Trade SchoolsMcAllen trade schools can prepare you for employment in a variety of in-demand fields, including welding, cosmetology, medical assisting, dental assisting, HVAC, and more.
If you want to start a rewarding career but you cannot afford to spend four years in higher education, trade school can be a viable alternative.
By focusing almost exclusively on the skills that are directly relevant to the student’s future career, trade programs can usually be completed in one or two years, and some only last a few months.
To help you choose the program and the format that best meets your needs, on this page we have compiled information about the best trade schools in McAllen and the programs they offer.
We invite you to read further and choose the program that best meets your needs.
1South Texas Vocational Technical Institute of McAllen, TX
About the School
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute of McAllen, TX provides an expansive campus and industry-experienced instructors to help students succeed in their professional journey.
The programs available at the college are intentional and designed with each student’s individual goals in mind.
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, as a branch campus of Miller-Motte College in Chattanooga.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Dental Assisting- a program that prepares students with hands-on experience and teaches them how to assist physicians in dental procedures, perform teeth cleanings, process x-rays, and also covers office management skills
- Medical Clinical Assistant- a program that prepares students with hands-on experience and training necessary when pursuing a career in medical offices
- HVAC and Basic Refrigeration- a program that prepares students for a career where they meet different types of people and help them solve any issues with their heating or air conditioning equipment
- CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer training is also available at the school
Contact Information
- Address: 1800 S. Main Street, Suite 500, McAllen, TX 78503
- Phone: (866)-480-9766
- Website: https://www.stvt.edu/campuses/texas/mcallen
2McAllen Careers Institute
About the School
McAllen Careers Institute provides pipefitting and welding training programs.
Students learn from NCCER trainers and AWS-certified field professionals who have decades of experience in the industry.
McAllen Careers Institute is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the McAllen Careers Institute:
- Pipefitting- a program that prepares students for careers in entry-level positions as pipefitters, steamfitters, industrial facilities, and other related careers
- Welding programs:
- Welder Specialist- a program designed to teach students how to safely set up and operate shielded metal arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and pipe welding
- Combo Pipe Welder- a program that prepares students in pipe welding processes including oxyfuel cutting, gouging, weld symbols, and TIG welding
- Stick and Pipe Welding- a program that covers welding safety, blueprint reading, layout, and fabrication, and teaches students how to use oxy-fuel gas and electric arc metal cutting equipment
Contact Information
- Address: 304 South Colonel Rowe Boulevard, McAllen, Texas 78501
- Phone: 956-618-5800
- Website: https://www.mcallencareersinstitute.edu
3The College of Health Care Professions
About the School
The College of Health Care Professions offers several certificate programs to help students get started toward new rewarding careers and also awards Associate Degree Completion Programs.
A range of scholarships, grants, military discounts, and other payment options are available to help students begin their healthcare education and cover tuition costs.
Courses Offered
The following program is available at the College of Health Care Professions:
- Dental Assistant- Certificate
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography- Associate in Applied Science
- Health & Medical Administrative Services- A.A.S.
- Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist with MA Skills- Certificate
- Medical Assistant- Certificate
- Medical Coding & Billing- Certificate
- Pharmacy Technician- Certificate
- Physical Therapy Technician- Certificate
The curriculum and the duration of the program vary depending on the pathway.
The Dental Assistant program includes seven modules of training and classes such as:
- HIPAA/OSHA/Infection Control
- Medical Terminology
- Overview of Anatomy & Physiology
- Introduction to Dental Assisting
- Tooth Morphology and Dental Charting
- Overview of Radiology
- Office Procedures and Resumes
- Dental Materials
- Dental Skills and Procedures
- Dental Externship
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1917 Nolana Ave, Ste 100 McAllen, TX 78504
- Phone: (956) 800-1500
- Website: https://www.chcp.edu
4South Texas Training Center
About the School
South Texas Training Center helps students succeed in their professions through affordable tuition, small class sizes, frequent start dates, and hands-on learning.
Courses offered
The following programs are available at the center:
- Medical Assistant- a program that teaches the administrative tasks and clinical skills needed in doctor’s offices and other medical facilities
- Nurse Aide- a program that prepares students with the basic nursing and personal care skills needed when caring for patients in facilities
- Patient Care Technician- students learn the clinical and patient care skills needed in dialysis clinics, laboratories, doctor’s offices, and hospitals
- Rehab Technician- a program that covers the skills essential to residents, clients, and patients in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare
- Asistente Ed Enfermeria
- Medical Office Coding and Billing Specialist- a program that covers the skills needed when working as a receptionist in a hospital or medical office, insurance specialist, or billing and collection coding specialist
Contact Information
- Address: 1220 N Malinche Ave Suite B (Laredo Campus)
- Phone: 956-727-4909
- Website: https://southtexastraining.com
5GA Beauty & Barber School
About the School
GA Beauty & Barber School offers training programs for students who want to start a career in the beauty and barber industries.
GA Beauty & Barber School is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Cosmetology Operator- a 1,000-clock-hour program that incorporates theory with extensive hands-on experience to provide students with a complete understanding of beauty and wellness
- Esthetician/Manicure- a 1,200-hour program that covers facials, waxing, and makeup application, as well as the artistry of nail design, manicure and pedicure techniques for hands, arms, and feet, the importance of safety, sterilization, and more
- Esthetician- a 750-clock-hour program that prepares students for careers as skin care specialists
- Manicure- a 600-clock-hour program that focuses on product knowledge, client safety, technique, speed, and building a clientele
- Class A Barber- 1,000-hour program that equips students with the classic skills, latest methods, and hands-on experience they need to be a professional barber
Contact Information
- Address: 3301 North Ware Road Suite A-C, McAllen, Texas 78501
- Phone: 956-664-2233
- Website: http://www.gabeautybarber.com
6Vogue College of Cosmetology
About the School
Vogue College of Cosmetology offers beauty education for aspiring cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians.
The school teaches the skills needed for success in the beauty industry and prepares students for work both in large and in small companies.
Graduates may start careers as hairdressers, open their own salons, or work as salon managers.
Students have access to a student salon where they gain practical experience in their field of expertise.
The school has been educating beauty students for more than 40 years and has educated more than 50,000 students so far.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Cosmetology Program
- Esthetics Program
- Nail Technology Program
Tuition for the 1000-hour Cosmetology program is $13,795.
Additional costs, such as registration, TDLR, books & kit bring the total cost to $15,845.
The Esthetics program costs $10,650 and includes 750 hours of training, while the 600-hour Nail Technology program costs $7,000 in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 W Fern Ave. McAllen, TX 78501
- Phone: (866) 227-3779
- Website: https://vogue.edu
7Enlightened Barber Academy
About the School
Enlightened Barber Academy provides training programs that prepare students for the barbering profession.
The program is designed with the student in mind using a training method that provides students with a thorough understanding of the material to prepare them with the skills needed when handling real-world problems.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Class A Barber 1,000 hours
- Cosmo to Barber- 300 hours
To qualify for admission, applicants need the following:
- High school diploma or GED if applicable- ATB exam is acceptable
- Classes begin every Monday
Full or part-time schedules are available to accommodate different lifestyles.
Contact Information
- Address: 1006 S. 10th St. Ste. 4 McAllen TX United States 78501
- Phone: (956) 627-0691
- Website: https://www.enlightenedbarberacademy.com
8Inter-Tech Technical School
About the School
Inter-Tech Technical School is centrally located in the heart of downtown McAllen.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Medical Assistant- a nine-month program that prepares students for work in a variety of settings, including clinics, nursing homes, emergency centers, to a hospital setting
- Medical Office Specialist- a six-month program that prepares students with the skills needed to handle front office responsibilities but also the skills for work in the billing and coding department
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Vocational Nursing
- Pharmacy Technician
- Nurse Aide Program
- Patient Care Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Emergency Medical Technology- Basic
- Nursing- Associate of Applied Science
Admission requirements vary depending on the program, including:
- Driver’s License
- Original Social Security Card
- Copy of high school diploma/GED or official high school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Entrance exam TEAS test
- A 150-200 words essay
- Interview
Contact Information
- Address: 1521 Galveston Ave, McAllen, TX, 78501
- Phone: (956) 682-4279
- Website: https://www.inter-techts.com
9Rio Grande Valley College
About the School
Rio Grande Valley College is located in the border city of Pharr, Texas, and is one of the most sought-after vocational schools in the Rio Grande Valley.
The college is located close to many cities in the Rio Grande Valley which allows students to travel from other cities with faster travel routes.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Vocational Nursing
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Nurse Aide Program
- Emergency Medical Technology- Basic
- Patient Care Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Nursing- Associate of Applied Science
The curriculum and the duration of the program vary from a few months to two years.
The Medical Assistant program takes about seven months to complete and includes 900 clock hours.
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing is a 45-week program and provides 60 semester credit hours in nursing.
Nursing students learn a variety of useful skills, including:
- How to use clinical reasoning and knowledge
- How to create evidence-based practice outcomes
- How to follow the standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the professional nurse
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5419 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX 78577
- Phone: (956) 781-6800
- Website: https://www.rgvcollege.edu
10DeVida Academy Lash Academy
About the School
If you want to become a licensed eyelash extension specialist, McAllen is home to DeVida Academy Lash Academy, a school that can prepare you with the skills needed for a career in this profession.
DeVida Academy Lash Academy provides in-person 16-week programs for students who want to become specialists in eyelash extensions.
The academy prepares students for the 320-hour Eyelash Extension Specialty License.
To apply for the Texas eyelash extension license, you must first complete an approved eyelash extension training program.
DeVida Academy Lash Academy is a TDLR-licensed beauty school.
Those interested can submit an application by email.
Contact Information
- Address: 5011 N McColl Rd, McAllen, Hidalgo County 78504
- Phone: 956-372-8635
- Website: https://www.devidalash.com
Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers
| Career | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 720 | $35,840 | $17.23 | $58,090 | $20,020 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 580 | $34,050 | $16.37 | $51,900 | $22,620 |
| Nursing Assistants | 1,790 | $27,580 | $13.26 | $33,110 | $23,040 |
| Dental Assistants | 640 | $33,330 | $16.02 | $44,150 | $26,410 |
| Medical Assistants | 2,510 | $29,040 | $13.96 | $35,410 | $22,010 |
| Phlebotomists | 450 | $30,690 | $14.76 | $36,370 | $24,740 |
| Electricians | 660 | $44,770 | $21.52 | $58,860 | $29,610 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 360 | $44,850 | $21.56 | $59,770 | $29,770 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 1,160 | $42,420 | $20.39 | $66,150 | $23,850 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 360 | $44,470 | $21.38 | $59,500 | $30,030 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of top trade programs in McAllen, the next step is to continue the research, choose the career path you want to pursue, and decide what school will help you learn the skills needed for entry-level employment.
This is an important step, so take your time and choose wisely.
Before submitting your application, take into account tuition costs, admission requirements, curriculum, accreditation, and all the other factors that are relevant to you.
Trade Schools by City in Texas
