Trade Schools in Florida: Complete List
If a traditional college degree isn’t right for you, you can still have access to high-paying and in-demand careers. A trade school can help you advance your education and earn a good wage in fast-growing vocational careers.
If you’re looking to get into a new trade, there are plenty of trade schools in Florida to choose from. Not all trades are in-person, either; some medical trades, like pharmacy technician and administrative assistant programs, can be taken online. We’ve compiled a list of trade schools in Florida to help start your search.
Popular Online Trade Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
3 Popular Trade Schools in Florida
We’ve spotlighted three of Florida’s most popular trade schools and took a look at how many students attend, tuition cost, flexibility, and graduation rates. Ultimate Medical Academy takes the cake for all things medical, while Atlantic Technical College and Orange Technical College, South Campus, give you various trades to choose from.
1. Ultimate Medical Academy
- Location: Clearwater, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Net Price: $19,255
- Largest Program: Medical Insurance Specialist/Medical Biller
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a trade school specializing in medical trades you don’t need a four-year degree to qualify for. Even if you don’t know what to study, the school will help match you with the right career through a personality test. This trade school boasts one of the highest trade school graduation rates in the state and offers different options for online and in-person students.
Even though UMA is one of the most expensive schools on our list, it holds the largest student population.
Some of UMA’s online programs include information systems management careers, billing specialists, pharmacy technicians, and administrative assistants. The on-campus programs specialize in more patient-related positions like nursing, dental, and medical assistants and technicians.
2. Atlantic Technical College
- Location: Coconut Creek, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Net Price: $13,747
- Largest Program: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
More traditional than our number one spot, Atlantic Technical College offers career training in electrical, HVAC, business management and administration, health science technicians and assistants, manufacturing, and transportation.
You can also earn an industry credential or license if you’re in high school looking for dual enrollment opportunities. You may even qualify for free transportation to the college if you live in certain areas.
3. Orange Technical College, South Campus
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Net Price: $2,786
- Largest Program: Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor
Orange Technical College has the lowest cost of our top three picks by over $10,000. The school offers general education, apprenticeships, manufacturing, HVAC, electrical, transportation, and more programs.
The school’s largest program is truck and bus driver/commercial vehicle operator and instructor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers make a median salary of $54,320.
All Trade Schools in Florida
If you’re looking for a trade school in Florida, you have 47 to choose from. Ultimate Medical Academy hosts the largest number of students and is one of the most expensive Florida trade schools. Most other trade schools also focus on multiple trades and require in-person attendance. All of our data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a publicly available government website.
| Name⇅ | Student Population⇅ | Graduation Rate⇅ | Net Price⇅ | Largest Program⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traviss Technical College | 337 | 83% | $588 | Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist |
| Immokalee Technical College | 305 | 80% | $682 | Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training |
| Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College | 850 | 30% | $2,420 | Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician |
| Cape Coral Technical College | 287 | 86% | $2,587 | Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide |
| Orange Technical College-South Campus | 2310 | 47% | $2,786 | Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor |
| D A Dorsey Technical College | 165 | 11% | $3,103 | Medical/Clinical Assistant |
| South Dade Technical College-South Dade Skills Center Campus | 338 | 100% | $4,311 | Medical/Clinical Assistant |
| Withlacoochee Technical College | 383 | 50% | $4,511 | Corrections |
| Florida Panhandle Technical College | 306 | 42% | $4,997 | Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training |
| Marion Technical College | 506 | 72% | $5,551 | Fire Science/Fire-fighting |
Source: NCES
In-Demand Trade Careers in Florida
Vocational careers have some of the highest growth rates in Florida. Florida has a high need for people in medical vocational careers, with ophthalmic medical technicians projected to grow the fastest from 2023-31. These technicians work with eye doctors to administer eye exams, give medication, and instruct patients in caring for themselves.
Top 10 Growing Vocational Careers in Florida
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians: 20.7%
- Medical Assistants: 20.4%
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers: 19.6%
- Industrial Machinery mechanics: 19.4%
- Massage Therapists: 16.8%
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: 16.6%
- Medical Transcriptionists: 16.6%
- Medical Equipment Repairers: 16.1%
- Dental Assistants: 15.7%
How Much Does Trade School Cost in Florida?
Trade school costs vary from hundreds to tens of thousands in Florida. Traviss Technical College has the lowest net cost at $588, while Orange Technical College-East Campus costs the highest at $27,079, according to the NCES.
If you’re looking for financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive government aid for tuition and more, depending on how much you or your household makes. However, not all trade schools take the FAFSA. Check to see if your school is accredited and receives government aid to see if you qualify for financial assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Schools in Florida
Trade school programs can vary in length. Atlantic Technical College’s HVAC/R program only lasts about six months, while the manufacturer specific automotive service technology program takes about 28 months to complete. Most trade programs take between six and 12 months to complete.
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