10 Best Trade Schools inAlexandria, VA

1Center for Employment Training

About the School

The Center for Employment Training is offering classes that prepare students for careers in many different fields.

Students have access to hands-on training, thus getting ready for employment right after graduation.

In Alexandria, students have two training options: Building Maintenance and HVAC specialist.

CET is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education which gives students the opportunity of applying for federal financial assistance programs.

Courses Offered

The following training programs are available at the Center’s campus in Alexandria:

• Building Maintenance
• HVAC Specialist

The Building Maintenance program gives students the chance to participate in projects that include framing, plumbing, electrical, and drywall.

The curriculum covers topics such as:

• Safety Standards
• Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing
• Trade-related English and Math
• Blueprint Reading
• Interior & Exterior Maintenance
• Concepts in Customer Service
• And more

Graduates are ready for a career as maintenance workers.

The class is 900-hour long and can be completed in 8-9 months.

The HVAC specialist program covers topics such as:

• HVAC Safety
• Residential Electricity
• Principles of Electricity
• Heating Systems
• Basic Computers
• HVAC Tools
• Applied Mathematics in an HVAC Context
• Piping Systems
• Duct Work
• And more

Students who attend this program 30 hours per week, usually finish the 780-hour program in 7-8 months.

Graduates are ready for careers as HVAC Installers, Service Technicians, Refrigeration Mechanic, Air Conditioning Installer, and other positions in this field.

Classes include between 20-25 students, depending on the program.

The HVAC specialist program costs approximately $12,000-$13,000 which includes books, project supplies, and tools.

Contact Information

• Address: 6295 Edsall Rd #220, Alexandria, VA 22312, United States
• Phone: (703) 461-9767
• Website: https://cetweb.edu

2Northern Virginia Community College

About the School

Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus has more than 50 years of experience in education.

The College has over 14,000 students.

It employs 3,400 faculty and staff members.

Tuition is $180.40 per credit hour for Virginia students and $359.65 for out-of-state students.

Additional fees include capital fees and student activities fees.

In-state tuition rates apply to students who have lived in Virginia for at least one year before the first day of class.

Admission is open to any person 18 years of age or older.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Northern Virginia Community College is one of the 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System approved by the State Board for Community Colleges and the Virginia Community College System.

Courses Offered

NOVA is providing traditional and nontraditional courses, including on-campus classes, online courses, and hybrid learning options.

There are more than 120 degree and certificate programs students can choose from.

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.

Students have access to programs in business, computer science, engineering, applied technologies, information technology, education, physical and life sciences, and more.

The College’s catalog includes applied technology programs in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Architecture Technology, Automotive Technology, Construction Management, Data Center Operations, Engineering Technology, and Welding.

Contact Information

Address: 5000 Dawes Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311, United States

Phone: 703.323.3000

Website: https://www.nvcc.edu/alexandria

3Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage

About the School

Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage offers a training program designed to prepare students for a career in massage therapy.

Tuition for this program is $11,200, while books and supplies cost an additional $400.

The application fee is $50.

The following are required for admission:

• High school diploma or college diploma or transcript, or GED
• Proof of age

Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage is accredited by the NACCAS.

The program has a 90% completion rate and a 71% job placement rate.

According to the school’s website, graduates have a massage licensing exam pass rate of 95%.

Courses Offered

The program combines science with massage and bodywork.

The curriculum covers topics in:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Pathology
• Ethics
• Business
• Massage Theory and Practice
• Alternative Modalities
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Fieldwork
• And more

During the duration of this program, students learn the following massage techniques: Swedish massage, Deep tissue massage, Sports Massage, Clinical/Medical Massage.

The program includes 600 hours of training and can be completed in 7 months.

Graduates are ready to sit for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination.

Students must obtain an average grade of at least 70% for graduation.

Contact Information

• Address: 6402 Arlington Blvd. Suite 840 Falls Church, VA 22042
• Phone: 703.533.3113
• Website: https://www.nvschoolofmassage.com/

4The National Association of Power Engineers Educational Foundation

About the School

The National Association of Power Engineers Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1990.

The association offers training programs that teach students how to operate commercial and residential building properties.

You can register for courses by visiting the school’s website.

Courses Offered

The following engineering courses and seminars are available:

• Introduction to Engineering
• Plant Equipment and Operations
• Low-Pressure Boilers
• High-Pressure Boilers
• Principles of Electricity
• Electric Motors
• Electrical Systems, Code & Theory
• Schematics
• Air Conditioning – I, II, III
• Heat Pumps
• Refrigeration
• Controls I – Basic
• The Managing Engineer
• Blueprint Reading

Classes are between 6-70 hours long, depending on the program.

The following license preparation and continuing education classes are also available:

• Virginia Journeyman and Master Mechanical
• Maryland 3rd Class Exam Preparation
• Virginia Tradesman Continuing Education Seminars
• LEED- GA Prep Seminar
• National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers

In addition to these individual class certificates, the association is also offering four certification programs, namely: General Certificate of Engineering, General Certificate of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Certified Supervising Engineer, and Certificate of Electrical Proficiency.

The deadline to apply for these programs is in November and May.

Contact Information

• Address: 5520 Cherokee Avenue, Suite 250, Alexandria, Virginia 22312
• Phone: 703-845-7055
• Website: https://napeef.org

5Global Health Institute

About the School

Global Health Institute is offering practical nursing programs.

If you decide to enroll in one of their programs the first step is to complete an application.

Students have to meet the following admission requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Obtain a passing score at a pre-entrance exam
• Provide proof of identification
• Provide a high school diploma or equivalent
• Pass a criminal background check
• Evidence of a physical exam
• Evidence of current immunization
• Undergo a drug test
• Interview with Admission Committee
• Attend CPR classes

The application fee is $30, while the test fee is $40.

Total costs for the Practical Nursing program sum up to $21,055, while the Medication Aide Certification program costs $670.

If you want to apply for the Medicine Aide Program, you need to be a Certified Nurse’s Aide.

After being accepted into the program, each student has to attend an Orientation Program – where they will review and discuss the program and its curriculum.

Courses Offered

The following classes are available

• Practical Nursing – Diploma program
• Medication Aide – Certificate program

The Practical Nursing Curriculum is 1,328 hours long and includes classes such as Structure and Function, Diet and Nutrition, Geriatric Nursing, Med-Surgical I, Psychiatric, Maternity, Pediatric, and more.

The Medication Aide program is 68 hours long and includes lectures and clinical practice.

Contact Information

• Address: 30 South Quaker Lane Suite 220; Alexandria Virginia 22314
• Phone: (703) 212-7410
• Website: http://global.edu/

6Victory Career College

About the School

Victory Career College is offering in-person and distance education training that prepares students for the licensing exams.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program you choose.

The 720-hour Massage Therapy program costs approximately $10,580.

The 1,600-hour Cosmetology program is approximately $21,670.

The 600-hour Skincare program costs $11,400.

Federal student aid is available to students who qualify.

You can apply for admission to one of the school’s programs by completing an application and paying a $100 fee.

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and need a copy of their high school diploma or equivalent.

They also must submit photo identification, a social security number, or temporary tax identification.

Victory Career College is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.

Courses Offered

The following classes are available

• Massage Therapy Course – 720 hours
• Cosmetology – 1,600 hours
• Barbering – 1,500 hours
• Skincare – 600 hours
• Nail care – 600 hours

The curriculum structure varies depending on the program.

The Cosmetology program includes classes such as:

• Hairstyling analysis
• Straightening, Waving
• Hair Coloring and Bleaching
• Haircutting
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Disinfection/Sanitation/Bacteriology
• Facial Chemicals
• And many more

Contact Information

• Address: 4401 Ford Ave, Alexandria, VA 22302, United States
• Phone: 310 808 9194
• Website: https://victorycareercollege.edu

7Spectrum Beauty Academy

About the School

Spectrum Beauty Academy is offering accelerated courses at affordable prices.

The classes are designed to prepare students for a career in the beauty industry.

Costs vary between $2,300-$9,875, depending on the class.

Students must be at least 16 years of age for admission.

Applicants need to submit an enrollment application and have to attend an interview with a school representative.

Classes begin on the second Monday of each month.

If you’re considering enrolling in one of their classes, you should first visit the academy to speak with an admission officer.

Grants and scholarships are available for students who qualify.

Courses Offered:

The following classes are available:

• Master Esthetics Course – $6,750
• Barber Course – $7,975
• Cosmetology Course – $9,550
• Nail Technology Course – $2,300
• Esthtics Course – $9,875

A 3.5-hour business boot camp is also available, and it costs $250.

The Cosmetology class prepares students for the state board licensing and their career beyond licensure.

The Master Esthetics Course combines training and hands-on experience in anti-aging and acne care, body treatments, back treatments, and advanced waxing techniques.

Before taking the Master Esthetics program, you must be a licensed Esthetician.

Contact Information

• Address: 25 S. Quaker Lane Ste. 15 Alexandria, VA 22314
• Phone: 703-370-9700
• Website: https://www.learnatspectrum.com/

8Classic Nurses Academy

A family-owned and operated nursing academy, Classic Nurses Services offers healthcare services in homes, institutions, and other facilities.

If you’re a compassionate person and you enjoy caring for other people a healthcare career can be a good option for you.

Besides healthcare services, Classic Nurses also offers training classes through its Academy.

About the School

Classic Nurses offers training for nursing qualifications.

Classes are available at four locations across Virginia, namely Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Woodbridge.

The school has experience in the field of over 20 years.

Students who attend the school are ready for the following certifications:

• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Basic Life Support Certification
• Certified Home Health Aide

The school offers a curriculum that focuses on hands-on learning, thus preparing students for real-life situations.

The training period takes place in a friendly environment.

Because the programs are available in flexible hours, you may manage to keep a job while preparing for a new career.

Courses Offered

The classes included in the school’s catalog prepare students for healthcare careers as Nursing Assistants or Home Health Aide.

Basic life support classes are also available.

Contact Information

• Address: 85 S Bragg St #103, Alexandria, VA 22312, United States
• Phone: 703-658-9575
• Website: https://www.classicnursesservices.com

91st CDL Training Center of NOVA

About the School

Founded in 2011, the 1st CDL Training Center of NOVA is offering professional CDL training for Class A, Class B, and Bus training.

The school assists students in getting their learner’s permit and provides them with actual hands-on experience.

Job placement assistance is also available.

Classroom training is combined with in-vehicle training and is available full-time or part-time.

Full-time classes take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Part-time classes are available during the weekends 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Classes start on the first and third Monday of each month.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available

Class A – for operating tractor-trailers or a combination of vehicles that have a gross combination weight of more than 26,000 pounds and towing vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,000 pounds.

Class B – a class that is available for the following two categories:

• CDL B- for those who want to drive dump trucks
• CDL B (P) – for those who want to drive passenger vehicles

According to the school’s website, the class A course is their most in-demand class because this category leads to better job prospects.

Contact Information

• Address: 5716 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22303
• Phone: 703-347-7999
• Website: https://www.cdlnow.com

10National Personal Training Institute

About the School

The National Personal Training Institute is offering training classes for people who want to become personal trainers.

Classes are available at many locations across the United States.

Students can choose between day, evening, and weekend classes to fit their busy schedules.

The programs combine class instruction with supervised, hands-on practical experience.

Students learn from highly skilled personal fitness training instructors with years of work experience.

The program teaches new exercises as well as methods of designing and implementing a wide variety of exercises.

The curriculum covers topics in human physiology, anatomy, nutrition, and diet.

Financial assistance is also available.

Tuition costs vary by location.

Courses Offered

The school offers a Master Personal Training Program.

This is a hands-on personal training program that leads to a diploma that is valid across the United States

The program also includes CPR/AED and First Aid Certification, and 100 hours of nutrition education.

Also included are daily lectures that can be accessed from the comfort of your home and daily hands-on applications of materials.

Students receive study materials.

The school offers lifetime job placement assistance.

The program is 500-hours long.

After graduation, you will be ready to start a career as a certified personal trainer.

Continuing education classes are also available online.

Contact Information

• Address: 1901 Mt Vernon Avenue, Suite B, Alexandria, VA 22301
• Phone: 1-800-960-6294
• Website: https://nationalpti.org