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Gainesville is prominent for the University of Florida — the state’s centers of education, medicine, cultural events, and athletics.
But apart from UF, there are sprawling schools in the area that home technical trade courses, which is one of the most high-paying professions in the market.
Here, a skilled worker earns $15.76 an hour on average.
For trade schools to check out, here’s a list.
UF College Of Nursing
About the School
The University of Florida College of Nursing is a competitive institution that hosts the best nursing courses in Florida.
In fact, it’s home to flagship universities in the state, such as the Academic Health Center, and centers and institutes like the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute of UF, the UF Genetics Institute, the UF Health Cancer Center, and the UF Institute on Aging.
It also boasts a history of pioneering leadership in nursing education and is the first school to offer nurse practitioner programs in Florida.
UF College of Nursing ensures personalized nursing care and exceptional academic programs
Courses Offered
UF College of Nursing has bachelor’s, doctoral, and Ph.D. Nursing courses in its program overview.
The UF BSN Degree Tracks include Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, and an RN to BSN program where students are given the opportunity to experience an innovative model of clinical education.
Meanwhile, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed to empower licensed nurses with specialized advanced practice skills.
A Ph.D. in Nursing Sciences is the peak of someone else’s academic nursing career and is a gateway to an endless career stream.
Contact
- UF College Of Nursing
- Address: Health Professions, Nursing, Pharmacy Building, 1225 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603
- Phone: +1 352-273-6457
- Website: https://nursing.ufl.edu/
Academy for Five Element Accupuncture
About the School
Acupuncture may look dated, but it’s still one of the most effective techniques in alleviating and liberating the conditions of one’s physical and mental state.
The Academy for Five Element Acupuncture is a unique school that has catered acupuncture education to students for more than twenty years in the healing arts of the Five Element tradition.
This not-for-profit graduate institution is amongst the only two schools in the country that offers accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Since 1988, the school has produced over 350 students who are all now on the pedestal of their careers.
Courses Offered
The Graduates of Master of Acupuncture is a 36-month program that covers the theory and philosophy of Five Element Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, meridian pathways, points and pulses, and traditional diagnostic methods.
After completion, students will Master of Acupuncture degree (M.Ac.) and the eligibility to challenge the NCCAOM exams.
Another course available is the 27-month Chinese Herbal Medicine Program which includes learning the Eight Principle foundation, and the various forms of herbal treatments as well as how to modify formulas for different patients.
Students who graduate will be given the Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine, and the opportunity and strength to ace the NCCAOM exam in Chinese Herbology, which is now a licensed profession in Florida.
Contact
- Academy for Five Element Acupuncture
- Address:305 SE 2nd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32601
- Phone: 352.335.2332
- Website: https://acupuncturist.edu/
Real Estate School of North Central Florida
About the School
The Real Estate Profession is a rewarding career both in flexibility and monetarily, and the Real Estate School of North Central Florida has an excellent program to prepare you for this rewarding career.
With licensed brokers and experts, it sure has perfected the modern approach in landing clients, and ensuring that each professional becomes the most competitive in the real estate field.
Apart from the technical aspects, the classes will also teach students the insides and outs of the market, and the tricks to ace this dynamic job.
Tuition fee starts at 350 USD depending on the program.
Courses Offered
To earn a Florida Real Estate Sales License, you need a 63-hour, FREC-approved pre-licensing course for real estate sales associates and the course at Real Estate School of North Central Florida has an 89% course exam success rate.
Getting a Florida Real Estate Broker License is tedious but definitely worth it, considering the practical aspects of the career, such as earnings.
First, you’ll need a Florida Real Estate Sales License for at least 24 hours, which you can also earn at this school.
After, you can take the school’s FREC-approved 72-hour pre-licensing course for brokers and pass the state exam.
Contact
- Real Estate School of North Central Florida
- Address: 4041 NW 37th Pl ste d, Gainesville, FL 32606
- Phone: +1 352-226-8474
- Website: https://realestateschoolofncfl.com/
Concorde Career Institute
About the School
Backed with high-caliber training and years of experience in providing quality health education, the Concorde Career Institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Concorde Career College is student-centered, community-based, and achievement-driven, and relies on its core values such as integrity, Respect for the Individual, customer service, Teamwork, and Achievement.
Courses Offered
A hub of healthcare programs, there are over 20 medical courses at Concorde Career College.
The Nursing program brackets Nursing (Pre-Licensure), Practical / Vocational Nursing, and RN to BSN which are all packed with thorough coursework and hands-on experience.
Another offering that’s most sought is the Dental Programs that include the Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene course.
There’s also an array of Diagnostic Programs such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Sonography, Polysomnographic Technology, Neurodiagnostic Technology, and Radiologic Technology.
Diagnostic-related jobs are one of the most flourishing medical careers in the country and these programs will ramp up your chance to step up in the professional industry.
Here are the other programs to consider:
Patient Care Programs
- Surgical Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Massage Therapy
Allied Health Programs
- Medical Assistant Program
- Medical Office Administration Program
- Medical Office Professional Program
- Pharmacy Technician Program
- Phlebotomy Technician Program
- Health Care Administration Program
- Sterile Processing Technician Program
Contact
- Concorde Career Institute
- Address: 7259 Salisbury Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
- Phone: 904-515-5518
- Website: https://www.concorde.edu/
City College
About the School
City College is a legacy carved from C.M. Fike II and his wife, Esther, who saw the need to create programs with practical, hands-on education to enrich professionals to achieve their career goals.
For two decades now, the institution has been a budding professional, and in 2021, it was acquired by the Center Education Group (CEG) with the goal of enhancing both the lives of their students as well as the communities.
The school has also expanded into five more campuses to serve aspiring professionals all throughout Florida.
Courses Offered
City College offers degree programs in the healthcare pathway.
These are the Associate of Science degree courses which can be finished in as little as 20 weeks depending on the program.
- Medical Assistant Program
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Emergency Medical Service
- Healthcare Administration
- Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Technology
Diploma programs are composed of short-term coursework, Online lectures and in-person labs, Simulation labs, and Clinical externships and ride-alongs.
The Emergency Medical Technician program includes Basic Life Support skills and knowledge to become certified EMTs.
Meanwhile, the Paramedic Diploma Program is a one-year course that prepares students to sit and challenge the National Registry exam.
Contact
- City College
- Address: 7001 NW 4th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32607
- Phone: +1 352-335-4000
- Website: https://www.citycollege.edu/locations/gainesville/
Cortiva Institute
About the School
Founded from its core values — integrity, excellence, growth, diversity, professionalism, community, and respect, the Cortiva Institute is a network of schools and institutions that serves one purpose, to provide students with hands-on training and quality education in the beauty and wellness field.
Apart from its quality programs, the institute is also reputable for creating relationships among its graduates and creating numerous partnerships to cater to more transformative growth in its curriculum.
It also hosts job fairs and career seminars to help students build relationships outside the school, and learn the industry in a more diverse and vibrant setting.
Sporting events and fundraisers are also common.
Courses Offered
The Cortiva Institute has multiple programs in the beauty pathway.
The cosmetology program equips you with 5 certifications after completion and is a 1250-hr program where you will learn everything about cosmetology — skin, hair, nails, and face.
Meanwhile, the 300-hour program includes a comprehensive curriculum that is nationally accredited and is partnered with Dermalogica.
Jumpstart your makeup career through the 600-hour Makeup Artistry and Skincare Program, where you’ll learn about facials, chemical peels, color theories, microdermabrasion, and many more.
Another interesting program is the massage therapist course which includes 11 certifications and can be completed in 600 hours.
A Paramedical Esthetician program includes a professional student kit that has a Dermalogica Esthetics Kit, a Dermalogica Peel Kit, and a Crown Brush Makeup Kit.
Contact
- Cortiva Institute
- Address: 2001 W Sample Rd #100, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
- Phone: +1 954-975-6400
- Website: https://www.cortiva.edu/
ECPI University
About the School
For more than 50 years now, ECPI University has been delivering highly flexible, quality, and interactive courses that accommodate students who are eyeing either a degree or diploma course.
It has accelerated programs and a wide selection of over 50 courses.
This blend includes Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s degree programs.
Here, you’re given two classes at a time, and earn credits before being allowed to proceed on the next to ensure that learning takes place gradually but in a sure manner.
Its curriculum is also focused on multiple business partnerships to make sure it is focused on industry needs.
Courses Offered
Associate degrees can be earned as quickly as 1.5 years, and currently, there are 5 pathways to choose an associate course from.
The Technology pathway includes:
- Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
- Cyber and Information Security Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics
- Software Development
The nursing pathway covers an associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Practical Nursing (PN) course.
Meanwhile, if a career in health science is what you’re interested in, here’s a list of those you can consider.
- Dental Assistant
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Paramedic (EMT)
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiography
- Sonography
- Surgical Technology
The Culinary Arts pathway offers:
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Culinary Arts
- Culinary Arts
- Culinary Nutrition
Online education is also catered to:
- Electronic Engineering Technology
- Cyber and Information Security Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics
- Software Development
Contact
- ECPI University
- Address: 660 Century Point, Ste 1050 Orlando, FL 32746
- Phone: 844.334.4466
- Website: https://www.ecpi.edu/
Santa Fe College
About the School
Student-centered on its mission to fulfill educational opportunities for all, Santa Fe College is a state-government-established institution that offers different levels of learning to students in its community.
Since 1965, the school has been catering to students in Gainesville, from high school to degree careers.
Courses Offered
There are degree options, certificates, and non-degree courses at Santa Fe College.
The Certificate programs are composed of postsecondary career education courses that can help graduates ease into employment.
Here are the certificate programs:
- Advanced Technical Certificates (A.T.C.)
- Applied Technology Diploma (A.T.D.)
- College Credit Certificates (C.C.C.)
- Career and Technical Certificate (C.T.C.)
Meanwhile, non-degree options include Adult Education courses such as the following, and cost $30 per semester:
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)/GED Preparation
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL
As for Adult Education pathways, the following are offered:
- Nursing Assistant (NA) Certification
- 40-hour Child Care Certification
- American Heart Association BLS/CPR And First Aid Certification
- Safestaff® Foodhandler Certification
- Artist Entrepreneur
- Horticulture/agriculture Entrepreneur
- Computer/typing Instruction
Contact
- Santa Fe College
- Address: 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606
- Phone: 352-395-5000
- Website: https://www.sfcollege.edu/
Gainesville Safe Driving School
About the School
Servicing Florida since 1999, the Gainesville Safe Driving School aims to provide exceptional driving lessons for adults and students through a multi-language approach of English and Spanish.
The school is family-owned and has an array of highly trained, experienced, and professional instructors.
Gainesville Safe Driving School is also perfect for parents who want to enroll their kids in driving school.
Apart from the school’s years of experience, it also has the complete resources needed to make learning more efficient for every student.
The institution is packed with different driving lessons, from starter courses to licensing packages.
Courses Offered
The regular driving courses are designed for starters and vary depending on your driving knowledge.
- Basic Course (6 Hours – $395)
- Intermediate Course (8 hours – $485)
- Advance Course (10 Hours – $575)
- Advance Superior Course (12 Hours – $675)
Meanwhile, the Licensing packages are composed of a Class E License and a Private Class-E Road Skills Test starts at $80.
The Class E license consists of 2 Hours of practice conducted in 2 lessons prior to the exam, a Florida Class E Road Skills Test INCLUDES the use of a student car and transportation back to and from your home, work, or school all for $240.00.
Contact
- Gainesville Safe Driving School
- Address: 901 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
- Phone: +13525755147
- Website: http://www.gainesvillesafedrivingschool.com/
Summit Salon Academy - Gainesville
About the School
Highlighting its Summit Salon™ performance-based system, the Summit Salon Academy hones future salon professionals to enhance their crafts and maximize their earning potential.
With Pivot Point, its newest addition to its learning curriculum, the school is able to offer its classes on the go, as this online learning platform is complemented with virtual learning technology.
The Summit Salon Academy is backed with a pool of talented professionals, whose goals align to build up a new generation of beauty professionals.
Courses Offered
The school offers a 1200-hour Cosmetology program that utilizes Redken 5th Avenue NYC’s principle-based design and color in building the confidence and skills required to provide exceptional salon service to guests.
This program covers 475 hours of theory, 725 Hours of the lab, and 700 hours of required service, thus it also utilizes the Pivot Point LAB, a ground-breaking integrated social learning environment, tailored for the beauty industry.
The Full-Specialist Program is a 600-hour jampacked course that tackles skin care, lash extensions, Brow Tinting, Waxing Services, and applying Gel Polish.
Part of the program calls for 220 hours of lab and 380 hours of theory held in a 14-hour weekly schedule.
Contact
- Summit Salon Academy – Gainesville
- Address: 6915 NW 4th Blvd B, Gainesville, FL 32607, United States
- Phone: +13523312424
- Website: https://www.ssag.edu/
Trade Schools in Florida by City
Final Thoughts
The demand for skilled workers is soaring.
It does not always require investing tons of money in expensive education, as there are trade and technical courses available for your perusal.
Vocational education is one of the fastest and easiest ways to secure a career without having to think of huge student debts.
These educational institutions boast not only quality education but connections to get you jobs at your door after completion.