Trade Schools in Missouri
Those who want to join the workforce in the shortest time or don’t have enough resources or time to attend a regular 4-year college find vocational schools as a better alternative. Trade schools in Missouri offer various career and technical programs with transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree.

Opting for these programs helps students to develop their skills and reach their potential to become skilled workers. Enrolling in a reputable and accredited school is essential to achieve these goals. Check out this article to find out the best trade schools located across the state of Missouri.
Top 9 Trade Schools in Missouri

Here are some of the best trade schools in Missouri that offer top-notch facilities and in-demand programs in various fields.
1. State Technical College of Missouri
State Technical College of Missouri offers top-quality higher education programs that help make students skilled and employable. State Tech features provide the students with practical education. The school features more than 50 labs spread out over the campus, including computer labs, machine shops, a golf course, car repair bays, an aircraft hangar, and health science labs. The school has a 75% graduation rate and is considered one of the top five schools in the United States.
The programs offered include commercial turf & grounds management, power sports technology, digital marketing, business technical specialty, computer application development, electronics engineering technology, facilities operations & management, heavy equipment operations, diesel technology, physical therapist assistant, dental assisting technology, biomedical engineering technology, nursing, and many more.
The tuition for the programs can range from $196 to $1,000 per credit hour, depending on the program and whether the student is a resident or non-resident. The school offers several financial aid options, including scholarships and grants. The school has a 99% job placement rate. State Technical College of Missouri has recognition from the Higher Learning Commission and also has program-based accreditations.
2. Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College is a two-year non-profit private vocational school that offers programs in various specialty fields. The school offers bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, and certificate programs in various in-demand industries. Ranken graduates are well-trained for successful employment. The school gives students practical experience in industry-standard facilities as part of its preparation for professional success. The school is completely equipped with cutting-edge labs, shops, and equipment.
Some of the programs offered include architectural technology, applied management, advanced precision machining technology, automotive certified dealership technician, carpentry & building construction technology, control systems technology, information technology, fabrication and welding technology, fleet management, HVAC technology, plumbing & pipefitting, precision machining technology, stationary engineering, and more.
The tuition for a full-time day program is $655 per technical credit hour. Close to 80% of students at the college receive financial aid. Some of these include government aid programs, scholarships, Missouri State aid programs, part-time employment, gap funding, and others. Ranken Technical College has received recognition from the Higher Learning Commission.
3. Ozarks Technical Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College offers several Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and certificates. The institution supports student learning through easily accessible, excellent, and reasonably priced workforce training. The school offers general and technical education that fulfills the educational demands of the neighborhood and its many constituents.
Programs offered at the school include administrative assistant, general agriculture, carpenter’s journeyman apprenticeship, individualized technical studies, auto collision repair technology, aviation airframe maintenance technician, behavioral health support, bio-clinical science, computer information science, culinary arts, dental assisting, diesel technology, early childhood development, electrical technician, and many more.
The tuition fee for the programs can range from $128 to $140 depending on whether the student is from in-district, out-of-district, or out-of-state. The school offers financial aid and scholarships to help students support their expenses. The Higher Learning Commission, an arm of the North Central Association, has granted OTC accreditation.
4. Rolla Technical Institute/Center
Rolla Technical Institute/Center (RTI/C) provides chances for students who want to gain technical skills for post-secondary technical associate degree programs, advanced placement into post-secondary technical associate degree programs, or as a basis for a baccalaureate degree program. The school provides students the chance to put their newly learned skills and knowledge into practice through internships and apprenticeships, as well as hands-on training in realistic business simulations.
The programs offered include health science, agricultural education, HVAC, collision repair, automotive, construction trades, intro to service careers, architectural & mechanical design, informational technology, masonry, design academy, early childhood careers, pathways to engineering, culinary arts, EMT basic, wood manufacturing & design, fire and rescue technology, and marketing education.
For all current and previous students, RTI/C provides extensive career services. The services include help with job hunting, resumes and cover letters, interview techniques, and other employment-related skills. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Missouri Department of Higher Education have both granted approval and authorization to Rolla Technical Institute/Center (RTI/C).
5. Texas County Technical College
Texas County Technical College offers two 1-year programs, including an associate degree in accelerated LPN to RN and a certificate in Practical Nursing (LPN). Basic nursing care is given by licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Registered nurses and physicians supervise them at work. Students who are presently Missouri Licenced Practical Nurses (LPN) who want to become Registered Nurses can enroll in the Accelerated LPN to RN Bridge Programme.
You must finish the 17 necessary credit hours before the start of the Accelerated LPN to RN program to enroll in it. Introduction to Psychology, English Composition, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, and Principles of Human Nutrition are requirements for the program. Over the course of the programs, a special NCLEX prep course will help you get ready for your license.
The school has a 93% job placement rate for the graduates of the LPN to RN program. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) has granted the whole organization accreditation. The school offers scholarships, grants, and work-study as financial aid to cover educational expenses.
6. Hillyard Technical Centre
Students at Hillyard Technical Centre graduate from this institution and are prepared for employment and lifelong study. To improve high school students’ possibilities for future employment, Hillyard Technical Centre provides a variety of programs.
Students can enroll in various programs, including automobile service technology, carpentry, career pathways to the teaching profession, computer aid drafting technology, collision repair and furnishing, electronics technology, computer service technology, health service assistant, emergency medical technician basic, HVAC, agribusiness/agricultural sales, industrial equipment repair and maintenance, precision machine technology, and welding technology.
The school offers CASETM Intro to AFNR, CASETM Principles of animal sciences, veterinary science, CASETM Animal and plant biotechnology, and CASETM Principles of plant science. Students can also look into the apprenticeship program at the school. The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education has granted accreditation to Hillyard Technical Centre.
7. Lake Career Technical Center
At Lake Career Technical Center (LCTC), all students have access to high-quality academic, technical, and career education programs that allow them to participate actively in their community. The school also offers Adult Programmes for adult students pursuing certificates that allow them to enter a skilled job right away.
Automotive technology, agriculture, collision repair, computer integration, culinary arts, construction, graphics technology, health science, law enforcement/CSI, marines & power sports, and metal fabrication are the programs offered at the school. The adult education programs include automotive technology, computer integration, collision repair technology, marine service technology, and metal fabrication.
The school offers financial aid to provide assistance with the educational expenses of the students. Lake Technical College is approved by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation.
8. Northland Career Centre
A public, non-profit career and technical school, the Northland Career Centre is situated in Platte City, Missouri. Thirteen secondary daytime programs are available at NCC. Evening programs for adult and community education are also widely available. The school gives juniors and seniors in high school a chance to get relevant experience, college credit, recognized credentials, and work-based learning opportunities.
The programs offered at the school include agricultural sciences, culinary arts, essential skills, industrial welding, diesel technology, aviation technology, health sciences, heating, cooling, climate control, IT professionals, law enforcement/crime scene investigation, teaching professions, and construction technology.
The school helps students transition from high school to post-secondary alternatives, including college, careers, and the military. The school has a dedicated student service center with personnel having relevant experience in helping students find their path. The Northland Career Centre has received accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education.
9. Moberly Area Community College
Moberly Area Community College offers programs that range from Four months to two years. The associate’s degrees in science and the arts are intended to be easily transferable to a university or institution after completion. Developmental education, continuing education, and other services help students get ready for success in the global world. These programs and services also include academic, career/technical, and college transfer options.
Some of the programs offered include veterinary technology, professional truck driving, Missouri manufacturing technician, mechatronics, information technology, business office administration, advanced manufacturing technology, early learning assistant, computer science, networking, health science, phlebotomy training, certified medication technician, surgical technologists, and many more.
The tuition fee for the programs ranges from $95 to $264 per credit hour. Affiliation with The Higher Learning Commission is granted to Moberly Area Community College. The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education has authorized all two-year degree and certificate programs.
Wrapping Up
Trade schools in Missouri offer programs in varying fields, including aviation, healthcare, technology, and much more. Students should contact the schools they choose to enroll in to learn more about the programs offered, fee structure, financial options, accreditation, and other facilities.
Trade Schools in Missouri
- House of Heavilin Beauty College – Blue Springs
- Trend Setters School – Cape Girardeau
- Southeast Missouri State University – Cape Girardeau
- Merrell University of Beauty Arts and Science – Jefferson City
- Lincoln University – Jefferson City
- Franklin Technology Center – Joplin
- New Dimensions School of Hair Design – Joplin
- Missouri Southern State University – Joplin
- University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Rockhurst University – Kansas City
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Kansas City
- Avila University – Kansas City
- City Vision University – Kansas City
- Ea La Mar’s Cosmetology & Barber College – Kansas City
- House of Heavilin Beauty College – Kansas City
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary – Kansas City
- DeVry University – Kansas City
- Calvary University – Kansas City
- Metropolitan Community College – Kansas City
- Concorde Career Colleges – Kansas City
- Pinnacle Career Institute – Kansas City
- WellSpring School of Allied Health – Kansas City
- Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center – Poplar Bluff
- Missouri University of Science and Technology – Rolla
- Rolla Technical Institute/Center – Rolla
- Salem College of Hairstyling – Rolla
- Missouri Western State University – Saint Joseph
- Missouri Baptist University – St. Louis
- St Louis College of Health Careers – St. Louis
- Maryville University of Saint Louis – St. Louis
- Skin Institute – St. Louis
- Washington University in St Louis – St. Louis
- Harris – Stowe State University – St. Louis
- Fontbonne University – St. Louis
- University of Missouri – St. Louis
- Ranken Technical College – St. Louis
- Saint Louis Community College – St. Louis
- Saint Louis University – St. Louis
- Healing Arts Center – St. Louis
- Grabber School of Hair Design – St. Louis
- Bryan University – Springfield
- WellSpring School of Allied Health – Springfield
- Missouri State University – Springfield
- Missouri College of Cosmetology North – Springfield
- Cox College – Springfield
- Drury University – College of Continuing Professional Studies – Springfield
- Evangel University – Springfield
- Drury University – Springfield
- Ozarks Technical Community College – Springfield
- Academy of Hair Design – Springfield