Trade SchoolsIf you live in Huntington and you want to start a rewarding career in the skilled trades field, this page is for you.
Here you will find more information about the top trade schools in the region and the programs they offer.
Most programs can be completed in less than that two years, which makes them a faster and less expensive alternative to four-year colleges.
A variety of career paths are available, from nursing and HVAC to welding and criminal justice.
We invite you to read our selection to find out more about the available options.
1Cabell County Career Technology Center
About the School
Cabell County Career Technology Center provides training programs for high school students and adults.
The center currently offers 13 pathways in career and technical fields to meet the needs and interests of all types of learners
Students can choose to take their classes fully on-site, or half-day with the academic portion completed at their home school.
The center also houses six evening adult programs, a daytime Practical Nursing program, and adult education programs.
Financial aid is available for adult programs.
Courses Offered
The following Career Technical Education programs are available at the center:
- Automotive Technology- 51-week full-time and 81-week part-time options are available
- Electrical Technician- a program that can be completed in one year by full-time students and in two years by part-time students
- Electrical Technician Advanced- this program can be completed in 28 weeks by full-time students and in one year by part-time students
- HVAC Technician- one-year full-time or two-year part-time options are offered
- HVAC Technician Advanced- students can graduate in 28 weeks part-time or in one year full time
- Practical Nursing- a one-year full-time program
- Welding- a program available part-time that can be completed in two years
Contact Information
- Address: 1035 Norway Avenue, Huntington, WV 25705
- Phone: 304.528.5106
- Website: https://www.cabellschools.com
2Mountwest Community and Technical Colleges
About the School
Mountwest Community and Technical Colleges offer opportunities for high-demand career fields.
Students learn the skills needed for new careers by using state-of-the-art technology.
The college provides affordable tuition and transfer-credit opportunities.
The campus per-hour fees for resident students range from $140 to $342, depending on the program.
Mountwest Community and Technical Colleges are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college provides programs in the following fields:
- Business
- Allied Health
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Banking and Finance
- Certified Coding Specialist
- Criminal Justice
- Health Information Technology
- Healthcare Professions
- Health Science
- Patient Care Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Veterinary Technology
- Welding Technology
- And more
The number of credits required for graduation varies depending on the program.
The Allied Health program requires 30 credit hours and covers classes on Medical Terminology, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Written Communication, Fundamentals of Computers, Allied Health Electives, and more.
The Certified Coding Specialist Certificate of Applied Science requires 43 credit hours and includes classes such as Medical Terminology, Health Information Tech, Basic Pharmacology, Introduction to Healthcare Informatics, CPT- Procedural Coding, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: One Mountwest Way, Huntington, WV 25701
- Phone: 304-710-3140
- Website: https://www.mctc.edu
3Robert C. Byrd Institute
About the School
Robert C. Byrd Institute offers education and training programs that prepare students for employment by equipping them with a variety of career skills.
The programs are designed to provide students with hands-on opportunities in machining and welding.
The programs feature nationally recognized industry certifications and students also have the opportunity to learn additional skill certificates, certificate degrees, and associate degrees through the institute’s partnership with community colleges.
Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Machining Technology/CNC Program- a program recognized and certified by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- Welding Technology Program- a program that instructs students while following the American Welding Society standards
CNC Bootcamps are also available for individuals of all skill levels.
Additionally, the school provides specialty training programs and customized training.
Contact Information
- Address: 1050 Fourth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701
- Phone: 304.781.1625
- Website: https://www.rcbi.org
4160 Driving Academy
About the School
160 Driving Academy is one of the top driving schools in the country with locations throughout the United States.
The school prepares students for their CDL license in just four weeks.
Courses Offered
The following truck driving classes are available: CDL Training, CDL Class A, CDL Refresher Course, CDL Test Preps
The CDL training program includes two sections:
- Classroom instruction which takes up one-quarter of the four-week course and teaches the rules and regulations of truck driving
- Behind-the-Wheel Training- students get to practice driving on the school’s course as well as on local roads, streets, and highways
Interstate routes are also included in the behind-the-wheel training part, which helps students prepare for the exam.
In total, during the program, students spend 40 hours in classroom instruction and 120 hours behind the wheel, driving on local and interstate roads and learning by observing other students.
The CDL Class A license allows students to drive a truck that is 26,001 pounds or more- this includes most tractor-trailers.
Contact Information
- Address: 4341 US Route 60 East, Suite 2, Huntington, WV 25705
- Phone: (304) 244-3109
- Website: https://www.160drivingacademy.com
5St. Mary's Medical Center
The largest medical facility in Huntington, St. Mary’s Medical Center also offers educational programs.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the center:
- Clinical Pastoral Education Center
- School of Respiratory Care
- School of Medical Imaging
- School of Nursing
The school of Medical Imaging provides radiography and sonography programs.
Both programs consist of 36 additional months of class work and clinical experience under qualified Radiologic/Sonographic supervision.
The first didactic year takes place at Marshall University or another accredited institution.
Rotations are available at six different clinical sites.
The School of Nursing provides the oldest program in West Virginia still in operation.
To qualify for admission, high school applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a high school GPA minimum of 3
- Minimum ACT composite of 18
- Obtain at least a “C” on any college course taken
Contact Information
- Address: 2900 First Avenue, Huntington, WV 25702
- Phone: 304.526.1234
- Website: https://www.st-marys.org
6Marshall University
About the School
Marshall University provides Baccalaureate and Master’s/Post-master’s Certificate programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Marshall University:
- Pre-Licensure BSN Program
- Online RN to BSN Program
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and Management
The school also offers the following online programs:
- Nursing Administration & Nursing Education
- Online RN to BSN Program
Freshman and non-transfer students have to complete the following admissions requirements:
- Hold a high school diploma
- Applicants must be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in West Virginia
- Hold an average point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale and an ACT Composite score of 19 or SAT Total Score of 990 on an overall Grade Point Average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and an ACT Composite of 16 or SAT Total Score of 880 required for regular freshman admission to the university.
Contact Information
- Address: 317 18th St, Huntington, WV 25703
- Phone: 304-696-3821
- Website: https://www.marshall.edu
7Ashland Community & Technical College
About the School
Ashland Community & Technical College offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates for those who are starting college for the first time and for those who are thinking about a career change.
Courses Offered
The following courses are included in the college’s catalog:
- Computer and Information Technologies- this program prepares students with the hands-on experience they need to design, maintain, and use different types of computing technologies
- Computerized Manufacturing- a program that is designed for students who want to start a career in manufacturing
- Cosmetology- a program for students who want to start a career in the beauty business and for those who want to take their skills to the next level
- Culinary Arts- the school’s staff and chefs help students achieve their culinary goals
- Nursing- a program that teaches key nursing skills and offers students the opportunity to practice them in a variety of real-world settings
The Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Contact Information
- Address: 1400 College Dr, Ashland, KY 41101
- Phone: (606) 326-2000
- Website: https://ashland.kctcs.edu
8Putnam Career & Technical Center
About the School
Putnam Career & Technical Center provides training programs for students who want to start rewarding careers in the medical field.
The Center is fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the Putnam Career & Technical Center:
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Assisting Distance Learning
The Medical Assisting curriculum includes courses such as:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Ambulatory Care
- Professionalism in Healthcare
- Basic & Advanced Clinical Procedures
- Medical Administration
- And more
The adult full-time enrollment consists of 675 hours.
To be eligible for admission into the program, applicants need:
- High school diploma or GED/TASC
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Be 18 years of age by the first day of class
- Complete the first series of three Hepatitis B immunizations before the program starts
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 640 | 300 Roosevelt Blvd.Eleanor, WV 25070
- Phone: 304.586.3494
- Website: https://www.pctc.edu
9West Virginia Junior College
About the School
West Virginia Junior College is committed to preparing students for in-demand and rewarding careers for more than 120 years.
Plenty of degrees and diplomas in healthcare, technical, and professional fields are available at the college.
Programs are available in Morgantown, Bridgeport, and Charleston.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school: Dental Assisting, Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Office Administration, Pharmacy Technician, Nursing, Cybersecurity, Business Administration, and more.
The online Dental Assisting program combines online classes with hands-on instruction during clinical days.
Students take classes on topics such as dental terminology, dental science, dental practice management, and dental office procedures.
The Medical Assistant program offers certifications such as:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- Certified EKG Technician
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Contact Information
- Address: 5514 Big Tyler Road Cross Lanes, WV 25313
- Phone: 304-769-0011
- Website: https://www.wvjc.edu
10Phlebotomy Plus Training Center
About the School
Phlebotomy Plus Training Center offers training programs for allied health workers and medical professionals.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the center:
- Phlebotomy Technician
- EKG
The Phlebotomy Technician program is 7-8 weeks long and takes place in person.
The curriculum is designed to educate students in all aspects of basic phlebotomy skills, including blood specimen collection and venipuncture.
After completing the program, students are eligible for the national certification exam.
The program has the following entrance requirements:
- Entrance Exam
- High school diploma or GED
- Holding a valid government I.D. or Driver’s License
A CET program that is 7-8 weeks long and takes place in person is also available at the school and educates students in all aspects of basic electrocardiogram skills, including EKG Administration, vital signs collection, and patient care techniques.
The program combines coursework with a hands-on skills lab.
Contact Information
- Address: Ashland, KY 41101
- Phone: (606) 324-0404
- Website: https://www.pplusky.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 | 230 | $48,840 | $23.48 | $73,120 | $27,500 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 430 | $48,920 | $23.52 | $65,570 | $29,980 |
| Nursing Assistants | 1,590 | $32,650 | $15.7 | $40,990 | $25,800 |
| Dental Assistants | 260 | $37,200 | $17.89 | $46,690 | $28,510 |
| Medical Assistants | 850 | $32,500 | $15.63 | $36,690 | $27,640 |
| Phlebotomists | 150 | $35,290 | $16.97 | $39,980 | $32,110 |
| Electricians | 540 | $57,810 | $27.79 | $83,720 | $34,200 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 470 | $63,040 | $30.31 | $82,820 | $36,690 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 630 | $38,830 | $18.67 | $61,420 | $23,780 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 400 | $47,700 | $22.93 | $67,780 | $30,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Huntington offers plenty of training opportunities for students who want to start a rewarding career without spending four years in post-secondary education.
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs, schedule, and career aspirations.
Trade Schools by City in West Virginia
