Best Trade School Programs in Virginia

Trade schools in Virginia offer career-focused training in high-demand fields. These fields include healthcare, the skilled trades, personal care, and hospitality. Graduates can pursue jobs like medical assistant, dental hygienist, mechanic, and electrician.

Vocational students complete classroom and experiential learning requirements. For example, electrician students apply classroom learning during laboratories and practicums. This gives them hands-on experience in the field.

Vocational programs offer several benefits compared to four-year programs. Earning a vocational certificate or degree takes 1-2 years. This allows students to complete their training faster than students in four-year programs. Professionals with occupational credentials enjoy higher employment rates than those without such credentials. Many vocational and tech schools in Virginia offer self-paced or accelerated options. Learners can also choose an online program to maximize flexibility.

In this guide, we rank the best vocational schools in Virginia to help students find the right program. This page also provides information on popular trade programs, career and salary data, and scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Virginia as well.

Trade schools in Virginia provide career-focused training for growing fields. These areas include healthcare, industrial technology, legal services, and the skilled trades. Top-ranked vocational programs help professionals advance their education and increase their earning potential. Plus, they only take 1-2 years to complete. This section introduces the best vocational schools in Virginia.

Trade schools blend classroom and hands-on training to prepare graduates for the workforce. A vocational certificate or degree takes 1-2 years to complete.

The cost of trade school varies depending on the institution. In general, community colleges cost less than four-year institutions. Trade school students can pursue financial aid to help pay for their education.

Trade schools provide career-oriented training to prepare students for specific career paths. Colleges focus on providing academic training in diverse disciplines. Many colleges offer vocational programs.

Yes, trade school credits often transfer to other institutions. Credits earned from regionally accredited institutions are most likely to transfer.

Prospective trade school students should research accreditation and licensing status before applying. Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students. Colleges and universities go through a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency. During this review, the accrediting agency evaluates student learning outcomes. It also assesses faculty qualifications and academic mission. Learn more about the accreditation process here.

Accreditation benefits students in several ways. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid. Many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications call for accredited degrees.

Schools may hold regional or national accreditation. Community colleges and four-year universities usually hold regional accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits schools in Virginia.

Trade and vocational schools in Virginia may hold national accreditation. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is one national accreditor. This agency accredits over 650 trade and technical schools nationwide. Other accrediting agencies include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which accredits online schools. Accrediting agencies should hold approval from the Department of Education.

Postsecondary institutions should also hold a state license to operate. The State Council of Education for Virginia lists the state’s approved public and private institutions.

Trade school programs prepare graduates to work in healthcare and the skilled trades. This section introduces popular vocational programs, including salary data and licensing requirements. Prospective students can research vocational programs in other fields.

Many vocational careers enjoy strong demand. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong job growth for dental hygienists, HVAC technicians, and paralegals from 2019-2029.

Skilled trade salaries differ depending on experience and industry. Wages also vary by location. According to the BLS, paralegals in Virginia earn around $52,500 per year on average. Occupational therapy assistants make over $68,000. Dental hygienists earn over $79,000 per year, while electricians earn around $54,500 per year.

Trade school students can offset the cost of their education through financial aid. Aid may include loans, grants, and scholarships. To qualify for federal financial aid, students must submit the FAFSA. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid. Scholarships and grants do not need repayment.

Trade school students can choose an affordable program to help lower education costs. Virginia public universities charge $13,413 per year in tuition and fees, on average. Private universities cost $23,380 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In contrast, Virginia community colleges charge $5,241 per year, on average.

Many private foundations, government agencies, and professional organizations offer scholarships and grants for trade school students. In addition to the following opportunities, students can research scholarships based on factors like their school or field of study.

Who Can Apply: This grant supports Virginia residents attending eligible private schools as full-time students. Recipients can receive an automatic renewal.

Amount: $3,400

Who Can Apply: Students attending qualifying accredited schools in Virginia can apply for this scholarship. Applicants studying nursing and allied health fields receive preference.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: The John Randolph Foundation offers multiple scholarships for students living in Hopewell, Prince George, and other cities in central Virginia. Application requirements vary by scholarship.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Offered by the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association, this scholarship supports learners studying fields related to water resources. Applicants must attend an accredited college or university in Virginia.

Amount: $500-$3,000

Who Can Apply: This scholarship funds students enrolled in a career or technical program at an accredited postsecondary institution. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Up to $2,500

As completing a degree or certificate program seems to become a requirement for more and more industries, check out our guide to trade and vocational schools to explore your options when it comes to industry-specific vocational trainings and certificate programs.