Quick Facts

• Location: Emporia, Kansas
• Address: 3301 W 18th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801
• School Type: Public Technical College
• Programs Offered: Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, Computerized Machine Tool, Power Plant Technology, Precision Agriculture, CDL and additional technical/health programs
• Training Style: Hands-on laboratories, technical certificates, AAS degrees, internships and selected work-based learning
• Tuition Range: Program-specific; current cost sheets are available from the college, but a simple verified 2026–27 trade-wide tuition table was not prominently published in the official HTML pages reviewed
• Program Length: Approximately 1 year for many technical certificates; 1.5–2 years for several AAS pathways
• Online Programs Available: Yes, notably Power Plant Technology
• Hybrid Learning: Yes — selected Industrial Engineering Technology classes are offered in hybrid format
• Financial Aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships and payment plans; aid varies by eligibility/program
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.9 (33 Reviews)
• Website: Official Flint Hills Technical College website

Overview

Flint Hills Technical College is a public technical institution in Emporia with a focused lineup of industrial and transportation programs rather than the huge catalog found at some community colleges. Its current offerings include Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, Computerized Machine Tool, Power Plant Technology and Precision Agriculture, along with CDL and healthcare-related programs.

The college is especially strong for students interested in automotive, manufacturing, industrial maintenance/automation or energy production. FHTC says its Higher Learning Commission accreditation was reaffirmed in January 2022 for another 10-year period.

Programs Offered

Major trade-oriented options include:

• Automotive Technology
• Welding Technology
• Industrial Engineering Technology
• Computerized Machine Tool
• Power Plant Technology
• Precision Agriculture
• Commercial Driver’s License training

Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology offers:

• 1-year Technical Certificate
• 2-year Associate of Applied Science

The program stands out for its lab intensity: FHTC states approximately 80% of program time takes place in the lab under real-world shop conditions.

Students train in:

• Electrical systems
• Engines
• Brakes
• Transmissions
• Suspension
• Diagnostics
• Alternative fuel systems
• Service management

The program is taught by ASE-certified instructors and holds Master Automobile Service Technology-related industry recognition.

Welding Technology

The Welding Technical Certificate currently totals 31 technical credits. Coursework includes:

• GMAW / MIG
• GTAW / TIG
• FCAW
• SMAW / Stick
• Blueprint reading
• Thermal cutting
• Welding safety
• Pre-pipe welding
• Welding procedures and defect testing

Instruction is led by instructors with AWS and industry welding credentials, and students can continue from the technical certificate into the AAS pathway.

Industrial Engineering Technology

Industrial Engineering Technology is an excellent fit for students interested in industrial maintenance, automation or mechatronics.

The one-year technical certificate totals 35 technical credits and includes:

• Industrial electricity
• Industrial wiring
• Residential wiring
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Motor controls
• Mechatronics
• Industrial mechanical principles
• Hydraulics and pneumatics

The AAS adds subjects such as PLCs, industrial machines, motion/robotics and advanced troubleshooting.

Several IET courses are available in a hybrid online format, and FHTC also offers Industrial Electricity and Industrial Wiring courses in Spanish.

Computerized Machine Tool

Computerized Machine Tool offers:

• 1-year technical certificate
• Approximately 1.5-year accelerated AAS

Training includes CNC mills and lathes, manual machining, inspection equipment, CAM and Mastercam programming.

This is a particularly useful pathway for manufacturing careers involving precision machining and CNC operation.

Power Plant Technology

Power Plant Technology is another distinctive FHTC program.

Students learn power generation involving:

• Coal
• Natural gas
• Nuclear
• Hydroelectric
• Wind
• Solar power

The technical certificate is about one year, while the AAS can be completed in an accelerated 1.5 years or over two years. Courses are available face-to-face or online, and the AAS includes an internship.

The technical certificate includes 24 technical credits covering power-plant fundamentals, electricity, equipment, chemistry/control, mathematics, physics and OSHA 10.

Tuition & Financial Aid

FHTC publishes individual program cost sheets rather than relying solely on one generalized price. Costs vary between postsecondary and high-school enrollment and between programs.

For your listing I recommend:

Tuition Range: Varies by program; consult Flint Hills Technical College’s current program cost sheet for tuition, fees, books, tools and supplies.

Students can complete the FAFSA, apply for FHTC institutional scholarships and use available payment plans. The college’s scholarship priority deadline is generally March 1.

Accreditation

Flint Hills Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and coordinated by the Kansas Board of Regents. Its HLC accreditation was reaffirmed in 2022 for a 10-year period.

Why Students Choose This School

• 80% lab time in Automotive Technology
• Strong one-year welding certificate
• CNC machining pathway
• Industrial maintenance and mechatronics training
• Hybrid industrial-engineering courses
• Unique Power Plant Technology program
• Technical certificates plus AAS options
• HLC accreditation
• Employer and industry advisory involvement

Career Opportunities

Depending on program, graduates can prepare for entry-level roles such as:

• Automotive Technician
• Welder/Fabricator
• CNC Machinist
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Mechatronics Technician
• Controls Technician
• Power Plant Operator Trainee
• Manufacturing Technician
• Precision Agriculture Technician

Industry credentials or employer-specific training may still be required.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied Google listing:

⭐ Average Rating: 4.9 (33 Reviews)

That is an excellent overall rating, although 33 reviews remains a relatively modest sample for an entire technical college.

Enrollment Tips

Automotive students should pay attention to the difference between the one-year certificate and two-year AAS. The certificate can provide faster entry into the workforce, while the AAS adds general education and broader technical preparation.

Students interested in industrial maintenance should also compare FHTC’s Industrial Engineering Technology program with a traditional electrician program. It is broader, combining electrical troubleshooting with motors, hydraulics, pneumatics, PLCs and mechatronics.

Bottom Line

Flint Hills Technical College is worth featuring prominently, particularly for automotive, welding, CNC machining, industrial maintenance and power-generation careers. Its technical programs tend to be highly practical, and options such as the 80%-lab automotive program and specialized Power Plant Technology pathway distinguish it from general community colleges.