10 Best Trade Schools inNampa, ID

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The largest city of Canyon County, Nampa is home to many trade schools that offer career-ready hands-on programs.

If you live in the region and you’re contemplating the idea of learning a new trade, this page provides you with information about the top trade schools in the region and the programs they offer.

The training programs included in our list prepare students for rewarding careers in a variety of industries, such as cosmetology, medical assisting, welding, or HVAC, to name a few.

We invite you to read our list and find out more about the available options.


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1The Salon Professional Academy

About the School

The Salon Professional Academy offers career training programs for students who want to work in the beauty industry.

The programs cover training in the most modern techniques used in the industry, the artistic aspects, business, and marketing skills.

Students also receive student kits that include professional tools.

The school also provides an Instructor training program available in two formats:

  • a 1,000-hour program for students who have less than three years of experience in the industry
  • a 500-hour program for students who have more than three years of experience

The Salon Professional Academy is a fully accredited school by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.

Courses Offered

The following training programs are available:

  • Cosmetology- this is a 1,600-hour program that can be completed in 67 weeks
  • Esthetics- a 600-hour program that takes 25 weeks to complete
  • Instructor- a program designed to be completed in 14 weeks by students who have more than three years of experience in the industry and in 27 weeks by students who have less than three years of experience
  • Nail Technology- this 400-hour program is 17 weeks long

Contact Information


2College of Western Idaho

College of Western Idaho offers a wide range of career and technical education programs.

Courses Offered

The CWI Catalog includes programs such as:

  • Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology- this program teaches students how to combine mechanical, electrical, computer, and software skills to work with robots, manufacturing equipment, and other smart technologies
  • Automotive Technology- a program that offers training and experience in all auto systems
  • Collision Repair Technology- a program that covers painting and restoration along with many other skills, from assessing damage to complete reconditioning
  • Dental Assisting- a program that includes classroom and hands-on training and equips students with the skills needed when assisting dentists
  • Drafting Technology- students enrolled in this program participate in a variety of practical projects that use the latest 3D modeling software and 3D printers
  • Physical Therapist Assistant- a program that prepares students for a career working under the supervision of a physical therapist to help patients recover from illness and injuries
  • Welding and Metals Fabrication- a program that equips students with the hands-on skills needed for certification with the American Welding Society
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: Nampa Campus Academic Building: 5500 E. Opportunity Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
  • Phone: 208.562.3000
  • Website: https://cwi.edu

3Phlebotomy Training Specialists

About the School

Phlebotomy Training Specialists prepare students with all the skills needed for a career in phlebotomy.

According to the school’s website, its students have a national exam pass rate of over 92 percent.

After becoming licensed, phlebotomists can find employment in medical clinics, blood banks, hospitals, laboratories, physicians’ offices, and a variety of other healthcare settings.

Tuition for the phlebotomy program held in Boise is $625, and also covers the national exam fee.

A $100 deposit is required to guarantee the students’ seats.

Classes take place in the mornings, afternoons, and weekends to accommodate students’ schedules.

The weekday program includes eight classes in total that take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for four hours.

The weekend program includes four classes in total, taking place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

To qualify for enrollment, applicants must meet the following pre-requisites:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be a high school graduate or equivalent

Previous experience is not required.

The school also provides I.V. and EKG courses on Tuesday and Thursday nights which include eight hours in total.

Contact Information


4Northwest Lineman College

About the School

Northwest Lineman College offers training programs that help students prepare for rewarding careers in the field of electric power, telecommunications, or natural gas.

The school offers a 15-week Electrical Lineworker Program.

Students who take this course learn a variety of skills, including:

  • How to safely construct, maintain and operate the power grid
  • How to work in elevated positions using the latest equipment
  • How to operate bucket trucks and digger derricks
  • Students also learn career and interview skills

Graduates receive a variety of certifications, including First Aid, CPR, Climbing, Pole-Top Rescue, Digger Derick Safety, OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety and Health, Smart Grid and Electrical Devices Certification, and more.

To qualify for admission, applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Be eligible for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License
  • Be physically and mentally fit for a job in the field
  • Provide proof of medical insurance coverage
  • Have no felonies on their record
  • Weight no more than 270 pounds.

The school’s instructors are certified by the Department of Labor.

Northwest Lineman College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Contact Information

  • Address: 7600 S Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
  • Phone: 800-338-8875
  • Website: https://lineman.edu

5Idaho School of Massage Therapy and Clinic

About the School

Idaho School of Massage Therapy and Clinic prepares students for the licensing exam and a successful career in massage therapy.

The 635-hour program takes approximately 10 months to complete and is offered in daytime and evening schedules to accommodate students’ needs.

Tuition is $8,400 for the 635-hour program and $9,280 for the 690-hour program (which also includes an Elective in Connective Tissue Bodywork).

Supplies and books cost an additional $800.

The program covers core scientific classes, such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Kinesiology as well as Western and Eastern Massage Techniques, such as Sweated Massage, Seated Chair Massage, Clinical Massage, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, and more.

To qualify for admission, applicants need:

  • Proof of high school diploma or GED
  • Completed Application with an Essay and Interview
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Medical Clearance and Attestation

Courses Offered

The massage therapy curriculum covers topics such as:

  • Anatomy and Physiology- 96 hours of training in total
  • Swedish Massage and Bodywork- 72 hours
  • Business and Ethics- 28 hours
  • Hydrotherapy- 12 hours
  • And more

The program also gives students more than 90 hours of student clinic experience and 16 hours of case studies.

Contact Information


6SAGE Truck Driving Schools

About the School

SAGE Truck Driving Schools prepare students for CDL licensing tests and careers as commercial drivers.

With schools located all over the country at its 25 locations, SAGE also has partnerships with companies that can become students’ employers.

Before starting the hands-on part of the training, students have to obtain a commercial driver’s instruction permit.

This permit can be obtained after passing the CLP exam.

SAGE also helps students in this process by providing a CDL Permit Prep Tests that cover: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Doubles & Triples, Tankers, and Hazardous Materials.

After passing this exam, students can begin their behind-the-wheel training.

To qualify for a CDL license, applicants must:

  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Pass a physical/medical exam
  • Obtain a score of a minimum of 80% on the permit test

SAGE is a member of the American Trucking Associations, the National Safety Council, and the Truckload Carriers Association.

Training costs vary depending on location.

The schools offer several tuition assistance alternatives for students who qualify.

Contact Information


7Milan Institute of Cosmetology

About the School

Milan Institute of Cosmetology offers training programs in healthcare, beauty, business, and massage therapy.

With campuses in California, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas, Milan Institute has helped more than 35,000 graduates to date.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school’s campus in Boise, Idaho:

  • Dental Assistant- a program that prepares students for future tasks, such as making appointments, sending bills, handing instruments to dentists during treatment, preparing instrument trays, and more
  • Esthetician- a program that prepares students with the skills needed when providing skincare services and prepares them for the State Board examination
  • Massage Therapy- a program that includes classes in Anatomy and Physiology, Movement Arts, Pathology and Eastern Arts, Deep Tissue, CPR, Spa Techniques, and more
  • Medical Assisting- students enrolled in this program learn how to perform the tasks needed for an entry-level position in a variety of medical settings
  • Manicurist/Nail Technology- a program that covers the basic manipulative skills, correct work habits, and the skills needed for the State Board Exam and entry-level positions as manicurists

Contact Information


8Pro-Weld Welding School

About the School

Pro-Weld Welding School offers welding/fabrication training that covers a variety of processes, as well as blueprint reading and welding symbols.

Students learn from a Certified Welding Inspector with more than 20 years of experience in the structural steel industry.

Costs vary depending on the program and its duration.

The 36-week Welder Fabrication program takes place two days per week, three hours per day, and costs $3,500.

A 24-week Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is also available and costs $3,600.

The 24-week Pipe Welding Course (6G) costs $2,500 while the 52-week Pipe Welding Course (6GR) costs $4,500.

According to the school’s website, students are expected to attend all sessions of the course in which they are enrolled, and they may be dropped if absences add up to more than 10 percent of the total number of hours included in the class.

Courses Offered

Curriculum structure varies depending on the program, but these are some of the courses offered at the school:

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
  • Pipe Welding
  • Oxygen-Acetylene Burning
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Quality Control
  • Welding Symbols
  • And more

The programs also allow students to take welder qualification tests administered by a Certified Welding Inspector.

Contact Information


9Carrington College

About the School

Carrington College offers a variety of healthcare training programs at its Boise campus.

Costs vary depending on the program.

The Medical Assisting program costs $17,542 while the Dental Hygiene program costs $63,245 in total.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school:

  • Medical Assisting- a program that teaches students how to perform clinical and clerical duties such as taking vital signs, recording patient histories, and scheduling appointments
  • Dental Assisting- a program that prepares students for daily tasks, such as passing instruments, sterilizing equipment, and more
  • Pharmacy Technology- students enrolled in this program learn how to create prescription labels, maintain patients profiles, complete cash register transactions, prepare insurance claims forms, and more
  • Dental Hygiene- students learn how to remove plaque and tartar, polish teeth, train patients on oral health, and many other skills
  • Health Studies- this program is for students who have earned a certificate with a minimum of 24 semester credit hours and want to earn an associate’s degree
  • Massage Therapy- a program that prepares students for careers in spas, clinics, hotels, fitness centers, and many other settings that provide massage therapy services
  • Medical Billing and Coding- a program that equips students with the skills needed when processing electronic health records and bills to be sent to insurance companies
  • Nursing Bridge- a program designed for licensed practical nurses who want to advance in their careers
  • Physical Therapist Assistant- a program that prepares students for a career working under the supervision of a physical therapist
  • Practical Nursing- a program that teaches bedside care skills, taking and recording vital signs, assisting patients with personal hygiene, and other skills related to patient care

Contact Information


10160 Driving Academy

160 Driving Academy prepares students for rewarding careers in the trucking industry.

The school has more than 100 locations all over the country, including one in Boise.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage reported by truck drivers in Idaho was $48,180, with wages ranging from $30,000 to more than $63,000, depending on experience level, education, and a variety of other factors.

This profession is projected to grow 6 percent in the United States from 2020 to 2030, with 231,100 openings projected for each year over the decade.

Courses Offered

160 Driving Academy offers a four-week Comprehensive CDL Training Course which includes:

  • One week spent in the classroom where students prepare for the written exam
  • The other three weeks are spent on the road and help students prepare for the practical exams

The school has a four-to-one student-to-instructor ratio, thus allowing each student to receive the attention they need

Payment plan options are available, and students may also receive sponsorship from their future employers.

Evening and daytime classes are available to accommodate students’ busy schedules.

Contact Information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants900$52,160$25.08$67,040$26,400
Medical Records Specialists730$51,290$24.66$73,950$37,040
Nursing Assistants2,870$37,190$17.88$45,250$30,840
Dental Assistants1,290$39,580$19.03$47,060$31,020
Medical Assistants1,940$41,140$19.78$46,990$34,660
Phlebotomists350$44,590$21.44$80,820$30,300
Electricians2,150$54,210$26.06$76,630$36,350
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters1,620$60,070$28.88$86,190$37,040
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics1,710$47,560$22.86$74,910$29,540
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers1,580$50,280$24.17$67,670$36,600
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Boise City, ID metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to put your dreams on hold because you can’t afford to spend four years in college.

The schools included in our list offer education programs that can prepare you for a rewarding career in less than two years.

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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