, TN 37938
Ross Medical Education Center
Since opening its doors in 2015, Ross Medical Education Center’s Knoxville Campus has been a key player in healthcare education. Tucked in Tennessee’s third-largest city, filled with hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, this for-profit school offers an ideal setting for healthcare training. The Knoxville Campus, as a part of Ross’s network of 40 locations, reflects the combined strength and commitment to quality education. Students who have studied at this campus rate it highly, with a solid 4.3 out of 5 on Google reviews.
Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, the campus meets high standards. It also boasts specialized accreditations from organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association, underscoring the quality and relevance of its programs. The average salary for undergraduates from Ross hits around 29,128 USD, pointing to promising career prospects.
If you’re thinking about costs, tuition ranges from $8,500 to $19,562. This figure doesn’t cover additional expenses like living and transport costs or books and supplies. However, the college simplifies this via direct contact or through their student catalog for a clearer financial picture. Plus, there’s financial aid, with the Knoxville Financial Aid Office ready to guide qualifying students through their options, ensuring every question finds its answer.
- Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Practical Nursing, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician.
- Online Programs: Health Care Administration, Medical Office Administration, Medical Billing Administrative Specialist, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration, Pharmacy Technician.
- 206 N Seven Oaks Dr. Knoxville, TN 37922
South College
South College’s Knoxville campus offers a modern educational hub spanning 56,000 square feet. Boasting modern lecture classrooms, specialized laboratories, a student center, a Barnes & Noble bookstore, and a resource-rich library, the facility provides a comprehensive learning environment. Convenient parking is available for students, faculty, and staff. South College classes are also held at the Parkside location, featuring a high-tech facility to enhance the learning experience. With most programs having no waitlist, students can swiftly enroll and embark on their career journey at South College.
South College in Atlanta, GA, offers a career-focused curriculum for both new students and those continuing their education. With opportunities ranging from certificate programs to doctoral degrees, learners from all walks of life can start taking the necessary steps toward their dream career. Programs include health science, medical assisting, pharmacy, physical therapy, radiography, nursing, and more.
- 3904 Lonas Dr. Knoxville, TN 37909
- 400 Goody’s Ln. Knoxville, TN 37922
Strayer University
Strayer University’s Knoxville, Tennessee campus is a prominent educational institution. It offers a robust selection of academic programs to cater to diverse student interests. With 21 degree programs, including specialized concentrations and specializations across undergraduate and graduate levels, students have ample opportunities to pursue their educational goals.
Additionally, the campus provides one undergraduate diploma program and six certificate programs, equipping students with valuable skills relevant to today’s job market. With a curriculum comprising over 410 courses, students benefit from a comprehensive and flexible learning experience tailored to their needs.
Moreover, the Knoxville campus collaborates with prestigious institutions such as the Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI), DevMountain, and Hackbright Academy to offer specialized courses that enhance students’ professional development.
Furthermore, in addition to holding institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Education (MSCHE), the business degree programs at Strayer University Knoxville hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring high-quality education that meets industry standards. This accreditation underscores the campus’s commitment to providing students with a valuable and reputable academic
- 800 S Gay St, Suite P9330 Knoxville, TN 37929
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Established as part of the Tennessee Board of Regents in 1972, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) stands out for its extensive network across Tennessee, providing essential workforce training to over 100,000 students annually. TCAT offers a wide array of programs including diplomas, associate degrees, and certificates in IT, welding, nursing, and automotive technology, emphasizing hands-on skills aligned with industry standards. Classes are tailored to accommodate diverse student schedules with options for morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, complemented by hybrid learning formats that integrate online coursework and practical internships. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), TCAT ensures high educational standards and ample opportunities for career advancement in various fields across Tennessee’s thriving industries.
- 1100 Liberty Street Knoxville Knoxville, TN 37919
The University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee (UT) Knoxville is the state’s flagship public research university, accredited by SACSCOC, known for its extensive research and broad impact across Tennessee through education and service. The university offers over 900 programs of study, granting bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees in diverse fields such as Architecture, Law, and Supply Chain Management.
The admissions process is competitive, with an overall acceptance rate around 42%, requiring prospective students to carefully review all application requirements. Estimated undergraduate tuition is tiered by residency: $11,560 for in-state students and $30,704 for out-of-state students, with graduate and professional programs having different fee structures. Students can choose from a variety of class schedules—including morning, afternoon, and evening courses—or select one of the 70+ fully online programs offered through Vols Online, with many professional degrees incorporating essential clinical rotations and practicums.
- The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
6-Month Programs
Aveda Institutes esthetics programs can be completed rapidly with immediate job placement support through their 80% externship success rate.
Paul Mitchell Schools offers accelerated nail and makeup programs for quick market entry.
Under One Year
Ross Medical Education Center specializes in 36-week healthcare programs including medical assistant, dental assistant, and pharmacy technician training with immediate job placement assistance.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology provides rapid certification in truck driving, phlebotomy, and various technical specialties.
Earn While You Learn
Electrician Training Academy offers the unique advantage of paid apprenticeships, allowing students to earn full wages while completing their 8,000-hour training requirement.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Evening and Weekend Classes
South College accommodates working professionals with evening, weekend, and self-paced options across their 100+ programs. Weekend hours (9 AM to 12 PM Saturdays) and extended weekday availability make continuing education accessible.
Strayer University provides ultimate flexibility with online programs, evening campus access, and their innovative “binge-worthy” coursework designed for adult learners.
Hybrid Learning Models
Remington College combines online coursework with hands-on lab experiences, operating extended hours (9 AM-8 PM weekdays) to accommodate working schedules.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers morning, afternoon, and evening class options with hybrid online components, allowing students to balance work and education effectively.
Military-Friendly Options
Multiple institutions support military personnel and veterans:
- South College accepts VA benefits and offers military grants
- Strayer University participates in Yellow Ribbon programs
- Paul Mitchell Schools accepts My Career Advancement Account scholarships for military spouses
Tennessee’s trade school landscape offers exceptional value for career-focused education, with options ranging from quick-entry certificate programs to comprehensive degree pathways, all designed to meet the demands of today’s evolving job market.