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Kissimmee is known for a lot of things — it’s called the vacation home capital of the world, has a cheap cost of living, and is near Disney World and other tourist attractions.
It is also home to numerous schools that offer diplomas and certifications to make you eligible for employment and state exams, and you don’t need to spend years to finish one.
A skilled worker earns $22.39 an hour or roughly $46,574 a year.
Here are some schools to check out.
Florida Technical College
About the School
Founded in 1982, Florida Technical College is a specialized institution offering technical programs in multiple pathways such as healthcare, culinary, beauty, business, and informational technology.
At FTC, students take only one course per month, making learning focused and innovative, as this is one of the school’s teaching strengths.
The school also recognizes students’ busy schedules, which is why it offers flexible classes, and small classes to secure individualized attention, which is a key to improving efficiency in the class.
It also offers classes in Spanish and English.
Courses Offered
There are diploma programs at FTC which all have competitive curricula.
In the Beauty pathway, there are Barbering and Cosmetology courses which are multi-lingual.
The Construction Trades is the longest-running pathway at FTC, from Electrical to HVAC, you’ll find the following courses:
- HVAC/R with PLC
- Electrical
- Electrical with PLC
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
- HVAC/R con PLC
- Welding
- Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management
If you’re interested in a healthcare career, there are also a couple of programs to take that will ease your way into a high-paying profession.
- Medical Assistant Technician
- Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-Ray
- Bachelor’s Degree in Allied Health Management
The Hospitality pathway includes courses in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry.
The other two courses are Business Office Specialist and Computer Support Technician.
Contact
- Florida Technical College
- Address: 3831 West Vine Street Kissimmee, FL 34741
- Phone: 855-201-4759
- Website: https://www.ftccollege.edu
American Vocational Academy
About the School
The American Vocational Academy offers effective and practical programs in the healthcare and technical medical field and is driven by its vision to cater to innovative programs that will help students ladder up in their careers.
In terms of competitiveness, the school has a 98% overall certification passing rate.
The school emphasizes four essential elements in its learning program —Qualified and knowledgeable instructors/staff, an Optimum learning environment with small class sizes, Certifications through Partners, and on-site labs.
Courses Offered
Healthcare programs at the American Vocational Academy include a lot of benefits—Valuable Certifications, in-school Lab environments, and affordable fees.
All programs have efficient financing plans, that offer weekly payments for as low as $100, depending on the total training cost.
In addition, there’s free in-school practice for the state exam, and flexible schedules, as classes are offered Morning and evening & every Saturday.
Here are the programs available:
- Patient Care Technician ($4500)
- Nursing Assistant ($1100)
- Phlebotomy ($1100)
- Electrocardiograph Aide ($1100)
- CPR-FA/AED Adults & Pediatrics ($90)
Contact
- American Vocational Academy
- Address: 928 E Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee FL, 34744
- Phone: 407 483 7887
- Website: https://amvoacademy.com
South Avionics Training Center
About the School
Accredited by the NCATT (National Center of Aerospace Transportation Technology), the South Avionics Training Center is at the pedestal of molding the most skilled Avionic Technicians in Florida through its competitive Avionic Programs and certificates.
The school has three locations in Florida —Kissimmee, Orlando, and Tampa.
It’s also a member of the Aircraft Electronics Association and was an Avionics Training Excellence Awardee, which shows how competent the school was.
Courses Offered
South Avionics has three different programs, designed for students who want to pursue a career in Avionics, a specialization within electronic maintenance and repair.
The Advanced Avionics Technician Program (AATP) is a 6-month course packed with Hands-on Training to equip students with the necessary skills to ace the Avionics Technician Certification Exam.
A shorter course is the 2-month Certified Electronic Technician Program (CET) that prepares students to sit the Associate Certified Electronics Technician Test.
The Industrial Electronics & Automation Technician Program is designed as a preparatory course for the rapidly growing field of manufacturing technology, and this includes courses on PLC Troubleshooting, PLC Programming, Industrial Process Control, Automation, and Robotics.
Contact
- Address: 3700 Commerce Blvd, Kissimmee 34741
- Photo: 407-377-6080
- Website: https://southavionicstc.com
Cruz Institute
About the School
Acknowledging a common problem for most Latin Americans, Antonio Cruz founded the Cruz Institute, a technical training institute that aids students, especially the Hispanic community, with skills and training that will allow a better future for them.
A school centered on providing technical trade skills, it is bound with a mission to create a conducive learning environment as it teaches students Industry concepts and skills that will lead them to success in their careers.
Courses are taught in Spanish to abate the language barrier that’s often a problem for the Hispanic community wanting to learn different skills in the technical trade field.
Courses Offered
The HVAC course is a 471-hour program that entails learning in the heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation industry.
In this program, students will also gain mastery of essential skills and acquire EPA 608 certification.
An eligible preparatory course for the HVAC exam, the course also includes knowledge in elements of the industry such as planning, management, finance, technical, and production skills.
The Electrical Technology Helper Program includes 457 theory and practical hours, covering a basic framework of electrical theory, health, safety, environmental management, and regulatory compliance.
The curriculum encompasses an in-depth framework composed of the following topics:
- Health, safety, environmental stewardship, and related regulatory compliance.
- Tools and accessories used in the electrical industry.
- Basic Direct-Current (DC) electrical circuit skills.
- Basic mathematics for electricity.
- Advanced mathematics for electricity.
- Principles of electromagnetism.
- Basic electric codes.
- And many more
Contact
- Cruz Institute
- Address: 1272 S John Young Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34741
- Phone: 407-530-5951
- Website: https://cruzinstitute.com
Professional Academy of Health
About the School
As fast as six weeks, students can graduate from a health program at the Professional Academy of Health.
Here, classes are taught both in English and Spanish and are offered in the morning and evening, and on Saturdays to create a flexible schedule for its students.
The school tenders intensive health training where students learn how to take patients’ vital signs and how to help patients with personal care, among other skills.
Courses Offered
Centered on medical programs, there are three courses.
The Home Health Aide program provides knowledge and clinical training in quality care, patient hygiene, bath, and personal care.
Meanwhile, the Phlebotomy program is an excellent pathway to becoming a phlebotomist, where the demand is projected to grow by 22% by 2030.
The Electrocardiograph Aide Program provides you with knowledge and clinical training to become an EKG Technician.
Contact
- Professional Academy of Health
- Address: 1350 E. Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34744
- Phone: (407) 870-9423
- Website: https://pahacademy.com
Academy of Career Training
About the School
If your passion is aligned with the science of beauty, the Academy of Career Training is a vibrant institution lauded for building a reputable and solid learning foundation in the wellness and beauty industry.
Its progressive teaching methods have secured a comprehensive knowledge base that students can bank on, as they further their careers.
Since it was established in 1995, the school has grown rapidly both in students and industry standing.
Courses Offered
The beauty programs at the Academy of Career Training prepare students to sit the Florida State Licensure Exam and train students in a salon setting.
These programs utilize a didactic “hands-on” approach to learning, where students are guided and supervised by Professional Instructors.
The undergraduate certificate in Cosmetology/Cosmetology, and Barbering runs for 33 weeks and costs 13,550 for tuition and fees.
A Full Specialist Certificate can be completed in 26 weeks, and costs $6,000 for tuition and fees, while the Massage Therapy certificate is priced at $8,000.
Contact
- Academy of Career Training
- Address: 3501 West Vine Street Suite 111. Kissimmee, FL 34741
- Phone: 407-943-8777
- Website: http://www.academyofcareertraining.com
Politechnico USA
About the School
Politecnico USA has been in the business of offering high-demand work programs, that are short-term and at low-cost, for 14 years now,
Through its training, the school was able to graduate professional technicians and create social impact with its mission of quickly integrating graduates into the industry.
Graduates also acquire federal certifications that help elevate their careers.
Courses Offered
With three technical programs, there’s room for future professionals to choose which to pursue.
Aspiring Aircondition Technicians can enroll in the 120-hour A/C program that has a curriculum designed to teach about installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment and tow seminars in preparation for the federal EPA exam certification.
The Mechanics Technician 360 is packed with 192 hours of lessons divided into three modules — Repair of engines and ignition systems, Transmissions and electronics Transmissions, and ABS Brakes, Suspensions, and Differentials.
For entry-level students, there’s the Residential and Commercial Electrical Technician, a training designed with the Interpretation of blueprints, load balancing, wiring, panel replacement, bending of pipes, and high and low voltage installations.
Contact
- Politecnico USA
- Address: 1710 Kelley Ave. Kissimmee FL. 34744
- Phone: 407-288-8002
- Website: https://www.politecnicousa.com
Southern Technical College
About the School
There are various programs offered at the Southern Technical College that can enable graduates to get entry-level employment and gain opportunities in a lot of high-paying careers.
STC has different campuses in Florida, and the Orlando campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Campuses.
If you’re not sure which career to take, there’s an online quiz on the school’s website that you can take to identify which program is suitable for you.
Courses Offered
Quality career training is offered in the following growing fields:
- Allied Health
- Nursing
- Technical Trades
- Veterinary Assisting
The Allied Health pathway consists of Associate Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technician, and Medical Laboratory Technician.
There’s also a Diploma Program in Medical Assisting which can be completed in 10 months.
In the Technical Trades, you can opt for Associate Programs in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning / Refrigeration, Electrical Trades Technology, and Welding Technology.
Short Term Diploma Programs in Electrical Technology and HVAC can be taken within 10 months.
Contact
- Southern Technical College
- Address: 1485 Florida Mall Ave. Orlando, FL 32809
- Phone: (877) 347-5492
- Website: https://www.southerntech.edu
Psicosaludbelleza
About the School
An academy that specializes in training beauty professionals, the Psicosaludbelleza aims to create highly qualified specialists who are also trained in molding their social and business image to manage a successful business.
The institution also values the differentiating schedules of students which is why it offers both face-to-face and online modalities.
Courses Offered
There are different licensing programs at Psicosaludbelleza:
- Facial Specialist
- Nail Technician
- Cosmetology
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Massage Therapist
These programs are offered twice a week.
The certification programs include:
- Microneedling
- Platelet-Rich Plasma
- Eyebrow Design and Dye
- Nutrition and Aesthetics Certification
- Basic Practices
- Eyelash Certification
- Chemical Peel
- Dermaplanning
- Lash Lifting
- Teeth Whitening
- Body Whitening Certification
- Body Appliances
- Body Hair Removal
- Hydrafacial
- BB Glow BB Lips
Contact
- Psicosaludbelleza
- Address: 3497 West Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34741
- Phone: 407.914.5210
- Website: https://psicosaludbelleza.com
Universal Technical Institute
About the School
The Universal Techincal Institute is a reputable school that offers programs in careers in professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine, CNC machining, and welding technicians.
Students are also given access to state-of-the-art facilities, industry tools, and technologies used in the field today.
Industry relations are vital; with UTI’s relationship, entry-level jobs are more than accessible to graduates.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges also accredits it.
Courses Offered
At UTI, there are numerous programs you can take, and the pathways are almost endless.
The Automotive Technology Program is a 51-week program where you can train to be an automotive technician and the classes are taught in a blended learning model.
In this pathway are all other automotive mechanic classes such as:
- Automotive Engines Service & Repair
- Professional Automotive Service Writing
- Automotive Powertrains & Transmissions
- Vehicle Steering & Suspension Service & Repair
- Vehicle Brake Systems
- Vehicle Electronic Systems & TechnologyAutomotive Climate Control Systems & Repair
- Automotive Power/Performance Tuning & Emissions Repair
- Hybrid Vehicle System Maintenance
The Diesel Technology Program includes a 45-week program composed of the following mechanic classes:
- Gasoline & Diesel Engines Service & Repair
- Diesel Truck Manual Transmission
- Diesel Truck Brake Systems & Chassis
- Diesel Truck Steering & Suspension Systems
- Automotive Climate Control Systems & Repair
- Diesel Hydraulic Systems
- Vehicle Electronic Systems & Technology
- Diesel Truck Transport Refrigeration
- Diesel Truck Preventative Maintenance
Contact
- Universal Technical Institute
- Address: 2202 W Taft Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32837
- Phone: 800-834-7308
- Website: https://www.uti.edu/locations/florida/orlando-uti
Trade Schools in Florida by City
Final Thoughts
Trade schools are the best way to get a career in the industry without spending thousands of dollars and years of education.
The second best thing is that it gets you on the ladder of the highest-paying jobs.
This list of trade schools is a headstart towards that decision, but what’s more important is to choose a career that will maximize your potential and keep you a stable career.