Kansas is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita. In this article, we will be exploring some of the best trade schools in Kansas.
Living expenses are relatively modest in Kansas, and the state legislature is actively promoting the skilled labor sector. In addition, nearly all of Kansas’ major businesses, including those in alternative energy, aerospace, animal health, and more, offer promising employment opportunities for graduates of trade schools.
For kids in some parts of Kansas, training at the best trade and vocational schools may be even more helpful. In the area surrounding Kansas City, where two hospital systems and a health IT company are among the five largest employers, training in the medical field and in health information technology may be more beneficial.
Overland Park, the second-largest city in the state, experienced population growth of over 11% between 2010 and 2018, pointing to a promising work environment for those who have completed degrees in construction management.
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Why is Kansas Good for Trade Schools?
For Kansas students, career technical education (CTE) training may provide a few benefits above a conventional bachelor’s degree.
One significant benefit is the price difference: in-state students at Kansas community colleges and technical schools spent less than $3,400 in tuition and fees over the same time period, compared to university students who paid an average of more than $8,700 for a year of study in 2018.
Additionally, Kansas CTE courses are often far shorter than four-year bachelor’s degree programs. Most certificates from Kansas’ vocational and technical institutions can be obtained in a year, and it typically only takes two years of full-time study to finish a program leading to a career diploma or associate degree.
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Highest Paying & Fastest Growing Careers in Kansas
Here are the top 5 highest paying careers in Kansas;
| CAREER | MEAN ANNUAL WAGE |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $122,120 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | $81,650 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $78,960 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $76,670 |
| Funeral Home Managers | $67,130 |
Here are the Top Five Fastest-Growing Careers in Kansas;
| CAREER | PROTECTED JOB GROWTH |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 25.9% |
| Respiratory Therapists | 23.3% |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 19.9% |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 19.4% |
| Geological and Hydrologic Technicians | 15.7% |
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.
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What are the Best Trade Schools in Kansas?
In order to make it easier for you to collect helpful information, we have created a list of the top ten trade schools in Kansas.
#1. WTI Career Training
WTI Career Training was established over 60 years ago. Since the beginning of their operations, giving pupils a top-notch education has been their only priority. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas.
WTI is a fantastic institution eager to prepare students for a future in the workforce, with numerous facilities across Kansas.
Their instructors are outstanding, highly skilled people who genuinely love what they do and enjoy supporting students in reaching their objectives.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has granted Wichita Technical Institute accreditation. The Kansas Board of Regents also gave its approval to its program. Additionally, they have been given the go-ahead for veteran training.
Enrollment: All candidates must be lawful residents of the United States and possess a high school certificate or GED.
Fees: An estimated $19,737 is the average price of attendance.
Courses Offered
- Medical assistant
- Medical insurance billing & coding
- Pharmacy technician
- Computer Technology & Network Administration
- Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Electronic Systems Technology
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#2. Eric Fisher Academy
Students can get a top-notch education in cosmetology and aesthetics at Eric Fisher Academy. Eric Fisher, a well-known industry specialist, and pioneer founded it. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas.
Despite being a relatively new college, its outstanding curriculum has made it a benchmark for beauty education. Numerous honors have been bestowed upon this institution, including the following:
- Best facilities in the country
- Best school culture
- Best trade school and most favorite school in Wichita
- Small business of the year
- Best in business
The academy uses only the most recent technology and has state-of-the-art facilities, if that weren’t enough.
In addition to 56 mobile styling stations, there will be a student spa, a retail space, a comfortable lounge area, and a skin bar with a skin scanner available to students.
The best, most knowledgeable teachers, an accessible curriculum, and a conducive learning atmosphere for kids are all priorities at Eric Fisher Academy.
Enrollment: Everyone who applies must be at least 17 years old. Additionally, they must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Fees: Their courses cost an average of $13,792 in tuition.
Courses Offered
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
#3. Ea La Mar’s College
The goal of Ea La Mar’s College is to develop competent, capable business executives. The beauty industry is a wonderful one that offers many wonderful employment prospects.
This college provides numerous courses in a variety of specialties, from cosmetology to barbering. Outstanding beauty experts with years of excellent work experience serve as their lecturers.
This school is adored by its students because it treats them like family. The National Commission of Career Arts & Sciences has also granted Ea La Mar’s College accreditation, further demonstrating the high caliber of their curriculum.
Students will gain a unique perspective on the beauty industry by attending this school and will be fully prepared to start working immediately after completing the courses.
Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must complete an application form
- Must have a copy of Birth Certificate or Driver’s License
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must pass a medical exam (barbers only)
- Pay a non-refundable $40 application fee
Fees: Their courses cost an average of $15,900 in tuition. They provide financial aid and financing options.
Courses Offered
- Cosmetology
- Hairstyling
- Barbering
- Instructor Training
- Crossover
#4. Apex CDL Institute
Truck driving school, APEX CDL Institute specializes in preparing students for employment in this extremely fascinating sector. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas.
Due to a shortage of highly skilled experts, truck drivers are in high demand, making employment opportunities nearly certain.
After completing their CDL course, students will be completely prepared to start working in a few months.
Additionally, truck drivers from Kansas and the nearby regions earn some of the highest salaries in the nation. Many pupils laud their teachers’ capacity to impart knowledge in an original and enjoyable manner.
Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 21 years or older
- Need to have been licensed for the past three years within the United States and possess a valid operator license from your home state.
- Must have the basic fundamental skills to read, write and speak the English language
- Must be able to understand highway traffic signs and signals
- Must be able to make entries on reports and records
- Must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Must have an original or certified copy of the birth certificate to get a permit from DMV
- Must obtain a seven-year MVR with no convictions in the past 3 years
- No more than one DUI in the past 5 years or two DUI’s in a lifetime
- All students will be required to take and pass a DOT physical and drug test
Fees: The cost of tuition is $5,000. A $100 enrollment fee, $75 for a medical checkup, and $67 for a drug test are additional costs for students. Students who meet the requirements are eligible for financial aid from the institution.
#5. Allied Healthcare Training
Amazing educational opportunities are offered by Allied Healthcare Training at incredibly low costs. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas. This private, vocational school provides excellent healthcare-related courses.
They are aware of how crucial it is to impart excellent care practices to students because they will eventually be providing care for others.
This school’s admission of over 2000 new students just last year is another piece of evidence of how outstanding their program is. Additionally, this institution provides a money-back guarantee in the event that students fail their state CNA, CMA, or HHA exams after completing the program.
Enrollment: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
Fees: The fees for each of the courses go as follows:
- Certified nurse aide – $659
- Certified medication aide – $619
- Phlebotomy – $819
- EKG technician – $522
- Medical assistant – $2,897
- Home health aide – $269
- LPN IV therapy – $497
- Pharmacy technician – $2,390
- Adult care home operator – $697
- Basic life support (CPR) – $45
- Social service designee/activities director combo – $374
Courses Offered
- Certified nurse aide
- Certified medication aide
- Phlebotomy
- EKG technician
- Medical assistant
- Home health aide
- LPN iv therapy
- Pharmacy technician
- Dot specimen collection
- Adult care home operator
- Basic life support (CPR)
- Social service designee/activities director combo
- Nursing CEUS
- Administrator/operator CEUS
#6. Flint Hills Technical College
The best caliber vocational education has long been offered by Flint Hills Technical College. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas. They provide two-year programs in a variety of lucrative fields, from business to welding.
This college, which was first established in 1963, has successfully educated thousands of pupils. The classes are relatively affordable, easily accessible, and, most importantly, enjoyable and interesting.
After completing the program, students can obtain a Certificate, a Technical Certificate, an Associate of Applied Science Degree, and many additional qualifications.
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Flint Hills Technical College. Their other program accreditations include:
- The American Association of General Contractors
- The Kansas State Board of Nursing
- The Graphic Arts Education Research Foundation
- The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- The American Dental Association
Enrollment: You must pass a few tests before you can apply for admission to Flint Hills Technical College.
You must take a placement test or email us your test results to ensure that you will be admitted to your desired program.
Then, you must transmit your official high school and college transcripts as well as your other educational credentials.
These ought to be delivered to the FHTC Registrar at 3301 West. Emporia, Kansas, 66801 18th Avenue
You will learn whether or not you have been admitted to FHTC after your application has been submitted, allowing you to schedule a meeting to go over your degree plan and sign up for classes.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you must satisfy the required standards for citizenship before applying for admission, citizen.
The documentation you need to provide is one of the following:
- Alien Registration Card
- Passport Stamped “Processed for 1-551,” or an I-94 card
- Temporary Resident Card
- Arrival-Departure Record.
Fees: You need to pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit of $100 to reserve your spot in the program.
Courses Offered
- Automotive technology
- Business technology
- Computerized machine tool engineering
- Dental Assisting
- Emergency dispatch technology
- Graphic arts technology
- Health occupations technology
- Hospitality dietary management
- Culinary arts
- Industrial engineering technology
- Interactive multimedia design
- Power plant technology
- Practical nursing
- Welding technology
#7. Body & Soul Therapeutic School
The Body & Soul Therapeutic Massage School places a strong emphasis on educating students in various holistic, regenerative healing techniques. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas.
Students will receive a tailored education in massage treatment and learn how to advance both personally and professionally in the field. The environment is really calm and laid back, which promotes greater learning.
This institution has a lengthy history and has trained many aspiring massage therapists. This institution is both a school and a massage salon, providing pupils with a rare window into the actual practice of a massage therapist.
Enrollment: There are no unique prerequisites. All are encouraged to apply.
Fees: To learn more about prices, call them at the number 316-618-5789
#8. Wichita Electrical Joint Apprenticeship
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Kansas Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association collaborated on the Wichita Electrical Joint Apprenticeship. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas.
Excellent, simple-to-understand instruction in the field of electrical work will be provided to students.
As many educated, superior industry specialists as possible who are prepared to start working immediately after the course are what they aim to produce.
Students will be able to obtain employment quite fast because there is a huge need for highly-trained individuals in this field of expertise.
This institution only hires qualified industry professionals with extensive experience as instructors.
Enrollment: Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must pass the electrical trade’s aptitude test
- Must be a legal US citizen
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Fees: Contact their admissions office for further information about tuition costs.
Courses Offered
- Electrical Power and Lighting Systems
- Power Distribution Systems
- Motor Control and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s)
- Building Automation Systems
- Energy Management Systems
- Manufacturing, Packaging, and Refining Systems
- Backup Power Generation Systems
- National Electrical Code
#9. Washburn Institute of Technology
In the area of technical sciences, Washburn Tech University is a recognized leader on a national scale. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas.
They frequently speak with different companies to make sure that their curriculum fully covers all of the crucial facets of a particular field of expertise. Their astounding 81% graduation rate is impressive.
Additionally, their job placement rate of 94% is astounding. Here, they assist students in finding employment and accomplishing their objectives.
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association has accredited the academic programs at this technical university.
Enrollment: All applicants must do the following:
- Fill out an online application form
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Submit official transcripts
- Pay $20 enrollment fee
Fees: The cost of tuition varies depending on the course chosen, starting at $142. Students who meet the requirements can also get financial aid from the institution.
Courses Offered
- Advanced Systems Technology
- Machine/Tool Technology M
- Welding
- Business Bookkeeping & Accounting
- Health Services Assistant
- Legal Office
- Professional Medical Office Assistant
- Medical Office Specialist
- Medical Scribe
- Office Careers Technology
- Information Systems Technology
- Building Automation Systems (BAS)
- Building Technology (Carpentry)
- Cabinet/Millwork Climate and Energy Control Technologies Commercial and Heavy Construction
- Electrical Technology
- Graphics Technology
- Technical Drafting
- Advanced Health Care Technology
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
- Emergency Communications
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Healthcare Technology
- Home Health Aide
- Phlebotomy
- Practical Nursing
- Surgical Technology
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Early Childhood Professional
- Emergency Communications
- Auto Collision
- Automotive Service Technician
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Diesel Technology
- Heavy Diesel Construction Technology
- Locomotive Diesel Technology
#10. Wellspring School of Allied Health
Students who attended the Wellspring School of Allied Health were motivated to work in the health and wellness sector. Since its inception in 1988, WSAH has successfully educated tens of thousands of pupils. This is one of the best trade schools in Kansas.
Because of their dedication, WSAH has grown from a one-classroom school to a facility with cutting-edge amenities. Students are taught the value of showing compassion here.
Students can get assistance from a career services team in locating excellent employment possibilities. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools has approved their program.
The wonderful curriculum at WSAH is suitable for everyone. They have relationships with numerous prestigious healthcare organizations that present students with fantastic employment chances.
Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria and conditions:
- High School diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Submit a complete application packet
- Be physically, mentally, and psychologically healthy
- Participate in an admissions interview with an Admissions Advisor
- Pass a Wonderlic scholastic level exam
Fees: Their course tuition typically costs roughly $16,000. Additionally, they provide financial aid to eligible students.
Courses Offered
- Massage therapy
- Nutrition
- Healthcare
Conclusion
Trade schools in Kansas can prepare you for the job market in a matter of months (sometimes weeks). Since Kansas is home to some of the best trade schools in the country, there are numerous possibilities.
You must exercise caution while choosing a profession to ensure that it is the best fit for you. Additionally, you must pick the institution that best fits your academic requirements.
Tuition fees, the timetable, school accreditation, employment placement, graduation rates, and student assessments are a few factors to think about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trade school or Vocational college is considered a post-secondary education type school but combines coursework of a high school and junior college stretching for six years.
Trade education and training, allow students to gain practical experience in their chosen career path before they even graduate. Students who finish those rigorous programs, have the credentials and training they need to get started right away in their chosen career path.
Trade degrees generally take around two years or less to complete, whereas a bachelor’s degree takes four years, and a master’s degree takes six years, etc. It is valuable for students who are looking to get into a trade and start working quickly.
Technical schools/qualifications teach the theory and science behind the occupation, while trade schools/qualifications take a more hands-on approach to teaching the skills needed to do the job successfully.
Over half of students with vocational qualifications progress on to Higher Education after their course. Level 3 trade qualifications can provide you with a very effective preparation to progress to a higher level of study.