Best Trade Schools in Jonesboro, Arkansas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Jonesboro. This guide lists accredited programs, explains Arkansas licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. Use it to pick a program that leads to a good job fast.

Top Trade Schools in Jonesboro

The schools below are accredited and offer hands-on training for high-demand careers. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for current schedules and start dates1.

School Program Length Highlights
ASU-Newport – Jonesboro Campus 8 weeks to 2 years Welding, HVAC, Automotive Service, Collision Repair, Industrial Electricity, Advanced Manufacturing. Institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Many labs use NCCER and ASE-aligned curriculum.
Arkansas State University – EMS Programs (Jonesboro) EMT 1 semester. Paramedic about 12 months EMT and Paramedic with clinical rotations at regional hospitals. Paramedic programs follow national standards and are commonly CAAHEP/CoAEMSP accredited. A-State is HLC accredited.
St. Bernards School of Radiography (Jonesboro) 24 months Hospital-based radiography with strong clinical immersion. Program holds specialized radiography accreditation (JRCERT). Well regarded by local imaging employers.
Arthur’s Beauty College – Jonesboro 12 to 15 months Cosmetology and Instructor training with salon-floor experience. Accredited by NACCAS. Preps you for Arkansas cosmetology licensing exams.
Black River Technical College – Paragould Campus 1 to 2 years Welding, Industrial Electricity, Machine Tool Technology, EMT and Paramedic pathways. HLC accredited. Many programs align to NCCER skills standards.
Arkansas Northeastern College – Blytheville 1 to 2 years HVAC, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, CDL, Automotive. HLC accredited. Strong ties to steel and advanced manufacturing employers.
ASU-Newport – Marked Tree Campus 8 weeks to 2 years Welding, Industrial Maintenance, CNC/Automation, Energy Control, CDL. HLC accredited. Evening and short-term workforce classes available.

Tip: Use College Navigator to confirm accreditation, program certificates and degrees, and outcome data before enrolling1.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians keep homes, businesses, and factories running. Demand is steady as Jonesboro grows and industry upgrades systems. Apprentices start earning right away and move up with hours and credentials2.

HVAC

  • HVAC technicians install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Summers are hot in Northeast Arkansas. Service calls and retrofit work create year-round demand. EPA 608 certification is required for refrigerant work2.

Welding

  • Welders support steel, equipment repair, and manufacturing across Northeast Arkansas. Entry roles start with structural welding. Advanced welders move into pipe, TIG, or automated processes in higher-paying shops2.

Plumbing

  • Plumbers handle residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Licensed pros are in demand for new construction and service calls. Apprenticeship offers a paid pathway to journeyman and master licensing2.

Explore trades in more detail:

  • Electrician career map and schools: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC training and licenses: /trades/hvac
  • Welding schools and certifications: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing apprenticeships and licenses: /trades/plumbing
  • All trades hub: /trades/

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

Electrician licensing

  • Board: Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners, Department of Labor and Licensing3.
  • Steps:
    • Register as an apprentice and train under a licensed contractor.
    • Accumulate 8,000 hours of electrical experience to qualify for the journeyman exam.
    • Pass the Arkansas journeyman exam and apply for your license.
    • Master electrician requires verified journeyman experience and passing the master exam.
    • Electrical contractor licensing adds business requirements and insurance.

HVAC/R licensing

  • Board: Arkansas HVAC/R Licensing Board, Department of Labor and Licensing4.
  • Steps:
    • Work under a licensed HVAC/R contractor and register as a technician when applicable.
    • Earn experience required for the license class you seek. Arkansas offers multiple classes based on system size and scope.
    • Pass the state exam for your license class.
    • Get EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling, required by federal law5.
    • Many techs start employed under a contractor license, then test up.

Plumbing licensing

  • Board: Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section6.
  • Steps:
    • Register as an apprentice under a licensed plumber.
    • Complete about 4 years of on-the-job experience to sit for the journeyman exam.
    • Pass the journeyman exam and apply for licensure.
    • Master plumber requires journeyman experience and passing the master exam.

Welding

  • Arkansas does not issue a state welder license.
  • Employers prefer skills credentials such as NCCER Welding or AWS D1.1 structural certifications. Schools in this region commonly teach to NCCER standards7.

Cosmetology and barbering

  • Board: Arkansas Department of Health – Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
  • Steps:
    • Complete a state-approved program, pass written and practical exams, and apply for licensure.

EMS and radiography

  • State and national certification exams apply. EMT and Paramedic follow NREMT standards. Radiography programs prepare you for ARRT certification. Confirm exam pathways with your program.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid training: Many Jonesboro programs blend online theory with on-campus labs. This is common in welding theory, electrical code, HVAC troubleshooting, OSHA safety, and blueprint reading.
  • Evening and short-term classes: ASU-Newport and nearby colleges often run night cohorts and 8- to 16-week workforce classes for working adults.
  • Online general education: Public colleges let you complete some gen-ed courses online, which can shorten time on campus for AAS options.
  • Self-paced learning: Use NCCER-aligned modules and test prep for code exams to speed up apprenticeships. You still need hands-on hours for licensing.

Before enrolling, confirm delivery format, lab schedules, background checks, immunizations for health programs, clinical sites, and required tools.

Next Steps

  • Compare more schools in the Arkansas state hub: /trade-school/arkansas/
  • See all trade careers and licenses: /trades/
  • Get practical how-to articles in our Guides: /guides/
  • If you are ready to start, contact two or three schools above, ask about upcoming start dates, placement rates, and what certifications you can earn while enrolled.

Choosing a trade is a smart move in Jonesboro. Start with a program that is accredited, aligned to Arkansas licensing, and connected to local employers. Then log hours, stack certifications, and move up.

  1. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Use to verify accreditation and programs for ASU-Newport, Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, and Arkansas Northeastern College. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook data for Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, and Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Board of Electrical Examiners. https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/ ↩

  4. Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVAC/R Licensing Board. https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩

  6. Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section. https://healthy.arkansas.gov/ ↩

  7. NCCER, National craft training and industry-recognized credentials. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.