Careers

How to Switch Careers Without Prior Experience

How to Switch Careers Without Prior Experience

Are you unhappy in your current job or career and looking for a new avenue to focus on? Are you unsure of which field to choose because of your lack of experience?

Beginning a new career is possible at any age with the right training.

A trade school can be more cost effective than a traditional four-year college, and many trade programs can often be completed in less than a year.

Where to Begin When Choosing a New Career

Ask yourself why you want to switch careers, and answer the following questions: What do you like about your current job? What do you dislike about your position? What are you looking for in workplace culture that you aren’t experiencing at your current employer?Think about what a career change will entail. Will you need to enroll in classes? Can you work and go to school at the same time? How will you afford your education?Talk to someone in your field of interest to gain helpful insight. When you tour MTI’s facilities, you may have the opportunity to ask instructors questions on the pros and cons of your field of interest.

Consider Education Options

Trade school offers quick training for a variety of industries and when compared to four-year degrees, trade school is lower in cost and shorter in timeline. Plus, trade school may offer both daytime and evening classes.The right school will help you gain the hands-on experience you may currently lack, through interactive learning environments and externships.* These experiences may assist you in entering the job market with skills needed for entry-level employment.When discussing your options with school representatives, you should ask if the school offers career placement assistance, as this service is intended to help graduates find employment in their chosen career field. MTI offers career placement assistance to those who qualify.*MTI offers an externship or practicum as part of their allied health programs.

Interested in Learning More About MTI?

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Choosing Midwest Technical Institute for Your New Career Training

Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) offers the following training to help you prepare for a new career.

Allied Health Trades

The MTI Basic Nursing Assistant Course, which is 7 weeks long, is designed to prepare individuals to be safe, caring, and effective nursing assistants who work under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals. Through these classes, students will be prepared to perform in positions typically available in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Daytime classes are available at the East Peoria and Springfield, IL campuses.The Dental Assisting Program at MTI, which is 9 months (35-weeks) long, provides entry-level theory and hands-on training in basic and routine clinical and office tasks. These classes equip the dental assistant with the skills required to perform in clinical, laboratory, or office setting. Daytime and evening classes are available.*The MTI Medical Assisting Program, a 9-month long program, provides entry-level theory and hands-on training in basic and routine clinical and administrative tasks, which teaches the skills required to perform in either a clinical or office capacity. Daytime and evening classes are available.*

The Pharmacy Technician Program at MTI is a 9-month program designed to prepare students to enter the pharmacy field in entry-level positions working in hospitals, community (retail) pharmacies, clinics, or non-traditional settings. The courses at MTI include classroom instruction and practical lab work using hands-on training to provide students the skills needed to become qualified and competitive pharmacy technicians.  Daytime classes are available at the East Peoria and Springfield, IL campuses.

The Medical Coding Specialist Program, which is 9 months long, provides the skills and knowledge for entry-level positions normally available in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and insurance companies as a part of a healthcare team. This program instructs students in the analysis of medical records (charts) and the assignment of codes for indexing diagnoses and procedures to provide information for reimbursement purposes. Daytime and evening classes are available at the East Peoria and Springfield, IL campuses.*

At MTI, the Massage Therapy Program is a 9-month program that provides students the skills and hands-on clinical training needed to perform therapeutic massage utilizing a variety of techniques. Students become well-versed in wellness, nutrition, medical ethics, and trigger points of the body. Daytime classes are available at the East Peoria and Springfield, IL campuses.

*Evening classes may not be available at all campuses. Please contact your local campus for program availability.

Mechanical Trades

The MTI Welding Program, a 7-month program, prepares students for entry-level employment in the welding field by providing students with skills and hands-on training needed to become proficient pipe welders using shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) processes. Daytime and evening classes are available.*The Welding & Pipefitting Program at MTI is 10 months long and prepares students to gain entry-level employment in the welding field and offers an additional 10 weeks or 250 hours more than the Welding Program. These classes expand on hands-on pipe fitting training and includes more hands-on fitting and rigging. Daytime and evening classes are available.*The MTI HVAC/R-Mar Technician Program, a 9-month program, provides installation, repair, and maintenance training for the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. These classes include installation and repair training for the major appliance industry. Daytime and evening classes are available.**Evening classes may not be available at all campuses. Please contact your local campus for program availability.

Truck driving trades

Professional Truck Driving Program at MTI is a 5-month long program that provides classroom and behind-the-wheel experience. Students learn how to correctly and safely perform required skill standards as their classes include knowledge of the state’s CDL standards, driver safety, air brakes, combination vehicles, log books, trip planning, public and employee relations. Daytime classes are available at the Springfield, MO campus.The MTI CDL Training Course is 20 days long and teaches students procedures and techniques through hands-on experience and classroom theory. Students learn how to correctly and safely perform required skill standards and are trained for entry-level positions. Daytime and evening classes are available at the Springfield, MO campus.**Evening classes may not be available at all campuses. Please contact your local campus for program availability.

Beauty Trade

At MTI, the Cosmetology Program can be 13, 16, or 17 months long and provides students with entry-level skills relating to hair, nails, and skin with an emphasis on hygiene, sanitation, customer relations, and salon management. Throughout these classes, students will learn theory and skills training in basic haircutting, hair styling, and hair coloring. Daytime and evening classes available at the Moline, IL and Springfield, MO campuses.**Evening classes may not be available at all campuses. Please contact your local campus for program availability.

Changing Careers with No Prior Experience is Possible with MTI Programs

If you want a new career in a trade industry, choosing the right training program may be the best place to start. Contact the Admissions Team at MTI to learn about how to enroll today.*Not all programs and courses are available at all campuses. Please contact your local campus for program availability.