Going to a technical college can mean so many different things. It could be learning the chemistry of mixing hair treatments, the science behind acupuncture, how to install air conditioning units or how to get a diesel engine running properly. Considering the area’s renowned health care systems, technical colleges specializing in the medical and holistic health fields are the most abundant in Greater Gainesville. However, almost any career path can be explored at Greater Gainesville’s technical colleges and institutions.
Budding professionals here have plenty of options to focus on a particular trade that leads to well-paying jobs in sustainable and growing industries and immediate access to the workforce.
Academy for Five Element Acupuncture
This nonprofit academy has been instructing students in the holistic, healing arts since 1988. Students are trained to not only recognize and treat physical ailments through acupuncture and herbal medicine, but to bring health and balance to emotional and spiritual aspects of health as well.
Programs
- Master of Acupuncture
- Chinese Herbal Studies
Bly’s School of Cosmetology
Located by the Oaks Mall, Bly’s aims to provide cosmetology students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in health and beauty. Students benefit from hands-on education, with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio in a realistic industry setting.
Programs
- Basic cosmetology
- Basic barbering
- Basic skin care
- Basic manicuring
City College
City College is accredited through the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education School. All students gain hands-on industry training with small classes, flexible schedules, practical programs and up-to-date curriculum meeting modern standards and trends. The college’s main campus is located off Tower Road, while the Veterinary Technology Lab is off S.W. 13th Street, both in Gainesville.
Programs
- Allied Health, Medical Assisting
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Veterinary Technology
Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine
Dragon Rises College specializes in the practice of acupuncture, combining traditional and modern training. Dr. Leon Hammer, who has studied Chinese medicine since the early 1970s, founded the school in 2001.
Programs
- Master’s Degree program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Florida School of Traditional Midwifery
This nonprofit school offers midwifery education that provides students direct entry into their career field. Students not only gain training, but become eligible to obtain state and national licensing as midwives.
Programs
- 3-Year Direct-entry Midwifery Program
- 4-Month Licensure by Endorsement Program
Galen College of Nursing
Those interested in either pursuing or advancing a nursing career have multiple options at Galen College of Nursing, located in Gainesville. Experienced faculty and staff give hands-on instruction, with a pass rate that exceeds the national average.
Programs
- 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- LPN/LVN to ADN (Bridge)
- Practical Nursing Diploma (PN)
- Online RN to BSN
- Online MSN, Master of Science in Nursing
McDougle Technical Institute
McDougle is a private school with several locations in Florida. It specializes in cosmetology and combines theory with hands-on training. Students enjoy the more traditional college experience outside the classroom, with athletics, housing, travel and internship opportunities.
Diploma Programs
- Restricted Barbering
- Master Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Cosmetology (Hybrid)
- Full Specialty (Hybrid)
- Massage Therapy
- Instructor Training
- Nail Specialist
- Facial Specialty
- Construction Operations
- Internet Marketing
- Sports and Fitness Management
- Multimedia Technology
Associate of Science Degree Programs
- Criminal Justice
- Medical Assistant
- Sports Management
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Occupational Associate Degree
Other Programs
- MTI School of Real Estate
Summit Salon Academy
Summit Salon Academy is a cosmetology academy that proudly offers Redken 5th Avenue NYC’s technical training as part of its curriculum. Joni Jarrell and Michael Nikolas lead Summit with nearly 70 years of industry experience and a performance-based approach.
Programs
- Cosmetology
- Full Specialist
By Jewell Tomazin