Best Online Vocational and Trade Schools

San Juan College offered only evening classes when it opened in 1956. Today, SJC educates more than 15,000 students every year. Learners can take classes on four campuses, including the main location in Farmington, New Mexico.

San Juan College delivers nine fully online associate degrees. Online students can earn an associate degree in business administration, psychology, health information technology, occupational safety, physical therapist assistant, or veterinary technology.

Many of the online trade school's distance programs offer accelerated pathways that save students time and money. Accelerated options are ideal for working professionals who intend to transfer to a four-year school or change careers. For example, students can earn an associate in business administration degree with an accompanying business management certificate in 16 months.

Online students can access career services, including resume assistance and career assessments. SJC maintains an open admissions policy and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

One of the best online technical schools in the Southwest, New Mexico Junior College delivers two-year degrees and career training programs. Learners can study online or at the flagship 243-acre campus in Hobbs.

Ideal for working professionals, NMJC offers fully online associate degrees in business, computer information science, criminal justice, and energy technology. Before beginning an online program, students can take a self-assessment to determine whether distance learning is right for them. Academic counselors help students design individualized academic plans.

Online learners complete 31 general education credits in subjects including composition and rhetoric, communication, fine arts, math, and laboratory science. Transfer students must complete at least 15 credits through NMJC to receive an associate degree.

The New Mexico Junior College Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to applicants with a minimum 2.0 GPA. NMJC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Metropolitan Community College, one of the top online technical schools in Nebraska, delivers more than 100 programs. The school maintains eight locations and enrolls more than 25,000 students.

The college's online degrees and certificates are ideal for working professionals who need flexible scheduling options. MCC's online offerings include associate degrees in accounting, business, computer technology, criminal justice, health information management, and office technology.

Learners can also pursue academic and career certificates in customer service representative, financial studies, and general management. Academic advisors and counselors help online learners plan their educational pathways. MCC maintains transfer agreements with four-year schools to help graduates enroll in bachelor's programs.

Learners pursuing an associate degree complete 40 general education credits. Students can apply for more than 125 scholarships. MCC holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1968 with 436 students, State Fair Community College maintains seven locations and a virtual campus. Today, SFCC enrolls more than 4,700 learners. The college delivers online programs through Canvas and offers more than 260 online classes.

Students can earn a fully online associate degree in business management, health information technology, or healthcare specialist. Each program comprises 60-64 credits and prepares students to enroll in a four-year program or immediately enter the workforce. One of the leading online trade schools for healthcare students, SFCC offers online certifications in pharmacy technician, nurse aide, and medical coding.

Learners can complete their program fully online or in a hybrid format. Students who choose to take some in-person classes can study in Boonville, Clinton, Eldon, Lake of the Ozarks, Sedalia, or Warsaw. SFCC also delivers courses at Whiteman Air Force Base.

The college provides online technical support and tutoring, and distance learners can access more than 500,000 digital library resources. SFCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Established in 1927, Southwest Virginia Community College is one of the best online trade schools for busy learners. The college offers more than 80 programs and delivers on-campus and online classes.

Learners can pursue affordable, fully online associate degrees in administrative support technology, accounting, administration of justice, business management, early childhood education, and psychology. The college also offers online certificate programs in fields including medical records, health sciences, and legal studies.

SVCC delivers online courses asynchronously through Canvas, allowing learners to access assignments and discussions at their convenience. Some students, such as those who live in Tazewell or Buchanan County, may qualify for tuition-free learning.

Online students can communicate with advisors through email, phone, and chat. Learners can also access online tutoring and digital library resources. SVCC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.