How to Find Career Training Programs

Have you recently been considering your career options? Whether you’re about to graduate from high school, recently completed your GED, or contemplated a career change, attending an MTI trade school can help jump start your professional opportunities. 

What is a Career Training Program?

Career training programs, also commonly referred to as job training programs, are focused on preparing you to enter the workforce. Most career training programs include both skills training, such as a hands-on vocational program, and employment preparation, such as interview skills, resume building, and externship programs where you get experience working the career field of your choice.

What Career Programs Does MTI Offer?

MTI offers a wide variety of programs for careers in the skilled trades. You can choose from programs in several industries, including allied health, mechanical trades, truck driving, and cosmetology. 

Learn more about MTI’s career training programs below.

*Please note, not all programs are available at all campuses.

Career Programs in Allied Health

Medical Assisting 

Medical assistants are responsible for overseeing a variety of administrative and clinical tasks within healthcare settings. Typically working out of a physician’s office and other healthcare facilities, medical assistants have the benefit of significant job growth and remain in demand throughout the country.

Why consider MTI’s workforce training program for medical assisting:

• Career opportunities for medical assistants are anticipated to grow by 16 percent through 2031, much faster than the average rate for all occupations.
• As of 2021, medical assistants make an average of $37,190 per year; the top 10% of earners made in excess of $48,170.
• Compared to a bachelor’s degree, you can become a medical assistant in less time with MTI’s 9-month Medical Assisting Program.

Dental Assisting

Dental assistants oversee specific tasks within a dental practice that relate to everyday patient care. Their responsibilities typically include administrative duties, equipment maintenance, and providing background support for patient procedures. Dental assisting may be a great career option for individuals who enjoy interacting with patients and working as part of a team.

Why consider MTI’s workforce training program for dental assisting:

• Career opportunities for dental assistants are projected to grow by 8 percent through 2031, faster than the average rate for all occupations.
• As of 2021, dental assistants make an average of $38,660 per year; the top 10% of earners made in excess of $59,540.
• Compared to a bachelor’s degree, you can become a dental assistant in less than a year with MTI’s 9-month Dental Assisting Program.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapists work hands-on with their clients to help relieve pain, accelerate muscle recovery, eliminate stress, improve range of motion, and support their overall wellbeing. If you enjoy speaking with people and supporting the physical and mental health of those around you, this may be a great career option for you.

Why consider MTI’s workforce training programs for massage therapy:

• Career opportunities for massage therapists are forecasted to grow by 20 percent through 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
• As of 2021, the median pay for a skilled massage therapist reached $46,910; the highest 10 percent of earners earned in excess of $77,600.
• You can become a massage therapist in less than a year with MTI’s 9-month Massage Therapy Program available at MTI’s East Peoria, IL and Springfield, IL campuses.

Medical Coding Specialist

Medical coders, sometimes referred to as medical billers and coders, are responsible for overseeing patient records. Daily duties for medical coders typically include gathering patient medical histories, noting symptoms, and managing test results. If you enjoy working with data and are interested in the healthcare field, this may be a great career option for you.

Why consider MTI’s workforce training program for medical coders:

• Career opportunities for medical coding specialists are projected to increase by 7 percent through 2031 (about as fast as the average for all occupations), translating to roughly 14,900 additional openings in the coming years.
• On average, medical coding specialists earn $46,660 per year (as of 2021); the top 10 percent of earners made in excess of $74,200.
• Compared to pursuing a bachelor’s degree through a traditional university, you can become a professional medical coder in less time with MTI’s 9-month Medical Coding Specialist Program. MTI also offers a Medical Coding Specialist Hybrid Program that is a combination of virtual learning and in-person classes. 

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomists are responsible for procuring blood samples from patients in connection with medical testing, research, and donations. If you would enjoy working in a medical setting and aren’t squeamish around needles, this may be a great career option for you.

Why consider MTI’s workforce training program for phlebotomy:

• Employment opportunities are anticipated to grow by 10 percent through 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
• On average, phlebotomists earn $37,380 per year (as of 2021); the top 10 percent of earners made in excess of $48,490.
• You can train to become a phlebotomist in just 5-weeks with MTI’s Phlebotomy Course.

Basic Nursing Assistant

Basic nursing assistants (BNAs), sometimes referred to as nursing aids or certified nursing assistants (CNAs), oversee daily patient care routines. Their main responsibilities may include helping patients with basic hygiene, responding to patient concerns, and taking vitals. 

Why consider MTI’s workforce training program for nursing assistants:

• Career opportunities for nursing assistants are forecasted to grow by 5 percent through 2031, or about on pace with the average for all other occupations; this translates to an additional 220,000 openings over the next several years.
• As of 2021, basic nursing assistants earned nearly $30,310; the top 10 percent of earners made in excess of $44,240.
• MTI’s career training school can prepare you to become a certified nursing assistant in just 7 weeks through the Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) Course. The BNA Course is offered at MTI’s East Peoria, IL and Springfield, IL campus locations.

Career Programs in the Mechanical Trades

HVAC/R Technician

HVAC/R Technicians are skilled workers who provide services across heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Working in a wide variety of commercial and residential settings, these skilled workers are essential for routine maintenance and specialty repairs.

Why consider MTI’s workforce development program for HVAC/R technicians:

• The demand for HVAC/R technicians is anticipated to grow by 5 percent through 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this translates to approximately 40,100 additional career opportunities.
• The average pay for HVAC/R technicians is considered competitive, with wages amounting to roughly $48,630 as of 2021; the top 10 percent of workers earned in excess of $78,210.
• Compared to 2-year associate’s degree programs available through community colleges, MTI’s 9-month HVAC/R Technician Program can fast track your path into the HVAC/R workforce.

Welding & Pipefitting

Welders and pipefitters play a critical role in American infrastructure, joining metal parts in a wide variety of projects and industries. Welding may be a great fit for you if you enjoy working with your hands and the opportunity to travel or work in many different environments. 

Why consider MTI’s workforce development program for welding and pipefitting:

• Through 2031, there is a projection of 47,600 additional openings for skilled welders; work opportunities are anticipated to grow with aging national infrastructure.
• As of 2021, the median annual wage for welders is approximately $47,010; the top 10 percent of earners garnered over $63,660.
• MTI’s career training schools can help you become a welder in just 7 months with the Welding Program, or you can get an additional 10 weeks of pipefitting training in the Welding & Pipefitting Program.

Career Programs in Truck Driving

CDL & Truck Driving

Professional truck drivers are critical to the economy, driving great distances to deliver essential goods throughout the country and across international borders in North America. If you love the open road and the freedom that comes with working independently, a career in professional truck driving may be a great option for you. 

Earning your CDL, or ‘commercial drivers license’, opens the door to thousands of potential commercial trucking career opportunities. If you live for the open road and enjoy working independently, this career track may be a great option for you.

Why consider MTI’s workforce development training programs for CDL & truck driving:

• Professional opportunities for professional truck drivers are anticipated to grow by 4 percent through 2031, creating as many as 259,000 additional openings for employment.
• As of 2021, the median annual wage for professional truck drivers is $48,310; the highest 10 percent of earners made in excess of $72,730.
• MTI can help you become a professional truck driver in just 20 weeks with the Professional Truck Driving Program, or earn your CDL in less than 30 days with the CDL Training Course! Truck driver training is available at the Springfield, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois campus locations.

Career Programs in Cosmetology 

Cosmetology

If you love interacting with people from all walks of life and have a passion for all things beauty, a career as a cosmetologist may be a great fit for you. Not only will you cut, color, and style hair, but you’ll help your clients look and feel their best with makeup, skincare, manicures and pedicures.

Why consider MTI’s career training for cosmetology:

• Professional opportunities for cosmetologists are anticipated to increase by as much as 11 percent through 2031, much faster than average for all occupations.
• Wages for cosmetologists may vary widely, so your ability to market yourself may translate to increased pay; on average, cosmetologists earn $14.41 per hour (as of 2021) with the highest 10 percent of earners making in excess of $25.60 per hour.
• MTI’s Cosmetology School can train you to become a licensed cosmetologist in just 13 or 16 months. The Cosmetology Program is available at MTI’s Springfield, Missouri and Moline, IL campus locations.

Find a Career Training Program Near You

Ready to learn more?

MTI’s trade schools in Illinois & Missouri provide the hands-on training you need to start a new career. 

Schedule a tour of your local campus!