Your Guide to Finding Career Training Programs

Whether you just graduated from high school or have been in the workforce for some time, there are several career training options available to you. This guide will help you explore the benefits of career training programs and unlock new opportunities that can set you on a rewarding new career path.

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 hands-on skills training and employment preparation, such as interview skills, resume building, and externship programs where you get experience working in the career field of your choice.

Career Training at MTI

MTI offers a diverse range of job training programs, so you can choose from career fields such as healthcare, mechanical trades, truck driving, and cosmetology. Check out an overview of several different roles within these industries to get a better understanding of the daily responsibilities, earnings, and more.

Healthcare and Dental

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 job training program for dental assisting:

As of 2023, dental assistants make an average of $46,540 per year; the top 10% of earners made in excess of $61,060.
Compared to a bachelor’s degree, you can become a dental assistant in less time 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:

As of 2023, the median pay for a skilled massage therapist reached $55,310; the highest 10 percent of earners earned in excess of $95,700.
You can become a massage therapist in less time with MTI’s 6-month Massage Therapy Program available at MTI’s East Peoria, IL and Springfield, IL campuses.

Medical Assisting

Medical assistants play a crucial role in healthcare settings, performing both clinical and administrative tasks to support physicians and ensure smooth operations. Their daily responsibilities often include gathering patient medical histories, recording vital signs, assisting with examinations, and managing patient records.

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

Medical assistants earned a median annual wage of $42,000 per year (as of May 2023), and the highest 10% earned more than $56,480.
You can train to become a medical assistant in just 9 months with MTI’s accelerated medical assisting training program. The program is offered at all four of MTI’s 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:

On average, medical coding specialists earn $48,780 per year (as of 2023); the top 10 percent of earners made in excess of $77,810.
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:

On average, phlebotomists earn $41,810 per year (as of 2023); the top 10 percent of earners made in excess of $55,330.
You can train to become a phlebotomist in just 5 weeks with MTI’s Phlebotomy Course.

Certified 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:

As of 2023, basic nursing assistants earned nearly $38,200; the top 10 percent of earners made in excess of $48,000.
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.

Welding, HVAC & Electrical

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 average pay for HVAC/R technicians is considered competitive, with wages amounting to roughly $57,300 as of 2023; the top 10 percent of workers earned in excess of $84,250.
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:

As of 2023, the median annual wage for welders is approximately $48,940; the top 10 percent of earners garnered over $72,970.
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.

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:

As of 2023, the median annual wage for professional truck drivers is $54,320; the highest 10 percent of earners made in excess of $76,780.
MTI can help you become a professional truck driver in just 20 weeks with the Professional Truck Driving Program, or earn your CDL in just 16 days with the CDL Training Course! Truck driver training is available at the Springfield, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois campus locations.

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:

Wages for cosmetologists may vary widely, so your ability to market yourself may translate to increased pay; on average, cosmetologists earn $17.38 per hour (as of 2023) with the highest 10 percent of earners making in excess of $30.44 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.

Interested in Learning More About MTI?

Fill out the form below to receive info about our career training programs.

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Comments (optional)
TCPA*
- Checking this "Box" constitutes your express written consent to be called and/or texted by or on behalf of Midwest Technical Institute at the number(s) you provided including wireless, regarding furthering your education. You understand that these calls may be generated using automated technology. This consent is not required to attend the institution.
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

95339

Growing Careers in the Trades

Many of the career training programs offered by MTI are in demand through 2033. Below, you’ll find 2023-2033 projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more detailed information on growing industries and salary breakdowns, check out Highest Paying Trade Jobs.

Here’s a few of the skilled trades careers with the highest projected growth through 2033:

Healthcare & Dental

Dental Assisting – 8% growth and 408,000 projected total projected individuals employed in the occupation through 2033
Massage Therapy – 18% growth and 173,200 projected total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033
Medical Assisting – 15% growth and 901,900 projected total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033
Medical Coding Specialist + Hybrid – 9% growth and 208,200 projected total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033
Phlebotomy – 8% growth and 152,200 projected total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033
Basic Nursing Assistant – 4% growth and 1,481,800 projected total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033

Welding, HVAC & Electrical

Electricians – 11% growth and 80,200 yearly job openings through 2033
HVAC/R Technician – 9% growth and 481,300 projected total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033
Welding – 2% growth and 463,800 projected total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033
Pipefitters – 6% growth and 499,700 total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033

Truck Driving

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Drivers – 5% growth and 2,313,400 projected individuals employed in the occupation jobs through 2033

Cosmetology

Skincare Specialists – 10% growth and 12,800 projected yearly individuals employed in the occupation through 2033
Cosmetologists – 7% growth and 611,400 projected total individuals employed in the occupation through 2033

What to Consider when Choosing a Career in the Trades

If you’re considering a career in the skilled trades, it’s important to know the opportunities and challenges in your chosen field. When choosing a job training program, you should consider the following factors that may impact your decision.

Strengths & interests: If you enjoy working in a hands-on environment and solving problems, trade school may be a great option for you. Consider which paths align with your passions, personality, and preferences to get the most satisfaction out of a career.
Training and education: An important step in choosing a career in the trades is the necessary training and education. Research the available programs in your chosen trade, including the timeline of training and the associated costs.
Day-to-day responsibilities: Certain careers offer travel opportunities, while others involve daily interactions with clients or patients. The specific responsibilities of each profession will vary based on the career you choose, so it’s important to select one that aligns with your personal goals and interests.
Earning potential: While pay depends on the specific trade, experience level, and location, many trades offer competitive salaries with the potential for advancement. To explore the median wage of your chosen trade, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Demand and career progression: Research the job outlook in your area and consider the industry’s future growth to determine the likelihood of obtaining and securing employment after graduation. You can also explore specialties within your trade that may offer potential advancement opportunities and an increase in earning potential.

Next Steps to a Career Training Program

Now that you have a better understanding of your career options, you may be considering a career in the trades. MTI’s trade schools in Illinois and Missouri provide the hands-on training you need to start a new career. Take the first step by requesting more information or you can schedule a tour of your local campus!