Midwest Technical Institute Announces Program Changes and Future Investment in Skilled Trades
MTI will support currently enrolled students through program completion while strengthening training aligned with future workforce opportunities
For more than 30 years, our mission has centered on changing lives through career education. That mission hasn’t changed. But the workforce around us has. And part of our responsibility is making sure we continue to evolve with it.
Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) has recently announced changes to select programs at select locations following months of analysis of our programs through the lens of student demand, employer needs, graduate outcomes, regulatory requirements, operational sustainability, and where we believe we can make the greatest long-term impact.
We understand that students, employees, graduates, and community members may have questions. The information below explains what is changing, how we are supporting those affected, and how these decisions relate to our future direction.
Continuing to evolve does not mean changing who we are. It means making thoughtful choices about where we can have the greatest impact moving forward.
Our mission remains the same: helping people change their lives by giving them the skills, training, and support to pursue a new career and a better future.
FAQs
What programs are being discontinued?
MTI will discontinue new enrollment in the following programs at the specified locations:
- Cosmetology at MTI’s Moline, Illinois and Springfield, Missouri campuses
- On-Ground Medical Coding at all MTI campuses – MTI will continue to offer its 100% online Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Program through MTI Online.
- Dental Assisting at MTI’s Springfield, Missouri campus
- Medical Assisting at MTI’s Springfield, Missouri campus
Programs and campuses not identified above are not affected by these changes.
Are the affected campuses closing?
No. This announcement involves discontinuing select programs at select campus locations.
MTI will continue operating and serving students through our additional program offerings.
Why are these programs being discontinued?
MTI regularly evaluates our program offerings to ensure they continue meeting the needs of students, employers, and the communities we serve.
These decisions followed months of careful analysis and discussion. We considered several factors, including:
- Student demand
- Enrollment and retention trends
- Graduate outcomes
- Local and regional workforce needs
- Regulatory considerations
- Operational sustainability
- The resources required to operate each program effectively
- The organization’s long-term strategy
No single factor, student, employee, class, or period of performance led to these decisions.
What does “discontinued” mean?
Discontinued means MTI will no longer enroll new students in these programs.
It does not mean that currently enrolled students are being asked to stop attending classes. Current students will have the opportunity to complete their program as planned, and should continue attending class, completing coursework, and following the guidance provided by their instructors and campus leadership.
Will currently enrolled students be able to complete their programs?
Yes. MTI will honor their commitment to currently enrolled students and support them through the completion of their programs, including job placement assistance.
Students will continue receiving instruction, campus resources, and guidance as they progress toward graduation.
Will students’ class schedules or graduation dates change?
Students should continue following their current schedules unless they receive different information directly from campus leadership.
If a schedule, instructor assignment, or anticipated completion date needs to change, affected students will be notified directly and as early as possible. Students should rely on information directly from their campus leadership.
Will students still receive their diplomas?
Yes, students who successfully complete the graduation requirements will receive the diploma or credential associated with their program.
Discontinuing new enrollment does not diminish the education, work, or skills of students who complete their training.
Will this affect certification, licensing, or examination eligibility?
No, students currently enrolled in affected programs will continue to receive certification/licensing examination preparation, which varies by program and/or location.
Will this affect students’ Financial Aid?
Financial Aid will continue based on the student’s eligibility. If you’re a student of a discontinued program and have questions, please reach out to your campus leadership.
Will job placement assistance remain available?
Yes. Job placement assistance will remain available to those who qualify. MTI remains committed to helping eligible students prepare for employment, communicate their training to potential employers, and pursue opportunities in their chosen fields.
*MTI cannot and does not guarantee employment.
Why is MTI moving away from Cosmetology?
The decision to discontinue Cosmetology followed a broader review of the program and the cosmetology education environment.
Factors included student demand, enrollment and retention trends, graduate outcomes, operational sustainability, and the evolving regulatory environment surrounding cosmetology education. The potential impact of future regulatory changes was one consideration, but no single regulation led to the decision.
After evaluating these factors collectively, MTI determined that moving away from the cosmetology field is the right long-term direction for the organization.
Does this mean the Cosmetology Program was not valuable?
No. This decision does not diminish the value of the skills students have developed or the dedication of the instructors who have supported them.
We are proud of the work of our Cosmetology students, graduates, and instructors. This is an organizational and programmatic decision about where MTI will focus its future resources.
Why will Medical Billing and Coding still be offered online?
Although campus-based Medical Coding programs are being discontinued, MTI believes the online format provides an opportunity to continue serving students interested in this career field.
The 100% online Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Program will continue to be available through MTI Online.
What will happen to the instructors in the affected programs?
We recognize that this decision will ultimately impact some positions within our organization. We do not take that lightly.
We have and will continue to directly communicate with affected instructors and are committed to treating each individual with care, respect, and transparency throughout the transition. We will provide support as they transition to what comes next.
Because employment information is private, MTI will not discuss the circumstances of individual employees publicly. Specific details have been shared directly with affected employees.
Are more program changes planned?
There are no planned changes to programs not included in this announcement. Those programs will continue serving students, supporting enrollment, and operating as they do today.
As part of our normal strategic and operational planning, we continuously evaluate the health and long-term potential of all our program offerings. This ongoing evaluation is a normal part of how we ensure our programs remain strong, relevant, and positioned for long-term success. If future circumstances ever require a significant change to a program, we are committed to communicating directly, thoughtfully, and transparently to those impacted.
What does this mean for the future of MTI?
We remain confident in our mission and optimistic about the future.
Following months of analysis and discussion, we have decided to focus future investment on the programs and career fields where we see the strongest opportunities for our students, communities, and organization.
An important part of that strategy will be continuing to strengthen and grow skilled-trades offerings, including Welding, HVAC/R, and Electrical. We will also explore opportunities to expand into additional trades.
Who should current students contact with questions?
Current students should speak directly with their instructor, Director of Education, or Campus President.
Who should members of the media contact?
Members of the media should contact media@midwesttech.edu
