Accreditation

Mid-State Technical College is dedicated to continuous improvement and high-quality education. Accreditation helps ensure that the College meets rigorous standards and provides exceptional learning experiences for students. It also holds Mid-State accountable for ongoing assessment and improvement.

Through accreditation, independent organizations review our programs, operations, and student outcomes. This process reflects Mid-State’s commitment to excellence and to serving our communities with integrity and transparency.

Mid-State Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an independent organization that ensures colleges meet established standards for quality, integrity, and student success.

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1413
800-621-7440

Mid-State’s next reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission is scheduled for 2034–2035.

Statement of Affiliation

The Higher Learning Commission is an independent accrediting agency founded in 1895. HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. As an institutional accreditor, HLC reviews the College as a whole, including its academic programs, governance, finances, and student services.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation provides important benefits for students and ensures that Mid-State meets recognized standards for higher education.

Quality

Accreditation means that a college or program meets established standards for quality. Accrediting organizations evaluate areas such as faculty qualifications, curriculum, administration, financial management, and student services.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Students can only receive federal financial aid if they attend a college accredited by an organization recognized by the US Department of Education. Mid-State’s accreditation allows eligible students to access federal financial assistance.

Credits That Transfer

Accreditation helps ensure that credits earned at Mid-State are more likely to be accepted by other colleges and universities if students choose to continue their education.

Program Accreditation

Some Mid-State programs also hold specialized accreditation related to their occupational field. These additional accreditations help ensure programs align with industry standards and professional expectations.

Program Accrediting Bodies

Many Mid-State programs hold additional accreditation from professional organizations. These accreditations confirm that programs meet industry standards and help ensure graduates are well prepared for their careers.

  • Automotive: Automotive Technician: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
  • Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
  • Health Information Management: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
  • Medical Assistant: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)
  • Nursing: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Paramedic: Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for EMS Professions (CoAEMSP)
  • Paramedic Technician: Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for EMS Professions (CoAEMSP)
  • Phlebotomy Technician: National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • Respiratory Therapist: Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
  • Surgical Technology: Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) under the auspices of Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

All Mid-State programs are in good standing with their accrediting organizations.

See our Program Accreditation and Licensure Information for detailed information about accreditation site visit dates, accreditation cycles, and accreditor contact information. Additional details are also available on individual program pages.

View Program Accreditation and Licensure Information (PDF)

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Many Mid-State programs prepare students to meet licensure requirements needed for employment in the state of Wisconsin.

The College does not guarantee that its curriculum meets licensure requirements in other states. Students planning to work outside Wisconsin should review state-specific licensure requirements.

Specific licensure information is available on individual program pages.

Additional Information

Learn more about how Mid-State is governed, recognized, and connected to professional organizations that support quality education and workforce training.

Mid-State Technical College is one of 16 colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS).

Each college is governed locally by a board of trustees. A significant portion of funding comes from property taxes paid by residents within the College district. Major decisions related to academic programs, facilities, and tuition are approved by the WTCS state board.

The Wisconsin Technical College System Board has authorized Mid-State Technical College to grant the Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science degrees through two-year programs.

Contact Information

Wisconsin Technical College System Board
310 Price Place
PO Box 7874
Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608-266-1207

In addition to advisory committee support, several Mid-State programs receive external approval or endorsement from governmental and professional organizations.

External Program Approval Agencies

  • Wisconsin Board of Nursing — Nursing
  • Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Barber Technologist, Cosmetology, Fire Safety, Nail Technician
  • Wisconsin Department of Health Services — Emergency Medical Technician programs, Nursing, Nursing Assistant
  • Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau — Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Academy
  • Wisconsin Technical College System Board — All programs and basic skills

External Program & Training Endorsements

  • American Heart Association — CPR, ACLS, PALS, HeartSaver
  • International Fire Service Accreditation Congress — Firefighting courses
  • Motorcycle Safety Foundation — Motorcycle training
  • National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation — Automotive Maintenance Technician and Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Assistant
  • National Security Agency — IT Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation — Motorcycle training

Find more information in the External Agency Program/Training Approval List below.

View the List

Mid-State Technical College maintains memberships in several professional organizations that support community college leadership and collaboration.

  • American Association of Community Colleges
  • Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)
  • National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)

  • Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association