10 Best Trade Schools inAnn Arbor, MI

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If you live in Ann Arbor, there are many schools that can prepare you for a rewarding career in just two years or less.

By focusing only on job-specific skills, most trade schools help students become ready for entry-level employment and/or licensure exams in just a few months.

The programs cover a wide range of career paths, including medical assisting, welding, cosmetology, automotive technology, massage therapy, and many other in-demand fields.

To help you choose the program that best meets your skills and career aspirations, on this page we have compiled information about the best trade schools in Ann Arbor.

We invite you to read our selection and continue with your own research before deciding where to enroll.


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1Oakland Schools Technical Campuses

About the School

Oakland Schools Technical Campuses provide students with the opportunity to graduate high school with industry certifications, on-the-job experiences, business connections, and college credits.

The school provides 17 programs at four technical campuses.

The Early College program lasts three years.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available at the Oakland Schools Technical Campuses:

  • Agriscience and Environmental Technologies
  • Automotive Technology
  • Collision Repair and Refinishing
  • Construction Technology
  • Cosmetology
  • Cybersecurity Networking
  • Energy-Electrical Technology
  • Engineering, Robotics & Mechatronics
  • Graphic & Communication Design
  • Health Sciences
  • Welding
  • And more

The curriculum varies depending on the pathway.

Students get to earn certifications specific to their industry of choice.

For example, Welding students may earn the following credentials:

  • OSHA-10 General Industry (Manufacturing)
  • American Welding Society- Certified Welder GMAW
  • American Welding Society- Certified Welder GTAW
  • American Welding Society- Certified Welder SMAW

Contact Information


2Ross Medical Education Center

About the School

Ross Medical Education Center provides training programs for students who want to start a career in the medical field.

Its Ann Arbor campus is located near the Secretary of State in the Glencoe Crossing strip mall on Washtenaw, being easily accessible by MI-23 and I-94, on the south side of the city.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school:

  • Medical Assistant- a 30-36 week program that equips students with the clinical and administrative skills to become a medical assistant
  • Dental Assistant- a 36-week program that prepares students for a career in a dental office

The Medical Assistant program includes six modules and also includes a six-week externship.

The program includes courses such as:

  • Introduction to the Office Laboratory
  • Medical Office Procedures
  • Keyboarding
  • Urinalysis
  • Introduction to Word Processing for the Medical Office
  • Financial Recordkeeping
  • Mathematical Applications in Medical Office
  • Medical Insurance Coding Procedures
  • Specialty Examinations and Procedures
  • Hematology
  • And more

Dental Assistant programs take classes such as:

  • Fundamentals of Dental Assisting
  • Introduction to the Dental Team
  • Skull Anatomy/Human Dentition
  • Dental Instruments and Equipment
  • Chairside Dental Assisting
  • Dental Law and Ethics
  • Dental Materials
  • Dental Laboratory Procedures and Prosthodontics
  • Dental Radiography and Clinical Procedures
  • And more

Contact Information


3Douglas J Aveda Institute

About the School

Douglas J Aveda Institute is a cosmetology school located in Ann Arbor.

The school was opened in 2004 and is centrally located in the city inside Nicholas Arcade and close to all major transportation.

Douglas J Aveda is the only institute to offer all three programs: Cosmetology, Esthiology & Massage Therapy.

The school has four full classrooms.

Day and evening classes are offered to accommodate different schedules.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Douglas J Aveda Institute:

  • Cosmetology- a 1,500-hour program that teaches techniques and skills in haircutting, styling, skincare, nail care, and makeup artistry
  • Esthiology- a 750-hour program that prepares students for careers as estheticians
  • Massage Therapy- this program prepares students for careers as massage therapists through classroom and digital classes as well as hands-on demonstrations

The school has a student salon and spa designed to simulate a professional massage environment.

Contact Information

  • Address: 333 Maynard St, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
  • Phone: 877.311.8957
  • Website: https://douglasj.edu

4Washtenaw Community College

About the School

Washtenaw Community College offers programs for students who are starting college, want to enhance their skills, change careers, or looking for classes to enrich their lives.

The college is accredited by the Washtenaw Community College.

Courses Offered

Programs are available in the following areas of study:

  • Health Sciences
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Human Services, Pre-Education & Public Safety
  • Manufacturing & Automotive
  • Apprenticeship & Union Trades
  • Career & Technical Education

Students can choose between a variety of programs, including:

  • Accounting- a program that leads to an Associate Degree
  • Automotive Test Technician- an Associate Degree program
  • Criminal Justice- Associate Degree
  • Occupational Studies- Associate Degree
  • Auto Body Repair- a program that leads to a Certificate
  • Automotive Cybersecurity- a Certificate program
  • Computer Systems Technology- Certificate
  • Graphic Design- Certificate
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-4800
  • Phone: 734-973-3300
  • Website: https://www.wccnet.edu

5Ann Arbor School of Massage, Herbal & Natural Medicine

About the School

Ann Arbor School of Massage, Herbal & Natural Medicine prepares students for careers in massage therapy through lectures, demonstrations, and practicum training with a focus on guided hands-on learning that takes place in smaller groups.

Tuition for the Medical Assistant program is $7,700 plus lab fees.

The curriculum also includes business and marketing training and integration of natural medicine principles.

Courses Offered

The school provides the following programs:

  • Herbal medicine classes
  • Massage therapy program

In addition to a diploma, the Massage Therapy program provides the student with help regarding their professional development, an herb lab, and a resource room.

Prospective students may visit the school.

A standard 30-minute sit-in on a class visit is offered for free.

Contact Information


6National Personal Training Institute

About the School

The National Personal Training Institute provides a diploma in personal training.

Hands-on and virtual classes are available at the institute.

Courses Offered

The following diploma options are available at the school:

  • 1,500-Hour Hybrid Personal Training Diploma Course
  • 2,500-Hour Virtual Personal Training Diploma Course

The 1,500-hour program curriculum consists of 300 hours of theory and allows students to apply the theory at a local NationalPTI gym with 200 hours of practical experience.

The theory parts cover topics such as Anatomy & Physiology, Posture/Movement Analysis, Nutrition, Business Practices, Program Design, and more.

The 2,500-hour program asks that students go over the practice in each class session after the lecture.

Classes start every six weeks.

Six-month and 12-month schedules are available with day, evening, and weekend classes.

Students receive a State Licensed Personal Training Diploma that does not expire, a Nutrition Certificate, lifetime job placement assistance, and after completing the program, a NASM CPT and NASM ACD (Academic Hands-on Certificate of Distinction).

Contact Information


7Ann Arbor Electrical JATC

About the School

Ann Arbor Electrical JATC offers training programs for students who want to become electricians.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school:

  • Five-year commercial
  • Four-year voice data video
  • Three-year residential

The five-year commercial program prepares students for work as construction electricians in residential, commercial, and industrial locations.

After completing the program, students will receive at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and at least 800 hours of related classroom training.

Graduates are ready to sit for the journeyman electrician licensing exam in the state of Michigan.

The four-year voice data program allows students to accumulate 4,800 hours of on-the-job training and 160 hours of related classroom instruction and become classified as installer technicians.

The three-year residential program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 160 hours of related classroom training.

Contact Information


8Heart to Heart Healthcare Training

About the School

Heart to Heart Healthcare Training prepares students for careers as healthcare professionals.

The school offers classes, as well as pre-exam reviews, resume writing, and job placement at local nursing homes and hospitals.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available at the school:

  • Certified Nurse Assistant
  • Medical Assistant Program
  • Phlebotomy Technician Program
  • CPR/AED/First Aid Course
  • Patient Care Technician Program
  • EKG Technician Course

Program duration varies depending on the pathway.

The Nurse Assistant program can be completed in two weeks, while the Medical Assistant program is 36 weeks long.

Tuition ranges between $1,000 and $5,500, depending on the program and its duration.

The Certified Nurse Assistant program costs $1,025, while the Medical Assistant program costs $5,500.

To qualify for admission into the Medical Assistant program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Pass a background check
  • Provide immunization records
  • A drug screen may be required for the externship

Contact Information


9Washtenaw Technical Middle College

About the School

Washtenaw Technical Middle College is the largest early college high school in the United States.

The college provides an environment where students can transition to college coursework at a pace that fits their needs.

Students can choose between more than 135 college certificate and degree programs.

More than 80 percent of graduates earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma without paying for tuition, fees, or books.

Courses Offered

Students have to choose one or two career pathways of interest from the following list:

  • Arts and Communication
  • Business, Management, Marketing & Technology
  • Health Services
  • Human Services
  • Engineering, Manufacturing, & Industrial Technology
  • Natural Resources & Agriscience

To qualify for admission into the ninth-grade program, students must be at least 13 years of age, be residents of Michigan, and have passing grades in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Contact Information


10Maker Works

About the School

Maker Works provides tools, space, and learning opportunities for students who want to build and practice new skills.

It was established in 2011 and is located in Ann Arbor, MI.

The 14,000-square-foot building hosts:

  • A selection of tools for wood, metal, textiles, plastic, jewelry, and electronics
  • Instruction on how to safely and efficiently use these tools
  • The space to make things
  • A welcoming community of interesting, creative people who make things

Courses Offered

Courses are available on the following trades:

  • Craft classes
  • Wood classes
  • Metal classes
  • Electronics classes
  • Jewelry classes
  • Software classes

Workshops are also available to provide a fun and unique learning experience and to allow participants to create an object they can take home.

Contact Information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants290$55,890$26.87$84,860$38,160
Medical Records Specialists350$51,290$24.66$66,230$36,090
Nursing Assistants3,060$38,180$18.36$45,180$33,150
Dental Assistants590$44,960$21.62$55,070$30,930
Medical Assistants1,480$40,580$19.51$45,290$35,170
Phlebotomists290$40,110$19.28$46,960$35,840
Electricians660$71,650$34.45$90,300$39,070
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters430$69,170$33.25$96,650$37,900
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics520$51,800$24.91$78,650$30,260
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers290$71,450$34.35$89,840$38,800
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Ann Arbor, MI metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have read our list of best trade schools in Ann Arbor, it’s time to choose the profession that best fits your skills and aspirations and decide what school will help you become employment ready.

This is an important step so make sure you are thorough in your research.


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