Best Trade Schools in Bossier City, Louisiana (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Bossier City. This guide lists accredited options, key programs, typical program length, and Louisiana licensing steps. It also points you to flexible and online choices. Skilled trades like electrician, HVAC, welding, and plumbing remain in steady demand and provide solid pay in the Shreveport–Bossier metro1.

Top Trade Schools in Bossier City

School Program Length Highlights
Bossier Parish Community College (Bossier City) Certificates: ~1 year; AAS: 2 years Accreditation: SACSCOC. Programs: HVAC/R, Welding, Industrial Technology, EMT, Cybersecurity. Hands-on labs and strong employer ties2.
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (Minden Campus) Certificates: ~1 year; Diplomas: 1–2 years Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education (COE). Programs: Welding, HVAC, Industrial Electrician, Practical Nursing, CDL. Small class sizes.
Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) Certificates: ~1 year; AAS: 2 years Accreditation: SACSCOC. Programs: Aviation Maintenance Technology (FAA-approved), Culinary Arts, Allied Health. Dedicated aviation hangar facilities2.
Ayers Career College (Shreveport) Diplomas: ~9–12 months Accreditation: ACCSC. Programs: HVAC, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician. Day and evening cohorts; career services support3.
Remington College (Shreveport Campus) Diplomas: ~9–12 months; AAS: ~18–24 months Accreditation: ACCSC. Programs: HVAC, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting. Externships and employer outreach3.
Blue Cliff College (Shreveport) Diplomas: ~9–12 months Accreditation: ACCSC. Programs: Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Massage Therapy. Multiple start dates3.
Diesel Driving Academy (Shreveport) CDL A: 4–8 weeks Accreditation: COE. ELDT-compliant CDL training, skills testing coordination, job placement assistance.

Tip: Verify current start dates, outcomes, and admissions with each school’s admissions office. Use College Navigator to confirm accreditation and program offerings2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Industrial facilities, hospitals, telecom, and casinos drive steady need around Bossier City. Apprentices who complete 4–5 years of training can move into journeyman roles with strong wages1. Learn the path and skills here: Electrician Careers.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Hot, humid summers and a large base of commercial buildings keep HVAC techs busy. EPA 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants. Many local programs prepare you for entry-level roles in under a year1. Explore training and certifications: HVAC Careers.

  • Welder

    • Fabrication shops, energy, and infrastructure employers in the region hire welders who can pass performance tests. NCCER-aligned training helps you qualify for entry-level jobs quickly14. See common processes and job types: Welding Careers.

  • Plumber

    • Licensed plumbers maintain steady, year-round work in residential and commercial service. Louisiana licenses journeyman and master plumbers through the state plumbing board, with clear steps to advance1. Learn the trade: Plumbing Careers.

Licensing Requirements in Louisiana

  • Electrician (Louisiana)

    • There is no single statewide journeyman electrician license. Many cities and parishes issue journeyman/master credentials. Complete an apprenticeship and pass the local exam where required.
    • To run an electrical business or bid larger jobs, obtain an Electrical Work classification from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). You must meet experience, financial, and exam requirements5.
    • Keep OSHA safety training current and follow local permitting rules.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants. Most HVAC programs prepare you for the 608 exam6.
    • Louisiana does not license individual HVAC technicians statewide. To contract or pull permits on covered projects, you may need a Mechanical Work classification from the LSLBC (and local permits)5.
    • Some employers prefer additional credentials (e.g., NCCER HVAC, manufacturer training)4.

  • Plumber

    • Register as an apprentice with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA). Complete required on-the-job training and related instruction under a licensed plumber.
    • Apply for and pass the Journeyman Plumber exam, then gain additional experience to sit for the Master Plumber exam7.
    • Medical gas brazing endorsements and backflow certifications can expand your opportunities.

  • Welder

    • No state welder license. Employers typically require passing a performance test to a recognized standard. NCCER Welding credentials are widely accepted in Louisiana fabrication and construction4.
    • Keep safety training (OSHA-10/30) current for jobsite work.

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

    • Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) at an approved provider, pass the CLP knowledge tests, and then the road skills test through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
    • Many local CDL schools include ELDT theory and range/road practice.

Always check city/parish rules for permit requirements and local exams, especially in Shreveport–Bossier.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid programs: Many local schools deliver lecture content online with required labs on campus (HVAC, welding, allied health). This reduces time on campus while preserving hands-on training.
  • Evening and accelerated cohorts: Career colleges in Shreveport often run day and evening tracks to fit work schedules. Ask about accelerated blocks for faster completion.
  • Certification prep online: EPA 608 exam prep, OSHA-10, and NCCER core theory modules are available online or in blended formats through schools or approved providers64.
  • General education online: Community colleges like BPCC and SUSLA offer many general education and some technical courses online, which can shorten in-person time for AAS pathways2.

If you work full time, ask each school about part-time pacing, credit for prior learning, and employer tuition benefits.

Next Steps

  • Compare schools and programs across the state: Louisiana Trade Schools
  • Explore career paths and certifications by trade: Trades Hub
  • Get practical how-tos and checklists: Guides
  • Not sure where to start? Review admissions, placement, and accreditation on the federal database: use College Navigator before you enroll2.

Bossier City has strong options for hands-on careers. Visit campuses, talk to instructors, and ask about outcomes. Pick a program that includes the certifications and clinical or lab hours you need for your first job.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions. https://www.accsc.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research). https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/ ↩ ↩

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

  7. State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. https://spbla.com/ ↩

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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.