Start your healthcare career in St. Louis.
Hands-on training in vet tech, surgical tech, dental assisting, medical assisting and massage therapy. Graduate in as little as 35 weeks, with day and evening classes and online blended learning.
Healthcare training programs in St. Louis
Midwest Institute is an accredited healthcare trade school and career college in Earth City, Missouri, near St. Louis. We offer five programs: veterinary technician, surgical technology, dental assisting, medical assisting and massage therapy. Every program pairs classroom learning with hands-on labs on campus and real-world experience before you graduate.
How to enroll at Midwest Institute
Our admissions team walks you through every step, from picking a program to your first day.
Why choose Midwest Institute
You’ll train on the same equipment you’ll use at work, taught by people who’ve done the job.
What students say about Midwest Institute
“Surgery days are my favorite! I felt very supported by my instructors and the DVM.”
“Midwest Institute is a wonderful place to learn. Not only has this school helped me with my career path, they have also helped me build strength and confidence within myself.”
“Midwest Institute has given me the tools I need to become a successful Medical Assistant.”
Our Earth City campus near St. Louis
Our campus at 4260 Shoreline Drive, Earth City, MO 63045 is an easy drive from St. Louis County, St. Charles County and North County, just off I-70 at the Earth City Expressway.
Call 314-344-4440 or text us to schedule a campus tour. Office hours are generally 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Healthcare career guides
Vet tech vs. vet assistant: what’s the difference?
What does a medical assistant do?
Job training vs. college: which is right for you?
Your healthcare career starts here
Classes start throughout the year. Talk to admissions about your program, schedule, cost and financial aid. See all start dates
Questions about Midwest Institute
Is Midwest Institute a trade school?
Yes. Midwest Institute is an accredited healthcare trade school and career college in Earth City, Missouri, near St. Louis. Our programs train you for one specific healthcare career, with hands-on labs and real-world experience, so you can start working sooner than with a four-year degree.
What programs does Midwest Institute offer?
Five healthcare programs at our Earth City campus: Veterinary Technician (AOS degree), Surgical Technology (AAS degree), and certificates in Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting and Massage Therapy.
How long are the programs?
Certificate programs take 35 weeks for day classes and 51 weeks for evening classes. Veterinary Technician takes 64 weeks, and Surgical Technology takes 85 weeks. See upcoming start dates.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your program, your schedule and the financial aid you qualify for, so every student’s cost is different. Admissions will give you a personal estimate and walk you through grants, loans and other aid. Get your cost and financial aid info.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, for those who qualify. Options include Pell Grants and federal Direct Loans, and Midwest Institute is approved for VA education benefits, WIOA and Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation. Learn more about financial aid.
Can I take classes online?
Yes, for most programs. In the online blended format, lectures are online and you come to campus each week for hands-on labs. Online blended classes are available to Missouri residents.
Is Midwest Institute accredited?
Yes. Midwest Institute is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and the Veterinary Technician program is accredited by the AVMA. See our accreditation details.
What do I need to enroll?
You need to be at least 17, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass our entrance exam. Veterinary Technician and Surgical Technology also require an essay. See admissions for the full steps.
Do you offer sonography, dental hygiene or sterile processing?
Not at this time. If you’re interested in the operating room, Surgical Technology covers sterilization and instrument handling as part of a broader surgical role. If you want to work in a dental office, Dental Assisting gets you chairside in as little as 35 weeks.
