10 Best Trade Schools inJonesboro, AR

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This page includes information about the top trade schools in Jonesboro.

The programs included in our list can be completed in less than two years.

Most schools also offer flexible schedules to accommodate the needs of students who also have full-time or part-time jobs.

If you live in the region and you want to start a new profession or learn a new trade, we invite you to read our list and find out more about the options available in the region.



1Arkansas State University

About the School

Arkansas State University offers training programs that prepare students for employment in a variety of high-demand industries.

Tuition for in-state students is $96 per credit hour.

Out-of-state students pay $157 per credit hour.

Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

The university’s catalog includes programs in a variety of fields, including:

  • Advanced Manufacturing- a program that prepares students for employment in manufacturing facilities and machine shops
  • Automotive Service Technology- students learn how to diagnose and repair cars with hands-on training
  • Collision Repair Technology- this program covers sanding, painting, metalwork, frame alignment, and other useful repair and refinishing skills
  • Commercial Driver Training
  • Diesel Technology- students enrolled in this program get to repair trucks just as they will do in their future careers
  • Energy Control Technology- this program emphasizes the repair and installation of residential and commercial heating and cooling systems
  • Industrial Maintenance- students enrolled in this program receive hands-on experience in mechanical, electrical, fluid power, welding, and software
  • Nursing- training is available for Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing, and Pre-Health Professions
  • Welding- this program includes SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW welding processes, as well as oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting
  • And more

Contact Information


2Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center

About the School

Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center offers a variety of programs and certifications.

The programs prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand industries, such as automotive, welding, medical and more.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Engineering Design & Production Lab- a program that introduces students to technologies and equipment used in modern high-tech manufacturing
  • Automotive Collision Repair- the automotive programs are nationally accredited by the National Automotive Technicians’ Educational Foundation
  • Automotive Service Technology- ASE Certifications are also available
  • Computer Science Networking- a program open to students grades 10-12
  • Welding Technology- a two-year program of study that covers SMAW and GMAW techniques
  • Culinary Arts- ServSafe and SP/2 Certifications are available
  • Hospitality Management Culinary Arts
  • HVACR- students in grades 10-12 may enroll in this program and earn several nationally-recognized certifications
  • Medical Professions- CNA program: CNA Certified Nursing Assistant, AHA Heartsaver First Aid, CPR & AED
  • Medical Professions- Heartsaver CPR, AED, First Aid Certifications are available
  • Dones-Unmanned Aerial- students learn about current regulations, flight safety, flight planning, and flight simulators
  • Robotics & Automation Technologies- Fanuc Robot, OSHA 10, and OSHA 30 certifications are available

Contact Information


3Arthur’s Beauty College

About the School

Arthur’s Beauty College provides beauty training programs in Jonesboro and three other locations: Jacksonville, Conway, and Fort Smith.

The programs are designed to prepare students for successful careers in cosmetology.

Specialty classes in makeup, lash extensions, hair extensions, and more are also available

Their Cosmetology program includes 1,500 hours of training and prepares graduates for the licensing exam and careers as Cosmetologists.

Cosmetologists are allowed to perform hair care, skincare, and nail care services.

Arthur’s Beauty College graduates are ready for careers as stylists, salon owners, managers, color technicians, perm specialists, image consultants, and a variety of other related careers after passing the licensing exam.

Tuition for the Cosmetology program is $15,750.

Additional costs include $1,400 for a Cosmetology kit, $375 for a Book Bundle, a $395 Chromebook, a $20 state permit fee, and $60 for the written exam fee.

The College also offers an Instructor Program that includes 600 clock hours of training for $3,510.

Students enrolled in the instructor program pay an additional $176.95 for instructor books, $20 for a state permit fee, and a $60 written exam fee.

Contact Information


4Apex Dental Education

About the School

Apex Dental Education is a post-secondary career school that prepares students for employment as dental assistants.

The school offers four classes per year: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Classes take place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Each semester is 10 weeks long and students take a test at the end of the program.

Tuition is $3,950.

Students learn through classroom instruction and hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment, instrumentation, and materials.

Courses Offered

The first four weeks of the Dental Assisting program cover:

  • Introduction to Dental Assisting
  • Professional and Legal Aspects
  • Dental Anatomy
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Disease Transmission
  • Infection Control
  • Surface Disinfection
  • Management of Hazardous Materials
  • Clinical Dentistry
  • Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office
  • And more

During weeks 5 to 7 students learn about:

  • Preventive Care
  • Coronal Polishing and Dental Sealants
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • CPR Certification Presentation
  • And more

Weeks 8-10 are dedicated to N2O Certification Presentation and Exam, Final Review, Class Final Exam, Lab Final Exam, and the Dental Assisting Exam held by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners for Coronal Polishing and Oral Radiography.

Contact Information


5Black River Technical College

About the School

Black River Technical College provides training programs that prepare students for rewarding careers through its Career and Technical Center.

The Black River Technical College’s Career and Technical Center helps high school juniors and seniors get a head start in their careers after graduating from high school.

The program is free for high school students.

The Center has campuses in Pocahontas and Paragould.

Tuition costs for adult students vary depending on the program.

For example, in-state tuition for a 30-hour program is approximately $2,880.

Additional charges sum up to $1,320.

Black River Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

The following pathways are available for high school students:

  • Allied Health: CNA, Phlebotomy, and RN prerequisite programs
  • Welding
  • Industrial Electricity/Electronics
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Auto Collision Repair
  • Auto Service Technology

Workforce Training and Community Education programs are also available in the following fields:

  • Automotive and Transportation
  • Early Childhood Training
  • Firearms, Responders, and Security
  • Health and Safety
  • Industry Training
  • And more

Contact Information


6Arkansas Academy of Hair Design

About the School

Arkansas Academy of Hair Design offers training programs for those who want to start a career in cosmetology or another beauty field.

Students learn haircutting, hair styling, hair coloring, cosmetics, makeup, facial waxing, eyelash extensions, and many other skills.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

To qualify for admission, applicants need:

  • A birth certificate if under 18 years of age
  • A record of education
  • A current driver’s license

The Cosmetology class costs $5,900.

  • Additional fees include:
  • A $695 cosmetology kit
  • A $350 Pivot Point Module Book Set
  • $20 for Student Permit
  • $65 for the Practical Licensure Exam
  • $60 for Written Licensure Exam

Courses Offered

The following courses are available:

  • Cosmetology- a 1,500-hour program that covers hair related services, skincare, and nail tech
  • Esthetics- a 600-hour Specialty Program that licenses students for skincare services only
  • Nail Technician- a 600-hour program that can be completed in 15 weeks by full-time students
  • Instructor

Both Esthetics and Cosmetology students can perform facial waxing and eyelash extensions.

The school offers training on eight facial machines.

Students also learn Gel Polish and Nail Art as well as pedicures and different treatments.

Contact Information


7Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy

About the School

Affordable and flexible training programs for those who want to start careers in dental assisting are available at the Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy.

Their program takes between 10 and 12 weeks to complete and provides students with hands-on experience in a practical dental office.

The classes are offered one day per week and are eight hours long.

Students attend classes on Fridays or Saturdays.

The school’s instructors have many years of experience in the field of dental care.

The classroom training part is learned through the school’s online learning systems and students attend the school for the practical part.

Tuition varies depending on location but the school offers flexible payment plans to help students cover the costs.

Courses Offered

The Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy curriculum covers the following topics:

  • Dental terminology and equipment
  • Impressions and pour models
  • How to record the patient’s health history
  • OSPA and HIPAA guidelines
  • Front-desk operations
  • Room setup, breakdown, and sterilizing instruments
  • Conventional and digital x-rays
  • Four-handed dentistry: operative, crown, bridge, oral surgery, and root canals
  • And many other related skills

Contact Information

  • Address: 321 Southwest Dr suite d, Jonesboro, AR 72401
  • Phone: (844) 727-3755
  • Website: https://www.adaa.us

8Nea School of Massage

About the School

Nea School of Massage offers training programs for students who want to become massage therapists.

Tuition is $5,750 if paid in full by the first day of class.

Continuing Education classes are also available

Courses Offered

The curriculum includes 500 hours of training which cover the following topics:

  • Anatomy and Physiology- Systems- 70 hours
  • Anatomy and Physiology- Gross Anatomy- 35 hours
  • Pathology- 40 hours of learning the most common pathologies massage therapists encounter when working with clients
  • Kinesiology- 30 hours studying the movement of the body
  • Modalities- 25 hours that cover specialized modalities such as hydrotherapy, reflexology, heliotherapy, and spa treatments
  • Health and Hygiene- this part takes 25 hours and teaches students about sanitation procedures and contagious diseases
  • Massage Basics- 25 hours are dedicated to this class
  • Business- 25 hours of learning ethical aspects and business practices related to this profession
  • Techniques- 200 hours of training that allow students to gain practical experience in Swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, prenatal massage, and other techniques
  • Clinical- 25 hours of providing massage to the public

Contact Information


9Hair Tech Beauty College

About the School

Hair Tech Beauty College offers a variety of training programs that prepare students for licensing exams and employment in the beauty industry.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Cosmetology course costs $6,800 and includes 1,500 hours of training which can be completed in 34 weeks.

The 600-hour Esthetics program is $4,750 and lasts for 22 weeks.

The Instructor program, which is available only for those who already have an Arkansas license, costs $3,750 and can be completed in 22 weeks.

Financial aid and payment plans are available for students who qualify.

The registration fee is $200.

Classes take place Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in person.

Students also attend classes every other Saturday from 7 to 12 p.m.

To qualify for admission, applicants must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Have completed at least two years of high school or its equivalent

Those who are under 18 must ask a parent or legal guardian to sign the school contracts.

The Cosmetology program combines in-person with online education.

The Esthetics and Instructor programs are not available online.

Contact Information


10Arkansas Elite Welding Academy

About the School

Arkansas Elite Welding Academy prepares students for rewarding careers in welding.

Their training method combines individualized training with a curriculum that covers the most in-demand skills in the industry.

With a student-to-instructor ratio of 10 to 1, the school allows each student to receive the individualized attention they need.

According to the school’s website, school instructors have a combined experience of more than 150 years.

A variety of financial aid opportunities are available to students.

Arkansas Elite Welding Academy is approved to accept military education benefits from those who qualify.

Loans are also available through the Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund.

Arkansas Elite Welding Academy is licensed by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

Tuition ranges from $7,500 to $24,000, depending on the program and its duration.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school:

  • Elite Combined Structural/ Pipe Program- a program that can be completed in 23 weeks, includes 920 hours of training and costs $24,000
  • Elite Pipe Welding Program- this 18-week program includes 720 hours of training and costs $18,000
  • Elite Structural Welding Program- a 420-hour curriculum that costs $10,500 and can be completed in 10 weeks and a half
  • Elite Downhill Pipeline Program- this six-week program includes 240 hours of training and costs $7,500.

Contact Information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants50$57,870$27.82$62,260$34,080
Medical Records Specialists80$41,860$20.12$57,580$30,240
Nursing Assistants940$31,890$15.33$37,050$25,450
Dental Assistants180$40,250$19.35$46,870$32,770
Medical Assistants190$35,320$16.98$41,230$29,890
Phlebotomists80$37,990$18.27$47,440$33,280
Electricians380$48,420$23.28$60,730$30,810
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters130$46,110$22.17$58,010$31,890
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics290$44,870$21.57$63,880$29,210
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers130$50,840$24.44$77,000$37,320
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Jonesboro, AR metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Jonesboro trade schools offer a variety of career-ready programs that allow students to graduate in only a few months.

Now that you have read our list, it’s your turn to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.


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