Trade schools in Denver, CO provide training in a number of popular career fields, including healthcare, cosmetology, information technology and the culinary arts. Graduates earn degrees, diplomas and certifications that are valued by area employers and make them eligible for hire in many entry-level positions.
In the following section you’ll find brief profiles of accredited vocational schools in Denver and the surrounding communities. If you are looking for a specific program that is not offered in your area, we encourage you to search for online programs as well.
Accredited Trade Schools in Denver, CO
Argosy University – Denver
Website: www.argosy.edu
Address: 7600 East Eastman Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80231
Phone: (303) 923-4110
Largest Program: Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 63%
Argosy University in Denver offers programs in flexible learning formats for students interested in pursuing degrees in psychology, counselor education, marriage and family therapy, education, business, health sciences, criminal justice, and liberal arts.
Aspen University
Website: www.aspen.edu
Address: 720 S Colorado Blvd Ste 1150N, Denver, Colorado 80246
Phone: (303) 333-4224
Largest Program: Masters of Business Administration and Management
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
Aspen University is a distance learning-based institution based in Denver that provides certificate courses as well as associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in professional studies, nursing, education, management, information technology and arts and sciences. The university is accredited by the DETC, CCNE, PMI, and NAADAC.
Aveda Institute – Denver
Website: aveda.edu/denver/
Address: 700 16th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
Phone: (303) 567-7500 x1022
Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
Average Program Length: 16 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 97%
Aveda Institute Denver offers beauty and wellness programs on a three-day schedule in order to accommodate busy students of all backgrounds. Programs featured at this location include cosmetology, esthetics, massage, and spa therapy.
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology
Website: belrea.edu
Address: 1681 S Dayton St, Denver, Colorado 80247
Phone: (303) 751-8700
Largest Program: Veterinary/Animal Health Technology and Veterinary Assistant
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology is one of America’s leading veterinary technician schools as well as one of its oldest. The Institute offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
CollegeAmerica – Denver
Website: www.collegeamerica.edu/denver
Address: 1385 South Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222
Phone: (800) 622-2894
Largest Program: Nursing (AD)
Average Program Length: 20 months
Overall Graduation Rate: N/A
CollegeAmerica, Denver offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in a variety of healthcare, business, and information technology concentrations. The college is accredited by the ACCSC and provides financial aid and scholarships to qualified students.
College of International Esthetics Inc.
Website: www.internationalesthetics.com
Address: 7330 West 52nd Avenue, Suite T, Arvada, Colorado 80002-3754
Phone: (720) 540-0333
Largest Program: Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist
Average Program Length: 5 months
Overall Graduation Rate: N/A
The College of International Esthetics is one of the Denver areas leading beauty schools and providers of skincare and cosmetic training. CIE offers licensure and certification programs in a variety of specialized esthetic and wellness disciplines.
Colorado Media School
Website: beonair.com
Address: 404 South Upham St., Lakewood, Colorado 80226
Phone: (303) 937-7070
Largest Program: Radio and Television
Average Program Length: 13 years
Overall Graduation Rate: 78%
Colorado Media School in Lakewood offers an 11.5 month program that trains students for careers in radio, television and new media. Course curricula usually involves a combination of theory and hands-on training in real working studios.
Colorado School of Healing Arts
Website: www.csha.net
Address: 404 South Upham St., Lakewood, Colorado 80226
Phone: (303) 937-7070
Largest Program: Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
Average Program Length: 10 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 78%
The Colorado School of Healing Arts offers 11 different accredited programs in the art and science of massage therapy. The school is accredited by numerous organizations, including the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and NCETMB.
Colorado School of Trades
Website: www.schooloftrades.edu
Address: 1575 Hoyt St, Lakewood, Colorado 80215-2996
Phone: (303) 233-4697 x45
Largest Program: Gunsmithing/Gunsmith
Average Program Length: 15 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 82%
Colorado School of Trades in Lakewood has nearly a 70-year history as one of the nation’s premier gunsmithing schools. The school’s 1,800-hour program awards an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Gunsmithing.
Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Website: www.cstcm.edu
Address: 1441 York St Ste 302, Denver, Colorado 80206
Phone: (303) 329-6355
Largest Program: Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbology
Average Program Length: 36 months
Overall Graduation Rate: N/A
The Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the few institutions of its kind in North America, offering three-year Master’s of Science Degree programs in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. The school is housed in a 10,300-square foot facility that includes its own pharmacy and library of Eastern research materials.
Colorado Technical University – Westminster
Website: www.coloradotech.edu
Address: 1865 W 121st Ave, Westminster, CO
Phone: (303) 362-2900
Largest Program: Masters of Business Administration and Management
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 10%
Colorado Technical University in Westminster offers both campus-based and online degree programs in business management, engineering and computer science, healthcare, information systems and technology, project management, and security.
Denver School of Nursing
Website: www.denverschoolofnursing.edu
Address: 1401 19th St, Denver, Colorado 80202
Phone: (303) 292-0015
Largest Program: Registered Nursing – RN
Average Program Length: 4 years
Overall Graduation Rate: N/A
Denver School of Nursing is a fully-accredited nursing school serving the Greater Denver area with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs recognized by the ACEN, CBON and ACCSC.
DeVry University – Colorado
Website: www.devry.edu
Address: 1870 W 122nd Ave, Westminster, Colorado 80234
Phone: (303) 280-7400
Largest Program: Business Administration, Management and Operations
Average Program Length: 4 years
Overall Graduation Rate: N/A
Located in Westminster, DeVry University Colorado provides both online and campus-based courses in a wide range of professional fields. This campus offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in business and management, engineering and information sciences, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and media arts and technology.
Empire Beauty School – Littleton
Website: www.empire.edu
Address: 8996 W. Bowles Ave. # E & F, Littleton, Colorado 80123
Phone: (800) 920-4593
Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
Average Program Length: 13 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 58%
The Empire Beauty School in Littleton features interactive classes and a full student salon to help prepare students for a number of careers in cosmetology. Programs offered at this location include: cosmetology, cosmetology educator, esthetics and makeup artistry.
Empire Beauty School – Thornton
Website: www.empire.edu
Address: 3811 E 120th Ave, Thornton, Colorado 80233
Phone: (800) 920-4593
Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
Average Program Length: 13 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 52%
The Thornton campus of Empire Beauty Schools has offered state-of-the-art cosmetology training to the Greater Denver area since 2000. Its cosmetology program focuses on both technical training and the business side of working in a salon.
Everest College – Thornton
Website: www.everest.edu
Address: 9065 Grant St, Thornton, Colorado 80229
Phone: (303) 457-2757
Largest Program: Medical/Clinical Assistant
Average Program Length: 18 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 54%
Everest College’s Thornton campus focuses on accelerated learning programs that provide career training in the fields of accounting, business, criminal justice, healthcare, and paralegal studies. Graduates are awarded diplomas or associate’s degrees, depending on the program they finish.
Heritage College – Denver
Website: www.heritage-education.com
Address: 12 Lakeside Lane, Denver, Colorado 80212
Phone: (303) 477-7240
Largest Program: Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Average Program Length: 16 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 68%
Heritage College in Denver is a healthcare-focused career training school that offers programs for individuals interested in working as dental assistants, estheticians, health administrators, massage therapists, personal trainers, pharmacy technicians, and medical assistants.
ITT Technical Institute – Westminster
Website: www.itt-tech.edu
Address: 8620 Wolff Court, Suite 100, Westminster, Colorado 80031
Phone: (303) 288-4488
Largest Program: Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 35%
The Westminster campus of ITT Technical Institute is equipped with cutting-edge, technology-driven classrooms and offers associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in information technology, electronics technology, drafting and design, and business.
Jones International University
Website: www.jiu.edu
Address: 9697 East Mineral Avenue, Centennial, Colorado 80112
Phone: (800) 811-5663
Largest Program: Masters of Education
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: N/A
Jones International University is an online college offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in business and education. The university is the first entirely distance-based institution in the United States to receive regional accreditation, and is also nationally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lincoln College of Technology – Denver
Website: www.lincolnedu.com
Address: 11194 E 45th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80239
Phone: (303) 722-5724
Largest Program: Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology
Average Program Length: 13 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 38%
Lincoln College of Technology in Denver is a leading educator in the fields of automotive technology, collision repair, and diesel and truck technology. The school additionally offers programs for students interested in HVAC and welding technology.
Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado
Website: www.mtic.edu
Address: 1441 York St Ste 301, Denver, Colorado 80206
Phone: (303) 329-6345
Largest Program: Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
Average Program Length: 14 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 76%
The Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado features small classes, frequent evaluations and lots of one-on-one training from instructors in the art of therapeutic massage. The school has been in operation since 1986 and is accredited by DPOS and COMTA.
National American University – Centennial
Website: www.national.edu
Address: 8242 South University Blvd, Suite 100, Centennial, Colorado 80122-3157
Phone: (303) 542-7000
Largest Program: Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder
Average Program Length: 12 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 48%
National American University in Centennial features degree programs in business, information technology and healthcare management. The school’s campus-based and online classes are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
National American University – Denver
Website: www.national.edu
Address: 1325 S. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 100, Denver, Colorado 80222-3308
Phone: (303) 876-7100
Largest Program: Registered Nursing – RN
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 25%
National American University’s Denver campus offers an Associate of Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program as well as online courses in business and information technology. NAU awards associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in each of these career fields.
National Beauty College
Website: www.nationalbeautycollege.edu
Address: 7045 Pecos St. #A, Denver, Colorado 80221
Phone: (303) 934-1288
Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
Average Program Length: 19 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 79%
National Beauty College in Denver is an independent beauty school offering courses in cosmetology, hairstyling, esthetics and manicuring. The school features a beauty salon, nail shop and facial clinic where students can refine their skills in a live setting with actual customers.
National Personal Training Institute of Colorado
Website: www.personaltraininginstitute.edu
Address: 1658 Cole Boulevard, Suite 50, Lakewood, Colorado 80401-3304
Phone: (303) 238-9999
Largest Program: Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Average Program Length: 8 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
National Personal Training Institute of Colorado offers 30- and 40-week courses to students interested in preparing for a career as a professional personal trainer. Graduates are awarded NPTI diplomas with specializations in training pre/post natal women, personal fitness training, nutritional consulting and CPR/first aid.
New Dimensions Beauty Academy Inc.
Website: www.newdimensionsbeauty.com
Address: 10158 South Parker Road, Parker, Colorado 80138-9801
Phone: (303) 840-6424
Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
Average Program Length: 15 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 84%
New Dimensions Beauty Academy provides a comprehensive, well-rounded curriculum that includes hairstyling, manicuring, and other standard techniques applied in professional beauty salons. The Academy is family owned and operated and offers financial aid to qualified students.
Pima Medical Institute – Denver
Website: pmi.edu
Address: 7475 Dakin St Suite 100, Denver, Colorado 80221
Phone: (303) 426-1800
Largest Program: Medical/Clinical Assistant
Average Program Length: 9 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 70%
Pima Medical Institute has served the Denver metropolitan area since 1988, offering professional training programs in dental assisting, medical assisting, nursing, physical therapy and respiratory therapy. PMI is accredited by the ABHES, COARC, AVMA, JRCERT, and CAPTE.
Pima Medical Institute – South Denver
Website: pmi.edu
Address: 13750 E. Mississippi Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80012-0000
Phone: (303) 368-7462
Largest Program: Medical/Clinical Assistant
Average Program Length: 9 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
The Aurora campus of Pima Medical Institute provides certificate programs in dental assisting, medical administrative assisting, medical assisting and veterinary assisting. The school also offers an associate’s degree program in veterinary technology.
Platt College – Aurora
Website: www.plattcolorado.edu
Address: 3100 S Parker Rd, Aurora, Colorado 80014-3141
Phone: (303) 369-5151
Largest Program: Registered Nursing – RN
Average Program Length: 4 years
Overall Graduation Rate: 30%
Platt College in Aurora is an award-winning nursing school offering a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to Denver-area professionals. This campus is accredited by the ACCSC and ACEN.
Prince Institute – Rocky Mountains
Website: www.princeinstitute.edu
Address: 9051 Harlan Street, Unit 20, Westminster, Colorado 80031-2901
Phone: (303) 427-5292
Largest Program: Court Reporting/Court Reporter
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 56%
Prince Institute’s Rocky Mountain campus in Westminster opened in 1975 as the Denver Academy of Court Reporting, and became Prince Institute in 2011. The school offers associate degrees in Court and Realtime Reporting and CART/Captioning.
Redstone College
Website: www.redstone.edu
Address: 10851 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, Colorado 80021-3465
Phone: (303) 466-1714
Largest Program: Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 63%
With more than $7.5 million invested in its equipment, Redstone College offers its students one of the top facilities in the U.S. for aviation, electronics, energy and HVAC training. The college is accredited by the ACICS and the Colorado DPOS.
Regency Beauty Institute – Lakewood
Website: www.regency.edu
Address: 98 Wadsworth Blvd, Suite 115, Lakewood, Colorado 80226
Phone: (800) 787-6456
Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
Average Program Length: 13 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 46%
The Lakewood campus of Regency Beauty Institute teaches students the basics in hair, makeup, nails and skin as part of a comprehensive cosmetology training program. The school’s unique course structure revolves around self-paced learning, hands-on tutorials and other immersive training techniques.
Regency Beauty Institute – Westminster
Website: www.regency.edu
Address: 6755 West 88th Ave., Unit A, Westminster, Colorado 80031
Phone: (800) 787-6456
Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
Average Program Length: 13 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 58%
Regency Beauty Institute’s Westminster campus incorporates hands-on training, cutting-edge technology, and self-paced learning to help students master the fundamental techniques and business skills required to succeed in the professional cosmetology field.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Website: www.rmcad.edu
Address: 1600 Pierce St, Lakewood, Colorado 80214
Phone: (303) 753-6046
Largest Program: Illustration
Average Program Length: 4 years
Overall Graduation Rate: 41%
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is a modern, technology-based campus that provides degree programs in animation, art education, commercial photography, fashion design, fine arts, game art, graphic design, illustration, and interior design. The school also offers online degree programs in 10 different fields – all of which are accredited by the NASAD and HLC.
The Art Institute of Colorado
Website: www.artinstitutes.edu/denver/
Address: 1200 Lincoln Street, Denver, Colorado 80203-2983
Phone: (303) 837-0825
Largest Program: Culinary Arts/Chef Training
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 37%
The Art Institute of Colorado is a vibrant campus located in Denver’s Design District, and offers degree programs in design, media arts, fashion and the culinary arts. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Institution and licensed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
United Beauty College
Website: ubc-denver.com
Address: 1907 West Mississippi Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80223-2936
Phone: (303) 922-1852
Largest Program: Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist
Average Program Length: 5 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
United Beauty College has provided cosmetology training to Denver area residents since 1997. The college offers courses authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment to train students interested becoming cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, hairstylists, barbers, makeup artists, and manicurists.
University of Phoenix – Colorado Campus
Website: www.phoenix.edu
Address: 10004 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree, Colorado 80124-5453
Phone: (866) 766-0766
Largest Program: Registered Nursing – RN
Average Program Length: 4 years
Overall Graduation Rate: 11%
The University of Phoenix Colorado campus at Lone Tree offers year-round courses that last five to six weeks and a number of online programs, giving students maximum flexibility and opportunities to customize their learning. The campus offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in arts and sciences, business, criminal justice, education, human services, nursing and healthcare, psychology, and technology.
Denver School of Massage Therapy – Aurora
Website: www.steinered.com
Address: 14107A East Exposition Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80012-2523
Phone: (303) 366-4325
Largest Program: Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
Average Program Length: 8 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 83%
Denver School of Massage Therapy’s Aurora campus is a member of the Steiner Education Group (SEG) – one of the best-known names in massage therapy education in the U.S. The school’s 7.5 month program is accredited by the ACCET.
Denver School of Massage Therapy – Westminster
Website: www.steinered.com
Address: 8991 B Harlan Street Suite B, Westminster, Colorado 80031-2921
Phone: (303) 426-5621
Largest Program: Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
Average Program Length: 8 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
The Westminster campus of the Denver School of Massage Therapy is fully accredited by the ACCET and provides career services assistance to all graduates. The school’s 32-week program incorporates seven different massage disciplines as well as kinesiology, physiology, therapy techniques and ethics and business principles.
Westwood College – Denver North
Website: www.westwood.edu
Address: 7350 N Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80221
Phone: (303) 426-7000
Largest Program: Game and Interactive Media Design
Average Program Length: 4 years
Overall Graduation Rate: 39%
Westwood College – Denver North is one of two campuses that the national educator operates in the area, and is its flagship campus in Colorado. The school awards associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in technology, healthcare, business, design, justice, and industrial services.
Westwood College – Denver South
Website: www.westwood.edu
Address: 3150 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80227-5507
Phone: (303) 934-1122 x79200
Largest Program: Medical/Clinical Assistant
Average Program Length: 24 months
Overall Graduation Rate: 30%
The South Denver campus of Westwood College provides associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in a wide range of fields, including: healthcare, technology, business, design, and justice. The college also offers its programs through online learning.
Xenon International Academy – Denver
Website: www.xenonacademy.net
Address: 2231 S Peoria, Aurora, Colorado 80014
Phone: (303) 752-1560
Largest Program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
Average Program Length: 13 monts
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
Xenon International Academy in Denver is one of the Rocky Mountain’s premier beauty schools and training centers. The academy offers and 1,800-hour cosmetology course, and a 600-hour esthetics course – both of which are accredited by NACCAS and ITEC.