10 Best Trade Schools inJacksonville, FL

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Jacksonville is home to many reputable trade schools that offer courses designed to prepare students for employment in high-demand industries, such as allied health, technology, beauty industry, skilled trades, and much more.

On this page, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best trade schools in the region along with relevant information about the programs they offer.

This compilation is meant to help future students choose the institution that best fits their educational needs and professional aspirations.

Let’s see what Jacksonville has to offer!



1Tulsa Welding School Jacksonville

Tulsa Welding School Jacksonville prepares students for welding, pipefitting, and electro-mechanical careers.

The students are trained to have the knowledge, skills and essential attitude to enter their chosen profession immediately after graduation.

The Professional Welder and Pipefitting program can be completed in 10 months, the Electro-Mechanical Technologies program can be completed in 9 months and the Professional Welder, Refrigeration Technologies and Electrical Applications programs are designed to be completed in 7 months.

Both day and evening classes are available.

The Jacksonville campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and licensed by Florida Commission for Independent Education.

Enrollment. Applicants are required to be high school graduates with a standard or higher level diploma or possess a GED or high school equivalency.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Fees. Total costs are between $16,020-$24,036, depending on the program.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Courses offered:

  • Electro-Mechanical Technologies
  • Professional Welder
  • Professional Welder with Pipefitting
  • Refrigeration Technologies
  • Electrical Applications

Contact information:

  • Jacksonville campus: 3500 Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32216
  • Toll-Free: (855) 237-7711
  • Website: https://www.tws.edu/

2Florida Training Academy

Florida Training Academy has specialized in CNA and CPR training since 2008.

Originally named Perfect C.N.A. Training Academy, Florida Training Academy changed its name in 2012 and teaches emergency, health, safety, and occupational classes.

Florida Training Academy is owned and operated by a Registered Nurse with 20 years of emergency, health and safety experience.

Florida Training Academy has trained thousands of entry-level healthcare providers with its Fast Track CNA Exam Prep courses.

The Certified Nursing Assistant program provides hands-on tutoring for both the written and clinical State CNA examinations in only one week or less.

The school also offers Forklift Operator classes for those who are interested in working in a warehouse or transportation.

Fees. Costs vary by program.

The 5-Day CNA Exam Preparation class is $375 while the 2-Day weekend Fast CNA Exam Preparation class is $200.

The “No Experience” Forklift Operator Class costs $175.

Courses offered:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • CPR, BLS, ACLS & PALS
  • Instructor Training
  • Forklift Operator Safety Training

Contact information:

  • Jacksonville Office: 2253 Cassat Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210
  • Phone: (904) 551-0918
  • Website: https://fltraining.com

3Affordable Training

Affordable Training is a private technical career school providing training and employable skills for those who want to start a career in the healthcare industry.

Affordable Training was established in 2001.

The facility located in Jacksonville includes a 2016 square feet classroom.

The simulation area includes hospital beds, recovery chairs, wheelchairs, full-body mannequins, CPR mannequins, and additional supplies and equipment necessary for the students to practice basic patient care activities and the required skills, such as walkers, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, IV stand, bedside commode, linens, and other items found in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

Affordable Training is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.

Enrollment. Applicants are required to attend an informational orientation.

Prospective students must be at least 17 years of age and must have a high school diploma, GED equivalent, or comprehend on a 10th-grade level.

Fees. Costs vary between $795-$3,600, depending on the program.

Courses offered:

  • Nursing Assistant
  • Home Health Aide
  • Phlebotomy
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Nail Technician
  • Skin Care Specialist

Contact information:

  • Affordable Training: 7867 Lakeland Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32221
  • Phone: 904.378.0102
  • Website: https://www.cnaat.org/

4Florida School of Advanced Bodywork

Florida School of Advanced Bodywork is a clinical/medical massage therapy school in Jacksonville.

Florida School of Advanced Bodywork is licensed and approved by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and the Florida Board of Massage.

The school offers a 500-Hour Program required by the Florida Board of Massage for students who want to obtain the License to practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist in Florida.

The Florida School of Advanced Bodywork has an open and spacious facility, providing an environment for class sizes up to 20 students, with plenty of room for lectures, hands-on instruction, and clinical internship.

The program can be completed in 6 months by full-time students and in 12 months by part-time students.

Graduates are prepared for the Florida State board licensing exam.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED.

Fees. The program costs $8000, including tuition, texts and supplies and the application fee.

Financial Assistance is available through a variety of flexible Installment Payment Plans.

Contact information:

  • Florida School of Advanced Bodywork: 9424 Baymeadows Road, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256
  • Phone: (904) 337-1602
  • Website: https://www.floridasab.com

5Parisian Spa Institute

The Parisian Spa Institute is an educational institute for Cosmetology and Massage Therapy located on the St. John’s River in Riverside.

The 600-hour Massage Therapy program can be completed in 23 weeks.

Full-time classes take place Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

After graduation students are able to take the national exam and become certified massage therapists.

The school has an 87.50% licensure rate and an 82.95% placement rate.

Parisian Spa Institute is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and licensed by the Commission of Independent Education for the State of Florida.

Fees. The total program costs sum up to $8,950, including tuition, fees and books and supplies.

The massage school has grants and scholarships to assist students with tuition costs.

The school is approved for VA training, Post 9/11 GI Benefits, and the MYCAA and is an approved vendor for Vocational Rehabilitation.

Contact information:


6J-Tech Institute

J-Tech is a nonprofit institution dedicated to training a whole new generation of automotive and transportation industry professionals at their 168,000 square-foot facilities in Jacksonville.

Jones Technical Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

The Institute is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education

Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Applicants to the Truck Driving Program must be over 18 years of age and need a valid driver’s license.

They must pass a physical and a complete vision exam prior to the start of classes.

The school also requests a complete vision exam prior to the start of classes and a complete background check.

Applicants to the Commercial Truck Driving Program who are under 21 years of age may be admitted but they will only be eligible for a Class A-CDL with an Intra-State restriction.

Fees. Total costs vary between $4,575-$33,216, depending on the program.

Courses offered:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Diesel Technology
  • Diesel Advanced Technology Education
  • Commercial Truck Driving

Contact information:

  • JTech Institute: 8813 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256
  • Phone: 877‑447‑0442
  • Website: https://www.jtech.org/

7Total Beauty Institute

Total Beauty Institute is offering training programs for those who want to start a career as cosmetologists.

School educators use a variety of interactive, multimedia, video, and live demos and master educator/stylist and lectures to address the full range of learning abilities.

Students can graduate in 10-12 months.

The Cosmetology program covers topics such as effective communication, human relations, microbiology, infection control, first aid, basic body systems, the chemistry of cosmetics, salon retailing, hair theory, hair care, chemical relaxing, color theory, nail theory, nail shapes, and much more.

Total Beauty Institute is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission.

The school is approved by the Florida Department of Education/ Commission for Independence Education.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, be in good health and physical condition and possess a valid high school diploma or GED.

Prospective students must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.

Fees. The registration fee is $150.

The course price is $13,200, including tuition, books, kits, and uniforms.

Contact information:


8Jersey College

Jersey College Nursing School Jacksonville Campus offers a Practical Nursing Program and an RN Program to nursing students in northern Florida and southern Georgia.

The school staff includes well-experienced instructors and administration from around the region.

The Campus has modern facilities that allow students to learn and practice the processes and techniques necessary to prepare for excellence in the nursing field.

Jersey College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Enrollment. Admission requirements vary by program.

Applicants must meet minimum skill levels in reading and math.

These minimum skill levels are assessed through an entrance exam.

The minimum score on the Practical Nursing entrance exam for admission is 75% on reading and math.

Courses offered:

  • Practical Nursing LPN Program
  • Registered Nursing RN Program
  • LPN to RN Bridge

Contact information:


9LeaderQuest

LeaderQuest is offering cybersecurity training and IT certification programs.

The classes include specializations in IT support, networking, and cybersecurity.

The technical career training programs are usually 2-8 weeks in length.

Each campus has an Instructor Mentor who supports students after completion of class through the successful completion of exams.

The campuses have an open door for students who need individual help, the mentors set up study groups, and create exam prep classes.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as Computer User Support Specialists, Junior Level Network Administrators, Certified Ethical Hackers, Information Security Analysts, and Project Managers.

The school also offers job placement assistance including connecting students with employers and helping them create a resume, cover letter, and online presence.

Students also receive one-on-one coaching sessions, which give them the chance to practice the skills they need to crush their next interview.

The courses are eligible for VA tuition benefits.

Courses offered:

  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Computer User Support Specialist
  • Network Support Specialist
  • Network Administrator
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Cyber Security Specialist
  • Senior Technology Project Manager
  • ITIL Foundation
  • and more

Contact information:


10Acumen Medical Services

Acumen Medical Services is a C.N.A. exam prep training and testing center.

The courses are 4 hours per day Monday through Thursday.

School instructors teach students how to pass their Florida Nurse Aide Exam with confidence.

The school has a 98% passing rate on the Florida Nurse Aide Exam.

Class sizes are no more than 5 to 8 students per class to ensure that students get the one-on-one attention you need to pass the exam.

Enrollment. No high school diploma is needed to become certified.

Students must be 18 years of age or older before taking the certification test.

Prospective students can register through the school’s website.

Fees. The C.N.A. Test Prep Training Class costs $225.

The cost to take your exam is $155.

The other classes cost between $30-$65.

Courses offered:

  • 4-hour C.N.A. Refresher Course
  • BLS CPR Course
  • Med Tech
  • Med Tech 2 hour update

Contact information:


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1,990$59,960$28.83$82,830$38,590
Medical Records Specialists1,410$48,380$23.26$74,750$34,540
Nursing Assistants7,030$37,150$17.86$43,790$30,840
Dental Assistants1,750$45,960$22.09$57,590$36,080
Medical Assistants4,790$41,080$19.75$47,520$35,670
Phlebotomists700$39,110$18.8$45,760$35,010
Electricians3,700$52,930$25.45$64,370$37,420
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters2,310$53,140$25.55$64,680$37,950
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics3,510$47,420$22.8$72,230$29,070
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers2,950$51,530$24.77$69,410$35,910
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Jacksonville, FL metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the institution that best fits your educational needs is a very important step towards your new career.

This is why you should consider all your options before deciding on a trade school.

The decision should be based on a number of relevant factors, such as tuition costs, schedule, instructors, accreditation, graduation rate, and student reviews.

Now would be the perfect time to start your research.


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