Trade Schools in Covington, Virginia

Centra School of Practical Nursing, operated by one of Virginia's leading healthcare systems, serves students from across central and western Virginia including Covington residents. The program boasts exceptional outcomes with near-perfect NCLEX pass rates and 98% job placement within the Centra Health system and partner facilities. Students receive extensive clinical training within actual hospital settings and benefit from the school's direct connection to employment opportunities. The 12-month intensive program combines classroom instruction with over 700 hours of clinical experience. While requiring relocation to Lynchburg (approximately 1 hour from Covington), the program offers housing assistance and has established itself as one of Virginia's top nursing trade programs with graduates in high demand throughout the region.

While located in Hampton, New Horizons serves students from across Virginia including the Covington region through their residential healthcare programs. This highly-rated institution specializes exclusively in healthcare trades with exceptional NCLEX pass rates for their Practical Nursing program (consistently above 95%) and strong job placement outcomes. The center features simulation labs, clinical partnerships with major healthcare systems, and experienced nursing faculty. Students from western Virginia often utilize housing assistance programs. The school maintains accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education and has built an outstanding reputation for producing skilled healthcare professionals ready for immediate employment.

Dabney S. Lancaster Community College serves as the primary technical and trade education institution for the Covington area, located just 8 miles away in Clifton Forge. The college offers comprehensive trade programs with state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated welding lab with 24 welding stations, fully-equipped automotive bays, and modern HVAC training equipment. DSLC has strong industry partnerships with local employers like WestRock Paper Mill and area construction firms, resulting in excellent job placement rates. Programs lead to industry certifications and associate degrees, with many graduates securing employment before completion. The college maintains small class sizes and provides hands-on training with experienced instructors who have extensive field experience.