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About MTI
Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) is a trade school that provides hands-on training programs in mechanical trades, allied health, cosmetology and trucking. MTI prides itself on changing lives by teaching students a set of skills they can utilize to pursue a rewarding career. MTI’s mission is to offer workforce training that provides graduates with the skills necessary to gain entry level employment in their chosen career field.
Yes, MTI is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) . MTI is also licensed through state (Illinois and Missouri) and industry organizations.
Accreditation demonstrates that a trade school has met several standards for academic quality, including retention, graduation and employment (job placement). In some industries and roles, the certification process may require graduates to have completed training at an accredited institution. Even in professions that don’t require a degree, having one from an accredited trade school can improve your odds of quickly finding a job.
A trade school is any post-secondary institution that provides education focused on a specific field, such as HVAC/R, dental assisting, welding or truck driving.
Two-year or four-year colleges typically require several general education classes (such as English or biology) and focus on classroom work, depending on the degree. Trade schools focus on hands-on training that prepares students for employment in their chosen field. To learn more, check out our article comparing trade schools versus college based on cost, timeline and more.
If you’re looking to enter the skilled trades industry, MTI can offer the hands-on training you need to start a new career. Here are a few things that make MTI different:
- Hands-On Focused: Get hands-on training in labs that simulate real working environments.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships*: MTI’s Financial Aid Team will help you find opportunities you may qualify for.
- Accelerated Training: Most programs and courses can be completed in less than a year.
- Experienced Instructors: All MTI instructors have real-world experience in the field.
- Flexible Class Schedules: Choose class times that work for your busy schedule, including daytime and evening classes*.
- Employment Preparation: Earn the qualifications and certifications you need, plus free tutoring is available.
- Career Placement Services: All qualified graduates receive career placement assistance.
- Campus & Community Life: MTI offers students and alumni opportunities to give back to their local community and make new connections on campus.
Admissions
Credits earned at MTI are typically non-transferable, so if a student wishes to transfer credit to another institution, they should consult with the institution they want to transfer credits to prior to enrollment. MTI has partnered with Black Hawk College (BHC) to offer graduates the opportunity to transfer credits earned at MTI toward an associate-level degree from BHC. Learn more about MTI & Black Hawk’s transfer credit partnership.
MTI requires all applicants to provide proof of a high school diploma, recognized equivalency certificate (GED) or documentation of home school completion. Note: CDL Training Course students do not need to provide proof of a diploma. Other admissions requirements include:
- Interview/appointment with an MTI Admissions Representative
- Completed health affidavit/screening (varies by program)
- Valid driver’s license, state issued ID or passport is required
- Must be 17 to enroll, must be 18 upon graduation (excluding CDL Training Course and Professional Truck Driving Program)
You can utilize veterans’ education benefits through any of MTI’s eligible programs, such as welding, HVAC/R, medical assisting, dental assisting, and truck driving. To learn more, visit Military Students or speak to an Admissions Representative.
MTI’s admissions process includes three easy steps:
- Connect with an MTI Representative: Call 800-814-5124 to speak to a member of MTI’s team who will help schedule an appointment with an Admissions Representative who will give you a campus tour. You’re also welcome to walk-in to any MTI campus to meet an Admissions Representative during our business hours—no appointment required.
- Take a Campus Tour: During your campus tour, you’ll explore MTI’s labs and classrooms, including your program of interest. You’ll learn about the programs, class schedules, admissions requirements, student services, and much more!
- Meet with the Financial Aid Team: MTI’s Financial Aid Team is dedicated to helping prospective students just like you understand the options available to help fund your education, including federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and more financial assistance you may qualify for. The Financial Aid Team can also assist you in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and inform you on the different types of federal financial aid based on eligibility.
Most trade schools require a GED or high school diploma. MTI requires a GED or high school diploma for all programs except the CDL Training Course.
For students interested in earning their high school diploma and continuing their education, MTI offers the Penn Foster Program. As part of the program, MTI will connect you with a Student Success Specialist to discuss your career goals and assist in creating a plan for your success. Upon successful completion of the Penn Foster program, you’ll receive your high school diploma, and you will be eligible to enroll in your program of choice at MTI. MTI will continue to support you every step of the way, from orientation through graduation day. To learn more, call your MTI campus and check out our article about the differences between a high school diploma and GED.
For students interested in earning their high school diploma and continuing their education, MTI offers the Penn Foster Program. As part of the program, MTI will connect you with a Student Success Specialist to discuss your career goals and assist in creating a plan for your success. Upon successful completion of the Penn Foster program, you’ll receive your high school diploma, and you will be eligible to enroll in your program of choice at MTI. MTI will continue to support you every step of the way, from orientation through graduation day. To learn more, call your MTI campus and check out our article about the differences between a high school diploma and GED.
To qualify for career placement assistance, MTI students must meet the following:
*MTI cannot and does not guarantee a student can or will be licensed or registered for employment in any specific state and cannot and does not guarantee a student will obtain employment or will obtain a minimum starting wage.
- Overall grade point average of 70% or better
- Overall attendance of 90% or better
- Remain in good standing with MTI
*MTI cannot and does not guarantee a student can or will be licensed or registered for employment in any specific state and cannot and does not guarantee a student will obtain employment or will obtain a minimum starting wage.
Yes, MTI graduates will receive a diploma upon successful completion of their program or course.
To enroll at MTI, you will need a valid driver’s license, state issued ID or passport. With the exception of the CDL Training Course, MTI requires proof of a high school diploma, recognized equivalency certificate (GED) or documentation of home school completion. The Financial Aid Team at MTI will assist you one-on-one with any required paperwork or documentation.
MTI is dedicated to providing opportunities for all qualified students to participate fully in the academic environment. MTI recognizes and supports the role that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and similar state laws have in achieving that success.
MTI is committed to making reasonable accommodations for students with qualifying disabilities and making its campus and facilities accessible as required by applicable law. But MTI cannot make accommodations that fundamentally alter the nature of its academic programs, cause undue burdens on MTI or create a direct threat to the health or safety of students, faculty staff or others. It is the responsibility of the student to make a written request for an accommodation and to follow the processes set forth in this policy. A student who does not request an accommodation will not be given one. Likewise, a student with a disability who chooses not to request an accommodation is under no obligation to seek or obtain one.
MTI is committed to making reasonable accommodations for students with qualifying disabilities and making its campus and facilities accessible as required by applicable law. But MTI cannot make accommodations that fundamentally alter the nature of its academic programs, cause undue burdens on MTI or create a direct threat to the health or safety of students, faculty staff or others. It is the responsibility of the student to make a written request for an accommodation and to follow the processes set forth in this policy. A student who does not request an accommodation will not be given one. Likewise, a student with a disability who chooses not to request an accommodation is under no obligation to seek or obtain one.
Financial
The cost for skilled trade programs at MTI varies by program/course. The majority of MTI’s students receive some form of financial aid. During the enrollment process, you’ll meet with a member of the Financial Aid Team to learn more about what financial assistance you may qualify for.
At MTI, tuition includes any necessary fees and student supplies, such as tool kits, class materials, uniforms, personal protective equipment, etc.
Many trade schools offer financial aid, including federal financial assistance, scholarships and grants. MTI’s Financial Aid Representatives are dedicated to helping students understand the options available to help pay for school. The Financial Aid Team can also assist you in filling out the FAFSA. You will meet with the Financial Aid Team as part of the enrollment process. To learn more about financial aid and eligibility, check out our article on how to pay for trade school.
MTI is approved for the following federal grant and loan programs:
MTI students can also apply for scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance. You will meet with the Financial Aid Team as part of the enrollment process, who will help you one-on-one to explore your options for financial assistance.
- Federal Pell Grant William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (Student)
- Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Parents of Dependent Students)
MTI students can also apply for scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance. You will meet with the Financial Aid Team as part of the enrollment process, who will help you one-on-one to explore your options for financial assistance.
Yes, MTI’s Financial Aid Team can assist you in filling out the FAFSA.
Yes, FAFSA applications require tax records. You’ll need the following documents to submit a FAFSA application:
- Your parents’ SSNs if you’re a dependent student
- Tax returns
- Records of child support received
- Current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts
- Net worth of investments
You can still receive financial aid if you didn’t file taxes last year. During the enrollment process, you will meet with a member of the Financial Aid Team to review your options. Please bring your driver’s license, passport, or state ID and your diploma and/or GED to your appointment with the Financial Aid Team so they can assist you.
Visit your local IRS office and ask for a copy of your tax transcripts. You can also obtain a digital copy. Visit the IRS' website to access your tax records.
Campuses
MTI currently has four campus locations across Illinois and Missouri:
Springfield, IL Campus
2731 Farmers Market Road
Springfield, IL 62707
Phone: (217) 527-8324
East Peoria, IL Campus
280 High Point Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: (309) 427-2750
Moline, IL Campus
3620 Avenue of the Cities
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: (309) 277-7900
Springfield, MO Campus
3600 South Glenstone Outer Road
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 227-4950
Springfield, IL Campus
2731 Farmers Market Road
Springfield, IL 62707
Phone: (217) 527-8324
East Peoria, IL Campus
280 High Point Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: (309) 427-2750
Moline, IL Campus
3620 Avenue of the Cities
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: (309) 277-7900
Springfield, MO Campus
3600 South Glenstone Outer Road
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 227-4950
MTI does not offer dorms or on-campus housing. However, living near campus can be a great way to feel connected to your school community, get to know your classmates and have quick access to valuable campus resources. MTI’s Student Success Specialists (SSS) can help with locating housing resources. The SSS maintains an up-to-date list of housing resources, which includes affordable apartments and housing. To learn more, visit MTI’s housing page.
Programs
Most of MTI’s programs can be completed in less than a year.
Welding, Welding & Pipefitting, HVAC/R Technician, Medical Assisting, and Dental Assisting are offered at all MTI campuses. All other programs and courses vary by campus.
MTI does offer the Medical Coding Specialist Hybrid Program, which is a combination of online and on-campus classes. MTI does not currently offer any online-only programs.
Yes, MTI offers free tutoring. If you’re a current student who would like to request tutoring, please see your Student Success Specialist.
Have more questions?
Take the next step and connect with our team to learn more about MTI.