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Notable as a top destination for shelling, kayaking, and beach combing, Fort Myers is a Florida Gulf Coast city ideal for living and building a career too.
While prominent for a lot of good things, the cost of living is low making it a practical place to live.
Here, a worker earns $13.86 an hour, or roughly $47,465 a year if you’re skilled.
For schools to consider, here are the best trade schools in the area.
Institute of Medical and Dental Technology
About the School
The Institute of Medical and Dental Technology is one of the schools in Florida that offer state-approved courses that are both affordable and commendable, especially for preparing students for the certification exams.
There’s a training fit for everyone, and each class is designed with a small teacher-to-student ratio to ensure there’s enough room to address each student’s concern.
In addition, all support tools such as course and study materials are given for learning convenience.
Courses Offered
There are only two programs at IMDT — Phlebotomy/EKG Technician and Entry Level Dental Assistant.
The Phlebotomy/EKG Technician includes 240 hours of classroom lectures and over 16 weeks of laboratory experiences where students will learn anatomy, physiology, and a foundational understanding of medical terminologies.
This is the best preparatory course for the Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Certification.
Meanwhile, the Entry Level Dental Assistant Program is a preparation for the Florida Dental Radiography Certification.
It is a program that consists of a less than 16-week laboratory procedure, and almost 160 observation/externship hours for students to better understand the practical landscape of the profession.
Contact Us
- Institute of Medical and Dental Technology
- Address: 5280 Summerlin Commons Way #804, Fort Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: (239) 208-7290
- Website: https://imdtfl.com
Florida Academy
About the School
There are multiple reasons to enroll at Florida Academy — small class sizes, flexible class schedules, a fast-track learning system, and job placement assistance.
It’s known both locally and nationally and has been servicing students with a reputation for excellence since 1990.
Florida Academy is also licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education, and is backed with notable distinctions such as the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, Florida State Massage Therapy Association, American Massage Therapy Association, American Bodywork & Massage Professionals and the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
Florida Academy has three pathways, mainly health, beauty, and trade.
The health and wellness pathway includes a Massage Therapy course and Skincare Course where you get to learn from Passionate and professional instructors and learn the latest techniques and professional services in massage and skin care.
Meanwhile, the beauty and wellness pathway covers Cosmetology, Skincare, Nail Technician, Massage, and Professional Esthetics.
As for the trade and industrial programs, are the HVAC/R Technology and Electrical Technology.
The cost of programs varies between $4,330 and $16,743 depending on the course.
Contact Us
- Florida Academy
- Address: 4387 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33966
- Phone: (239) 932-7902
- Website: https://florida-academy.edu
Zeal Technical Institute
About the School
There’s a variety of healthcare training programs offered at Zeal Technical Institute.
Committed to success, this school which started as a prep center in 2009, is now one of the most progressive career-providing institutions in Fort Myers.
Moreover, the school now has 7 classrooms, a clinical lab, a library, and a student lounge and sits at a 10,000 Sq Ft. Building area.
Originally, it was known as the Southwestern Vocational Training.
Courses Offered
Zeal Technical Institute is a hub of healthcare programs.
The Mental Health Technician prepares students to challenge the state board exam for licensure as a psychiatric technician.
Meanwhile, the Medical Administrative Assistant course covers learning the basic medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology and recognizing the laws and regulations regarding HIPAA.
Another course is the Medical Assistant program which trains students in the administrative aspects of medicine such as billing, and the management and treatment of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective disorders and ailments.
The Phlebotomy Technician takes 4 to 7 weeks to complete and teaches different types of; blood tubes, collection procedures, laboratory values and safety, proper puncture points, basic anatomy and physiology and safety with needles, quality control.
Contact Us
- Zeal Technical Institute
- Address: 4940 Bayline Dr. Bldg B, North Ft. Myers, Fl 33917
- Phone: (239) 214-0717
- Website: https://zealtechnicalinstitute.com
Southern Technical College
About the School
An accredited school by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, the Southern Technical College houses different courses in different technical pathways.
It’s one of the few schools you can check if you want to jumpstart any technical career.
The tuition fee will depend on the program taken and the inclusions.
Courses Offered
There are four technical pathways to check at Southwestern Technical College mainly Allied Health, Veterinary, Technical Trades, and Nursing.
The Allied Health Pathway is composed of Associate and Diploma degrees such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technician, Associate of Applied Science Degree, Surgical Technician, and Medical Assisting Diploma Program.
Meanwhile, the Veterinary pathway includes a 10-month diploma program in Veterinary Assisting.
The Technical Trades include an Associate in Science Degree in Heating, Ventilation and Air, Conditioning / Refrigeration, Electrical Trades Technology, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology.
You can also choose between the Diploma Programs in Electrical Technology and HVAC.
Contact Us
- Southern Technical College
- Address: 1685 Medical Lane, Ft Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: (239) 834-6500
- Website: https://www.southerntech.edu/locations/ft-myers
Express Training Services
About the School
With over 70,000 students since it was established in 2004, Express Training Services has been shaping young-minded individuals to ramp up their careers through its healthcare pathways.
For starters, individuals can take the CNA programs and continue with more coursework programs, to get more skills in such a health field.
The Express Training Services provides top-tier experiences to allow students to gain foundational knowledge on their chosen careers, while keeping themselves skilled and atop the career pedestal.
Courses Offered
A CPR certification or registration is required when enrolling in the classes offered at Express Training Services.
The CNA Exam Prep will equip you with 22 skills needed for the state certification exam and offers classes in two schedules, weekdays and weekends.
CNA Exam Prep classes cost $529, including all written materials.
The Phlebotomy Exam Prep is an 80-hour program, which costs $950 and is an excellent preparatory work for RN, LPN, or Paramedic programs.
As for the CPR & First Aid Certification, you can choose between the $90 captain course, or top it up with the CPR, AED, and First Aid course which costs $50.00 – $65.00.
Lastly, the Medical Assistant Exam Prep composes a 245-clock-hour class that costs $1,500.00 and can be completed in 12 weeks.
Contact Us
- Express Training Services
- Address: 910 Airport Road, Suite A1, Destin, Florida 32541
- Phone: 850-502-5521
- Website: https://www.expresstrainingservices.com
Classic Traffic School
About the School
The Classic Traffic School is a family-owned business driven to extend its legacy to prepare students for their careers as truck drivers.
It homes up-to-date training, regular professional development, and continual organizational improvements to ensure that the quality of education given is top-tier.
With leaders in the field, the school is packed with years of experience, and experts who have an impeccable record of success and a reputation.
Courses Offered
The CDL program at Classic Traffic School is made with the goal of training you to become expert drivers in the field.
Class A CDL Course includes 150 Credit Hours, Three to Four Work Weeks, or Seven-Eight Weekends, Pre-Trip Inspection, Classroom work, Hands-On training for $6,100 Tuition, and an additional $600 Road Test fee.
There are also out-of-pocket loans and grants available for those who qualify.
Meanwhile, the Class B CDL course runs for 45 hours and includes an automatic passenger endorsement license.
Contact Us
- Classic Traffic School
- Address: 3088 Evans Ave, Fort Myers FL 33901
- Phone: 239-303-4322
- Website: https://classictrafficschoolllc.com
Instituto Politehnico de Fort Myers
About the School
Originating in Miami, the Instituto Politecnico de Fort Myers expanded to Fort Myers in 2016, and since then has been able to procure two office buildings, a computer lab, and several workshops, to accommodate more students into a progressive trades career.
It also offers courses in Spanish, to create a much more diverse community of learners.
Registration fee starts at $100, and the program is roughly $3,000.
Courses Offered
The HVAC program prepares students for an entry-level position in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry and covers workshop classes for installation, basic knowledge, designs, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial refrigeration equipment, air conditioning, and heating.
This program will tackle topics as follows:
- The Basics of Electricity
- Oxyacetylene Welding
- Electric motors
- Refrigeration Cycles
- Commercial Refrigeration
- Domestic Refrigeration
- Fundamentals of Refrigeration
- HVAC planning
It’s one of the best prep courses for learning HVAC and also includes financial assistance for students in Fort Myers.
Contact Us
- Instituto Politehnico de Fort Myers
- Address: 3900 Broadway, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, United States
- Phone: (239)-677-4391
- Website: https://politecnicofortmyers.com
Fire eTraining Institute
About the School
An online training institution, the Fire eTraining Institute is a school that offers fire-related courses in a much more convenient setting especially given how tedious and busy a fireman’s schedule is.
Though offered online, the institute remains reputable, thanks to its instructors who have more than 30 years of combined experience in the field.
It’s also affordable and starts at $150.
After completion, students will garner certificates and have their grades reflected on the Fire College Website.
Courses Offered
Courses at the Fire eTraining Institute are state-approved by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
There are four courses to take:
- Fire Inspector I Courses
- Fire Officer I Courses
- Fire Officer II Courses
- Review Courses
The Review courses are composed of refresher courses for Fire Officers, and Inspectors, and are crafted in sync with the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training curriculum.
The Fire Inspector courses cover:
- 1505 Fire Prevention Practices
- 1540 Fire Protection Systems I
- 2120 Fire Service Building Construction
- Florida Fire Inspector I Series
There are also courses for Fire Officers:
- 1740 Fire Service Course Delivery
- 1810 Tactics and Strategy I
- 2120 Fire Service Building Construction
- 2720 Company Officer
- Courage To Be Safe
- Fire Officer I – Outside of Florida
- Florida Fire Officer I Series
Contact Us
- Fire eTraining Institute
- Address: 8359 Beacon Blvd. Suite 105 Fort Myers FL 33907
- Phone: 888-912-9458
- Website: https://www.fireetraining.com
Be Aveda - Fort Myers
About the School
A giant in the industry of cosmetics, skincare, and beauty, Be Aveda Institute is among the best choices for a beauty school.
Extending its expertise in the beautiful island of Fort Myers, Sunstate Academy joined the Be Aveda Institute family in 2022 and now provides beauty courses all over the city.
Apart from courses, the school also offers services at its center.
Courses Offered
The Be Aveda campus at Fort Myers is located between Tampa and Miami and offers four beauty programs.
If you’re interested in a career in beauty, including hair cutting, color, texture services, nail care, and makeup application, the Cosmetology Program is ideal to take.
The 600-hour Skincare program is a full specialty program that includes the trademark Aveda pure flower and plant essences and wellness rituals and is also a stepping stone for a career as a licensed skincare specialist.
Meanwhile, massage therapy is also a 600-hour program and the curriculum includes Massage techniques, Business Development, Wellness expertise, Retail knowledge, and Facials.
Another program worth taking is the Nails program where you can work on your techniques with actual customers and learn practical techniques for manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, and the latest technologies.
Contact Us
- Be Aveda – Fort Myers
- Address: 2040 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: 888-990-4211
- Website: https://www.beaveda.com/locations/ft-myers/
The Salon Professional Academy
About the School
The Salon Professional Academy works with beauty brands like Redken 5th Ave NYC, to mold professionals to become the experts that they ought to be.
Apart from highly skilled instructors, and an innovative curriculum, TSPA promotes a culture of growth and inclusivity among its students, ensuring that they grow beyond licensed individuals to full-bloom industry professionals.
Almost all courses are designed with hands-on training and classroom experiences.
Courses Offered
Cosmetology is an impressive career to pursue especially if you have a passion for the craft.
The Cosmetology program at TSPA includes refining your skills and creativity with talented educators and learning about business and marketing which is one of the vital skills you’ll need apart from the actual craft of make-up, hair, and skin.
This course also includes a kit full of professional tools and technology, and online training with professional educators and guest REDKEN artists.
You can also top up the program with Eyelash Extension Certification, Cinderella Hair Extension Certification, and Dermaplaning Certificate.
The Esthetics certificate is a 275-hour program that allows you to become certified in Eyelash Extensions and Dermaplaning and training with advanced machines such as LED Light Therapy, High-Frequency Wand, and Microdermabrasion.
Contact Us
- The Salon Professional Academy
- Address: 1388 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907
- Phone: 239-208-3958
- Website: https://www.tspaftmyers.com
Trade Schools in Florida by City
Final Thoughts
Contrary to popular opinion, getting a good career doesn’t require years of education.
Often, skilled trades are missed out on and frowned upon, thinking it’s a vocational thing to pursue, yet careers in skilled trades are one of the highest-paying jobs in the market.
Moreso, learning with the best schools is crucial too.
This list is a good guide to start your search.