Capital Area Career Center
The Capital Area Career Center serves over 850 high school students and 200 adults, offering career training in nursing, cosmetology, skilled trades, and more. Students gain hands-on experience through labs, workshops, and in-house clinics, with no online options or externships. High school programs are free, while the Adult CNA program costs $1,138, covering tuition, training materials, and CPR certification. Most classes run on weekdays, with the CNA program offering evening sessions for added flexibility. Accredited by the Middle States Association Commission on Secondary Schools, the center provides an open admissions policy, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits while preparing for in-demand careers.
- CACC, 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL 62712
Capital Area School of Practical Nursing
The Capital Area School of Practical Nursing, established in 1957, provides career-focused nursing education through its nine-month LPN program and Adult CNA program. The LPN program, enrolling around 100 students annually, combines classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. Tuition for the LPN program is $13,972.50, while the CNA program costs $1,138, covering tuition, textbooks, and CPR certification. All courses are in-person with a weekday schedule, and the school does not offer evening, weekend, or online options. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and ranked first among Illinois practical nursing schools, the program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and a successful nursing career.
- 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL 62712
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) in Springfield, IL, has been the go-to place for hands-on training in skilled trades since 1995. Starting as a welding school, it has grown much bigger. Now, MTI offers programs in several areas, including allied health, Mechanical trades, truck driving, and commerce.
This is the main campus, where learning turns into real job opportunities. They even have a new $2,500 scholarship for CDL training, showing they care about their students’ futures.
At MTI, education means getting skills that last a lifetime. It’s not just about studying; it’s about doing. Whether it’s helping someone as a health worker, fixing things, driving big rigs, or making people look their best, MTI prepares you well for your respective field. And with flexible class times, even busy people can find a way to learn here.
Most courses take less than a year to complete, so you won’t wait long to start your new career.
As a for-profit vocational school, MTI focuses on helping students succeed. It’s accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and approved by the U.S. Department of Education. This means they meet high standards, and students can get financial aid. If you want to pick up a trade and make something of it, MTI in Springfield could be your starting line.
- 2731 Farmers Market Rd. Springfield, IL 62707
University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts
The University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts (USCA) in Springfield provides hands-on beauty and wellness training through programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthiology, nail technology, and teacher training. Founded in 1978, the school has graduated over 3,000 students and enrolls around 147 students annually. Tuition varies by program, from $1,850 for teacher training to $19,750 for cosmetology, with additional fees based on course selection. Classes are taught entirely in person, combining theory, practical training, and clinical experience, with part-time and evening options for some programs. Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), USCA offers a 100% acceptance rate, providing accessible career-focused education in the beauty industry.
- 2913 West White Oaks Drive Springfield, IL 62704
WorkForce Institute
The WorkForce Institute, launched in 2021 under Lincoln Land Community College, provides short-term, hands-on training in high-demand trades such as welding, aviation mechanics, and auto technology. Programs last from a few weeks to several months, focusing on real equipment practice and employer partnerships to prepare students for immediate work. Tuition varies by program, ranging from $140 to $350 per credit hour, with additional fees for some courses. While primarily in-person, training includes lab simulations rather than externships to give students practical experience. With a 100% acceptance rate and an open admissions policy, WorkForce Institute offers an accessible and affordable path to trade careers.
- 5250 Shepherd Rd. Springfield, IL 62703