Vocational Trade Schools in Arizona
Why Choose Trade School?
Vocational and trade schools train students for a variety of careers in areas like healthcare, legal studies, cosmetology, and technology. Trade schools offer several benefits, including affordability. Many trade schools charge lower tuition rates than four-year institutions, which can save students money. Additionally, people who earn an occupational credential benefit from higher employment rates than those with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Many schools in Arizona offer vocational and trade programs. Most vocational programs incorporate a mix of coursework and hands-on learning through internships, apprenticeships, or practicums.
Completing a certificate or associate degree in a vocational program generally takes 1-2 years. Some schools offer self-paced or accelerated options for students seeking a faster option. Students looking for more flexibility can also research online vocational programs.
This page introduces trade and vocational schools in Arizona and ranks the top programs in the state. It also provides information on scholarship opportunities for students and the career and salary outlook for trade school graduates.
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Vocational Trade Schools in Arizona
Trade schools in Phoenix, Tucson, and other parts of Arizona prepare graduates for in-demand careers. Our list ranks the best trade schools in Arizona to help prospective students find the right program for their interests and goals.
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,028
- Out-of-state$7,344
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled19,512
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
GateWay Community College
- Phoenix, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,067
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Central Arizona College
- Coolidge, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,580
- Out-of-state$5,160
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,793
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona Western College
- Yuma, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,064
- Out-of-state$7,656
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Tohono O'odham Community College
- Sells, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$822
- Out-of-state$822
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate36%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled431
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Yavapai College
- Prescott, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,492
- Out-of-state$9,080
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,428
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Cochise County Community College District
- Sierra Vista, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,112
- Out-of-state$6,240
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,672
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
- Chandler, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled15,585
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Mesa Community College
- Mesa, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled20,351
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Coconino Community College
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,930
- Out-of-state$9,324
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,582
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Glendale Community College
- Glendale, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled18,054
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Arizona College
- Thatcher, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,700
- Out-of-state$9,120
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,027
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
Phoenix College
- Phoenix, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,109
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Northland Pioneer College
- Holbrook, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,900
- Out-of-state$8,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate44%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,008
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Mohave Community College
- Kingman, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,944
- Out-of-state$6,804
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,348
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Estrella Mountain Community College
- Avondale, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,120
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Rio Salado College
- Tempe, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate31%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled19,103
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Paradise Valley Community College
- Phoenix, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,900
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
South Mountain Community College
- Phoenix, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,321
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Scottsdale Community College
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online uses trusted data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools based on quality, affordability, and reputation. When ranking schools, we look at factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition and other costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
Explore our rankings methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.
Trade School FAQs
Can I go to trade school online?
Yes. Many trade schools in Arizona offer online programs. Online students can often meet a program’s in-person requirements at an approved site in their community.
Can I get financial aid for trade school?
Yes. Accredited trade and technical colleges in Arizona meet the requirements for many financial aid programs, including federal aid.
Can trade school credits transfer?
Yes. Students can often transfer the credits they earn from accredited trade and vocational schools in Arizona to other institutions.
When can I apply to trade school?
Many trade schools offer rolling admissions policies, which let prospective students submit an application at any time. Similarly, trade schools often offer multiple start dates each year.
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Prospective trade school students should always check a school’s accreditation status before applying. Schools must undergo a rigorous review process from an independent accrediting agency to earn accreditation. During the review, the accrediting agency evaluates the school’s student learning outcomes, academic mission, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements. To maintain accreditation, schools regularly repeat the review process.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students attending an accredited school qualify for federal financial aid programs, and many schools only accept credits and degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.
At the institutional level, both regional and national accrediting agencies grant accreditation to schools. Liberal arts and research institutions and community colleges typically hold regional accreditation. In Arizona, the Higher Learning Commission grants regional accreditation to four-year and two-year schools.
Vocational and trade schools may hold national accreditation from an agency such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC accredits more than 650 trade and technical schools in the country. Online schools may also hold accreditation from a specialized agency like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Trade schools also need a license to operate in the state. The Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education licenses private vocational and trade schools in Arizona.
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Trade school graduates can work in roles such as medical assistant, electrician, ultrasound technician, and paramedic. Vocational and trade schools can also lead to careers in trade services, aerospace, and healthcare.
Salaries vary widely by role, location, and experience, but technical and trade school graduates earn an annual salary of over $55,000 per year, on average. Students considering trade and technical schools in Arizona can research Arizona salaries by occupation to learn more about the earning potential in their field. For example, dental hygienists in Arizona earn over $92,000 per year, on average, while avionics technicians make over $70,000.
Many trade school careers offer strong growth projections. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth for dental hygienists, EMTs and paramedics, and HVAC technicians. Prospective trade school students should research job demand and average salaries in their specific field. ​
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
Trade and vocational schools in Arizona offer certificates and degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, legal services, and hospitality services. Many of these fields offer strong job growth projections and above-average salaries.
This section introduces trade school programs that prepare graduates for in-demand career paths in Arizona. In addition to the following programs, prospective students can research other popular vocational programs, including programs for dental hygienists, construction managers, radiology technicians, and medical assistants.
Paramedic SchoolsEmergency medical technicians and paramedics respond to emergency calls, provide medical care for sick and injured people, and transport patients to hospitals. They may provide first aid, monitor vital signs, or provide life support care, depending on the situation. EMTs and paramedics typically need a certificate or an associate degree.
During their training, paramedic students learn to assess patient conditions, provide trauma care, and use medical equipment. They also receive specialized instruction in hospital or ambulance settings.
EMTs and paramedics earn a median salary of over $44,000 per year, with faster-than-average projected job growth between 2023 and 2033. Every state requires paramedics to hold a license. In Arizona, the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System certifies EMTs and paramedics.
Learn more about paramedic and EMT programs.
- Occupational Therapy Schools
Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries and disabilities. While occupational therapists typically need a master’s degree, occupational therapy assistants need an associate degree for entry-level roles. Occupational therapy assistants help patients with therapeutic activities, train patients in using special equipment, and report patient progress to occupational therapists.
During an occupational therapist program, students take courses in biology, pediatric health, and occupational therapy. Many programs also incorporate fieldwork to build professional experience.
According to BLS data, occupational therapy assistants earned a median annual salary of $65,450 in 2023. The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners licenses occupational therapy assistants in Arizona. Candidates for licensure must meet academic requirements, complete supervised fieldwork, and pass an examination.
For more information, check out our page on occupational therapy programs.
- Paralegal Programs
Paralegals help lawyers by conducting legal research, investigating cases, and drafting legal documents. They also interview clients, take affidavits, and conduct research on laws and regulations. During a paralegal certificate or degree program, students take classes in legal research, contract law, civil litigation, and legal writing. Most paralegals hold an associate degree in legal studies or paralegal studies, but some hold a certificate in paralegal studies.
According to the BLS, paralegals and legal assistants earned a median annual salary of over $60,000 in 2023. While paralegals in Arizona do not need a license to practice, some pursue professional certifications to stand out in the job market.
Learn more about paralegal programs.
- Beauty and Cosmetology Schools
Cosmetologists offer facial treatments, makeup analysis, and other beauty services. They may work in roles such as skincare specialist, manicurist, or hairstylist. Salaries for beauty and cosmetology school graduates vary by role, but median annual salaries typically range from $25,000-$45,000. Cosmetologists benefit from faster-than-average job growth projections between 2023 and 2033.
In cosmetology school, students learn to cut and style hair, perform skin treatments, and offer other personal appearance services. Many schools also provide courses in sales, management, and marketing for students interested in opening a salon. The Arizona State Board of Cosmetology licenses cosmetologists in Arizona. Applicants must complete a state-approved program and pass written and practical examinations to earn their license.
For more information, visit our page on beauty and cosmetology programs.
- Veterinary Technician Schools
Veterinary technicians assist vets by performing medical exams and providing care for pets. They may administer anesthesia to animals, perform laboratory tests, and administer vaccines or treatments prescribed by a vet. Veterinary technicians also maintain records and case histories. The BLS reports that veterinary technicians earn a median salary of over $43,000 per year, with much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2023 and 2033.
During a veterinary technician program, students take courses in animal anatomy, pharmacology, and disease. Many programs also incorporate an internship. In Arizona, veterinary technicians must apply for a license from the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Candidates for licensure must complete an accredited two-year veterinary technician program and pass an exam.
Learn more about veterinary technician programs.
Financial Aid for Trade School Students
Students who choose a vocational or trade school in Arizona often save money on tuition compared to those attending four-year colleges and universities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition and fees at four-year public schools in Arizona cost over $10,000 per year, on average, while two-year public schools charge around $2,000 per year.
Students can pursue financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of their education. To qualify for federal financial aid, students must submit the FAFSA every year. Federal aid may include loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Many schools, professional organizations, and private foundations also offer scholarships for students at trade and tech schools in Arizona, as the next section discusses.
