10 Best Trade Schools inKentucky

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Despite the stigma surrounding vocational education, it has proven over an over again that it can be a very valuable career choice.

Although many desire to attend a traditional four-year college, what people don’t know is that almost half of all the students eventually drop out.

That means that they are left without a bachelor’s degree, and without valuable skills needed to succeed in life.

However, trade schools are an amazing alternative that can yield great results.

Kentucky has some excellent trade schools that specialize in various areas of expertise.

Check out our list to find out which school are the most beloved by students.



State FlagTrade Schools by City


1Knight School of Welding

Knight School of Welding is a renowned welding school in Kentucky with hundreds of students.

Being a welder is one of the highest-paid jobs, but there aren’t enough trained professionals to fill in these roles.

Welding is an extremely demanding skill that takes a lot of practice, so choosing a good educational facility is crucial.

Luckily, the Knight School of Welding sets the standards in the Kentucky area.

They offer multiple accessible courses suited for both beginners and advanced students.

The staff is amazing and always willing to help students to further develop their skills.

It’s a great institution that’s highly-praised by students.

By becoming a welder, you’re almost guaranteed to find a job straight upon completion of their courses.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. All applicants must be in good health to operate the equipment.

Fees: The tuition fees for their courses are $3,600 on average.

The school offers the following courses:

  • (GMAW) MIG Welding & AWS Certification Testing
  • (SMAW) STICK Welding & AWS Certification Testing
  • (GTAW) TIG Welding & AWS Certification Testing
  • (FCAW) FLUX CORED Arc Welding & AWS Certification Testing
  • 6G PIPE-UPHILL Welding & AWS Certification Testing

Contact information:


2College for Technical Education

College for Technical Education’s goal is to provide students with a high-quality education that will enable them to successfully pursue desired careers in the future.

Initially founded in 1997, this college has served and educated thousands of aspiring specialists.

Their programs have been custom-tailored to meet all students’ needs and to help them further develop their skills and knowledge.

The programs have been accredited by the Council of Occupational Education.

They have also been licensed by the Kentucky Council on post-Secondary Education, as well as the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists.

CTE also offers job placement assistance to help students find a suitable job position after graduating from one of their courses.

Not only do they teach specific trade skills, but they also teach students professional conduct, how to write resumes,  and how to behave at job interviews.

Enrollment: All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: On average, tuition fees for their courses are around $16,380

The school offers the following courses:

  • Building trades technician
  • Cosmetology
  • Cosmetology Instructor apprentice
  • Early childhood education
  • Medical assistant
  • Medical billing and coding

Contact information:

  • College for Technical Education
  • Address: 1165 Centre Parkway, Ste 120, Lexington, KY 40517
  • Phone: 859-272-5225
  • Website: https://www.cte.edu/

3Lexington Healing Arts Academy

Lexington Healing Arts Academy is a very unique institution that focuses both on education and spiritual self-development.

The atmosphere at this school is very relaxing, making it a perfect sanctuary for students eager to obtain new skills.

They have successfully taught hundreds of students in the past, and each year even more students are attracted to this school due to its excellence.

The skills obtained by learning yoga techniques will not only help them score a job, but they will also prove to become valuable life lessons.

LHAA’s instructors are focused on practical work so that students have enough knowledge and skills to start working immediately after graduation.

Their programs are very affordable.

The school was licensed by the Kentucky State Board of Proprietary Education.

Their curriculum was also accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Enrollment: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age. They also must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: The tuition fees for each of the courses go as follows:

  • Massage therapy – $12,500
  • Personal fitness training – $12,630
  • Yoga teacher training – $3,525

The school offers the following courses:

  • Massage therapy
  • Personal fitness training
  • Yoga teacher training

Contact information:


4Louisville School of Massage

This is yet another excellent school that focuses on massage therapy.

Louisville School of Massage  has a very long tradition as it was founded way back in 1986,

LSM is one of the best school in the massage therapy field that has served hundreds of satisfied students so far, with more to come.

The school has grown immensely since its humble beginnings.

They operate according to the latest industry standards and teach modern techniques.

All instructors have an amazing relationship with students because they know that having a supportive educator can be crucial in one’s educational journey.

They are industry professionals with decades of combined experience in the field of massage therapy,

Students who graduate from their program will have an opportunity to become licensed massage therapists.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. Everyone’s welcome to apply.

Fees: Get in touch with their admissions office to get further information about the tuition fees.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Massage therapy

Contact information:


5Century Real Estate School

Century Real Estate School aims to successfully prepare students to take the Kentucky State Real Estate Exam and become licensed realtors.

All their courses must be completed either in a year or six months, depending on the course.

CRES takes pride in offering top-notch education at very reasonable prices.

Real Estate is a booming industry eager to accept aspiring professionals.

The instructors at this school are very experienced and know the industry very well.

That is exactly why their insight is extremely valuable to students.

By attending this school, students get an opportunity to learn more about the industry and obtain the skills needed to succeed.

The reviews for this school are stellar and the students are particularly fond of the instructors.

CRES acknowledges the importance of learning in a calm and interactive environment, so all their courses are very dynamic and entertaining.

Enrollment: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. They also must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Fees: The fees for each of the courses go as follows:

  • 96 hours combo of the classroom and online classes – $595
  • 96 hours of online classes – $425

The school offers the following courses:

  • 96 hours combo of the classroom and online classes
  • 96 hours of online classes

Contact information:


6Ross Medical Education Center

Ross Education is a great vocational facility that specializes in medical assistance and medical administration.

They aim to provide the best education at reasonable prices so that everyone has an equal chance.

The courses have been custom-tailored to offer a fast-tracked, yet still high-quality, program that will allow students to seek employment straight upon completion.

All their facilities have been accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Upon graduation, students will also be able to get certified as CMA or RMA.

Enrollment: All applicants must provide proof of education (high school diploma, GED, or equivalent)

Fees: The tuition fee for all courses is around $15,740. They also support Financial Aid programs.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration
  • Dental Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Nursing
  • Practical Nursing
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Business Management

Online courses:

  • Human, Social, and Health Services
  • Health Administrative Services
  • Medical Office Management
  • Medical Billing Administrative Specialist
  • Medical Assistant

Contact information:

  • Ross Medical Education Center
  • Address: 1751 Scottsville Road #1, Bowling Green, KY 42104
  • Phone: 866-815-5578
  • Website: https://rosseducation.edu/

7American College of Barbering

American College of Barbering is a very modern institution that inspires creativity and uniqueness.

Their aim is to provide students with an excellent education that will help them further their careers and obtain the skills needed to succeed in the barbering industry.

The staff is very dedicated and keen on encouraging individuality in students.

They strive for excellence and will stop at nothing to teach students the most important tricks of the trade.

The facilities at this school are very modern and hold 25 barber chairs, three shampoo units, a laundry room, a locker room, and a chemical station.

The curriculum is very progressive and energetic, making students even more involved.

Enrollment: All applicants must be legal US citizens and must have a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: Tuition fee for their course is $16,972

The school offers the following courses:

  • Barbering

Contact information:


8Louisville Bartending School

Louisville Bartending School is a fully licensed and accredited institution by the State of Kentucky.

They have been operating since 1990 and have taught hundreds of aspiring bartenders.

The curriculum is very hand-on which motivates students to learn more and further develop their skills.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, bartenders are in high-demand.

That means that students can potentially score jobs straight upon completion of the course.

If that’s not enough, this school also offers a job assistance program where they help students with finding a suitable job option.

Bartending is a fast-paced job that requires knowledge, creativity, and dedication.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. Everyone’s welcome to apply.

Fees: Contact the school via the phone number below to get further information about tuition costs, financial aid, and financing options.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Mixology

Contact information:


9Institute of Dental Technology

Institute of Dental Technology is an admirable institution that offers fast-tracked dental assisting programs.

Students will become trained dental assistants in under 16 weeks.

Dental Assisting is another potentially profitable career choice that can yield excellent results in the future.

Students praise this institution for being very organized, student-oriented, and for having useful and accessible courses.

Having proper training is crucial since dental assistants have to perform many tasks, including caring for patients.

That’s precisely why IDT strives to provide its students with the best material and curriculum.

Enrollment: All students must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or a home school state-issued certificate
  • Applicants must complete an application for enrollment
  • Dental applicants must submit documentation of Hepatitis B vaccination or sign a declination form.

Fees: The tuition fee for their courses is $9,000

The school offers the following courses:

  • Expanded duties dental assistant
  • Clinical and business assistant

Contact information:

  • Institute of Dental Technology
  • Location 1: 2720 Old Rosebud Rd. Suite 230, Lexington, KY 40509
  • Location 2: 6900 Houston Rd. Building 500 Ste 10, Florence, KY 41042
  • Phone 1: 859-368-0575
  • Phone 2: 859-372-0373
  • Website: https://idtky.com/

10Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College is a renowned institution that has served thousands of students.

This is more than just a regular school – it’s a loving community.

They want to inspire students to achieve their goals and provide them with the tools to make their dreams come true.

The facilities are state-of-the-art, and they offer many useful programs.

Of course, the Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Enrollment: All applicants must be legal US citizens. They also must have a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: Tuition fees for each of the courses go as follows:

  • Air conditioning technology – $1,955 – $12,362
  • Associate in arts – $13,351 – $13,521
  • Associate in science – $13,351 – $13,521
  • Automotive technology – $758 – $13,489
  • Business administration systems – $2,253 – $14,419
  • Collision repair technology – $2,878 – $13,158
  • Computer and information technology – $771 – $13,289
  • Computerized manufacturing and machining technology – $3,046 – $14,581
  • Culinary arts – $4,749 – $15,307

The school offers the following courses:

  • Air conditioning technology
  • Associate in arts
  • Associate in science
  • Automotive technology
  • Business administration systems
  • Collision repair technology
  • Computer and information technology
  • Computerized manufacturing and machining technology
  • Culinary arts

Contact information:

  • Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
  • Address: 1845 Loop Dr. Bowling Green, KY 42101
  • Phone: 270-901-1000
  • Website: https://southcentral.kctcs.edu/

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants2,800$51,020$24.53$73,780$35,620
Medical Records Specialists4,210$45,180$21.72$62,120$30,040
Nursing Assistants19,000$32,180$15.47$37,360$24,650
Dental Assistants3,320$40,430$19.44$55,540$28,210
Medical Assistants12,690$34,760$16.71$43,350$28,010
Phlebotomists2,270$35,760$17.19$45,080$21,470
Electricians9,210$55,840$26.85$77,270$35,300
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters5,900$59,200$28.46$84,020$32,080
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics8,600$39,920$19.19$60,640$24,460
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers5,240$50,810$24.43$70,440$30,660
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Kentucky, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

In the past, vocational education was very popular and highly-praised.

Nowadays, however, not many students are even familiar with this type of schooling.

That is exactly why specialized workers are in high demand and why trade school have been gaining a lot of traction again.

Don’t be afraid to explore the world of vocational education as it can be very lucrative.