Aveda Institutes
Aveda Arts Seattle, formerly the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute, joined Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes in July 2021 and is now on East Pike Street. It teaches 1,600-hour cosmetology ($24,600) and 750-hour esthetics ($14,800), totals for the 16 November 2026 start, plus instructor training. Classes run 27 hours a week, and it reported a 98.8% state-board pass rate for 2024.
- 802 E Pike St Seattle, WA 98122
Divers Institute of Technology
Aspiring commercial divers can earn the credentials they need at the Divers Institute of Technology in Seattle. Qualified instructors at this school teach essential skills to help students obtain various diver credentials. After completing the program, DIT graduates can apply for careers as inland or offshore underwater welders or salvage, saturation, or Hazmat divers.
- 1341 N. Northlake Way, Suite 150 Seattle, WA 98103
National School of Dental Assisting
Located in the town of Pullyap, the National School of Dental Assisting’s Washington campus offers an accessible and vibrant setting for aspiring dental assistants. With a commitment to hands-on training and small class sizes, students benefit from access to modern facilities and technology frequently used in the field. Owned and operated by expert dentists, the campus prioritizes instilling practical and applicable knowledge in students. Graduates from this location are highly sought after by dentists, a testament to the campus’s success in cultivating skilled and respected dental professionals.
- 10317 122nd Street East, Suite D (Pullyap) Seattle, WA 98374
Northwest Phlebotomy School
Offering a comprehensive phlebotomy career courses held over two or three days. The program merges lectures with hands-on lab experiences, ensuring students grasp an understanding of various venipuncture techniques. Covers anatomy and physiology, phlebotomy methods, equipment usage, and patient demographic considerations. The course culminates with a one-on-one practical assessment.
An IV Certification class, spanning four hours, is also offered. This workshop delves into the methodologies and materials essential for IV catheter placement and beyond.
Classes are held at the SpringHill Suites in South Lake Union.
- 1800 Yale Ave Seattle, WA 98101
Northwest Phlebotomy School
Northwest Phlebotomy School, founded in 2019, trains students at 50+ locations with small classes and fully in-person instruction. The core phlebotomy course takes 2–3 days, with an optional 4-hour IV Therapy add-on; tuition is $675–$775 for phlebotomy and $250–$375 for IV Therapy, plus an optional $50 NHA exam. Admission is open (18+ with a high school diploma/GED), and the school is not accredited by USDOE-recognized agencies.
- 1700 Westlake Ave N #200 Seattle, WA 98109
Pima Medical Institute
PMI’s Seattle campus, open since 1989, teaches dental assistant, medical assistant, sterile processing and veterinary assistant certificates and associate degrees in dental hygiene, PTA, radiography, surgical technology and veterinary technician. It does not teach pharmacy technician, despite older listings; Renton does. Its radiography program holds an eight-year JRCERT award, and dental hygiene runs about 23 months. On Niche it averages 4.29 out of 5 from 49 reviews.
- 9709 Third Ave NE, Suite 400 Seattle, WA 98115
160 Driving Academy
The school offers Class A CDL training, ELDT theory, and CDL refresher courses aimed at fast job entry. Most students finish in roughly four weeks, with many sites offering evening and weekend schedules. Instruction is in person only and follows FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training standards; each location is state-licensed. Typical tuition ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 depending on location and program. Students should contact a local campus for current pricing, financing, and employer sponsorships.
- 2310 Mildred St.West, Suite #124 Tacoma, WA 98466
Northwest Phlebotomy School
Northwest Phlebotomy School, founded in 2019, trains students at 50+ locations with small classes and fully in-person instruction. The core phlebotomy course takes 2–3 days, with an optional 4-hour IV Therapy add-on; tuition is $675–$775 for phlebotomy and $250–$375 for IV Therapy, plus an optional $50 NHA exam. Admission is open (18+ with a high school diploma/GED), and the school is not accredited by USDOE-recognized agencies.
- 1120 Pacific Ave Suite 100 Tacoma, WA 98402
UEI College
United Education Institute Tacoma opened in October 2021 in a 30,000-square-foot building and is UEI’s only Washington campus. It teaches automotive, dental assisting, HVAC, medical assisting and medical billing and coding, and is the one UEI campus without an electrician program. Medical Assistant cost $18,500 in total in 2024–25. Accredited by ACCSC; 58% of 2021–22 full-time starters graduated within 150% of normal time.
- 1415 E. 72nd St Tacoma, WA 98404
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech), located in Kirkland, WA, offers over 100 degree and certificate programs in fields like nursing, engineering, computer technology, and culinary arts. The school provides flexible class schedules, with options for morning, afternoon, and evening classes, as well as online and hybrid learning formats. Students can choose programs that include hands-on training through clinical practicums, which may occur on different shifts, including weekends. LWTech has a 100% acceptance rate and follows an open admission policy, making higher education accessible to many. The institution is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, with additional programmatic accreditations for specific fields like nursing and dental programs.
- 11605 132nd Avenue NE Kirkland, WA 98034
Evergreen Beauty College
Evergreen Beauty College’s Renton campus is an accredited, family-owned institution located just south of Seattle, providing specialized training in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Instructor Training. The campus features a professional salon and spa environment where students perform services on live clients to build technical proficiency and business expertise.
Utilizing the flexible EverFlex hybrid model, students attend in-person classes for just four hours a day, Monday through Friday, with options for morning, afternoon, or evening shifts. Under this schedule, the Cosmetology program (1,600 hours) typically takes about 14 months to complete, while the Esthetics program (750 hours) and Nail Technology program (600 hours) are usually finished in roughly 6 and 5 months, respectively.
This structure allows students to balance their professional education with 10 hours of online coursework each week, ensuring they are well-prepared for Washington State licensing exams.
- 1222 Bronson Way North Renton, WA 98057
Pima Medical Institute
PMI’s Renton campus, open since 2004, teaches dental assistant, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy and veterinary assistant certificates and associate degrees in sonography, respiratory therapy and veterinary technician. It is the only Washington campus with pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, sonography and respiratory therapy. Medical Assistant cost $19,997 in total (1 Jul 2026). 71% of its 2022–23 first-time, full-time students graduated within 150% of normal time.
- 555 S. Renton Village Pl, Suite 400 Renton, WA 98057
Renton Tech
RTC’s main campus covers 30 acres at 3000 NE 4th St. in Renton, in King County, and it serves students from the Seattle area. Every RTC credential program is taught here, from the RN, anesthesia and surgical technology degrees to welding, HVAC-R, machining, automotive and autobody, culinary and baking, business and IT. The campus has a community dental clinic used by dental assistant students, a retail bakery tied to the baking program and a WABO-approved welding test center.
- 3000 NE 4th St. Renton, WA 98056
Seattle Pipe Trades
Seattle Pipe Trades (SAPT) is an independent training center in Renton, WA, offering apprenticeship programs in HVAC, plumbing, marine pipefitting, and steamfitting. Founded in 1968, SAPT operates under a joint labor-management model, ensuring training aligns with industry needs. The school features a mix of online and in-person evening and weekend classes, allowing apprentices to balance work and education while earning as they learn. Unlike traditional schools, SAPT does not charge tuition; training is funded by union dues from United Association Local 32 members. With a robust staff of full-time and part-time instructors, SAPT focuses on providing practical, job-ready skills for Washington’s growing pipe trades industry.
- 595 Monster Rd. SW, Suite 100 Renton, WA 98057-2937
Health Professionals Institute
Health Professionals Institute, established in 2003, is a state-approved vocational school specializing in healthcare certifications, including Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Home Care Aide, and Phlebotomy Technician. Recognized as the first school in Washington to offer medication assistant endorsement certification, it focuses on small class sizes and innovative learning techniques. Students can choose from flexible schedules, including morning, afternoon, and evening classes, offered both online and on-campus. Many programs incorporate externships or clinical rotations to provide hands-on experience, and graduates receive job placement assistance through Dependable Staffing Agency, the school’s sister company. Tuition varies widely, from $85 for short specialty courses to $17,000 for comprehensive programs, making it accessible for a range of students.
- 33305 1st Way South B-100 Federal Way, WA 98003
Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell The School Federal Way took over the former Gene Juarez Academy in 2023 and held its grand opening in September 2024. It teaches 1,600-hour cosmetology, 1,000-hour barbering, 600-hour manicuring and a 500-hour instructor program, but no esthetics. It is operated by Kaistar, LLC.
- 2222 South 314th St Federal Way, WA 98003
How Trade Schools Can Help Young People in Seattle
Exploring the advantages of trade school may open various pathways and opportunities for young adults seeking practical and rewarding paths to success in an ever-evolving landscape of career options.
Cost Effective Alternative to College Degrees
Pursuing a trade school education offers a compelling alternative to the archaic standard of a traditional college education as the keystone metric for success. For many young students, college is a significant investment–even beyond the years it takes to complete a degree.
Many students are burdened with loans and interest that stretch far beyond their graduation date. In addition to being a financial investment, college degrees require a substantial amount of time–a luxury that some students may not be able to afford.
Quicker Return on Investment
Certificates and degrees at vocational colleges are typically considerably less expensive than a traditional college education, and students graduate equipped with the practical skills they need to start working immediately.
Beyond the financial and time investment, college may not suit every student’s needs and learning style. A college education typically entails a tremendous range of classes beyond students’ major of choice. Very few graduates across most majors are equipped with the necessary skills to begin their careers upon graduation.
A trade school program is an excellent option for any youth looking to maximize their educational investment as soon as they graduate.
A career in the skilled trades typically offers more flexibility, offering students a highly-regarded career option outside the traditional–and often monotonous–9-to-5 job.
10 Trade School Career Options for Teens
Here are 10 career options for students considering pursuing a skilled trade.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant
A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, plays a critical role in any hospital setting regarding patient care. Pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant can grant you a vast array of career development options, ranging from nursing to other supplementary healthcare roles. CNAs are typically responsible for helping patients under the supervision of a nurse, performing tasks vital to keeping patients comfortable, safe, and tended to. This assistance may include assisting with medical procedures, bathing, feeding, transporting patients, cleaning rooms, and stocking supplies.
2. Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants work in tandem with physicians, performing administrative and clinical tasks before physicians meet with patients. Their duties typically entail taking patients’ medical histories, preparing for any physical examinations, performing lab tests prerequisite to a physician’s assessment, addressing primary wound care, and assisting the physician. A career as a Medical Assistant is an excellent way to contribute to patients’ experiences in a positive and receptive medical environment.
3. Dental Assistant
A Dental Assistant works alongside dentists, completing supplementary tasks and supporting dentists with exams and procedures. Dental Assistants are responsible for preparing patients for dental procedures and assisting dentists with filling, crowns, extractions, and cleanings. Dental Assistants are additionally accountable for cleaning up after dental procedures, performing any administrative tasks relating to documentation, cleaning up, and sterilizing equipment.
4. Interior Designer
Interior designers work with layouts of interior spaces, picking colors, textures, furniture, and lighting to create aesthetically-pleasing and functional areas both commercially and residentially. Interior designers may work for residential clients, creating beautiful and practical homes, picking furniture, and making home improvement choices necessary to fulfill their client’s requests. Interior designers may also work for corporations, designing commercial buildings and facilities that suit corporations’ needs.
5. Floral Designer
Floral designers are responsible for arranging flowers and greenery for decorative displays and creating presentations catering to clients’ needs. Clients may request bouquets for unique or more significant events requiring multiple floral arrangements. In addition to providing clients with floral arrangements, floral designers are additionally responsible for maintaining shop supplies, such as wires, foam, ribbon, and other decorative supplies, and ordering flowers from wholesalers and growers.
6. Welder
Welders are responsible for the assembly of metal parts by applying heat. A career in welding offers a variety of different pathways. Welders can work in construction, assembling vital components of buildings that maintain their structure. Welders may additionally work in more engineering-related fields, such as assisting in aircraft assembly. Welders may also work in maritime welding, assisting in off-shore projects such as on oil rigs.
7. HVAC Technician
HVAC Technicians are skilled tradespeople responsible for installing, maintaining, and maintaining heating, cooling, refrigeration, and ventilation systems. HVAC Technicians are typically tasked with installing AC units, diagnosing issues with pre-installed units and amending them, performing emergency repairs, and conducting warranty services on clients’ air conditioning units.
8. Plumber
Plumbers are responsible for installing and repairing plumbing systems in residential and commercial properties. This includes installing and repairing water and gas systems and installing plumbing fixtures such as dishwashers, water heaters, toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. Plumbers may additionally perform emergency repairs on broken pipes and blocked drains.
9. Personal Trainer
Personal trainers work either with gyms or individually with clients, building exercise programs based on clients’ fitness levels and goals. Personal trainers may also guide clients’ dietary choices and wellness outside the gym. Personal trainers are also responsible for ensuring clients’ safety during exercises and monitoring clients’ exercise form and health levels.
10. Vet Tech
Veterinary Technicians work alongside licensed veterinarians with an array of supportive tasks. Vet techs help with clinical procedures such as dental and nursing care, additionally preparing animals for these procedures by collecting specimens, taking any vitals, and performing any initial examinations.