10 Best Trade Schools inTempe, AZ

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Trade schools, also called vocational schools, technical schools or career centers, offer a variety of educational alternatives for students who want to learn a new craft and get job-ready in a matter of months.

This page takes a look at the best trade schools in Tempe, Arizona.

We compiled this list to help you compare the best vocational programs available in the region and choose the one that best suits your schedule, budget, and educational needs.

Don’t forget to explore all your options before deciding which path you want to pursue.


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1Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics

Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics (SWINA) offers a combination of classical aesthetics education and advanced laser training with a transformational ‘mind-body-wellness’ focus.

The training includes written and practical “mock” AZ State Board exams, designed to provide students with real-life experience in passing the actual licensing exam.

All students are required to participate in both theory education and “hands-on” practical training on fellow students, models, and clientele.

SWIHA is a nationally-accredited college approved by the United States Department of Education.

Enrollment. Applicants must speak in person or on the phone with an Admissions Coach.

Candidates to diploma programs need a high school diploma, GED or college transcript.

Fees. Tuition is between $2,838 and $15,120, depending on the program.

Courses offered:

  • Advanced Skincare Practitioner & Cosmetic Laser Technician
  • Natural Aesthetics Practitioner
  • Cosmetic Laser Technician
  • Aesthetician & Massage Therapist
  • Master Aesthetics Educator

Contact information:

  • Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics: 1460 E. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282
  • Phone: (480) 393-1415
  • Website: https://swina.swiha.edu/

2Valley Vocational Academy

Valley Vocational Academy provides a training program that helps students become nursing assistants in as few as 4 weeks.

The school offers limited class sizes and experienced instructors.

The curriculum covers topics such as communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, respecting residents’ rights and independence, basic nursing skills, bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, skincare and transfers, how to care for cognitively impaired residents and much more.

Enrollment. Applicants to the Nursing Assistant program must be 16 years of age or older, provide proof of citizenship or legal residents status.

Prospective students must pass a background check.

Applicants also need medical clearance and negative TB test or negative chest x-rays results.

Students also have to pass an admissions test.

Fees. The nursing assistant program cost is approximately $1,300.

Courses offered:

  • Nursing Assistant Program
  • AP Nursing Assistant Program
  • CPR Training program

Contact information:


3Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences

Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences is an audio recording, sound engineering, and music production school.

The Academy of Recording Sciences has its roots back in 1980 when Songshop, a 24-track recording studio which offered adult training classes to novices as well as record label personnel, was first established in New York City.

The enterprise moved in Arizona in 1987 and changed its name to “The Academy of Recording Sciences”.

At CRAS students use the same kind of gear they will find in professional studios.

The 48-week CRAS Master Recording Program II (MRP II) consists of 36 weeks of on-campus hands-on study and a 12-week internship.

Class sizes are limited to 12 students max to give each student individual attention.

Graduates can work as recording engineers, game audio designers, live audio engineers, sound effect engineers, broadcast engineers and much more.

CRAS alumni have credits for more than 3,800 film, TV, and documentary projects.

The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

CRAS has been recognized as an ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges) School of Excellence for over 15 years.

Enrollment. Prospective students need a high school diploma or GED and can apply through the school’s website.

Contact information:

  • Tempe (Main Campus): 2300 East Broadway Road Tempe, AZ 85282
  • Phone: 480-858-0764
  • Website: https://cras.edu

4Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is a fully licensed and accredited award-winning private college providing holistic health education and career training.

SWIHA is offering training programs in wellness, integrative healing arts, and massage therapy.

The students also receive entrepreneurial courses along with lifetime business coaching and placement assistance.

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training, approved by the U.S. Department of Education and licensed by the Arizona State Board of Private Postsecondary Education.

Enrollment. Prospective students need a high school diploma or GED.

Applicants under the age of 18, but not younger than 17, can be accepted to a certificate, diploma, or degree program with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Fees. Tuition fees vary between $3,600- $24,012, depending on the program.

Courses offered:

  • Holistic Nutrition Specialist- online and on-campus Certificate program
  • Holistic Nutrition Wellness Practitioner- online Diploma program
  • Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner – online and on-campus
  • Massage Therapist
  • Professional Massage Practitioner – 750 Hours – Diploma program
  • Master Massage Practitioner – 1000 Hours – Diploma program
  • Master Massage with a Specialty in Natural Aesthetics – 1000 Hours – Diploma program
  • Professional Massage Practitioner 1000+ Hours- Associate of Occupational Studies.

Contact information:

  • Southwest Institute of Healing Arts: 1538 E. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282
  • Phone: (480) 994-9244 / (888) 504-9106
  • Website: https://swiha.edu

5Arizona Bartending Academy

The Bartending Academy of Tempe offers bartending classes for those who want to change their careers or supplement their income.

The 40-hour bartending course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform as competent bartenders at an entry-level.

Classes are kept small to give each student individual attention from instructors.

The bartending course covers over 150 drinks, as well as beers, wines, customer service, private parties, and responsible liquor service.

Students also receive Responsible Alcohol Awareness Training.

Classes are taught in a real-bar environment by professional trainers with over 10 years of on-the-job experience.

Students can choose between morning, afternoon and evening classes.

The final exam is a written test followed by a practical test in which students will have to mix 12 drinks in 8 minutes.

Students need a minimum of 85% on the written test and a minimum of 90 on the practical test.

The school offers lifetime placement assistance to all graduates.

You have to be over 19 years old to be able to bartend in Arizona.

Contact information:


6Aveda Institute Phoenix

Aveda Institute Phoenix offers training programs for future beauty professionals.

During the 1600-hour Cosmetology program, students learn about cutting hair, color theory, manicures, pedicures, resume building, business planning, and much more.

The 600-hour Esthiology program covers topics such as facials, chemical peels, full body waxing, microdermabrasion, body treatments, makeup application and much more.

Aveda Institute Phoenix is Accredited by NACCAS.

Enrollment. Applicants need a copy of their high school diploma, high school transcript or GED, a copy of Social Security Card and ID.

Those under 18 have to ask a parent or legal guardian sign the enrollment contract.

Fees. Tuition is $18,000 for the Cosmetology program and $9,000 for the Esthiology program.

Those who want to become Cosmetology or Esthiology Educators will pay a $3,000 fee.

Students also have to pay a $150 registration fee and a $50 application fee and purchase a kit which costs between $1,200-$2,500, depending on the program.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthiology
  • Cosmetology Educator/Esthiology Educator

Contact information:


7Arizona Medical Training Institute

Located in the nearby Mesa, Arizona Medical Training Institute offers a variety of educational programs for future healthcare professionals.

Along with classroom instruction, students also receive hands-on skills development training using medical equipment at the Institute’s two skills centers.

The Institute offers day, evening and weekend classes, to accommodate students’ busy schedules.

Daytime students can graduate from the Certified Nursing Assistant program in as few as 3 weeks.

The Phlebotomy Technician program can be completed in 5 weeks by daytime students.

Enrollment. Admission requirements vary by program.

For most programs, students must pass a TB test or provide prior results no older than 6 months.

A copy of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent may also be required, depending on the program.

Some programs also require passing an admissions test covering English proficiency.

Fees. Tuition costs are between $199-$2,065, depending on the program.

Courses offered:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Nursing Assistant
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Cardiographic Technician
  • CNA to Caregiver Bridge
  • Assisted Living Caregiver
  • Assisted Living Manager
  • Restorative CNA
  • IV Insertion Therapy
  • ASCP/AMT Phlebotomy Exam Prep
  • Assisted Living Manager CEUs
  • Assisted Living Caregiver CEU
  • Assisted Living Consulting
  • CPR/First Aid

Contact information:


8American Institute of Dental Assisting

The American Institute of Dental Assisting is a dental assisting school in Mesa.

The school is offering a 13-week program using a curriculum handcrafted by Dr.Eldon Hastings, who has over 40 years of experience in Dentistry in Arizona.

Students learn in an actual dental clinic with real patients guided by Arizona licensed dentists.

The AIDA dental assistant program instruction focuses on the latest, up-to-date x-ray information and techniques, including analog and digital.

Students also learn the industry-specific Dentrix software.

The school is licensed by the Arizona Board of Private Post Secondary Education.

American Institute of Dental Assisting offers lifetime job placement assistance, including resume preparation, assistance in writing cover letters, direct placement of job leads, mock interviews, clinical reviews and internship/externship opportunities.

Enrollment. Students can apply or book a tour through the school’s website.

Contact information:


9The Refrigeration School

Located in Phoenix, The Refrigeration School trains students for successful careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, solar, electrical technology and welding.

The Refrigeration School, Inc. is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

RSI is licensed to operate by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and is a Member of the Arizona Private School Association.

Enrollment. Applicants are required to hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Prospective students must be 18 years of age or older.

Those under 18 years of age must sign the Enrollment Agreement together with a parent, guardian, or guarantor.

Fees. Total program costs vary between $8,130 and $34,040, depending on the program.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

The school also offers a variety of scholarships.

Courses offered:

  • Electrical Technologies
  • Refrigeration Technologies
  • Electro-Mechanical Technologies
  • Mechanical Maintenance Engineering
  • Electrical Applications
  • Welding Specialist

Contact information:

  • The Refrigeration School, Inc.: 4210 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
  • Phone: (888) 671-5803
  • Website: https://www.rsi.edu/

10Avalon School of Cosmetology

Avalon School of Cosmetology offers cosmetology and esthetics courses at its Phoenix and Mesa Campuses.

The school also offers training in Makeup Artistry and Advanced Hair Extensions.

The Cosmetology program covers the basic foundations of hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, makeup artistry, manicuring techniques and more.

The Esthetics program teaches students about histology and Physiology of skin, skin analysis and consultation, sanitation and disinfection, micro-dermabrasion, spa therapies, and much more.

The Makeup Artistry class covers topics such as makeup fundamentals, basic skincare, makeup application, networking, and how to create a portfolio.

Avalon School of Cosmetology is accredited by The National National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

Enrollment. Prospective students need a high school diploma or equivalent.

The school also requires a copy of Social Security Card and a copy of a photo ID.

Prospective students must complete a pre-application interview questionnaire and a career planning interview.

Fees. Total tuition varies between $3,025-$16,800, depending on the program.

The cost of Advanced courses varies between $395-$975.

Students also have to pay a $50 application fee.

Financial assistance is available to students who qualify.

Avalon School of Cosmetology offers scholarships to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • Barbering
  • Eyelash Extensions
  • Advanced Beauty
  • Makeup Artistry
  • Beauty School Instructor
  • Prosper U

Contact information:

  • Mesa Campus: 2111 S Alma School Rd, Mesa, AZ 85210
  • Phone: 480-897-1688
  • Website: https://avalon.edu

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants5,200$64,560$31.04$91,790$35,310
Medical Records Specialists2,720$45,820$22.03$63,040$31,170
Nursing Assistants11,200$38,350$18.44$44,470$31,960
Dental Assistants6,610$45,620$21.94$57,560$36,100
Medical Assistants13,670$41,490$19.95$47,570$35,440
Phlebotomists3,190$40,710$19.57$47,370$31,980
Electricians12,330$53,260$25.61$74,600$36,840
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters8,070$59,230$28.48$88,230$38,100
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics11,910$51,190$24.61$78,750$31,190
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers5,920$54,910$26.4$79,770$35,480
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

From medical assisting to sound engineering and massage therapy, there are many practical skills you can learn and many career paths you can pursue.

Tempe trade schools offer programs that can get you ready for employment in your chosen field after just a few months of training.

Make sure the school you choose is trustworthy and accredited by government institutions.


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