10 Best Trade Schools inNebraska

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This page compiles information about 10 of the best trade schools in Nebraska.

Trade schools offer a real alternative to students who want to build a successful career but can’t afford to spend 4 years in college.

Nebraska trade schools train future professionals in some of the most in-demand industries, like healthcare, transportation, beauty and real estate.

This page also includes essential information about the schools and their programs, such as costs, duration, accreditation and more.

There are many great options out there so we invite you to read the information on this page and, depending on your skills and interests, choose the trade school that’s right for you.


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1Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics

The Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics is helping students become professional cosmeticians or estheticians in less than 6 months.

With a graduation rate of 86%, Capitol is one of the most popular hair schools in Nebraska and Iowa.

Students graduate, on average, in about 12 months from the 1800-hour Cosmetology Program.

Esthetics is a 600-hour program, taking students a little over 4 months to complete.

Enrollment. The first step in the enrollment process is an interview with the Admissions Personnel. Prospective students must pass the Entrance Exam with 80% or higher. Applicants who pass the exam have to submit the enrollment paperwork and pay the registration and kit fees. Achieving an 86% or higher on the Entrance Exam will earn you a $500 in-house scholarship.

Fees. Total tuition and fees sum up to $20,095 for the Cosmetology program and $11,400 for the Esthetics program. Grants, loans and scholarships are also available to qualifying students. Students must pay the Registration and Kit costs ($1,000 or $1,130, depending on the program) upfront to reserve their spot in the class.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology program
  • Esthetics program
  • Cosmetology instructor

Contact information:

  • Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics is located at 10803 John Galt Blvd, Omaha, Nebraska 68137
  • Phone: (402) 333-3329
  • Website: http://www.capitollook.com

2Quality Career Pathways

Quality Career Pathways is training students for great careers in the healthcare field.

The school offers Certified Nursing Assistant/CNA Courses, Certified Medication Aide/ CMA Courses and Basic Life Support/BLS Courses.

A course completion card from Quality Career Pathways training classes helps graduates obtain employment with high-quality healthcare providers throughout Nebraska.

Graduates have the chance to work in a variety of healthcare fields, including patient care, long-term care, nursing homes, care facilities, and much more.

The school is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and by the Department of Education.

Enrollment requirements vary by course. For the Certified Nursing Assistant program, applicants must be at least 15 years old and expected to turn 16 within three months of completion of the course.

Course length is between 3 hours and 76 hours, depending on the program.

Fees. Tuition ranges between $75 – $495, depending on the class.

Courses offered:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Certified Medication Aide
  • Children’s Hospital Pediatric Program
  • Basic Life Support
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • CNA Refresher course
  • Corporate Certifications

Contact information:


3Universal College of Healing Arts

Universal College of Healing Arts is training future massage therapists.

The College offers a 1000-hour pre-licensing Massage Therapy Diploma Program approved and licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services for the State of Nebraska.

Universal College of Healing Arts is accredited by the ABHES, the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools, for the Massage Therapy/Blended Diploma Program, the Associates Degree Program, and the Hellerwork Structural Integration Practitioner Program.

The College has a certificate of accreditation from the Nebraska Department of Education for its Associate degree program.

In order to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Nebraska, Applicants must be 19 years of age or older, must have a high school or GED diploma and have successfully completed a 1,000 hour approved pre-licensing Massage/ or 1025 hour Hellerwork course with an additional 60 hours of Pathology and 100 hours of Hydrotherapy.

Applicants must then pass the Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) to get their license.

Enrollment. To enroll at the Universal College of Healing Arts applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). There are no age limitations.

Fees. Tuition is $15,390 for the Massage Therapy Diploma Program, $8,481.6 for the Associates of Applied Science Degree and $23,500 for the Hellerwork Structural Integration Practitioner Program.

Financial aid is also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Massage Therapy Program
  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Hellerwork Structural Integration Practitioner Program

Contact information:

  • The school is located at 8702 North 30th Street, Omaha, Ne. 68112
  • Phone: 402-556-4456
  • Website: https://www.ucha.edu

4Omaha School of Massage Therapy

Another great school for future massage therapists is the Omaha School of Massage Therapy.

Founded in 1989, the school focuses on teaching and encouraging natural and holistic health through massage, bodywork and complementary alternative therapies.

The school’s educational objective is to provide students with the skills and knowledge for an entry-level position in the field of Massage Therapy.

Graduates will receive a Diploma and will be prepared for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards’ MBlex exam.

A full-time student needs a minimum of 12 months to complete the program. Omaha School of Massage Therapy offers a flexible program schedule of either morning or evening classes as well as full-time and part-time enrollment.

Enrollment. The school accepts applications throughout the year. Applicants need a school application with a one-paragraph essay on “Why you want to be a Licensed Massage Therapist”. Prospective students also need a high school diploma, transcripts or GED. Applicants will tour the school and meet with an Admissions Representative.

Fees. Tuition is $9,000. The application fee is $50 and massage oils and creams cost an additional $50-$100. Payment plans are also available.

Contact information:

  • The school is located at 5406 S 99th Street, Omaha, NE 68127
  • Phone: (402) 331-3694
  • Website: http://osmt.com

5Heartland Dental Assisting

Heartland Dental Assisting trains students to become dental assistants in just 10 weeks.

The school’s program offers small class sizes, personalized attention, and hands-on training in actual dental offices.

The school is approved and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Education, Division of Private Post-secondary Career Schools.

The school is approved to award a Certificate in Dental Assisting.

Tuition fees are laid out in the school’s handbook.

It is requested that the tuition cost be paid in full prior to the first day of class or a payment arrangement to be signed with Heartland Dental Assisting.

Enrollment. Applicants must provide proof of being at least 18 years old, complete the online application, sign an enrollment agreement and contact the school to pay or make arrangements to pay the tuition in full.

Fees. Financing options are available to qualifying students. Students can apply to be pre-approved for $3,850 which will be enough to cover tuition and processing fees.

Contact information:

  • The school is located inside of Eagle Run West Dental Group, 13215 Birch Dr. Suite 101, Omaha, Ne 68164.
  • Phone: (402) 498-8804  (Mon-Fri) / (402) 537-1344 (After-hours contact)
  • Website: https://www.omahadentalassisting.com

6Central States Safety & Training, LLC

The Central States Safety & Driver Training is providing CDL training for future professional drivers.

Central States Safety & Driver Training’s Professional CDL Training Program meets and exceeds the requirements set forth in the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations for Entry-Level Driver Training.

The training program also follows the standards for the classroom, lab and behind-the-wheel driving times set by the Professional Truck Drivers Institute.

After the training period, Central States Safety and Driver Training will administer the necessary CDL Skills tests.

Enrollment. Applicants to the Profession CDL Training program must have a valid CDL Learners Permit and be at least 18 years old, or 21 if they’re going to drive out-of-state. Among other things, applicants must have a clean driving record for the last 3 years, pass a DOT physical exam and a drug screen.

Fees. The total cost of the Professional CDL Driver Training Program is $3,000, including books and the cost of the drug screen. A $500 enrollment fee is required in advance.

Courses offered:

  • CDL (CLP) Basic Training
  • Professional CDL Training

Contact information:


7Xenon Academy

Xenon Academy is offering training programs for future cosmeticians, estheticians and barbers.

The Academy has been serving the professional beauty industry for more than 30 years.

Course duration varies by program: 1800 hours for the Cosmetology program, 600 hours for the Esthetics program, 1800 hours for Barbering training and 600 hours for Educator Training.

Xenon Academy aims to provide a beauty school education that not only prepares students to sit for the licensing exam but also helps students to be successful in their future careers.

Enrollment. Applicants need a copy of their High School Diploma or GED, a copy of the birth certificate and a Photo ID.

Fees. Tuition fees vary by program. The school offers financial aid to students who qualify. Financial aid is not available for the Barbering program.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • Barbering
  • Educator Training

Contact information:

  • The Grand Island school is located at 804 N. Webb Road, Grand Island, NE 68803
  • Phone: (308) 395-8600
  • The Omaha school is located at 8516 Park Drive, Omaha, NE 68127
  • Phone: (402)-393-2933
  • Website: https://www.xenonacademy.net

8Joseph's College

Joseph’s College is providing training for future cosmetologists.

Joseph’s College Cosmetology has been under the same ownership since 1965 and with six locations in the state of Nebraska, the College has trained thousands of licensed cosmetologists.

The Cosmetology program is designed to be completed in 52 weeks.

Joseph’s College Cosmetology is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

The College is also accredited by the State of Nebraska, Department of Health Bureau of Examining Boards.

After finishing the training period, students must pass a state exam to be licensed as a Cosmetologist within the State of Nebraska.

Licensure as a Cosmetologist will allow students to practice as hair designers, hairdressers, hairstylists, etc. for compensation.

The Cosmetologist license also allows one to become a salon owner, manager or trainer for a cosmetic company and many other areas of the beauty industry.

Fees. The Cosmetology program costs $19,300 if completed within normal time. Financial aid is also available to qualifying students.

Contact information:


9JTL Truck Driving Training

JTL Truck Driver Training is offering 160 hours of Class A CDL training.

The training program includes classroom and field training.

The field training includes backing, shifting, and maneuvering the vehicle in traffic.

The classroom training prepares students for the written CDL tests required for the commercial driving Permit and License including General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, Air Brakes, as well as the Double/Triple Trailer, Tanker and the Hazardous Materials tests.

JTL is a Third Party Tester for the State of Nebraska.

Graduates will complete the Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and Driving Test at JTL with one of the school’s examiners.

JTL Truck Driver Training is licensed by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.

Enrollment. Applicants must, among other things, pass a Department of Transportation physical exam, pass a drug screen and allow the school to obtain their driving record for the previous 3 years. Prospective students should have no DUI/DWI in the past 5 years. The complete list of requirements can be found on the school’s website.

Contact information:


10Randall School of Real Estate

Randall School of Real Estate is offering pre-license courses and exam prep courses for future real estate professionals.

In order to get a salesperson’s license in Nebraska applicants must be at least 19 years of age, must have a high school diploma or certificate of equivalency.

Applicants must have 60 clock hours in courses approved by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission (2 courses).

Applicants must pass the state licensing exam given by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

In order to get a broker’s license in Nebraska, applicants must be at least 19 years of age.

They must have a high school diploma or equivalency, two years of experience as a salesperson and a total of 120 hours in courses approved by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission (4 courses) or no experience but 180 hours in courses approved by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

All applicants must pass the state licensing exam given by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

Fees. Course prices range between $125 – $302.74, depending on the class.

Courses offered:

Pre-license courses

  • Real Estate Principles & Practices Class
  • Nebraska Real Estate Sales & Brokerage/Nebraska License Law
  • Exam Prep Course

Home-study courses:

  • Nebraska Real Estate Sales & Brokerage
  • Real Estate Law
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Real Estate Principles & Practices
  • Property Management

Continuing Education

  • Classroom Continuing Education
  • Online Continuing Education

Contact information:


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1,720$56,510$27.17$79,600$38,880
Medical Records Specialists1,770$46,300$22.26$62,560$32,900
Nursing Assistants15,120$35,020$16.84$42,430$29,440
Dental Assistants2,240$42,330$20.35$49,770$36,460
Medical Assistants2,470$39,360$18.92$48,460$30,750
Phlebotomists790$36,190$17.40$44,520$30,330
Electricians5,650$54,760$26.33$79,370$35,980
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters3,220$60,590$29.13$92,570$34,570
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics3,970$48,530$23.33$68,720$29,900
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers3,330$54,190$26.05$78,330$37,250
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Nebraska, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Nebraska trade schools offer educational programs designed to help students start rewarding careers in some of the most in-demand industries in a matter of months.

Once you find your true calling, start searching for the institution that is best suited for your educational needs.

Before enrolling at a trade school, make sure it is trustworthy and the classes are accredited by the government institutions.