Best Trade Schools in El Paso by Specialty
Healthcare:
- Pima Medical Institute – Offers a wide range of programs from Medical Assistant and Dental Assisting to Radiography and Veterinary Tech.
- Milan Institute – Includes Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Tech, and Massage Therapy.
- NOVA Career Institute – Focuses on Medical Assistant, Billing & Coding, and Phlebotomy.
- Cultural Technical Institute, LLC. – Offers CNA, EKG, Phlebotomy, and Pharmacy Tech training.
Skilled Trades:
- Sun City Welding Academy – Specialized welding school offering MIG, TIG, Stick, and combo pipe welding.
- ASC Technical Institute – Heavy equipment operator and CDL training.
- Mountain View Vocational Institute – Offers crane ops, truck driving, and heavy machinery programs.
Business & Technology:
- Strayer University – Degrees in business, IT, marketing, and public health with flexible online or campus options.
- Vista College – Provides training in business administration, criminal justice, and technology.
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
Many El Paso trade schools offer fast-track programs:
- Sun City Welding Academy: 4-week intro to welding for $2,500.
- NOVA Career Institute: Phlebotomy Tech for $600.
- Cultural Technical Institute: CNA and BLS training with evening/weekend availability.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
- ASC Technical Institute: Weekday evening classes for CDL and equipment training.
- Mountain View Vocational Institute: Evening and weekend classes for most programs.
- NOVA Career Institute: Day and evening schedules for all healthcare programs.
- Strayer University: Offers online degrees with optional campus access.
Cost & Duration Comparison
Most programs in El Paso cost between $3,000 and $9,000.
Cheapest Options:
- Cultural Technical Institute: Tuition starts at $600.
- NOVA Career Institute: Phlebotomy Tech is $600.
Most Expensive Programs:
- Pima Medical Institute: Up to $25,000 annually.
- ASC Technical Institute: Level Two equipment ops at $18,500.
Shortest Programs:
- Sun City Welding’s 4-week welding intro.
- NOVA and Cultural Technical’s 5–6 week CNA and Phlebotomy Tech programs.
Average Duration:
- Most certificate programs last 4 to 24 weeks.
- Degree programs (like those at Pima and Strayer) take 1–3 years depending on level.
List of Top Trade Schools in the City
ASC Technical Institute
ASC Technical Institute specializes in Heavy Equipment Operator and Truck Driving CDL programs, offering job-focused training since 1986. Students can choose from three levels of heavy equipment certification, with tuition ranging from $3,750 to $18,500. All classes are held in person using industry-standard equipment, and evening schedules accommodate working adults.
The school has an open admissions policy with a 100% acceptance rate and provides job placement assistance upon completion. ASC is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools and Colleges and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
- 6401 Convair Rd. El Paso, TX 79925
Cultural Technical Institute, LLC.
Cultural Technical Institute offers career-focused certificate programs in fields like nursing assisting, phlebotomy, truck driving, and pharmacy technology. Programs are designed to be accessible for working adults, with flexible in-person or online schedules, evening classes, and externship opportunities.
Tuition ranges from $600 to $3,000, with additional fees depending on the program. Located in El Paso, Texas, the school enrolled 487 students in its most recent reporting period and continues to serve a steady student base. The institute holds a Certificate of Approval from the Texas Workforce Commission, confirming its operational legitimacy.
- 1510 N. Zaragoza B13 El Paso, TX 79936
Milan Institute
For over 30 years, Milan Institute has been providing career education and training in a variety of fields. Milan Institute is a family-owned institution with national accreditation. There are 11 locations throughout the western United States. The Milan Institute of Cosmetology also has six separate campuses. Programs offered include barbering, dental and medical assisting, massage therapy, and more.
- 1580 George Dieter Drive, Suite 207 El Paso, TX 79936
Mountain View Vocational Institute
- 3201 Alabama St. El Paso El Paso, TX 79930
NOVA Career Institute
NOVA Career Institute provides certificate training for entry-level roles in healthcare, including Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, and Phlebotomy Technician. Programs are conducted entirely in person with flexible day and evening schedules to fit around work or family obligations.
Tuition ranges from $600 for Phlebotomy Tech to $9,000 for other programs, though detailed cost breakdowns must be obtained from the admissions office. Each program includes a clinical externship for hands-on experience in real healthcare environments. While accreditation details aren’t listed publicly, the school offers job placement support and focuses on personalized instruction for student success.
- 8720 Gtwy Blvd E, Suite E El Paso, TX 79907
Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute, an employee-owned and accredited private career college, has been dedicated to medical education since 1972. Pima specializes in preparing students for the healthcare sector, encompassing medical, dental, and veterinary professions. Academic offerings range from certificate programs to associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.
- 6926 Gateway Blvd E. El Paso, TX 79915
Southwest University
Southwest University at El Paso began in June 1999 as Quick Study Learning Center focusing on ESL and GED preparation, became Southwest University in 2009 when it introduced an Associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and expanded to full university status by 2012 with bachelor’s programs in Business and Health Administration.
The university serves approximately 1,817 undergraduate students annually and offers programs ranging from certificates to master’s degrees including Business Management (BS), Medical Assistant/Laboratory Certificate, Welding Certificate, Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration (MS), Diesel Technology (AAS), and Culinary Arts (AAS).
Classes accommodate diverse schedules with morning sessions (8:00 a.m.-11:50 a.m.), afternoon blocks (12:00 p.m.-3:50 p.m.), and evening classes (5:00 p.m.-8:50 p.m.), plus online program options, while healthcare programs include required externships for hands-on clinical experience. Program costs range from $10,350 for the Computed Tomography Certificate to $46,243 for the Bachelor of Science in Health Administration based on March 2021 tuition rates. The university maintains a 100% acceptance rate, holds recognition from THECB, and has institutional accreditation through ABHES valid until 2029.Retry
- 6101 Montana Ave El Paso, TX 79925
Strayer University
Strayer University’s El Paso, TX Campus offers a range of academic programs that strive to meet the demands of today’s workforce and provide students with a solid foundation for success in their careers. Located within El Paso, the campus draws inspiration from the city’s diverse culture and vibrant community.
Strayer University in El Paso is recognized for its commitment to accessibility and innovation. The campus caters to a diverse student body through a blend of traditional and online learning options, ensuring that students have the flexibility they need to balance their education with other responsibilities.
Beyond the classroom, the El Paso campus fosters a supportive environment where students can connect with faculty and peers. With personalized guidance and mentorship, students receive the support they need to achieve their academic and professional goals.
As a driving force for educational advancement in El Paso, Strayer University’s campus empowers students to excel and make meaningful contributions to their communities. With its focus on practical skills and career readiness, the campus is a gateway to new opportunities for students throughout the region.
- 221 N Kansas, Suite 110 El Paso, TX 79901
Sun City Welding Academy
- 6940 Commerce Avenue El Paso, TX 79915
Vista College
Online and on-campus career training in healthcare, business, technology, legal, cosmetology and the trades.
- 6101 Montana Ave. El Paso, TX 79925