Vocational Schools In Waco

There are several higher education institutions that provide options in vocational training in the Waco, Texas area. Vocational schools focus on job specific training for people wanting a direct path to a career, typically in a skilled trade.  Whether it’s a four-year college such as Baylor University, or a trade school such as Southern Careers Institute, both options offer valuable programs that not only help with furthering your skillset and knowledge base but can also help take your career to the next level.

Below are a few of the educational options that are available in the Waco area:

Bella Beauty College
If beauty and cosmetology are your passions, Bella Beauty College may be the school for you.  Bella Beauty College offers courses in Hair, Skin, Nails and Instructor Training for those who love to teach.  The Cosmetology program offers hands-on classroom learning and practice time in the clinic with manikins, models and customers.  You’ll learn theory, state laws and regulations, and will develop your skills through lots and lots of practice. Their Admissions Director can help set up your schedule to work around your current job if needed, and Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Finally, they will help train you to take the written and practical exam given by the state of Texas at the end of your classes to get your license.

Certstaffix Training
Founded in 2008, this school provides IT training in instructor-led courses available in the US and in Canada.  Classes typically range from 1-5 days and may be taken online, in one of their computer labs around the country including one in Waco, or they can come to teach at your company/organization.  Courses offered include various desktop/end user programs from developers such as Adobe, Microsoft and Salesforce.  They also offer online marketing courses such as Google Analytics and WordPress, Programming / Development courses including various languages such as Java, PHP, XML and SQL, and Business courses including Six Sigma, Scrum and Project Management.

Southern Careers Institute
For over 50 years, Southern Careers Institute has been training Texans to be career ready for today’s in-demand jobs.  SCI offers programs in Medical, Business, Technical, and Skilled Trades.  Not only do you have classroom training and instruction, you also have hands-on training in real world environments so you learn to use the actual tools of the trade.  For careers that require certifications, SCI trains you to sit for the certification exams to ensure a high success rate.  Finally, the education is just the starting point.  One of the best benefits of going to school at SCI is the job placement.  SCI works with local employers to help graduates find jobs in their new career path.

Texas State Technical College
This school was founded back in 1965 and helps adult learners upgrade their skillset, or train for a new career path.  They have campuses all over Texas including Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County.  Courses include IT such as Web Design, Software Development Technology, Robotics Technology, Graphics Gaming and Simulation Programming.  They also offer classes in Business including Business Management Technology, Process Technology and Mathematics.  In Healthcare, they have a broad selection including Nursing, Occupational Safety Compliance Technology and Dental Assisting.  You can take their courses at their campus locations, or you can also sign up for one of their online programs if you have a computer and internet access.

Waco Dental Assistant School
Waco Dental Assistant School boasts the ability to train you to become a Dental Assistant in just 12 weeks.  This is a hands-on teaching program and it takes place in an actual dental office.  You learn the skills to be successful, and you get to experience what the career has to offer first hand.  In addition to the 12-week program, you also complete a 40-hour externship before graduating. You learn skills such as making impressions, charting, X-Rays/Radiography, dental procedures and how to fabricate crowns.  The program costs under $4,000 and payment options are available.

McLennan Community College
McLennan is the public community college located in Waco, Tx.  They offer Associate level degrees in Art, Science, Teaching and Applied Science, as well as Certificate programs.  Not ready to go full time to a college or university but want to in the future?  This school may be a good starting point for you.  You can also take classes approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that can be transferred as a block into a specialized bachelor’s degree program at state universities.  Subject areas taught at McLennan include Business, IT, Agriculture, Beauty, Criminal Justice, Teaching, Engineering, Health, Hospitality and Arts.