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Trade Schools in San Diego CA

Trade schools in San Diego, California and its surrounding communities provide a wide variety of training opportunities to local residents interested in starting new careers or adding credentials to enhance their current ones. Accredited programs offer degrees, certificates and diplomas in fields as diverse as healthcare, cosmetology, business administration and information technology.

The section below contains brief profiles of each of San Diego county’s accredited vocational programs. You are additionally encouraged to search for online programs offered by other institutions as many schools that do not have physical campuses in the area also provide training.

Accredited Trade Schools in San Diego, CA

Advanced Training Associates

Website: www.advancedtraining.edu

Address: 1810 Gillespie Way, Suite 104, El Cajon, California 92020Advanced Training Associates - San Diego

Phone: (619) 596-2766

Largest Program: Computer and Information Sciences

Average Program Length: 9 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 83%

Advanced Training Associates specializes in providing career training for a number of in-demand, entry-level positions in Southern California. The school provides diploma and degree courses in Information Technology, Healthcare, and Business, and is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

Argosy University – San Diego

Website: www.argosy.edu

Address: 1615 Murray Canyon Road, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92108Argosy University - San Diego

Phone: (619) 321-3000

Largest Program: Masters of Mental Health Counseling/Counselor

Average Program Length: 24 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 50%

Argosy University prides itself on not just providing the technical training necessary to succeed in the professional world, but on training its students in interpersonal skills as well. The San Diego campus is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and offers degrees in Clinical Psychology, Arts & Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Business Management, Healthcare and Creative Arts.

Associated Technical College – San Diego

Website: www.associatedtechcollege.com

Address: 707 Broadway-Ste 300, San Diego, California 92101Associated Technical College - San Diego

Phone: (619) 234-2181 x309

Largest Program: Communications Technology/Technician

Average Program Length: 8 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 65%

Founded in 1984, Associated Technical College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and approved by the State of California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. The college provides training programs in Telecommunications Technology and Microcomputer Technology.

Avance Beauty College

Website: avancebeautycollege.edu

Address: 750 Beyer Way Suite B-C-D-E, San Diego, California 92154Avance Beauty College - San Diego

Phone: (619) 575-1511

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 16 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 81%

Avance Beauty College features bilingual training with small class sizes and a focus on hands-on learning in order to help students become successful beauty industry professionals. The school’s Cosmetology course conforms to guidelines set forth by the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and is accredited by the NACCAS.

Bellus Academy – El Cajon

Website: www.bellusacademy.edu

Address: 1073 E Main St, El Cajon, California 92021Bellus Academy - El Cajon

Phone: (619) 442-3407

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 13 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 80%

Bellus Academy integrates its creative styling techniques with the Nick Education S.T.A.R. Precision Haircutting System to provide students with a unique learning experience. The academy offers training in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Spa Nails and Make-Up Artistry.

California College San Diego

Website: www4.cc-sd.edu

Address: 6602 Convoy Ct #100, San Diego, CA 92111California College - San-Diego

Phone: (888) 925-4039

Largest Program: Information Technology

Average Program Length: 20 months

Overall Graduation Rate: N/A

California Hair Design Academy

Website: chdaschools.com

Address: 8011 University Avenue, Suite A-2, La Mesa, California 91941-5055California Hair Design Academy

Phone: (619) 461-8600

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 13 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 71%

California Hair Design Academy (CDHA) boasts two San Diego-area campuses where students can receive professional training in Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics and Manicuring. The academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

Concorde Career College – San Diego

Website: www.concorde.edu

Address: 4393 Imperial Avenue, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92113-1964Concorde Career College - San Diego

Phone: (619) 688-0800

Largest Program: Medical/Clinical Assistant

Average Program Length: 8 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 64%

The San Diego campus of Concorde Career College has been in operation for more than 40 years and continues to offer its students high-quality training in numerous healthcare professions. The ACCSC-accredited school features programs for Dental Assisting, Dental Hygienist Assisting, Medical Assisting, Vocational Nursing, Physical Therapist Assisting and Surgical Technology.

Design Institute of San Diego

Website: www.disd.edu

Address: 8555 Commerce Ave, San Diego, California 92121Design Institute of San Diego

Phone: (858) 566-1200

Largest Program: Interior Design

Average Program Length: 4 years

Overall Graduation Rate: 50%

The Design Institute of San Diego is an interior design school that is accredited by both the ACICS and Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The school’s curriculum is focused on preparing students for careers in interior design and awards a four-year degree as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising – San Diego

Website: fidm.edu

Address: 350 Tenth Avenue, Third Floor, San Diego, California 92101-4903Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising-San Diego

Phone: (619) 235-2049

Largest Program: Fashion Merchandising

Average Program Length: 24 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 79%

Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, this campus for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising holds an institutional accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school awards associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in a number of fashion, design and merchandising fields.

Golf Academy of America – Carlsbad

Website: www.golfacademy.edu

Address: 1950 Camino Vida Roble, Ste. 125, Carlsbad, California 92008Golf Academy of America - Carlsbad

Phone: (800) 342-7342

Largest Program: Business Administration, Management and Operations

Average Program Length: 24 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 40%

The lone Southern California campus of the Golf Academy of America, the Carlsbad location features an instructional staff made-up entirely of PGA pros and proximity to 23 different championship golf courses. The school is accredited by the ACICS and is a member of the American Council on Education.

Healing Hands School of Holistic Health

Website: healinghandsschool.com

Address: 125 W Mission Ave Ste 212, Escondido, California 92025Healing Hands School of Holistic Health

Phone: (760) 746-9364

Largest Program: Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage

Average Program Length: 13 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 90%

Featuring state certified, nationally-accredited programs in Massage Therapy and Holistic Health, the Healing Hands School of Holistic Health has been training San Diego-area practitioners for over 20 years. The school is accredited by both the ABHES and the U.S. Department of Education.

International Professional School of Bodywork

Website: www.ipsb.edu

Address: 9025 Balboa Ave Ste 130, San Diego, California 92123International Professional School of Bodywork

Phone: (858) 505-1100

Largest Program: Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage

Average Program Length: 18 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 57%

With nearly 40 years of history, International Professional School of Bodywork is one of America’s oldest and most-respected massage therapy programs. The school is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation and the State of California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Kaplan College – San Diego

Website: www.kaplancollege.com/san-diego-ca/

Address: 9055 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, California 92123Kaplan College - San Diego

Phone: (858) 279-4500

Largest Program: Health Aide

Average Program Length: 9 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 90%

Kaplan College’s San Diego campus features degree programs for those interested in careers in Allied Health, Criminal Justice and Nursing, and is accredited by the ACICS. The campus is located in Kearny Mesa and is contained within a 53,000 square foot facility.

Marinello School of Beauty – San Diego

Website: www.marinello.com

Address: 7550 Miramar Road, San Diego, California 92126Marinello School of Beauty -  San Diego

Phone: (858) 547-9260

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 10 months

Overall Graduation Rate: N/A

One of two Marinello School of Beauty campuses in San Diego, the Miramar location boasts a great centralized location and a staff of experienced professionals in the fields of Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Manicuring and Massage Therapy. The school is accredited by the NACCAS and offers financial aid to qualified students.

Marinello School of Beauty – El Cajon

Website: www.marinello.com

Address: 841 Arnele Ave, El Cajon, California 92020Marinello School of Beauty -  San Diego

Phone: (562) 945-2211

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 10 months

Overall Graduation Rate: N/A

The El Cajon campus of Marinello School of Beauty is ideally situated to help students join San Diego’s rapidly growing cosmetology industry. The NACCAS-accredited institution provides training in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Advanced Facial and Body Treatments, and Manicuring.

MediaTech Institute – Oceanside

Website: mediatech.edu

Address: 302 Oceanside Boulevard, Oceanside, California 92054-5116MediaTech Institute - Oceanside

Phone: (760) 231-5368

Largest Program: Recording Arts Technology/Technician

Average Program Length: 11 months

Overall Graduation Rate: N/A

The Oceanside campus is the newest location for MediaTech Institute and, like the school’s other locations, offers professional training in Recording Arts and Digital Film and Video Arts. The institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Mueller College

Website: www.mueller.edu

Address: 123 Camino de la Reina, #100 North, San Diego, California 92108-3002Mueller College

Phone: (619) 291-9811

Largest Program: Somatic Bodywork

Average Program Length: 18 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 78%

Mueller College differentiates itself from the competition by offering flexible scheduling, placement assistance, an expert faculty and multiple financing options for students. The career college is accredited by the ACCSC and offers associate’s degrees and certifications in Business, Recording Arts, Fitness Training, Holistic Health, and Drug and Alcohol Counseling.

Newschool of Architecture and Design

Website: www.newschoolarch.edu

Address: 1249 F St, San Diego, California 92101Newschool of Architecture and Design

Phone: (800) 490-7081

Largest Program: Architecture

Average Program Length: 4 years

Overall Graduation Rate: 32%

Newschool of Architecture and Design offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on architecture, construction management, digital media arts and design to prepare students for success. The campus is located in downtown San Diego and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Oceanside College of Beauty

Website: ocb.edu

Address: 1575 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, California 92054-5356Oceanside College of Beauty

Phone: (760) 757-6161 x215

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 13 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 80%

Oceanside College of Beauty has provided Cosmetology courses to local students for more than 40 years and continues to help aspiring professionals prepare for the state licensing exam. The college is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and is a member of several regional organizations as well.

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine – San Diego

Website: www.pacificcollege.edu

Address: 7445 Mission Valley Rd Ste 105, San Diego, California 92108-4407Pacific College of Oriental Medicine - San Diego

Phone: (619) 574-6909 x104

Largest Program: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Average Program Length: 10 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 33%

Palomar Institute of Cosmetology

Website: pic.edu

Address: 355 Via Vera Cruz Ste 3, San Marcos, California 92078Palomar Institute of Cosmetology

Phone: (760) 744-7900 x115

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 11 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 92%

Palomar Institute of Cosmetology has a 25-year history of preparing students for successful careers in the beauty industry and for passing the State Board exam. The school’s Cosmetology, Esthetics and Manicuring programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

Paul Mitchell the School – San Diego

Website: sandiego.paulmitchell.edu

Address: 410 A St, San Diego, California 92101Paul Mitchel the School - San Diego

Phone: (619) 398-1590

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 12 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 57%

Paul Mitchell the School is one of the nation’s most-respected beauty schools and its San Diego campus offers the same high-quality professional training that the network’s reputation is built on. The campus is located in downtown San Diego, has been in operation since 2004, and is accredited by the NACCAS and U.S. Department of Education.

Platt College – San Diego

Website: platt.edu

Address: 6250 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, California 92115-3919Platt College - San Diego

Phone: (619) 265-0107

Largest Program: Graphic Design

Average Program Length: 24 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 65%

Specializing in Graphic Design, Web Design, 3D Design and other visual arts, Platt College is a national career school that offers diplomas, associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the ACCSC.

San Diego College

Website: www.sandiegocollege.edu

Address: 3350 Market St Ste C, San Diego, California 92102San Diego College

Phone: (619) 338-0813

Largest Program: Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder

Average Program Length: 8 months

Overall Graduation Rate: N/A

San Diego College is a private career school that offers accelerated training programs in Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Business Office Administration, and MS Office. The school offers both campus-based and online classes, and is accredited by the Commission on Occupational Education.

San Diego Culinary Institute

Website: www.sandiegoculinary.edu

Address: 8024 La Mesa Blvd, San Diego, California 91942San Diego Culinary Institute

Phone: (619) 644-2100

Largest Program: Culinary Arts/Chef Training

Average Program Length: 9 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 93%

Training students for careers in the culinary arts through its unique “Commis Method”, San Diego Culinary Institute focuses its program on hands-on training in the kitchen. The school is accredited through the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Art Institute of California – Argosy University San Diego

Website: new.artinstitutes.edu/san-diego

Address: 7650 Mission Valley Road, San Diego, California 92108-4423The Art Institute of California - San Diego

Phone: (858) 598-1200

Largest Program: Culinary Arts/Chef Training

Average Program Length: 24 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 40%

A campus of Argosy University, the The Art Institute of California’s San Diego location features degree programs in the Culinary Arts, Design, Fashion and Media Arts. The school  features an institutional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tramy Beauty School

Website: www.tramybeautyschool.net

Address: 5911 University Avenue #318, San Diego, California 92115-6347Tramy Beauty School

Phone: (619) 229-8188

Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

Average Program Length: 16 months

Overall Graduation Rate: 81%

With two campuses in the San Diego area, Tramy Beauty School offers one of the region’s top NACCAS-accredited cosmetology programs. The school features programs in Cosmetology, Barbering, Cosmetics, Manicuring and Massage Therapy.

UEI College – San Marcos

Website: www.uei.edu

Address: 2115 Montiel Road, San Marcos, California 92069-3587UEI College - San Marcos

Phone: (949) 272-7200

Largest Program: Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services

Average Program Length: 9 months

Overall Graduation Rate: N/A

The San Marcos location of UEI College features program offerings in Business Office Administration, Computer Systems Technology, Criminal Justice, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technology. This campus is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.

University of Phoenix – San Diego Campus

Website: www.phoenix.edu

Address: 9645 Granite Ridge Dive, San Diego, California 92123-2658University of Phoenix - San Diego

Phone: (866) 766-0766

Largest Program: Business Administration and Management

Average Program Length: 4 years

Overall Graduation Rate: 17%

Like most University of Phoenix campuses, the San Diego location offers degree programs in Arts and Sciences, Business and Management, Criminal Justice, Education, Human Services, Nursing, Psychology and Technology. Courses are available online as well as on-campus, and are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Website: www.usa.edu

Address: 700 Windy Point Drive, San Marcos, California 92069University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences - San Marcos

Phone: (904) 826-0084

Largest Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy/Therapist

Average Program Length: 6 years

Overall Graduation Rate: N/A

Located in the San Diego suburb of San Marcos, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences features physical and occupational therapy degree programs. The school carries a national accreditation through the DEAC and CHEA, and regional accreditation through the WSCUC.

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