Salt Lake City Trade Schools

Salt Lake City and the surrounding metro area serve as Utah’s primary hub for career-focused education, offering diverse training opportunities from quick healthcare certifications to comprehensive degree programs. With options ranging from completely free tuition at public technical centers to specialized private training, students can find pathways matching virtually any budget, timeline, and career goal.

Table of Contents

Best Schools by Specialty

Healthcare Programs

Salt Lake City’s central location and concentration of medical facilities create exceptional opportunities for healthcare training.

Top Healthcare Schools:

  • Mountainland Technical College – Multiple locations including Lehi, Orem, and Provo offer Practical Nursing, Radiography Technology, Dental Assisting, Surgical Technology, and Advanced EMT at $120 per credit hour
  • Davis Technical College – Located in nearby Kaysville with comprehensive healthcare programs including Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Dental Assisting, and Medical Assisting for approximately $3,000 per program
  • FORTIS College – Salt Lake City campus offering Nursing, Medical Lab Technician, Radiology, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, and Phlebotomy with average annual tuition around $15,000
  • Arizona College of Nursing – Salt Lake City location with CCNE-accredited BSN programs and 100% acceptance rate
  • Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences – Draper campus specializing in Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assisting, and Respiratory Care

Ultra-Fast Healthcare Certifications:

Skilled Trades Programs

Premier Trades Training:

  • Utah Electrical Training Alliance – West Jordan location offering tuition-free electrical apprenticeships for Inside Wireman and Telecommunications Technicians, training 800 apprentices statewide
  • Utah Career Center – Salt Lake City facility providing 5-year apprenticeships in Plumbing, Pipefitting, Welding, and HVACR at approximately $575 per semester
  • UPHCA Academy – Bountiful-based online plumbing and HVAC programs at $1,499-$1,799 annually
  • Mountainland Technical College – Comprehensive skilled trades including Welding Technology, Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, HVACR, Electrical, and Machining at $120 per credit hour
  • Davis Technical College – Full range of trades programs including Welding, Automotive, Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing

Professional Services & Beauty Programs

Leading Cosmetology Schools:

  • Paul Mitchell Schools – Salt Lake City location offering Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nails with approximately $14,200 annual tuition plus $3,165 for supplies
  • Aveda Institutes – Provo campus with NACCAS-accredited programs in Cosmetology ($16,716), Esthetics ($9,966), and Massage Therapy ($10,961)
  • Avalon Institute – Layton location providing Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, and Makeup Artistry with day and evening options
  • Davis Technical College – Affordable Cosmetology and Esthetician programs as part of broader technical offerings
  • Mountainland Technical College – Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, and Nail Technician programs

Technology & IT Programs

Top Technology Training:

  • Utah Valley University – Orem campus serving 46,809 students with comprehensive programs in Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Information Systems at $489 per credit hour for residents
  • Charter College – Sandy location offering Computer Systems Technician, Networking, and Cyber Security with average $18,000 annual undergraduate tuition
  • Mountainland Technical College – Data Analytics, Mobile Development, Networking and Cybersecurity, and Web Programming at $120 per credit hour
  • Davis Technical College – Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Software Development programs
  • Granite Technical Institute – Salt Lake City high school technical program with Information Technology training

Business Programs

  • Utah Valley University – Business Marketing, Accounting, Finance & Economics, and MBA programs
  • Charter College – Business Administration with open admission and flexible scheduling
  • Davis Technical College – Business Administrative Services

Arizona College of Nursing

Rating: 4.8 of 5

At the Salt Lake City, Utah, Arizona College of Nursing campus, nursing students have access to a flexible learning environment with specialized and flexible educational opportunities designed to maximize their employability and success.

Evening classes are tailored to accommodate general education coursework, facilitating the completion of each course within a swift 8-week period.

The institution offers a customized curriculum to meet the diverse schedules of students, complemented by substantial scholarships of up to $10,000, thereby enhancing accessibility to top-tier education. With no waitlist, aspiring nurses can promptly commence their BSN journey, leading to graduation within three years or less, thanks to eligibility for transfer credits.

Accredited by CCNE and institutionally accredited by ABHES, the Salt Lake City campus demonstrates a steadfast commitment to preparing graduates for real-world nursing practice. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction, hands-on simulations, and clinical rotations to cultivate practical skills and clinical readiness.

NCLEX exam preparation is integral to the curriculum, evidenced by specialized classes, virtual practice exams, and personalized study plans. The campus boasts an impressive 96.08% NCLEX-RN exam pass rate, exceeding national averages, showcasing the effectiveness of its educational methodology. Collaborations with local healthcare providers provide students with invaluable clinical exposure, facilitated by state-of-the-art simulation labs outfitted with advanced mannequins, ensuring graduates emerge fully prepared to thrive in their nursing careers.

  • 434 W Ascension Way, Suite 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84123

Canyons Technical Education Center

Rating: 4.7 of 5

CTEC opened in 2009 and serves roughly 100 students with 15 full-time teachers as part of the Canyons School District. Students earn certificates in areas like Construction Management, Nurse Assistant (CNA), Cosmetology, Physical Therapy, and Welding Technician Advanced. The center is tuition-free; students pay a $35 class fee and may incur additional program costs up to a stated maximum of $6,000 per year. Schedules offer Monday–Friday morning (7:30–9:55 a.m.) or afternoon (11:30 a.m.–1:55 p.m.) sessions, with shorter Fridays. Instruction is fully in person, and medical programs add externships in the senior year.

  • 825 East 9085 S, Sandy, UT 84094

Eagle Gate College

Eagle Gate College is an ABHES-accredited healthcare school with campuses in Boise and Idaho Falls (ID) and Layton and Murray (UT), each serving roughly 200–500 students. It offers hands-on training in nursing and allied health through simulation labs, clinical rotations, and select online options (including a fully online MSN).

  • 5588 South Green Street Suite 150 Murray, UT 84123

EMT Utah

Rating: 4.7 of 5

EMT Utah delivers certificate programs such as EMT, Advanced EMT, Wilderness First Responder/First Aid, ACLS skills pass-off, and CME/recertification. Classes run in day (≈9 weeks) and evening (≈10 weeks) formats, plus an online EMT pathway that pairs web-based coursework with a six-day in-person skills boot camp and practical exam. The school operates across three Utah locations and is an American Heart Association Training Center, with programs that meet NREMT standards and hold Utah Bureau of EMS approval. Tuition ranges from about $75 for short trainings up to about $1,499 for the Advanced EMT program, with additional costs depending on course and materials. While historical training numbers are high, current enrollment figures aren’t published—prospective students should contact the school for the latest cohort information and any clinical/externship details.

  • 302 W 5400 S, Suite 101 Murray, UT 84107

FORTIS College

Rating: 4.3 of 5

Fortis College in Salt Lake City, UT, provides individuals the chance to succeed with a good education in a range of growing fields. Students can get training from qualified instructors in areas like dental, nursing, and medical. Murray, Taylorsville, and Holladay residents can also receive training in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R).

  • 3949 South 700 East, Suite 150 Salt Lake City, UT 84107

Granite Technical Institute

Rating: 4.8 of 5

GTI offers career and technical certificates for high school students across fields such as health science, engineering, IT, biotechnology, aviation, agriculture, construction, criminal justice, and culinary arts. Many courses finish in a year or less and often include concurrent college credit. Students take core classes at their home school and attend GTI in two-period blocks, with district buses providing transportation; lab and clinical courses may add externship hours. GTI does not charge college tuition for high school students, but some programs have small fees for supplies or partner college credits. The institute serves about 98 students in grades 7–12, maintains a 3:1 student-teacher ratio, and delivers instruction face-to-face with extensive labs and hands-on practice.

  • 2500 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Nightingale College

Rating: 3.4 of 5

Nightingale offers stackable nursing pathways, including Practical Nurse (PN), LPN-to-ASN, BSN, and an MSN for Nurse Educators, delivered primarily online with required in-person clinicals. Coursework is scheduled without evening classes; clinicals are completed during daytime hours through Supervised On-ground Field Experiences. The college follows an open-admission model (reported 100% acceptance) and enrolls roughly 4,265 students annually.

Tuition is billed per credit hour, with typical totals of about **$14,470–$22,630** for undergraduate programs and **$8,830–$11,550** for graduate programs (housing/fees extra). Institutionally accredited by **NWCCU**, Nightingale focuses on meeting employer needs through flexible learning and hands-on preparation.

  • 95 S State St Suite 400, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Paul Mitchell Schools

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Paul Mitchell School Salt Lake City is a 22,000-square-foot campus featuring both classroom and salon spaces. Students in the school’s cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics courses learn the fundamentals of their craft, then practice those skills on mannequins and clients who book services at the school. Experienced students can also undergo teacher training at the Salt Lake campus.

  • 1969 E Murray Holladay Road Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Sage Truck Driving School

Rating: 3.8 of 5

At Sage Truck Driving School in Salt Lake City, CDL students practice shifting, backing, and highway driving with one-on-one instructor support. The Salt Lake City campus offers Class A and Class B training that follows ELDT standards and prepares students for both written and road exams. Tuition in Salt Lake City typically runs from $4,000 to $7,000, and flexible schedules help students fit training into busy lives.

  • 333 N 300 W Salt Lake City, UT 84103

Stevens-Henager College

Rating: 3.3 of 5

Stevens-Henager College offers associates, bachelors, and masters degrees in Business, Healthcare, Technology, and Graphic Arts.

  • 383 West Vine St. Murray, UT 84123

Utah Career Center

Rating: 4.6 of 5

The center focuses exclusively on the mechanical trades—plumbing, pipefitting, welding, and HVAC&R—with a rigorous five-year apprenticeship that blends classroom learning and real jobsite experience. Classes meet three evenings per week (three hours each) or in full Saturday sessions (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) to fit working schedules. Tuition is about $575 per semester, with ~$150 for books, making it a notably affordable pathway into high-demand skilled careers. Operated jointly by UA Local 140 and the Utah Mechanical Contractors Association, the program’s curriculum is set by industry professionals to match employer needs. While acceptance rates aren’t published, applicants must meet trade-specific entry requirements, and can contact the center for details on class sizes and current cohorts.

  • 640 North Billy Mitchell Road Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Utah Electrical Training Alliance

Rating: 4.7 of 5

Founded through NECA–IBEW partnership, the alliance now trains roughly 800 apprentices across Utah. Programs include Inside Wireman and Telecommunications Technician, each leading to industry certification. The schedule runs one full week of classroom instruction followed by six to eight weeks of paid work, and there are no online classes. Tuition is tuition-free; apprentices cover books, modules, and classroom materials, and there is a $30 application fee. Program length varies by apprenticeship and progression, and the alliance does not publish acceptance rates.

  • 7466 South Redwood Road West Jordan, UT 84084

Cost Analysis for Salt Lake City Area

Most Affordable Options

Free Programs:

  • Utah Electrical Training Alliance – Tuition-free electrical apprenticeships (books and materials only)
  • Granite Technical Institute – Free for high school students (part of public school district)
  • Canyons Technical Education Center – Sandy location, tuition-free with maximum $35 class fee
  • Public technical colleges – Free tuition for all high school students

Ultra-Low Cost ($500-$3,000):

  • Utah School of Phlebotomy – $495 for 6-week program
  • Oquirrh Mountain Phlebotomy School – $549 for 5-day certification
  • EMT Utah – Courses from $75-$1,499
  • UPHCA Academy – $1,499-$1,799 annually
  • Utah Career Center – $575 per semester
  • Davis Technical College – Average $3,000 per program
  • Mountainland Technical College – $120 per credit hour

Mid-Range Programs ($10,000-$20,000)

  • Aveda Institutes – $9,966-$16,716 total program cost
  • Paul Mitchell Schools – $14,200 annual tuition
  • FORTIS College – $15,000 average annual tuition
  • Charter College – $18,000 average annual undergraduate tuition

Premium Programs ($20,000+)

  • Arizona College of Nursing – $16,000-$19,000 annually for in-state students
  • Utah Valley University degree programs – Varies by credit hours completed

Program Duration in Salt Lake City

Lightning-Fast Certifications (5 Days – 3 Months)

Immediate Career Launch:

  • Phlebotomy – 5 days to 6 weeks ($495-$549)
  • EMT Basic – 9-10 weeks ($1,499)
  • IV Certification – Short-term ($298)
  • EKG Technician – Weeks of training
  • CPR/Basic First Aid – Hours to days ($75+)

Quick-Entry Programs (3-6 Months)

  • Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Nurse Assistant/CNA
  • Basic Welding certifications
  • CDL programs

Standard Programs (6-18 Months)

One-Year Programs:

  • Cosmetology (Paul Mitchell, Aveda, Avalon)
  • Dental Assisting
  • Medical Assisting
  • Practical Nursing
  • Most skilled trades certificates
  • HVAC certification
  • Automotive Technology

Extended Programs (2-5 Years)

  • Associate degrees (2 years)
  • Bachelor’s degrees (4 years)
  • Apprenticeships (4-5 years in electrical, plumbing, HVACR)

Based on enrollment and institutional offerings:

  1. Healthcare: Nursing programs (all levels), Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Phlebotomy
  2. Skilled Trades: Electrical, Welding, HVAC, Plumbing, Automotive
  3. Cosmetology: Full cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy
  4. Technology: Cybersecurity, Software Development, IT
  5. Emergency Services: EMT, Firefighting
  6. Business: Business Administration, Accounting

Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults

Salt Lake City schools excel at accommodating students balancing education with work and family.

Evening and Weekend Classes

Schools with Evening Programs:

  • Utah Career Center – Three nights weekly (3 hours each) or full Saturdays (8 AM-5 PM)
  • Charter College – Evening shifts, new classes starting every few weeks
  • Utah Valley University – Full Time Accelerated Schedule (Monday-Thursday evenings), Part Time Evening Schedule
  • EMT Utah – Evening EMT programs (10 weeks)
  • Utah School of Phlebotomy – Weekday evening classes (6:30 PM) and Saturday morning options
  • Oquirrh Mountain Phlebotomy School – Evening sessions (6 PM-9 PM)
  • Davis Technical College – Morning, afternoon, and evening options
  • FORTIS College – 24-hour campus access with flexible class hours

Online and Hybrid Learning

Fully Online Options:

  • UPHCA Academy – Complete plumbing and HVAC programs online
  • EMT Utah – Online EMT course with 6-day skills boot camp
  • Utah Valley University – Multiple online degree programs

Hybrid Programs:

  • Charter College – Blended online and on-campus formats
  • Utah Valley University – Hybrid classes mixing campus and online
  • Davis Technical College – Partners with Ed2Go for online options

Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeship Opportunities

Salt Lake City offers exceptional “earn while you learn” programs:

Paid Apprenticeships:

  • Utah Electrical Training Alliance – One week classroom, then 6-8 weeks paid work
  • Utah Career Center – Five-year paid apprenticeships in plumbing, pipefitting, welding, HVACR
  • UPHCA Academy – Industry-driven apprenticeship with employer sponsorship

Special Opportunities for High School Students

Free Concurrent Enrollment:

  • Granite Technical Institute – Salt Lake City location serving grades 7-12 with 3:1 student-teacher ratio in Health Science, Aviation, Biotechnology, Construction, Culinary Arts, and more
  • Canyons Technical Education Center – Sandy campus for grades 7-12 with programs including CNA, Cosmetology, Welding, and Cybersecurity
  • Public technical colleges – All offer free tuition for high school students

Geographic Advantages of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City’s central location provides unique benefits:

Major Medical Centers:

  • University of Utah Hospital
  • Intermountain Healthcare facilities
  • Primary Children’s Hospital
  • Multiple VA facilities

Industry Concentration:

  • Tech corridor along I-15
  • Major construction projects
  • Growing aerospace industry
  • Thriving hospitality sector

Transportation Access:

  • UTA light rail and bus service
  • Easy freeway access to multiple campuses
  • District-provided transportation for high school programs

Military and Veteran Support

Many Salt Lake City schools actively support military students:

  • Charter College – VA and GI Bill acceptance, military-specific financial aid advisors
  • FORTIS College – Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Paul Mitchell Schools – My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program for military spouses
  • Aveda Institutes – Veterans Affairs tuition assistance
  • Utah Valley University – Dedicated veteran services and support

Financial Aid Resources

Federal Financial Aid: Most accredited institutions accept:

  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Federal Direct Loans
  • Federal Work-Study
  • FSEOG grants

State Programs:

  • Utah System of Technical Colleges funding
  • UHEAA programs
  • Workforce development grants

Institutional Support:

  • Payment plans at most schools
  • Employer tuition assistance partnerships
  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Need-based grants

Employer Discounts:

  • UPHCA Academy – $300 discount for employees of member companies
  • Charter College – Various employer partnerships
  • FORTIS College – Employer connections and scholarship opportunities

Accreditation Standards

Salt Lake City area schools maintain various accreditation levels:

Institutional Accreditation:

  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Utah Valley University)
  • Council on Occupational Education (Davis Tech, Mountainland Tech)
  • ABHES (Arizona College of Nursing, FORTIS College)
  • ACCSC (Charter College)
  • NACCAS (Aveda, Paul Mitchell)

Programmatic Accreditation:

  • CCNE for nursing programs
  • CAAHEP for medical specialties
  • State licensing board approvals
  • Industry-specific certifications

Making Your Decision

When selecting a trade school in Salt Lake City, consider:

  1. Career Goals – Choose programs aligned with your target occupation
  2. Budget – Calculate total costs including transportation and opportunity cost
  3. Timeline – Determine urgency of completing training
  4. Schedule – Match class times with work and family commitments
  5. Location – Consider commute time and transportation options
  6. Accreditation – Verify proper credentials for your field
  7. Job Placement – Research graduate employment rates
  8. Financial Aid – Complete FAFSA and explore all funding sources

Unique Salt Lake City Advantages

Fastest Certifications in Utah: Salt Lake City offers the state’s quickest healthcare certifications through Oquirrh Mountain (5 days) and Utah School of Phlebotomy (6 weeks), enabling rapid workforce entry.

Free Skilled Trades Training: Utah Electrical Training Alliance provides completely tuition-free electrical apprenticeships while students earn wages, making it one of the nation’s most accessible skilled trades programs.

High School Advantage: Two dedicated technical high schools (Granite Technical Institute and Canyons Technical Education Center) offer free career training with college credit, giving students a significant head start.

Central Hub Location: Salt Lake City’s position enables access to campuses throughout the metro area, from Layton to Provo, providing maximum choice without requiring relocation.

Salt Lake City’s concentration of trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and technical colleges creates an unmatched ecosystem for career-focused education. Whether seeking a 5-day phlebotomy certification or a comprehensive 4-year degree, the city’s diverse institutions provide accessible, affordable pathways to high-demand careers across healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and professional services.