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Michigan Career & Technical Institute
Getting Started
How to enroll at MCTI
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To be considered for enrollment at MCTI, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a documented disability. Prospective students do not apply directly; instead, they are referred by one of the following agencies serving the county in which they live:
- Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
- Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)
- Michigan Works! Agencies
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Private rehabilitation agencies
For students referred through MRS or BSBP, tuition, room and board in the dormitory are free.
Please note that enrollment at MCTI differs from traditional community colleges and universities. Rather than following a typical Fall and Winter enrollment cycle, we accept new students throughout the year, filling the next available openings as they become available.
Admissions and enrollment steps
You may work with a Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) counselor to complete the referral process.
Submit all required documents
Your home MRS counselor will help you gather the following documents, which will be required to be considered for enrollment at MCTI:
- Physical assessment
- Psychological test
- TB test
Apply for financial aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form for the academic year that you plan to attend MCTI to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Important note: Keep your FSA ID in a safe place to use the next time you complete the FAFSA®. Grants awarded will be used by MCTI for classroom enhancement and supplies.
Complete a referral form
Your home MRS counselor will provide a referral form to submit along with the required documents.
Recommended (not required)
- Complete a current eye exam (within six months of enrollment)
- Ensure all immunizations are up to date
The MCTI Admissions Office will review the referral application and documents your home MRS counselor submitted on your behalf. This process may take up to two weeks, and additional documents may be requested from your home MRS counselor.
For updates on the status of your application, please contact your home MRS counselor.
Career Assessement Services (CAS) scheduled
After all required documents have been reviewed and approved, MCTI will inform your home MRS counselor of a projected Career Assessment Services start date.
Receive the CAS invitation packet
You will receive a Career Assessment Services invitation packet by email 4-6 weeks prior to your start date.
Ensure you have completed the FAFSA®
It is required to have your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form completed at this time.
Completion of Career Assessment Services (CAS)
Career Assessment Services (CAS) is a vocational program that helps students explore trades at MCTI and develop realistic employment goals, as well as gain insights into their interests, skills, abilities and work preferences.
Trade program preparation
After completing the CAS program, an MCTI vocational rehabilitation counselor will document your skills and recommend next steps. This will help you and your home MRS counselor develop a training or career plan, identify any support or accommodations you may need, and explore options such as attending MCTI or pursuing other training programs.
Final check: Make sure you have completed the FAFSA®
Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form must be completed prior to the start date of your training program.
Schedule a visit to our main campus
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An aerial view of MCTI's main campus in Plainwell, Michigan. Surrounded by lush green fields, trees, and Pine Lake, the campus features multiple buildings, parking lots, a water tower, and a serene landscape of farmland and wooded areas.
Discover what makes MCTI a great place to build your future! Our open house events offer the perfect opportunity to explore our campus, meet instructors and students, and get a firsthand look at the trades and programs we offer. Tours are self-guided and self-paced, allowing you to visit classrooms, interact with staff, and ask questions about your areas of interest during dedicated Q&A sessions. You’ll also have the chance to view a dorm room, speak with Health Services staff, and enjoy the beautiful campus grounds, including our scenic lake, during warmer months. While most visitors prefer to attend when students are in session to see trades in action, our tours still provide valuable insights even when classes aren’t in session. Start your journey with us by scheduling your visit today!
Important information for your visit
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Please observe the following information and requirements prior to your scheduled visit:
- Group size is limited to 8 participants, with a required ratio of 1 adult for every 7 students.
- Food and drinks are not provided, but vending machines are available on-site.
- No backpacks, pictures or videos are allowed.
- Reservations are required.
To reserve your spot, please email the Admissions Office at LEO-MRS-MCTI-Tours@michigan.gov or call 269-664-4461.