10 Best Trade Schools inAthens, GA

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The Athens region is home to many trade schools.

These schools offer post-secondary education programs that can be completed in less than two years.

The curriculum is focused on equipping students with the skills relevant to their future profession.

Graduates are ready for certification exams (if required) or entry-level employment.

If you live or want to study in the region we invite you to read our list and find out more about the available options.



1Georgia Institute of Cosmetology

About the School

Georgia Institute of Cosmetology (GIC) provides state-of-the-art cosmetology training for those who want to start a career in the field.

Applicants have to complete two interviews before they can be admitted to a program at GIC.

Students must be at least 17 years of age, and they need consent or approval from a parent or legal guardian if they are under 18.

A copy of a high school diploma or GED is also required.

The enrollment fee is $100.

Georgia Institute of Cosmetology is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and Licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

Cosmetology Program- this certificate program can be completed in 12 months by full-time students and in 18 months by part-time students.

After completing the Cosmetology program, students must pass a written and practical exam with the Georgia State Board.

The Cosmetology program covers topics on:

  • Hair Design- this class covers proportion, balance, and other principles of hair design
  • Hair Cutting- students learn how to understand what the client wants and how to create the latest styles
  • Color & Texture- this course teaches students how to mix and apply color and how to use various coloring tools
  • Make-up- the fundamentals of make-up application
  • Skin Care- this course teaches students how to recommend, apply and sell skincare products
  • Business Training- this course prepares students with the skills needed when managing a salon

A Cosmetology Instructor program is also available.

The Instructor program can be completed in seven months by full-time students and in nine months by part-time students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3529 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA 30605
  • Phone: (706) 549-6400
  • Website: https://gic.edu

2Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy

About the School

Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy, LLC offers affordable accelerated dental assisting training.

The program can be completed in 10-12 weeks and includes hands-on experience in a practical dental office.

Graduates are equipped with the skills needed for a rewarding career in dental offices.

The classes are eight hours long and are held one day per week, on Friday or Saturday.

Students learn from seasoned dental professionals who are committed to the success of their students.

The theoretical information is acquired through the school’s online learning systems at the student’s own pace.

Classes are held in practicing dental offices.

Tuition costs vary depending on location, but the school offers flexible weekly, bi-weekly, or bi-monthly payment plans that help students cover the costs.

Many schools also offer a variety of funding opportunities for students who qualify.

Courses Offered

The curriculum covers the following topics:

  • Dental terminology and equipment
  • Impressions and pour models
  • Updating patient health history
  • Taking blood pressure
  • Conventional and digital x-rays
  • Four-handed dentistry: operative, crown, bridge, oral surgery, and root canals
  • And more

Contact Information


3One Breath CNA

About the School

One Breath CNA provides assistant nurse training by combining lectures with hands-on/on-site and audio/video training.

Costs vary depending on the program and curriculum.

Tuition for the online CNA program is $2,150 if paid in full.

The Medication Aide course costs $600.

Those interested can apply for one of the school’s classes through their website.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available at One Breath CNA:

  • Medical Assistant- a program prepares students for a career as assistants to physicians, nurse practitioners, and other similar healthcare positions
  • Medication Aide- an online program for those who want to prepare for certification at their own pace during the 365 days after purchase
  • CNA Course- an online program that is also available for 365 days after purchase

The CNA course covers a variety of topics, including Nursing Assistant in long-term care, the foundation of resident care, understanding residents, medication basics, medication dosage, medication safety, side effects, and more.

The following CPR classes are also available at the school: BLS Instructor, HeartSaver Instructor, HeartSaver First Aid, BLS & First Aid, BLS (Healthcare Provider)

Contact Information


4Shavon School of Real Estate

About the School

Shavon School of Real Estate offers in-person and virtual classes that prepare students for the salesperson and broker license exams.

The first step in the application process is to complete an enrollment form that can be found on the school’s website.

The school’s instructor received her real estate license in 2004 and has more than 30 years of experience in sales and marketing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030, with approximately 47,500 new openings expected to occur each year over the decade.

Real estate agents and brokers will continue to be needed because people turn to them when looking for a new home or business location.

Courses Offered

The 75-hour in-person salesperson pre-license course costs $525 and takes place Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The virtual salesperson pre-license course also includes 75 hours of training and takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A 60-hour broker course is also available for $525.

Contact Information


5Athens Real Estate Academy

About the School

Athens Real Estate Academy offers in-person and online classes designed to prepare students for their licensing exams.

Usually, their pre-licensing courses are structured into 25 classes- three hours each.

There are also two makeup days.

The online courses can be completed by each student at their own pace.

Once you have passed the pre-licensing course, the cost of taking the state exam is $115.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

Real Estate License in-class & virtual education

  • Georgia Salesperson Pre-License- a course that includes 75 hours of training
  • Georgia Broker Pre-License- this course includes 60 hours
  • Georgia Salesperson Post-License- a 25-hour course

Real Estate In-Class & Virtual Continuing Education

  • Brokerage Engagements- a three-hour class
  • Creating a Grand Customer Experience- a six-hour class
  • MREA: The 24 topics- six hours
  • And more

Designation and Certification Courses:

  • Accredited Buyer’s Representative- a 12-hour course
  • At Home With Diversity- six hours of training
  • E-PRO 2 Day Class- a 12-hour class
  • Marketing Strategy and Lead Generation- six hours
  • Senior Real Estate Specialist- a 12-hour class
  • And more

Contact Information


6Athens CPR

About the School

Athens CPR is a licensed provider of health and safety courses approved by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and National Safety Council.

Students learn from experienced instructors who have many years of real-world experience in their area of expertise.

Training is available during the workweek, after business hours, or on the weekend to accommodate students’ schedules.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Phlebotomy Technician- a program that teaches students how to safely draw blood using proper techniques and precautions, including:
    • vacuum collection devices
    • syringes
    • capillary skin puncture
    • butterfly needles
    • blood culture specimen collection on adults, children, and infants
  • Patient Care Technician- the program includes training on patient health care, adult daily living needs, EKG, cardiac circulation, blood pressure monitoring, phlebotomy, and venipuncture skills
  • Medical Assistant- a program that prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of medical facilities by teaching skills such as:
    • basic first aid
    • CPR/AED
    • taking vital signs
    • proper body mechanics in bed making, lifting and turning patients
    • electrocardiogram
    • injections
    • phlebotomy and venipuncture
    • handwashing and cleanliness skills
    • and more

Contact Information

  • Address: 1865 West Broad St., Suite E, Athens, GA. 30606
  • Phone: 706-549-5882
  • Website: https://athenscpr.com

7SIMS Academy of Innovation & Technology

About the School

SIMS Academy of Innovation & Technology is one of 33 colleges and career academies in Georgia.

The academy focuses on training students who are ready to enter the workforce in high-paying industries, such as robotics, culinary arts, broadcast video, and marketing.

Programs are available for high school students in grades 9-12.

Courses Offered

The following college programs are available:

  • Automotive- this program prepares students to receive two technical certificates of credit from Lanier Technical College, namely Auto Electrical Technician and Auto Engine Performance
  • Certified Nurse Aide- a program that prepares students for the Nurse Aide certificate from Lanier Technical College and qualifies them to take the National Nurse Assessment Program test
  • Construction- students can earn two certificates of credit from Lanier Technical College, namely: NCCER Advanced Carpentry Certificate and NCCER Carpentry Fundamentals Certificate
  • Culinary Arts- a program that allows students to earn a Prep Cook Certificate from Lanier Technical College
  • Welding- two Technical Certificates of Credit are available for students enrolled in this program, namely Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder and Gas Metal Arc Welder

Contact Information


8Handyman Training School

About the School

Handyman Training School offers training for those who want to start their own handyman business.

Prices vary depending on the program.

The school offers eight classes, each leading to a separate certificate.

The following eight-week programs cost around $8,500-$8,550 each: Painting, Drywall Repair & Installation Course, Flooring Course, Carpentry 1, Carpentry 2, Carpentry 3, Carpentry 4, Basic Electric Course, Basic Plumbing Course.

Students get hands-on real-life experience and they work one on one with the instructors.

Prospective students can register for classes by filling out a form on the school’s website.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school:

  • Residential program- this Certificate in Residential Handyman Services consists of eight courses and takes about one year and a half to complete.
  • Painting & Drywall program- this eight-week skill-building training program helps students become professionals in drywall installation and repair and painting
  • Weekend Workshop- four-hour workshops designed to help trainees who want to maintain their own homes
  • Youth Workshops- these four-hour workshops are designed for youth who want to learn how to do basic painting and minor repairs

Contact Information


9Athens Center for Holistic Healthcare and Education

About the School

Athens Center for Holistic Healthcare and Education offers massage training courses.

The Center was founded by an experienced massage therapy professional who has over 25 years of experience in practice, education, and regulation in the massage industry.

Students learn from licensed massage therapists with many years of experience in the field.

Continuing education courses can also be scheduled through the school’s website.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available at Athens Center for Holistic Healthcare and Education:

  • Myofascial Isolation Upper Extremities- this program includes training in Upper Extremities Assessment, Postural Analysis, Range of Motion, Dermatomes, Muscle Review, Myofascial Isolation Upper Extremities Stretching, and Myofascial Isolation Upper Extremities Techniques
  • Myofascial Isolation Lower Extremities- this program teaches the following modalities: Lower Extremities Assessment Postural Analysis, Range of Motion, Dermatomes, Muscle Review, Myofascial Isolation Lower Extremities Stretching, and Myofascial Isolation Lower Extremities Techniques
  • Myofascial Isolation Torso- this program covers Assessment, Postural Analysis, Range of Motion, Dermatomes, Muscle Review, Stretching, and Techniques specific to the torso
  • Myofascial Isolation Cervical- a program that covers techniques for cervical massage

Contact Information

  • Address: 1731 Meriweather Drive, Suite 105, Watkinsville, GA 30677
  • Phone: 770-317-6959
  • Website: https://athenschhe.com

10Oconee School of Therapeutic Massage

About the School

Oconee School of Therapeutic Massage offers a massage therapy program that can be completed in as few as 15 months by full-time students.

The program is also available part-time and can be completed in 11 months by students who choose this schedule.

The program’s curriculum covers a variety of techniques, including myofascial release and deep tissue techniques.

Total cost is $9,700 for full-time students and $10,200 for part-time students.

This includes tuition, application fee, and supplies fees.

The program is student-centered.

For example, their Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology course allow each student to build a 3D clay model of the muscular system.

According to the school’s website, this approach will help students absorb and retain the information.

Students also have access to a variety of test prep materials, games, exercises, and time to experience them.

After completing the training program students have to take and pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination to receive their license to practice.

The full-time program takes place Monday to Friday from 8:30-5 p.m.

The part-time program runs Thursday evenings from 5:30-9:30 p.m and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact Information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants170$50,080$24.08$62,650$30,130
Medical Records Specialists110$40,880$19.66$58,180$30,430
Nursing Assistants630$30,210$14.53$36,730$22,880
Dental Assistants200$39,540$19.01$48,190$29,630
Medical Assistants760$38,840$18.67$46,270$30,860
Phlebotomists160$37,820$18.18$46,410$29,660
Electricians300$52,830$25.4$72,300$35,680
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters140$55,900$26.88$74,340$40,150
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics460$45,810$22.03$69,870$26,660
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers280$47,680$22.92$65,630$30,710
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Athens-Clarke County, GA metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have read our selection is time to take action and apply for the program that best meets your needs.

Before doing this, make sure you gather enough information about tuition costs, duration, schedule, and all the other relevant factors.


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