Best Accredited Online Trade and Vocational Schools
Interested in online training for a hands-on profession? Vocational schools offer students the opportunity to learn in-demand skills to prepare for a career in the trades. Many programs offer vocational degrees, licensure, and certification programs partially or entirely online.
Online trade schools often afford students more flexibility than in-person programs. For example, online learners typically don’t need to relocate to attend classes. That said, many vocational training programs include in-person components. Be sure to check your prospective program’s specific requirements before enrolling.
Did You Know…
- Trade schools often have fewer admission requirements than universities.
- Professionals with some college saw median weekly earnings of $1,020 in 2024.
- Many tradespeople eventually run their own businesses or operations.
Top 5 Accredited Online Trade Schools
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Paducah, KY- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Paducah, WKCTC offers online vocational trade degrees, diplomas, and certificates in several in-demand fields.
The school offers several associate degrees in fields like computer and information technology, logistics and operations management, and medical information technology. The school also offers a unique degree or certificate in marine technology, preparing students for life on the water. Students seeking other certificate programs for fast employment can choose from the same fields as those above but graduate from the program in just a few months.
Most students complete the school's 39- to 43-credit diploma programs in about one year. Notable choices include medical information technology, computer-aided drafting and design, and business administration systems.
Students applying to associate programs ideally possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Diploma and certificate choices require students to submit a completed application for the college.
WKCTC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- In-State$4,464
- Out-of-state$6,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,132
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Clovis Community College
- Clovis, NM
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Clovis, New Mexico, CCC offers several online vocational trade degrees and certificates. Students can complete course requirements 100% online with no residency requirements.
Online degree and certification options include several in business administration, paralegal studies, behavioral science, and computer information systems. Associate degree programs require about 60 credits each to complete. Students can complete the certificate of completion programs in about a few months to a year of study. Notable choices include a certificate of achievement in income tax preparation, certificate of achievement in fundamentals of game design, and certificate of completion in legal assistant studies.
The school prefers students to possess a high school diploma to apply for associate degree programs. For certificate of achievement choices, students must submit a completed application and take placement tests. The school offers counseling and advising services for online students and does not require standardized tests to begin the admission process.
CCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$1,416
- Out-of-state$2,904
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled2,328
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Central Community College
- Grand Island, NE
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Serving students in Grand Island, Nebraska, CCC offers several online certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs. Students outside of Nebraska must reside in an authorization reciprocity state to attend.
Students can complete associate degrees in a variety of fields such as business administration, health information technology, and early childhood education. In addition, the school offers information technology certificates like Cisco networking and business-related certificates like logistics or entrepreneurship. The school also offers year-long diploma programs for students exploring career choices in similar fields.
Students do not need a high school diploma or GED to apply, but the school prefers students to submit them for placement purposes. Standardized tests or placement exams can help students that need to complete general education courses.
CCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$4,320
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,862
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Northwood Technical College
- Shell Lake, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Shell Lake, Northwood Technical College offers 37 online associate degrees, certificates, and technical diplomas, offering students a jumpstart in in-demand fields.
Students can choose one of 11 associate degrees, including accounting, early childhood education, health information technology, and medical and administrative professional. The school also offers certificates in customer service, management, group childcare essentials, and tax preparer assistant. Learners can also participate in technical diplomas with concentrations such as drafting technician, medical billing specialist, office technology assistant, or office support technician. Students wanting to work in childcare settings can choose a one-year technical diploma in childcare services, completing the first year of the associate degree for fast employment.
The school offers credit for prior learning and a generous transfer credit policy. Applicants do not need a high school diploma, but possessing one makes the placement process easier.
NTC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$4,524
- Out-of-state$6,583
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,668
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
- Valdosta, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Valdosta, Wiregrass offers online degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates, allowing students to complete courses without coming to campus.
Students can begin with certificates in fields like child development specialist, technical specialist, and fire officer. Students can complete most certificates in a matter of months. Some departments also offer diploma choices — including fire science technology and accounting — allowing students to specialize further with a one-year program. Full associate degrees include fire science technology, accounting, business management, and criminal justice technology. The programs follow the same structure as on-campus classes, but most happen asynchronously.
Students do not need a high school diploma or GED to apply but need to send transcripts of any completed school work. Wiregrass is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- In-State$2,400
- Out-of-state$4,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,380
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters
Postsecondary institutions are evaluated by independent agencies to ensure quality. This process, called accreditation, checks if they meet set standards. Degrees from unaccredited schools may not be widely accepted, and you might not be eligible for federal financial aid.
Potential employers may prefer or require that you graduated from an accredited trade school or program since accreditation verifies that your curriculum met field-specific standards.
Many agencies accredit trade schools and programs, including:
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training
- Council on Occupational Education
Can You Learn a Trade Online?
Yes, you can attend trade and vocational schools online. But how does it work exactly?
Online trade schools blend virtual coursework with practical, hands-on training. These programs prepare you for popular roles such as licensed practical nurse, HVAC technician, plumber, and electrician.
Some trades may require additional training in the form of an apprenticeship.
To enroll in an online vocational certificate program or associate degree program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some trade schools also accept the HiSET.
If you don’t have a high school diploma or equivalent credential, consider taking GED prep classes, which many community colleges offer at little to no cost.
Explore Online Trade and Vocational Programs
- Auto mechanic programs
- Culinary schools
- Dental hygiene programs
- Electrician schools
- HVAC training programs
- Occupational therapy programs
- Paramedic and EMT programs
- Pharmacy technician programs
- Physical therapy assistant programs
- Radiology technologist programs
- Respiratory therapy programs
- Veterinary technician programs
What Types of Online Trade Programs Are There?
Diploma or Certificate
In a diploma or certificate program, you’ll learn a specific skill or trade and gain certification for professional work, often in a year or less.
Associate Degree
A two-year associate degree offers a more comprehensive education and sets you up to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a structured work experience program that includes education and training so that you can become a certified professional.
Licensure or Certification Prep
This is a training course that specifically prepares you for state licensure or professional certification.
Why Take Online Trade Courses?
- Most trade programs take just 1-2 years to complete, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly.
- You’ll gain in-demand skills through practical, hands-on training.
- Online tech schools can grant you balance and flexibility in your schedule.
- Trade programs often have smaller class sizes, which means more one-on-one instruction.
- Online trade schools are usually more affordable than traditional, in-person programs.
- Many trade careers are in demand and growing quickly.
How Much Does Online Trade School Cost?
Average annual tuition and fees for two-year degree-granting institutions, including trade schools, range from $4,000 to over $19,000.
What you spend will depend on the type of school, the program length, and whether you qualify for financial aid or in-state tuition.
You can minimize debt by applying for institutional grants and scholarships. You should also fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for federal funding.
Budget for additional expenses as well, like technology fees, books, uniforms, and lab equipment. For example, if you’re training to become a practical nurse, you’ll likely need to buy scrubs.
Some online trade school graduates will need to get a state license or certification after graduating, which can cost money. In California, for instance, electricians must pay $175 in exam and licensure fees.
Certification fees vary by organization, with many offering member discounts.
What Careers Can Online Tech Schools Prepare You For?
You can pursue a variety of trades and vocations by attending a trade or vocational school.
Here are some of the fastest-growing trades over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Job | Median Annual Wage (2024) | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Technician | $62,580 | 60% |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installer | $51,860 | 48% |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $65,510 | 25% |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $68,340 | 22% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide | $34,900 | 21% |
5 Qualities to Look for in an Online Trade School
With so many online trade schools to choose from, it’s important to know the features you’ll use to compare programs. Here are the top five qualities to look for.
1. Accreditation
Most schools list their accreditations on their websites, but you should always go to the accreditor’s website to confirm the school or program’s status.
Different trades tend to have different accrediting bodies. For example, dental schools use dental-specific accreditors, like the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
You can find a list of recognized trade school accreditors on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website.
2. Nonprofit Institution
A nonprofit college gets its funding from tuition, the government, and endowments. This means that funds go back to the school itself so it can provide a strong educational experience for students.
Many trade and vocational schools are for-profit colleges advertising lower tuition rates. But take caution when considering for-profit schools — they’re often pricier than community colleges, leading more students to take out federal loans.
For-profit schools are also notorious for offering a lower-quality education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), among four-year institutions, for-profits have the lowest average graduation rate, at just 29%. However, among two-year institutions, for-profits actually have a higher average graduation rate (61%) than both private nonprofit (52%) and public (29%) schools.
Opt for a nonprofit trade school when possible, but if you’re considering a for-profit college, ensure it has accreditation and solid retention and graduation rates.
3. High Retention and Graduation Rates
Online trade schools’ retention and graduation rates can tell you how successful students are.
Retention rate refers to the percentage of students who remain enrolled in a school after their first year. The more students who choose to remain at a trade school, the more likely it is that the school provides a satisfactory experience.
Graduation rate, in contrast, is the percentage of students who complete a program. A high graduation rate means more students have successfully finished their programs.
Many online vocational schools post their retention and graduation rates on their websites. You may also be able to find this information on NCES’s College Navigator.
4. Promising Career Outcomes
One way to evaluate online trade schools is to examine their career outcomes. You’re more likely to find employment in a high-quality trade program.
A good trade school will also offer career resources. That may mean connecting you with apprenticeships, hosting job fairs, and providing resume support.
5. Alumni Satisfaction
Reaching out to alumni is a great tool for learning more about the quality of trade schools’ online programs. Alumni can provide real insight into the courses, faculty, and projects a vocational school offers.
Try connecting with trade school graduates through LinkedIn or by asking professionals in the field where they went to school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Trade School
The length of time it takes to learn a trade online varies per program and per student. For example, some certificates can take a few months or less to earn, while an associate degree typically requires two years of study. Additionally, part-time students take longer to complete program requirements than full-time students.
