Best Trade Schools in New Jersey for 2025

Discover the best trade schools in New Jersey to gain valuable skills and knowledge for a rewarding career with this list of top accredited institutions.

Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, provide individuals with specific skills and training for particular trades and professions.

For instance, people attend trade schools in the U.S. to learn skills to become healthcare professionals or automotive technicians.

There are 10 trade schools in New Jersey you can choose from. Keep reading to learn about some of the top trade schools in NJ that focus on hands-on training and real-world experience to prepare students for their chosen careers.

Featured Trade Schools in New Jersey

Explore the following list of the 10 top trade schools in New Jersey to find the best training and education for in-demand career skills.

1. Camden County College

Camden County College is a public institution offering quality trade education. Its main campus is in Blackwood, with other instructional sites in the state.

It provides several vocational opportunities through its career and technical studies programs.

Students can choose from various areas, such as:

Computer technician support
Automotive technology
Pharmacy technician
Cosmetology
Culinary arts

Many of its workforce training options are available through distance learning, where students can earn various professional certificates.

2. Eastwick College

Eastwick College has numerous campus locations, including Ramsey, Hackensack, Nutley, and Paterson.

They offer many ways for individuals to learn a trade and obtain a diploma or certification in highly sought-after job fields.

Its areas of study include:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology (HVAC)
Pharmacy technician
Manufacturing technology
Medical billing and coding
Patient care technician

The institution is known for its concise curriculum and shorter program durations that provide relevant career training.

3. Lincoln Technical Institute

The Lincoln Technical Institute is a private for-profit school with various locations nationwide, including six New Jersey campuses.

This postsecondary vocational institution has been a leader in teaching skilled technical training since 1946.

Students can gain career skills in areas such as:

Computer systems support technology
Automotive service technology
Dental assisting
Patient care
Nursing

Financial aid is available for eligible individuals, including several trade school scholarships and grants.

4. American Institute

The American Institute is one of the trade schools in New Jersey that has several campuses. Its locations include Clifton, Cherry Hill, Toms River, and Somerset.

Its expert staff enriches students' lives through quality education and skill development across many in-demand industries.

Their areas of study include:

Medical assisting
Nurse's aid
Dental assisting
Massage therapy
Medical coding and billing

Programs are accessible in a hybrid format, offering coursework through online and distance learning.

5. Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools

The Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools delivers quality instruction in sought-after fields like business and education at its various campuses in New Jersey.

It prepares high school and college-level students with the required skills and knowledge for gainful employment in our competitive workforce.

Courses of study include:

Construction
Automotive technology
Culinary arts
Medical assisting
Cosmetology

Some career-training programs are available in a 10-month accelerated format, offering flexibility for adult learners to advance their education.

6. Raritan Valley Community College

Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg offers high-quality education that helps individuals be ambitious in today's workplace.

It provides expert instruction from experienced faculty through its many career training, certification, and professional development programs.

Students can choose from areas of study like:

Automotive technology
Advanced manufacturing
Make-up artistry
Cosmetology
HVAC

Many courses are available through the convenience of online learning, giving students flexibility to advance their academics to get ahead in their careers.

7. Healthcare Training Institute

The Healthcare Training Institute in Union prides itself on being a leader among trade schools in New Jersey.

This medical technical school teaches sought-after skills and knowledge in popular healthcare fields, preparing individuals to succeed in entry-level professions.

Their programs include:

Medical billing and coding
Patient care technician
Diagnostic medical sonography
Medical assistant technician
Certified nurse aid

Students gain practical experience through classroom instruction and lab work to meet graduation requirements.

8. Universal Technical Institute

The Universal Technical Institute has several nationwide locations, including Bloomfield.

They provide skills-based trade school training to help students advance their technician skills in the automotive and motorcycle industries and more.

Students choose from areas of study such as:

Automotive technology
Welding technology
Motorcycle technician
Automotive mechanic
Diesel mechanic

Most programs take around a year or even less to complete. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are accessible to qualified students.

9. Fortis Institute

The Fortis Institute is among the trade schools in New Jersey with multiple instructional sites, including Wayne and Lawrenceville.

It delivers expert hands-on learning by skilled faculty to help students thrive in their chosen field.

Career training programs include the following:

electrical systems technician
medical billing and coding
dental assisting
lab technician
HVAC

Online education options are available. Financial aid is provided for those who are eligible.

10. Rowan College of South Jersey

Rowan College of South Jersey is a public community college. It has locations in multiple cities, including Sewell, Vineland, and Millville.

The school provides many options for gaining essential training through its career and technical education division.

Students gain skills for obtaining in-demand jobs in fields such as:

Veterinary and animal care
Advanced manufacturing
Financial services
Healthcare

Common Trade Jobs in New Jersey

The common trade jobs in New Jersey vary across many in-demand fields, including healthcare, automotive, and technology.

Examples of skilled trade jobs in New Jersey include:

The demand for competent trade workers in New Jersey should remain high in future years.

Enrolling in trade schools is an excellent option for gaining the right skills and training to succeed in specific trades and professions.

How Much Does Trade School Cost in New Jersey?

The trade school cost in New Jersey varies depending on certain conditions.

This includes whether the institution is public or private, how long the program is, or the school's location.

For instance, a public trade school could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per year, while a private college could cost $15,000 or more.

Trade school, diploma, and certification programs tend to be shorter than undergraduate and graduate degree programs, helping individuals embark on a career faster.

Students should research their school of choice for current costs and specifics.

Are There Online Trade Schools in New Jersey?

Yes, several online trade schools in New Jersey provide flexible learning options through remote education.

However, due to necessary hands-on training for many trade school programs, students will find most distance learning is available in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person classes.

Trade schools that offer online learning in New Jersey include Camden County College and Rowan College of South Jersey.

Explore Trade Schools Today

This list of options helps individuals start a fulfilling career today by exploring trade schools in New Jersey covering a wide variety of interests in fields from healthcare to cosmetology to automotive technology.