12 Vocational Schools in Florida

If you don’t want to spend 4 years pursuing a degree, you may consider vocational or trade school as an alternative. I have curated a list, with details, of vocational schools in Florida that you may consider to earn a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in as little as 1-2 years.

Vocational or trade schools are alternatives for colleges, they offer diplomas, certificates, or associate degree qualifications that you can complete in as little as 6 months to 2 years. If you don’t buy the idea of pursuing a bachelor’s degree for 4 years, then you should consider a vocational or trade school. This is why I have exposed the vocational schools in Florida to help you choose where to attend.

At trade schools, students are equipped with specific in-demand skills and prepared to be job-ready to enter the job market quicker. What I meant by “specific in-demand skills” is that vocational schools train you to acquire a particular skill and to get a job only based on that skill. For instance, car mechanics, electricians, gardeners, IT technicians, carpenters, bricklayers, etc. are trained at vocational institutions.

So, if you would prefer to pursue careers in any of the skills I just listed above or in a related career path, you should look into vocational schools as they are best at training students pursuing such career paths. This is because vocational institutions are practical-focused. Students receive real-world training for the skills they wish to learn by working with and learning from professionals in the field and getting grades.

It is common for trade schools in Florida to partner with enterprises within the state and other parts of the country. Students are then sent to these enterprises to work with them and learn at the same time. When they complete their program, the enterprise, in most cases, retains the student. This is why it is faster for graduates of vocational schools to get jobs faster than a bachelor’s degree graduate.

Aside from the short time it takes to complete vocational school, it is also cheaper as their tuition fees are considerably lower and affordable compared to 4-year colleges. To stress how affordable they are, there are free vocational training programs you can apply for and we have a blog on the cheapest vocational schools in Canada.

Florida is not the only place with vocational schools, there are vocational schools in China and community colleges in Washington offering vocational programs. 

How Much is the Tuition of Vocational Schools in Florida?

The average tuition of vocational schools in Florida is $16,000.

How Long is Vocational School in Florida?

The duration for trade schools in Florida is three months to 2 years. Three months to one year is either for a diploma or certificate and up to 2 years is for a bachelor’s degree.

Vocational Schools in Florida

Vocational Schools in Florida

Here are the schools in Florida offering vocational training programs:

  • Florida Technical College
  • Florida Career College
  • McFatter Technical College
  • Southern Technical Institute
  • South Florida Institute of Technology
  • American Vocational Academy
  • Manatee Technical College
  • ABC Institute
  • Florida Trade Academy
  • Charlotte Technical College
  • Marion Technical College
  • Atlantic Technical College

1.     Florida Technical College

Florida Technical College, also known as FTC, was founded in 1982 as an academic unit of National University College (NUC). FTC provides tertiary education in specialized fields to residents of Florida and students from other parts of the US. The programs offered include business, culinary arts, IT, construction trades, beauty, healthcare, and many others leading to a diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degree qualifications.

If you want to physically tour FTC and apply in person, it is located at 4715 Florida Ave S #4, Lakeland, FL 33813, United States. You can also take a virtual tour if you wish. FTC has seven campuses across Florida in Orlando, Kissimmee, Pembroke Pines, South Miami, Deland, Lakeland, and Tampa, and altogether enrolls over 5,000 students per year into more than 25 academic programs.

School Website

2.     Florida Career College

Florida Career College is one of the trade schools in Florida located at 9950 Princess Palm Ave Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33619, United States, and accredited by accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). The college also has campuses in Miami (main campus), Tampa, Margate, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, Lauderdale Lakes, West Palm Beach, Hialeah, and Boynton Beach.

FCC offers a wide range of programs including but not limited to medical front office and billing, business office administration, HVAC, medical assistant technician, dental assistant, and other trades and specialties. The programs offered focus on hands-on learning and real-world experiences.

School Website

3.     McFatter Technical College

McFatter Technical College or MTC is one of the trade schools in Florida located at 6500 Nova Drive Davie, FL 33317, and offers programs in manufacturing, marine technologies, health science, adult education, hospitality & tourism, and many others. Students at MTC enjoy quality education at an affordable cost.

The school offers financial aid, and veteran assistance, and accepts international students.

School Website

4.     Southern Technical Institute

Southern Technical Institute is a vocational school in Florida that is focused on offering healthcare-related courses. If you are looking to pursue careers as a nurse, EKG technician, or any healthcare-related career, the Southern Technical Institute is the right place for you. The institute was set up in 2003 to serve residents of Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Central Florida. There are also other technical trade courses.

To this effect, the school set up campuses in Orlando, Tavares, and Pinellas Park/Tampa Bay. You can choose to study at any of the campuses closest to you.

School Website

5.     South Florida Institute of Technology

South Florida Institute of Technology is a vocational school in Florida offering a wide range of trade programs ranging from plumbing technician and medical assistant to computer business application and electrical contractor. This school has a wider range of programs that cut across various fields. The school has two campuses, both in Florida.

The main school is located at 720 NW 27 Ave. 2nd Floor Miami, FL 33125 while the Satellite location is at 1275 W 47 PL Ste 201 Hialeah, FL 33012. Financial aid is offered to students who wish to attend here but cannot afford it.

School Website

6.     American Vocational Academy

American Vocational Academy is another healthcare-focused vocational school in Florida. The specific location is at 928 E Osceola Pkwy Kissimmee FL 34744. This academy offers a wide range of practical training in the technical medical field and healthcare services get certified for as low as $1,100 to complete your program.

The programs offered are healthcare training, medical assistant, nursing assistant, patient care technician, electrocardiograph aide, phlebotomy, and CPR first aid. American Vocational Academy is partnered with the American Red Cross, National Healthcareer Association, and Prometric.

School Website

7.     Manatee Technical College

Manatee Technical College has a main campus and an east campus located at 6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton, FL 34203 and 5520 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211 respectively. This technical school offers career and technical programs, English programs, GED preparation & testing, and continuing education training.

School Website

8.     ABC Institute

If you want to pursue a career in the construction industry or want to launch an enterprise in construction or you already own a construction company and want to re-train your staff or construction team, then ABC Institute is the place for you. A vocational school in Florida that concentrates on construction to upskill craftsmen.

ABC Institute is designed to accommodate students, job seekers, and employers (builders & contractors). ABC Institute is located at 954-580-2950 | 3730 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Suite 190, Coconut Creek, FL 33066.

School Website

9.     Florida Trade Academy

Florida Trade Academy is an innovative trade school in Florida offering trade education programs for career seekers and job changers. The academy is located at 410 S. Ware Blvd. Suite 1038, Tampa, FL 33619.

The programs are taught by industry professionals and students are given opportunities to try their hands on practical training to gain industry-needed skills. Programs offered include, but are not limited to, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, sheet metal, and pipe fitting.

School Website

10.  Charlotte Technical College

Charlotte Technical College is one of the trade schools in Florida located at 18150 Murdock Circle Port Charlotte, FL 33948 offering adult programs, high school programs, and continuing education. Any program you choose is guaranteed to give you a solid knowledge of your chosen field as well as the skills and mindset to prepare you for success.

School Website

11.  Marion Technical College

Marion Technical College offers programs in health science, IT, transportation & logistics, human services, business administration, and many others. The technical school is accredited and located at 1014 SW 7th Rd Ocala, FL 34471. Students of Marion Technical College learn from successful industry professionals and engage in practical learning to gain real-world skills and the experience they need to succeed in the outside world.

School Website

12.  Atlantic Technical College

Atlantic Technical College is located at 4700 Coconut Creek Parkway Coconut Creek, Florida. The college is a public, secondary, and post-secondary institution offering high-quality education at an affordable cost. Programs offered include health science, manufacturing, pre-college, apprenticeship, IT, and continuing education among others.

School Website

Conclusion

Vocational schools in Florida offer a valuable opportunity for students to gain the skills and training they need to succeed in the workforce. With a focus on hands-on learning and practical experience, these schools are a great option for those who want to gain a career-specific education.

Florida’s trade schools are well-respected and have a proven track record of success. If you are looking for a career-focused education, trade schools in Florida may be the perfect fit for you.

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