In June 1982, Pedro A. Galva founded Assurance Corporation Technical Institute (ACTI) to offer educational and employment services to the West Town community. With sponsorship by the Mayor's Office of Employment and Training (MET), the first training program opened in February 1983, with 30 students.

In December 1985, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting agency nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education, accredited ACTI. This accreditation led to approval by the U.S. Department of Education for the use of Title IV Financial Aid Programs.

In late 1988, Assurance Corporation took a major step in expanding and improving its services by earning approval from the Illinois State Board of Higher Education to offer Associate of Applied Science degrees. In recognition of this major step, the corporation changed the name of its educational operation in July 1989, to The College of Office Technology. The curricula for the A.A.S. degree and the diploma programs offer more in-depth educational preparation not possible in the previous short-term training.

After operating on Chicago Avenue for nearly seven years, The College of Office Technology moved to its present location in July 1989. The present location has allowed the corporation to continue improving its educational and employment services. In December 1998, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) renewed the college's accreditation status.

In October 1996, the College established a computer technology program to train individuals to meet the challenges of the computer industry. In October 1997, the College established the Medical Office Assistant program to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge to qualify for various medical office careers. These programs have been accredited and approved by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Early in 2001 the College received approval and accreditation for a course in Computer Networking for persons looking for a higher level of computer training and/or vendor certification. Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy were added in 2003. Most recently, in 2006, the College received approval and accreditation for a Nursing Care Technician Program. The College continues to review and revise its curricula to meet the changing needs of its community.

Faculty
The faculty of The College of Office Technology consists of academic specialists who have significant experience in the business world. Faculty members have achieved at least the Bachelor's Degree, with many reaching the Master's or Doctor's level. The faculty understands that job readiness requires basic academic skills and personal development in addition to technical skills.

Facilities
Located in a historic building at 1520 West Division Street , Chicago , Illinois 60622 , the College is one block east of the Division station on the Rapid Transit Blue Line. It is on or near major bus routes on Division Street , Ashland Avenue, and Milwaukee Avenue . It is two blocks west of the Division exit on the Kennedy Expressway.

About the College
The College of Office Technology is a private post secondary educational institution which offers quality technical programs. These programs prepare students for careers in Office Admin, Computer Operations, Computer Network Technology, Administrative Medical Assisting, Medical Assisting, and Phlebotomy, and assists students in developing their abilities to function effectively in today's changing business environment.

The College of Office Technology 's comprehensive curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry-level employment. Students receive hands-on training from knowledgeable, and experienced instructors.

COT's vision is realized through:
1. Care and individual attention to the academic and professional needs of each student.
2. Quality and affordable education.
3. Comprehensive and all-inclusive approach to instruction and curriculum offering.

•  Training that leads to employment opportunities upon graduation.

Accreditation
The College of Office Technology is accredited as by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award Certificates, Diplomas, and Associate of Applied Science degrees.

Facilities
Located in a historic building at 1520 West Division Street , Chicago , Illinois 60622 , the College is one block east of the Division station on the Rapid Transit Blue Line. It is on or near major bus routes on Division Street , Ashland Avenue, and Milwaukee Avenue . It is two blocks west of the Division exit on the Kennedy Expressway.

The College's learning environment features the latest in office equipment. Included in the education department are eight computer labs, four keyboarding labs, six lecture rooms, one computer repair lab, one medical classroom, a library, and a conference room.
All computers are equipped with the up to date software applications that are used in today's business and medical office environments.

Financial Aid
Financial Aid Officers counsel every student to develop a financial aid package and payment plan suitable to individual circumstances. They also help students complete an Application for Federal Student Aid for the Pell Grant and Guaranteed Student Loan.

Our Financial Aid Advisors Will:
• explain all of your Financial Aid options

• determine your total eligibility

• make things easy to understand

• give you one on one help

• be caring, understanding and helpful

• help you with all your paperwork

• move you through the process quickly

Central to the College's goal for each student is for them to find meaningful employment upon completion of thier course of study. The Placement Staff assists graduates in defining their job goals and locating appropriate employment opportunities. This is accomplished through a variety of means including a course dedicated to the job search which teaches through practice and planning all aspects of career development. The College cannot guarantee any person a job, but dedicates its resources to assisting all graduates to gain meaningful and rewarding employment. Graduates may return for continuing assistance with career development for up to one year after completion of training. After this point, career counseling, skills enhancement sessions, resume updates and job referrals are available by appointment.