History

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. The Certificate of Approval to Operate was issued by the Illinois State Superintendent of Education, 100 North First Street, Springfield Illinois 62777

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 2009, 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. 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.