Best Trade Schools in North Las Vegas, Nevada (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in North Las Vegas. This list focuses on accredited programs that prepare you for in-demand jobs and Nevada licenses. You will also find the steps to get licensed and links to explore each trade. Hiring in the Las Vegas area remains strong for construction, transportation, and healthcare support roles1.


Top Trade Schools in North Las Vegas

Below are accredited options in North Las Vegas and nearby Las Vegas that serve local students. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for exact schedules.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Southern Nevada (CSN) – North Las Vegas (Cheyenne) Campus 1–24 months (Certificate) • 2 years (AAS) Public college; NWCCU accredited. Hands-on labs for HVAC/R, Welding, Automotive/Diesel, Electrical, Advanced Manufacturing, Dental Assisting, and more. Day/evening options; strong employer ties2.
Advanced Training Institute (ATI) – Las Vegas 9–12 months ACCSC accredited. HVAC/R, Welding, and Automotive Technician training. Small labs, day/evening classes, EPA 608 and industry cert prep3.
Pima Medical Institute – Las Vegas 9–20 months Institutionally accredited (allied health). Programs in Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, Veterinary Assistant, Respiratory Therapy (AAS). Clinical externships and certification prep2.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) – Las Vegas 18–24 months ACCSC accredited. FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance programs with A&P exam preparation. Avionics and structures training in active hangar labs3.
Asher College – Las Vegas 6–12 months Nationally accredited career college. IT (CompTIA), HVAC/R, and Medical Billing & Coding. Flexible pacing with day/evening schedules and certification-focused training2.
Nevada Career Institute – Las Vegas 8–16 months Institutionally accredited (allied health). Medical Assistant, Surgical Technologist, Medical Insurance Biller/Coder. Day/night cohorts; externships at local clinics2.
Paul Mitchell The School – Las Vegas Approx. 1,600 hours NACCAS accredited. Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics. State board prep and salon floor practice with client services. Multiple schedule options2.

Notes:

  • Always confirm current accreditation and program availability through College Navigator and accreditor directories23.
  • Program length varies by full-time vs part-time schedules.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Commercial and residential projects around the Las Vegas Valley continue to support steady demand for electricians. Training paths include a certificate or apprenticeship leading to journeyman status, with strong long-term employment outlooks per BLS1. See what electricians do and career paths here: Electrician.

HVAC/R Technician

  • HVAC techs keep hotels, homes, and data centers running. The desert climate drives year-round service work. Many local programs include EPA 608 certification prep, which is required for handling refrigerants4. Explore the field: HVAC.

Welder

  • Fabrication, construction, entertainment staging, and maintenance jobs all use welders in Southern Nevada. Schools teach process fundamentals (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) and test plates to AWS standards. Learn more: Welding.

Plumber

  • Growth in housing and commercial construction supports demand for plumbers and pipefitters in Clark County. Apprenticeships and trade programs lead to journeyman-level work and, later, contractor licensing15. Start here: Plumbing.

Healthcare Support

  • Medical assistants, dental assistants, pharmacy techs, and respiratory therapists are in demand across clinics and hospitals in the valley. Many programs include externships and certification preparation12. Visit: Medical Assistant.

Transportation and Aviation

  • CDL drivers support logistics and tourism across the region. Aviation maintenance techs service growing fleets and charter operators. CDL and FAA licensure steps are clear and standardized67. See: CDL and Aviation Maintenance.

Licensing Requirements in Nevada

Electrician (Clark County area)

  • Nevada does not issue a statewide journeyman electrician license. In Clark County and nearby jurisdictions, journeyman cards are issued by local building departments after experience and an approved exam. Many techs complete a registered apprenticeship to qualify.
  • To operate a business or bid jobs, obtain a Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) C-2 Electrical contractor license (experience, exams, financial review required)5.

HVAC/R Technician

  • Federal EPA Section 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants4.
  • Some jurisdictions issue journeyman HVAC or mechanical cards; check with the local building authority for exam and experience requirements.
  • To contract independently, apply for NSCB C-21 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning contractor license5.

Plumber

  • Journeyman plumber cards are issued locally (e.g., Clark County) after documented experience and exam.
  • To start a company or bid projects, obtain the NSCB C-1 Plumbing & Heating contractor license5.

Welder

  • Nevada does not license welders. Employers and building departments may require procedure qualifications such as AWS D1.1 or ASME code tests. Many schools provide test prep and on-site weld testing.

Cosmetology/Barbering

  • The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, nail techs, and barbers. Requirements include approved school hours, the state/NIC exams, and a background check8.

Aviation Maintenance

  • Complete training at an FAA Part 147 school or document equivalent experience to qualify for the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) knowledge and practical exams7.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

  • Meet age and medical requirements, complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), pass CDL knowledge tests, obtain a CLP, then pass skills tests through the Nevada DMV6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid formats: Several local schools blend online theory with in-person labs. Examples include allied health programs with online modules and on-site clinical skills, and IT or HVAC theory delivered online with in-shop practice.
  • Evening/weekend cohorts: CSN, ATI, Asher, and others run night classes for working adults23.
  • Self-paced certification prep: IT and some healthcare billing/coding programs offer flexible pacing to align with CompTIA, NHA, or AAPC exam dates.
  • General education online: If you pursue an AAS at CSN, many gen-ed courses are available online to shorten your time on campus2.

Tip: Ask each school about make-up labs, externship scheduling, and certification exam vouchers. For trades with physical skills (welding, electrical, HVAC), prioritize programs with extensive hands-on shop time.

Next Steps

Footnotes and sources


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and OEWS data for Las Vegas–Henderson–Paradise, NV Metro Area.

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator – accreditation and program listings for Nevada institutions.

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions.

  4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification.

  5. Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) – License classifications (C-1, C-2, C-21), eligibility, and exams.

  6. Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Commercial Driver License (CDL) requirements and testing.

  7. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools and A&P certification steps.

  8. Nevada State Board of Cosmetology – Licensing requirements and exam information.


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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.