Once people finish their high schools the main question they ask themselves is whether to choose a trade school or college.
Being that this is a common debate among many potential students we wanted to show them that the college is not always the only and necessary option with numerous trade schools out there.
Nashville Technical School
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Enrollment: The enrollment process requires that you complete the TCAT Application for enrollment which can be found on the school’s official website.
Program enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis by date of a completed application, but you have to meet certain eligibility requirements.
If you want to enroll in the college, you must be at least 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or equivalent.
For full-time programs, the applicant must demonstrate the potential for achieving that goal.
Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified if you are accepted into the program.
Fees: The tuition and fees for the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) day programs depend on the program you choose to attend.
The estimated total costs are available on the official webpage.
Courses Offered:
- Administrative Office Technology
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Aesthetics Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Building Construction Technology
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer-Aided Design Technology
- Computer Information Technology
- Cosmetology
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Diesel Powered Equipment Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology
- Machine Tool Technology
- Phlebotomy Technology
- Practical Nursing – Hybrid
- Practical Nursing – Main Campus
- Practical Nursing – Portland Campus
- Welding Technology
Contact Information:
- Nashville Technical school
- Address: 100 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN 37205
- Phone: +1 615-436-1435
- Web: https://tcatnashville.edu
SAE Institute of Technology Nashville
SAE Institute of Technology Nashville is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Enrollment: SAE Institute of Technology Nashville has numerous admissions requirements for all prospective students:
Those interested in applying must successfully pass the Entrance Evaluation by scoring a minimum of 14 for Diploma or Associate Degree Programs and a minimum of 18 for Bachelor Degree Programs on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam.
Furthermore, they need to provide Government-issued photo identification, proof of Graduation – a standard high school diploma, GED completion certificate, state high school equivalency certificate or high school transcript.
He/she has to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and at least 17 years old.
Plus, he/she has to demonstrate English language proficiency and complete, sign and submit the Enrollment Agreement.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and the enrollment is made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Applying for SAE programs is an easy process, being that an admissions representative will guide you through it.
You just need to be seriously interested in creative media industries and meets all necessary entrance requirements.
You can begin the admissions process in person, by mail, or online by scheduling a visit to the SAE Institute of Technology campus.
Courses Offered:
- AUDIO ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
- DIGITAL FILM BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE
- AUDIO DIPLOMA
- AUDIO BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE
- ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATE DEGREE
- ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS DIPLOMA
- GAME DEVELOPMENT BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE
- AUDIO TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA
- ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE
- DIGITAL FILM ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Contact Information:
- SAE Institute of Technology Nashville
- Address: 7 Music Cir N, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: +1 615-244-5848
- Web: https://usa.sae.edu
Total Tech LLC
Total Tech is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Enrollment: There are two ways of enrollment.
Students can enroll via the Registration page found on the Total Tech website or by contacting Total Tech offices at (615) 459-8024.
Each program has its admission requirements.
If you want to enroll in the HVAC Analysis I program, you must possess a High School Diploma or GED or a Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 15.
The HVAC Analysis II program requires that applicants have a High School Diploma or GED or a Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 15 and HVAC Analysis I Technician Training Certificate of Achievement.
Plumbing Fundamentals and Electrical Fundamentals require that applicants have a High School Diploma or GED or a passed Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 15.
If you consider yourself eligible for any of these programs, you are encouraged to apply.
Fees: Fees and tuition costs vary according to the program chosen.
Electrical Fundamentals Total Tuition is $4,725.
Plumbing Fundamentals Total Tuition is $4,725.
HVAC Replacement Fundamentals Course Costs are $2,350.
HVAC Analysis I and II Technician Training Course Costs are $2,362.50.
Courses Offered:
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Plumbing Fundamentals
- HVAC Replacement Fundamentals
- HVAC Analysis I Technician Training
- HVAC Analysis II Technician Training
Contact Information:
- Total Tech LLC
- Address: 909 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217
- Phone: +1 615-459-8024
- Web: https://www.totaltechschool.com
Moore Tech School of Welding
The main goal of William R. Moore College of Technology is to provide students with the training and skills required for successful careers in business and industry.
Enrollment:
Student applications are accepted only if the student meets the enrollment requirements.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must present evidence of good health, good character, dedication to learning, ambition, and energy.
He/she needs to possess a regular high school diploma with supporting transcript or a state-approved equivalency test or GED.
If you want to enroll in a degree or diploma programs, you are required to take an admission test.
The test includes basic English and math skills necessary for success in Moore Tech’s programs.
Furthermore, they must agree to and sign the Drug Testing Policy and submit it with their application.
A good thing to know is that the college performs background checks on all applicants.
Fees: New students must pre-pay the $80.00 registration fee.
Additional fees are:
Associate Degree Class Fee – $320
Welding shop fee (day or night) – $200
Welding Kits – First Time Welding Course Only – $135
Machine Shop Fee (day or night) – $200
Late fee for balances due after seven weeks – $100
Courses Offered:
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating
- Associate Degree of Applied Technology
- Automotive Service Technology
- Industrial Electricity and Plant Maintenance
- Machining Technology
- Plumbing
- Property Maintenance
- Welding and Welding – Advanced
Contact Information:
- Moore Tech School of Welding
- Address: 475 N Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38105
- Phone: +1 901-726-5209
- Web: http://www.williamrmoore.org
North Central Institute
North Central Institute is accredited by the Commission of The Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Enrollment: So as to be accepted as a regular student at this institute, applicants have to be graduates of an accepted accredited high school or have satisfied graduation requirements through the General Education Development test (GED) / High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).
The enrollment process consists of the following steps:
You need to complete a North Central Institute Application which can be found on the official website.
Then, you are supposed to pay $50.00 non-refundable application fee and submit official high school / GED transcript, or HiSET score report.
Last, but not least, students must demonstrate proficiency in basic reading, English, grammar, and math skills prior to enrolling through Satisfactory American College Test (ACT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores in English and maths, a passing score in CLEP or DSST examination or successful completion of NCI’s Proficiency Review Exam.
Fees: You are supposed to pay non-refundable Application Fee of $50, as well as tuition costs which differ from program to program.
Courses Offered:
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT 147)
- Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT 65)
- Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Technology (AASD)
Contact Information:
- North Central Institute
- Address: 168 Jack Miller Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37042
- Phone: +1 931-431-9700
- Web: https://nci.edu
Fortis Institute
Fortis Institute is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), the Accrediting Commission of the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education which proves its dedication to provide quality education to its students.
All its programs want to help students complete their education as soon as possible with the availability of day and evening programs.
Enrollment: Prospective students have to meet some eligibility requirements.
They must be high school graduates.
Plus, they are required to complete a personal information sheet and have a personal interview with the admissions staff, during which they will discuss career goals, tour the facility and meet with Financial Aid representative if they need grants or scholarships to pay for the education.
Courses Offered:
- Nursing Programs
- Healthcare / Medical Programs
- Medical Technologists Programs
- Dental Programs
- Pharmacy Technician, Sterile Processing Technician, and Surgical Technology
- Beauty & Wellness Programs – Cosmetology and Massage Therapy
Contact Information:
- Fortis Institute
- Address: 1025 TN-111, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Phone: +1 931-526-3660
- Web: https://www.fortis.edu
Ross Medical Education Center
The Ross Medical Education Center is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools which proves that you can get the highest quality education at this educational institution.
Once you finish your studies, you will be able to seek an exciting and fulfilling career in the healthcare industry, as there is a variety of healthcare training programs across 40 individual campus locations.
The educated and experienced staff will prepare students for their future jobs in the field of medicine.
Enrollment: If you want to enroll in this institution, you need to follow certain guidelines and meet the requirements for enrollment determined by the College.
Only those who are eligible should submit the application.
Otherwise, they will be rejected.
Courses Offered:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration
- Dental Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Veterinary Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Nursing
- Practical Nursing
- Veterinary Technician
- Business Management
- Human, Social, and Health Services
- Health Administrative Services
- Medical Office Management
- Medical Billing Administrative Specialist
- Medical Assistant
Contact Information:
- Ross Medical Education Center
- Address: 206 N Seven Oaks Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922
- Phone: +1 865-297-4800
- Web: https://rosseducation.edu
Genesis Career College
Genesis Career College is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Enrollment: The enrollment in this college is available only to those students who meet the eligibility requirements.
The applicant has to be at least 17 years of age and he/she must provide proof of high school completion, that is a high school diploma, completed high school transcript with date of graduation, proof of home school completion at a secondary level or proof of GED completion required.
Furthermore, he/she needs to be legally entitled to live and work in the United States and must provide an identification picture.
If all these requirements are met, the applicant can start the process for enrolling at Genesis by contacting the college and scheduling a visit to the local campus.
There, the admission representative will answer all your questions and if you are still interested in enrolling, you will be given applications for enrollment.
Courses Offered:
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Cosmetology
- Massage Therapy
- Esthetician
- Instructor Trainee
- Master Barber
- Nail Technician
Contact Information:
- Genesis Career College
- Address: 880-A E 10th St, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Phone: +1 931-526-8735
- Web: http://www.genesiscareer.edu
Film Connection Film Institute
Enrollment: It is good to mention that there are no special requirements for enrollment in this school.
The only requirement is to be interviewed and accepted by the mentor, which can be done easily if you really show the passion for film production.
All Film Connection candidates will go to an open-house interview and those who are lucky to pass it will get a plan that is right for them.
You are supposed to tour the facilities, which is done by simply filling out and submitting the Apply Form which can be found on the school’s official website.
For more information related to enrollment, you can get in touch with an Admissions Representative who will answer all your questions and lead you through the application process.
Fees: The tuition costs and fees depend on the program you choose to attend.
Film Connection for Film Production & Editing Tuition is $13,040, while Film Connection for Cinematography Tuition is $12,750.
Courses Offered:
- Film Production & Editing
- Cinematography
- Editing
- Screenwriting
Contact Information:
- Film Connection Film Institute
- Address: 1900 Church St #300, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: +1 615-852-5960
- Web: https://www.filmconnection.com
Franklin Academy
Franklin Academy is a private non-profit institution whose mission is to train students in the fields of aesthetics and cosmetology, enabling them to pass the licence exam and start their own businesses and future successful careers.
Franklin Academy is proud to be an accredited institution and approved by the TN State Board of Cosmetology and licensed by the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology.
Enrollment: Once you are ready to apply, you should know that the enrollment process at Franklin Academy consists of a few steps.
The first step in applying is to visit the school so as to get familiar with the classrooms where you will learn the hands-on procedures as well as our student-run salon where you will get to practice on actual clients.
You are supposed to book an Admissions Tour online, via the official website.
If you need to apply for financial aid, you will get the chance there, by contacting the financial aid representative who will find the best options to help cover the cost for your education.
After these steps, you should fill out an application to join the next class at Franklin Academy.
Fees: The fees and tuition costs for the cosmetology program are the following:
Application Fee – $25
Registration Fee – $75
Tuition – $15,000
Student Kit/Books – $1,875
Graduation Fee – $200
Total Tuition and Fees: $17,175
Aesthetic program fees and tuition costs are:
Application Fee – $25
Registration Fee – $75
Tuition – $8,250
Student Kit/Books – $1,550
Graduation Fee – $200
Total Tuition and Fees: $10,100
Courses Offered:
Contact Information:
- Franklin Academy
- Address: 1605 Professional, Park Cir Dr, Cleveland, TN 37312
- Phone: +1 423-476-3742
- Web: https://franklinacademy.edu
Trade Schools in Tennessee by City
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you pick a college education, you will be receiving a broad education that could help prepare you for countless career fields, but the choice of ideal vocational school would provide you with quality education and prepare you for a specific career in a short amount of time.