Moore Norman Technology Center Franklin Road Campus in Oklahoma City: Affordable Hands-On Training for High-Demand Trades
Moore Norman Technology Center's Franklin Road Campus in Oklahoma City is a public vocational school operated by the Moore-Norman Technology Center district, serving students pursuing certificates in welding, electrical work, HVAC, healthcare, and other licensed trades. The campus sits in southwest Oklahoma City and enrolls both high school students (through cooperative agreements with local districts) and post-secondary adults, making it a primary entry point for trade training in the metro area.
What the Franklin Road Campus actually is
MNTC is a two-year institution offering short-term certificates (typically 6 to 24 months) rather than associate degrees. The Franklin Road Campus handles welding, electrical systems, HVAC and refrigeration, practical nursing, dental assisting, and medical coding programs. Unlike community colleges that blend academic and vocational work, MNTC focuses almost entirely on hands-on skill development and direct job readiness. The center is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, a nationally recognized vocational accreditor.
Programs, length, and cost
Most MNTC programs run 12 to 24 months, meeting during the day or evening. Welding and electrical programs typically span 18 months; practical nursing runs 12 months. Post-secondary tuition runs approximately $3,800 to $5,000 per year for Oklahoma residents, roughly one-sixth the cost of an associate degree at a community college. High school students enrolled through their district pay no tuition. Program costs include lab fees; confirm current rates with the admissions office, as fees fluctuate. The center does not charge separate application or registration fees for Oklahoma residents.
Books, tools, and safety gear may add $500 to $1,500 depending on the program. MNTC students are eligible for federal financial aid (Pell Grants, student loans), and the center participates in Oklahoma's Workforce Investment Act funding for qualifying unemployed or underemployed adults.
How it compares to other Oklahoma City vocational options
Oklahoma City Community College operates a separate career and technical education pathway, including some of the same fields (welding, HVAC, nursing). OCCC's programs are longer (two-year associates), cost more ($120 to $150 per credit hour for residents), and include general education requirements. Choose OCCC if you want a degree that transfers to a four-year university or prefer a broader academic foundation. Choose MNTC if you need fast, affordable entry into a licensed trade and plan to work immediately after graduation.
The Able Commission, Oklahoma's vocational rehabilitation agency, also funds training at MNTC and other centers for individuals with disabilities; that pathway is separate from standard enrollment.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
MNTC serves high school graduates and career-changers ready to enter a specific trade immediately. Evening and weekend options exist for working adults. The center is not selective; admission requires a high school diploma or GED and willingness to commit to hands-on technical work. Students must pass background checks for some programs (practical nursing, healthcare roles). The campus works well for people with learning differences who thrive in applied, project-based instruction rather than lecture-heavy classes.
MNTC is not a fit if you need a transferable degree, plan to pursue higher education later, or have not yet identified a specific trade. Students seeking broad career exploration should start at a community college with lower-cost general education courses.
The first visit
Prospective students should contact the admissions office to schedule a campus tour and program consultation. Bring a photo ID and high school diploma or GED documentation. Staff walk through the labs, explain equipment, and discuss job placement outcomes for each program. Many programs fill quickly; applications should be submitted several months before the intended start date.
Hours, location, and logistics
The Franklin Road Campus sits at 7313 Franklin Road, Oklahoma City, on the southwest side. Office hours are typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; call ahead to confirm, as hours may vary by program. On-campus parking is available. Most programs run during day hours (8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) with some evening sections beginning around 3:30 p.m. Evening and dual-enrollment programs for high school students operate on separate schedules.
MNTC is the district's main technical campus for the Oklahoma City area, with a second location in Norman serving some programs. Franklin Road is the larger facility and handles the full range of career pathways.
Moore Norman Technology Center fills a clear gap for adults and high school students who need affordable, fast certification in trades facing immediate labor shortages across Oklahoma. Job placement rates for welding and electrical graduates consistently exceed 85 percent within six months of completion.
