Best Trade & Tech Schools inPittsburgh, PA

Top Trade and Tech Schools in Pittsburgh, PA

One of the reasons why more and more people choose trade school programs is the fact that they are the shortest, usually less than a year to up to two years and more affordable.

So, we gathered all the necessary information about accredited and affordable trade schools in Pittsburgh, PA to make your decision making easier and less tiresome.


Bidwell Training Center

Bidwell Training Center was established in 1968.

Since then it has provided vocational training and employment opportunities to local residents and developed new training programs.

Enrollment: The only way of enrolling in the Bidwell Training Center is via the application process set by the center’s staff.

The eligible candidate is the one who possesses a high school diploma or GED.

Those people are highly encouraged to apply for admission to one of BTC’s majors if they are interested in one of the fields provided.

All of the programs are offered to qualifying applicants without the necessity to pay for them.  Admission is a three-step process and it consists of the following:

You are supposed to attend an information session so as to learn more about the programs.

Then, you have to sit for and pass an assessment test.

If you have successfully passed it, you should sit for a panel interview to explain why you are interested in attending the Bidwell Training Center.

Fees:  All of the programs are offered to qualifying applicants without the necessity to pay for them.

Courses Offered:

  • Chemical Laboratory Technician
  • Culinary Arts
  • Horticulture Technology
  • Medical

Contact Information:


Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science

Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) and licensed by Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools
Department of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Enrollment: Those interested in applying must submit an application for admission via the PIMS Online Application available on the school’s official website.

All the requirements must be fulfilled and all documents submitted by the application deadline.

You will need to provide a professional photo for identification, an official transcript of the complete high school record or the evidence of a high school equivalency, all official college transcripts, including a mortuary school which have to be submitted directly to PIMS by the school or college electronically or via postal mail.

Furthermore, two letters of recommendation from a professional person, a certificate of good health from a physician and a copy of the healthcare insurance card.

Last, but not least, the applicant has to submit an essay up to 300 words with the subject, Why I am Choosing Funeral Service as a Career.

Fees: A $50 application fee has to be submitted via credit card with the PIMS Online Application and is refundable.

Courses Offered:

  • Associate in Specialized Business Degree (Funeral Service Management)
  • Associate in Specialized Technology Degree (Funeral Service Arts and Sciences)
  • Bachelor of Science Degree Option: Point Park University (PPU) Capstone Program

Contact Information:

  • Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
  • Address: 5808 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
  • Phone: +1 412-362-8500
  • Web: https://pims.edu

Rosedale Technical Colleges

Rosedale Technical College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career School and Colleges and is licensed by the Pennsylvania Board of Private Licensed Schools.

Enrollment: The school staff has made the application process simple and straightforward, consisting of four short steps.

The first step is to call the college at 800-521-6262 or fill out the form to schedule a tour.

The tour is designed so that you can meet with an Admissions Representative who will answer any questions you might have and discuss the further steps in the application process.

Then, you are supposed to successfully complete and pass a recognized scholastic entrance exam and to participate in a personal interview so as to be considered for admission.

If you pass them, you will be referred to the Director of Admissions for acceptance.

The eligible candidates are those people who possess a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate, as well as a valid driver’s license.

Some programs may have additional admissions requirements that have to be met prior to applying.

Fees: The amount of money that has to be paid for the classes depends on the chosen program.

Courses Offered:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Collision Repair Technology
  • Diesel Technology
  • Electrical Technology
  • HVAC Technology
  • Industrial Technician
  • Welding Technician
  • CDL Training
  • Automotive Technician
  • Diesel Technician
  • Electrical Technician
  • Collision Repair Technology
  • HVAC Technician
  • Welding Technician
  • Certification Classes
  • Custom Corporate Training
  • Mazda Training Program

Contact Information:


Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy

Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy was Western Pennsylvania’s first institution to offer a career training course in massage therapy and it has been providing this kind of education since it has been formed in 1986.

Enrollment: One of the requirements that future students have to meet prior to enrolling in the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy is to possess a high school diploma or GED, which is required to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Pennsylvania.

With the application form filled out with honest answers, you are supposed to include the following information and documents, so as to be considered for enrollment.

You will have to provide a brief autobiographical statement speaking about your interest and experience in massage therapy as a profession.

Then, two letters of character reference from people who know you personally with their addresses and phone numbers included for verification.

The obligatory document is also the most recent school transcript or copy of a college degree.

Fees: Each applicant is required to pay a $25.00 application fee.

Courses Offered:

  • Massage Therapy Training

Contact Information:


Trade Institute of Pittsburgh

Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP) is a non-profit building trade training provider.

The main aim of this educational institution is to provide opportunities for individuals who are interested in meeting a growing need for skilled workers by getting high-quality training.

The education is provided by instructors, counselors and job placement specialists who all have the same goal – to support their students.

Enrollment: If you are interested in enrolling in the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, the application process starts on the school’s official website where you can find the link to the application form.

There are some personal questions that you have to answer and submit the application.

If you do not want to fill out the form, the other way of applying is by calling the school directly at 412.243.2970.

The admission representative will get in touch with you and provide you with the information in regard to the application procedure.

Courses Offered:

  • The Masonry Program
  • Welding or Construction

Contact Information:

  • Trade Institute of Pittsburgh
  • Address: 7800 Susquehanna St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
  • Phone: +1 412-243-2970
  • Web: https://tipgh.org

Institute of Medical and Business Careers

The Institute of Medical and Business Careers is institutionally accredited by the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Enrollment: The admissions department will help you through the process of selecting the best program but only if you meet the General Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must have met at least one of the following requirements:

  • Be a graduate and have a valid diploma from an approved high school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
  • Possess a diploma from a state-authorized home school program
  • Possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate.

If you meet one of these requirements, you will have to provide documentation to prove that.

All prospective students must complete a career planning session with a member of our admissions department and during this session, they will be discussing the applicant’s career goals, as well as about the possible financial aid.

Last, but not least, the academic readiness of all prospective students will be evaluated prior to enrolling.

Fees: Tuition at IMBC varies by program and campus, but there is a possibility to use the Net Price Calculator to determine the cost of attending the Institute of Medical and Business Careers.

Courses Offered:

  • Business Administration – Marketing and Management (A.S.B.)
  • Dental Assisting (Diploma)
  • Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy (Diploma)
  • Medical Assisting Technician (A.S.T.)
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Diploma)
  • Medical Insurance Billing and Coding (Diploma)
  • Medical Office Administrator (Diploma)
  • Medical Records Technician (A.S.T.)
  • Veterinary Technician (A.S.T.)
  • Welding Technology (Diploma)

Contact Information:

  • Institute of Medical and Business Careers
  • Address: 133 Jefferson Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
  • Phone: +1 855-773-0758
  • Web: https://imbc.edu

Elite Bartending School

Elite Bartending School is certified by the PA Department of Education.

The education and training are provided by professional instructors who have many years of bartending experience.

The curriculum is made so that they will be teaching students the most popular, in-demand mixed drinks.

Future students should know that they will need at least a 90% overall testing average in order to graduate.

Enrollment: Each person interested in this field is encouraged to apply for the course.

As a part of the application process, you will have to sign an Enrollment Agreement in which you will provide some personal details.

If you need assistance with the application form, you can call the enrollment specialist today at 412.344.9100

Fees: Tuition includes all course materials required to successfully complete the course.

Future students are supposed to pay the enrollment fee of $100, which is due upon completing the application form.

The remaining amount of $695 is due prior to the start of class, being that the total cost to attend the Bartending School is $795.

Courses Offered:

  • Bartending

Contact Information:

  • Elite Bartending School
  • Address: 2961 W Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
  • Phone: +1 412-344-9100
  • Web: https://elitebartend.com

North Hills Beauty Academy

South & North Hills Beauty Academy is approved, accredited, and licensed by the National Accreditation Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).

Enrollment: So as to be considered qualified for admission to programs you must meet the following requirements:

You must be a high school graduate, and possess a High School Diploma, or have the recognized equivalent – a General Education Development “GED” Certificate, with passing scores.

Proof of high school graduation and other required documentation must be provided before the student begins classes.

The applicant must submit an accurate and complete Application for Admission.

Furthermore, you must be in good health and complete a physical form.

Prior to signing the Enrollment Agreement, you must meet with a representative of the School and tour the facility.

Fees: When it comes to payment requirements, all applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $75.00.

Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology And Hair Design
  • Mud Beauty Essentials Course
  • Esthetics And Skin Care
  • Instructors Programs
  • Manicure & Nail Design
  • Chemical Peel / Microderm
  • Lash Lift Certification
  • Airbrush Make-Up / Spray Tan
  • Eye Lash Extensions
  • Microblading

Contact Information:

  • North Hills Beauty Academy
  • Address: 813 W View Park Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15229
  • Phone: +1 412-931-8553
  • Web: https://www.shnhbeauty.com/

Carlow University

Enrollment: The application process starts with arranging a personal interview and campus visit, which is optional, but strongly recommended.

Then, you are supposed to submit a completed application form by applying online for free and ask a guidance counselor to send your complete official high school transcript to the Admissions Office via mail to Carlow University, Admissions Office, 3333 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, in which your cumulative GPA, courses taken and grades received, class rank and results of achievement and assessment tests should be presented.

Furthermore, you must submit scores from the SAT, ACT Program, and/or the Classic Learning Test and an essay and/or recommendation from your secondary school principal, teacher or guidance counselor.

Courses Offered:

These are just some of the programs offered:

  • Accounting
  • Art
  • Art Education
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Biology
  • Business Administration (MBA)
  • Business Management
  • Chemistry
  • Communication
  • Counseling Psychology (PsyD)
  • Creative Writing
  • Creative Writing (MFA)
  • Criminology Curriculum and Instruction
  • Cyber Threat and Research Analytics
  • Data Analytics
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Early Development and Learning
  • Education
  • Forensic Accounting
  • General Studies
  • Health Coach (Minor)
  • Healthcare

Contact Information:

  • Carlow University
  • Address: 3333 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
  • Phone: +1 412-578-6000
  • Web: https://www.carlow.edu

Barber School of Pittsburgh

The Barber School of Pittsburgh has to offer a Barber Training program, which can be finished in no less than 9 months.

Enrollment: If you are eager to enroll in the Barber School of Pittsburgh, you would be glad to know that the applications can be submitted at any time via the school’s official website.

The admission is open to career-minded people but not all of the applicants can be accepted.

First, you must meet the following minimum requirements specific to applying if you want to be considered eligible.

You must have an email address due to the fact that the Barber School of Pittsburgh’s Administrative office will send all admissions/enrollment notifications by email.​

You have to complete an application for the training program and possess a verifiable high school diploma or equivalent (GED) or a post-secondary degree or transcript.

The applicant must possess government-issued identification such as a driver’s license, state id with photo or passport.

Fees: You will have to pay a $95 registration/application fee if you happen to be accepted.

Courses Offered:

  • Barber Training Program

Contact Information:

  • Barber School of Pittsburgh
  • Address: 143 Steuben St, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
  • Phone: +1 412-922-1234
  • Web: https://www.bsp.edu

Trade Schools in Pennsylvania by City

See trade schools in Pennsylvania >>

Final Thoughts

The main advantage of trade schools is the hands-on preparation you will receive for a specific job and you can start working one you get a certificate.

Our suggestion is to make sure which field you want to study and then make a list of schools which offer this kind of education, with all the pros and cons, before you make the final decision.

3 Comments
  1. Avatar for Joan Schmitt Joan Schmitt

    Am searching for a school that one can attend, get a GED and at the end of the terms, also have a trade and a job? Preferably in the Pgh., Pa., area.

  2. Avatar for Megan Megan

    Why is Carlow University listed as a trade school? Its an accredited university!

    1. Avatar for Jack Jack

      They also offer some courses that can be considered trades.

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