Technical Education Program Alignment
This platform is a central resource for exploring Utah’s aligned technical education programs, a key part of the Utah System of Higher Education’s commitment to consistent, high-quality technical training statewide.
Here, stakeholders can find detailed program information, including participating institutions, graduation requirements, course descriptions, and the benefits of alignment for both students and industries.
About the Initiative
The Technical Education Program Alignment initiative ensures that technical education programs across USHE institutions follow common standards, such as program names, objectives, CIP codes, lengths, and key skills required for employment. This initiative helps align programs to prepare students with relevant skills for today’s job market. It also provides clarity for students, educators, and employers, while allowing each institution the flexibility to adjust offerings based on local industry needs through additional courses.
The initiative is designed to:
- Ensure Workforce-Ready Graduates: Graduates will have consistent, industry-recognized skills that meet the needs of employers across the state.
- Simplify Educational Pathways: Clear and consistent program structures make it easier for students to understand their options and reduce confusion.
- Support Articulation and Transfer: Agreements between institutions help students transfer more easily, saving time and reducing the cost of their education.
- Adapt to Regional Needs: Institutions can offer extra courses that meet the specific needs of local industries.
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- Agriculture and Veterinary Services
- Architecture and Construction
- Aviation
- Business and Consumer Technologies
- Culinary and Hospitality Services
- Digital Media and Web Design
- Health Professions
- Manufacturing
- Personal Services
- Public Safety and Emergency Services
- Technology
- Transportation
Cosmetology
The Cosmetology program is designed to prepare students for employment in cosmetology/barbering, hair design, and skin and nail care. This program prepares students for employment in a salon and/or to open a new salon business. Students in this program develop communication, professional behavior, and the core skills of working in a salon business. Students work with salon guests in a well-equipped salon and perform these skills with the newest techniques, products, and equipment in the industry. Students learn to communicate with customers; analyze skin, hair and nails; and perform the duties of hair cutting, coloring, styling, chemical texture services, and basic skin and nail care. This program includes 1600 clock time hours of instruction as required by the State of Utah for licensure. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology/Barbering Licensure, and examination required for licensure.
Objectives
- Complete 1600 clock hours.
- Demonstrate principles and cosmetology/barbering skills: shampooing, styling, men and women haircutting, straight razor shaving, hair extensions, chemical texture services, haircoloring, skin care, nail services, and other concepts essential to becoming a successful cosmetologist/barber.
- Demonstrate principles and practices related to nail technology skills, manicuring, pedicuring, gel, and acrylic application, manual and electric filing, polishing, client consultation and other concepts essential to becoming a successful nail technician.
- Demonstrate principles and practices related to esthetics and facial treatments.
- Explain general sciences related to cosmetology/barbering such as anatomy, infection control, hair structure, skin and nail, diseases and disorders, chemistry and electricity.
- Demonstrate salon processes and etiquette with sanitation procedures necessary for the health and safety of clients and workers.
Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program prepares students by teaching the fundamental principles and techniques of professional cooking and baking. Students learn through classroom lectures, guest speakers, presentations, and hands-on activities for commercial kitchens. Students learn, develop, and test their skills by using different cooking methods to cook vegetables, starches, proteins, soups, sauces, and many other foods. They also develop and test their skills in baking breads, cakes, cookies, pastries, pies, and more.
Objectives
- Receive state-approved food safety management certification.
- Demonstrate kitchen safety in a professional environment.
- Define key culinary terms, processes, and methods.
- Demonstrate customer service and guest hospitality.
- Demonstrate professionalism through repetition by preparing and plating foods daily.
- Preparing classic dishes using appropriate cooking principles.
Custom Design and Fabrication
In this Custom Design & Fabrication program, students will learn the base principles and practices of metal fabrication across a wide variety of industrial standards. Students will learn how to read blueprints and assemble metal products according to engineered drawings. They will also learn fabrication skills, according to specific standards and codes set in place by major industrial organizations, such as the American Welding Society and the American Petroleum Institute.
Objectives
- Operate common fabrication equipment such as drill presses, brake presses, and overhead cranes in the safest manner possible.
- Sketch drawings of fabricated product based on the application, using fundamentals of design.
- Apply the mathematics of engineering to produce a blueprint or drawing.
- Operate common machinery found in a fabrication shop, including the pipe threader, CNC tables, and overhead cranes.
- Turn drawings into physical fabricated products, including steel pipe assemblies, structural components, and any other form of metal product that would require different skills to build.
- Operate basic welding equipment, thermal cutting equipment, and hand-tools to effectively fabricate a wide range of products.
Data Analytics
Data Analytics prepares both experienced and inexperienced students with the necessary skills to become skilled data practitioners in business, manufacturing, management, and marketing environments. The self-paced, competency-based curriculum provides extensive hands-on training, text work, computer simulation, and one-on-one teacher to student training. This certificate introduces students to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and tools relevant to data analytics such as initiating data projects, sourcing data, transforming data, analyzing data, and presenting data. This program supports the Bridgerland Technical College mission to deliver competency-based, employer-guided career and hands-on technical education to the Bear River Region.
Objectives
- A graduate will demonstrate the ability to perform gap analyses on data sets, identify missing/appropriate data in order to solve business problems.
- A graduate will demonstrate the ability to extract, collect, clean, and test data.
- A graduate will demonstrate the ability to transform data by merging and splitting data sets in addition to creating new variables.
- A graduate will demonstrate the ability to analyze data by applying questions to data, separating anomalies, and running tests.
- A graduate will demonstrate the ability to communicate data stories through the production and reporting of clear data visualizations, dashboards, reports, charts, graphs, and animations.
- A graduate will demonstrate how to keep data safe and secure.
- A graduate will demonstrate the ability to create and maintain databases.
Dental Assisting
The Dental Assisting Program is designed to prepare for employment of the professional Chairside Assistant. Students focus on the basics of dental assisting, nutrition, dental prevention, dental disease, infection control, instruments and tray setups for dental procedures, dental materials, anatomy, radiology, dental specialties, law and ethics, CPR, and a clinical experience.
Objectives
- Correlate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, psychology, microbiology to the roles and responsibilities of a dental assistant.
- Identify commonly used equipment, supplies, instrumentation, and medications used in the dental chairside setting.
- Apply the principles of asepsis to the dental office and its environment.
- Perform competently and safely the skills of a dental assistant.
- Use legal, moral, and ethical principles to evaluate the care of a dental patient.
- Demonstrate the professional attributes of a dental assistant.
- Pass the final exam and certifications for the dental field.
Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program prepares students with the diversified employment skills and knowledge as diesels technicians, including hands-on instruction in diesel engines; electrical/electronic systems; steering and suspension; brakes; drivetrain; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; hydraulics; preventative maintenance; safety; professionalism; and workplace relations.
Objectives
- Demonstrate safe working habits and practices.
- Demonstrate knowledge related to the service, maintenance, operation, and function of the core systems related to diesel powered equipment.
- Build and maintain good working relationships.
Digital Design
The Digital Design Program provides a strong foundation in the diverse fields of a graphic designer. Students learn theory and experience hands-on application in the production of electronically generated media for print, television, film, websites, and mobile computing.
In the coursework, students design creative collateral for companies and/or clients. Course topics include graphic design, design principles, photography, image manipulation, illustration, desktop publishing, and motion design with skills in video production, animation, motion graphics, interactive design, small business marketing, and a final portfolio.
Students will gain the skills necessary for entry-level employment in creative careers and learn industry practices, graphic design, illustration, photography, motion graphics & animation, and front-end web designs. Students work with prominent industry software to develop literacy and production skills.
Objectives
- Develop skills that will prepare students to work in creative skills.
- Use professional graphic design software.
- Explain the creative process with employers and clients.
- Discuss projects with a creative team to work seamlessly together to produce professional work.
- Demonstrate skills by creating and showing a professional portfolio of work.
- Develop the soft skills that are essential for interviewing, working with clients, and running a business.
Digital Marketing and Analytics
In the Digital Marketing and Analytics program, students will learn the fundamental principles of marketing, strategy, and best practices. Students will learn the day-to-day tasks of the modern digital marketer from lectures, guest speakers, presentations, and hands-on application. Through instruction and hands-on practice, students will learn and test their skills in Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, Digital Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, and Email Marketing.
Objectives
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the fundamentals of digital marketing and marketing analytics.
- Define key digital marketing and analytics terms and definitions.
- Assess marketing data using industry tools and best practices.
- Create strategic digital marketing plans following industry suggested best practices.
- Implement a digital marketing strategy in a business.
- Complete industry certifications to show competencies in each digital marketing vertical.
Drafting and Design
Students in the Drafting and Design program will be immersed in a project-based curriculum that may be focused on architectural drafting, mechanical drafting, and/or civil drafting. They will receive one-on-one aid from experienced instructors, review best practices, and focus on industry standards. All courses are computer use intensive and competency based. Students will develop a strong working knowledge of visual communication and its technical skills. Upon completion, students are prepared for entry-level employment and/or further continuing their education.
Objectives
- Develop a general knowledge of the drafting and design industries.
- Define terminology and processes related to drafting and design.
- Demonstrate correct sketching techniques.
- Use visual communication to convey design ideas.
- Interpret and prepare industry standard documents.
- Create accurate 2D and 3D models using the state of industry software.
- Develop drawings that align with industry conventions and standards.
- Practice redlining and iterating designs.
- Create physical models.
Electrical Apprenticeship
The Electrical Apprenticeship program provides a solid understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC), its layout, the requirements for different electrical systems, and the components of those systems. This program discusses the risks involved with electricity and electrical systems as well as the safety equipment and measures that are in place to protect electricians and the general public alike.
Objectives
- Apply of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Navigate the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Calculate the sizes of different electrical system parts.
- Explain the application of A/C and D/C electrical theory.
- Explain Electrical Safety procedures, processes, and equipment.
- Wire electrical circuits per national codes and safety regulations.
Electrical Residential
The Electrical Residential program provides a solid understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC), its layout, and the ability to find the requirements for different electrical systems. This program discusses the risks involved with electricity and electrical systems as well as the safety equipment and measures that are in place to protect electricians and the general public alike. The Electrical Residential program will provide a student with the knowledge in the areas of electrical work needed to sit and pass the State Residential Journeyman exams.
Objectives
- Apply the principles of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Navigate the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Understand the State of Utah Laws and Regulations concerning electrical work and licensing.
- Calculate the sizes of residential services and other various loads in electrical systems.
- Explain the application of A/C and D/C electrical theory.
- Explain electrical safety procedures, processes, and equipment.
- Wire electrical circuits per national codes and safety regulations.
- Explain specific codes and regulations for solar systems, swimming pools, EV charging and other specific equipment found in residential homes.
Electronics Assembly Technology
This program covers electronics soldering and mechanical assembly. Coverage of component identification, schematic diagrams/symbols, direct current basics, and digital meters applications. The IPC certifications courses cover electronics inspection and workmanship criteria.
Objectives
- Apply basic electronics fundamentals theory.
- Identify various industry components and their schematic symbols.
- Perform basic electrical measurements using a digital multimeter.
- Perform soldering techniques for through-hole and surface mount technologies.
- Identify and list safety procedures, and industry terminology.
- Perform mechanical assembly procedure and torqueing requirements.
- Apply IPC industry workmanship criteria to electronic assemblies.
- Inspect assemblies to IPC workmanship requirements.
Electronics Technology
The Electronics Technology program supports a wide variety of electronic systems. This accredited program prepares students with the necessary skills to become technicians in several critical electronic related industries. Students are introduced to a wide variety of tools, instruments, power supplies, signal generators, practices, and procedures. The program uses a competency based hands-on approach, with other teaching methods that will be employed throughout. Internationally recognized IPC certifications are available in this program. This program prepares students to pass a nationally recognized Certified Electronics Technician exam.
Objectives
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of electronic systems, prototyping, maintenance, and repair techniques.
- Apply system diagnostics and troubleshooting techniques.
- Read, utilize, and design schematics.
- Demonstrate competency in thru-hole and surface mount soldering for electronic assemblies.
- Demonstrate competency in DC and AC circuit concepts, component characteristics, circuit prototyping and testing.
- Demonstrate competency in Analog and Digital circuit concepts, component characteristics, circuit prototyping and testing.
- Implement and properly use a variety of precision electronic measurement tools and procedures.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
Emergency Medical Technician
The Emergency Medical Technician program provides training for out-of-hospital emergency medical care and transportation of critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) have basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life threatening emergencies. EMTs function as part of a comprehensive EMS response system, under medical oversight. EMTs perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance. EMTs are a critical link between the scene of an emergency and the health care system.
Objectives
- Apply fundamental knowledge of the anatomy and function of all human systems to the practice of EMS.
- Use foundational anatomical and medical terms and abbreviations in written and oral communication with colleagues and other health care professionals.
- Apply fundamental knowledge of the pathophysiology of respiration and perfusion to patient assessment and management.
- Apply fundamental knowledge of lifespan development to patient assessment and management.
- Properly administer or assist in administering medications to a patient during an emergency.
- Utilize fundamental knowledge of the EMS system, safety/well-being of the EMT, and medical/legal and ethical issues to the provision of emergency care.
- Apply knowledge (fundamental depth, foundational breadth) of anatomy and physiology to patient assessment and management to assure a patent airway, adequate mechanical ventilation, and respiration for patients of all ages.
- Interpret scene information and patient assessment findings (scene size-up, primary and secondary assessment, patient history, reassessment) to guide emergency management.
- Provide basic emergency care and transportation based on assessment findings for an acutely ill patient.
- Apply a fundamental knowledge of the causes, pathophysiology, and management of shock, respiratory failure or arres
Esthetician
The Esthetician program prepares students to enter the world of skin care, and natural nail care by teaching the required skills for success in a competitive industry. Students will develop communication skills, professional behavior, and the core skills of working in or building a spa business. Students will work with spa guests in a modern, well-equipped spa and will perform these skills with the newest techniques, products, and equipment in the industry. At the end of the program, students will be qualified to take the Basic Utah State Esthetician Licensing Exams.
Objectives
- Demonstrate esthetic skills such as: communication skills, professional behavior, facials, manicures, and pedicures, skin care massage, chemical peels, microcurrent facials, hair removal, makeup, body treatments.
- Explain general sciences related to Esthetics such as: anatomy, infection control, skin structure, skin diseases and disorders, chemistry, and electricity.
- Demonstrate spa processes and etiquette with proper sanitation procedures necessary for the health and safety of spa guests and self.
- Perform esthetic services on manikins and spa guests.
- Communicate effectively with spa guests and colleagues.
- Demonstrate communication skills through electronic, verbal, and written formats.
- Prepare for the state board licensure exam.
Farm Operations Technology
Farm Operations Technology prepares individuals to manage small to medium size farms, ranches, and similar enterprises. Includes instruction in business management including financial and production records financial statement preparation (basic accounting) business analysis, operational planning and budgeting, capitalization, applicable agricultural specialization of equipment, facilities, irrigation and grazing and forage, and government programs and regulations.
Objectives
- Complete basic financial bookkeeping and production record keeping.
- Prepare financial statements, including Balance Sheets, Income State (Profit and Loss), and whole farm and enterprise analysis.
- Benchmark financial and production to guide strategic and applicable whole farm and enterprise planning.
- Perform operational planning and budgeting.
- Operate and manage farm equipment, livestock facilities, irrigation systems, and forage and grazing resources.
- Use applicable governmental programs and regulations.
Fashion Merchandising and Development
Fashion Merchandising and Development prepares students with the knowledge and skill-set necessary to be successful in the Fashion Industry in the following categories retailing, promotion, visual merchandising, design, and entrepreneurship. Students will work with a teaching staff of industry professionals that emphasize hands-on instruction and provide competency-based training. From working on a full-scale fashion show production to creating window displays or constructing garments, students will work in a hands-on environment that allows them to explore their creativity while obtaining the skills necessary to enter the workforce in the fashion and associated industries. Upon completion of this competency-based certificate, past students have gained employment as a retail salesperson or
manager, visual merchandiser, wardrobe stylist, costume technician or event coordinator to list a few.
Objectives
- Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in marketing concepts, retail merchandising, selling techniques, styling methods, and visual presentation through hands-on assessments and creation of projects.
- Graduates will develop promotional and event production skills through planning, producing and promoting a full-scale fashion show production.
- Graduates will comprehend and illustrate effective use of the principles and elements of design by creating products, presentations, and displays through comprehensive assignments, projects, and tests.
- Graduates will show growth in professional development as it relates to communication skills, presentation methods, time management, and organization through instructor observations, evaluations, and an industry related internship.
Firefighter
The Firefighter program provides adult students the opportunity to prepare for employment as firefighters. Highly skilled and trained firefighting professionals will instruct students through hands-on curriculum in structural firefighter skills, hazardous materials mitigation, and taking care of sick or injured patients. This program supports the mission to deliver competency-based, employer-guided careers, and hands-on technical education.
Firefighter is accredited by the Utah Fire Service Standards and Training Council (UFSCC). Students who complete all coursework can certify and obtain certifications in Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, Firefighter I, and Firefighter II.
Objectives
- Suppress and mitigate fires
- Reduce the impacts of hazards on people, property, and the environment
- Recognize and treat medical emergencies
- Serve communities and citizens in need
Hair Design
The Hair Design program is designed to prepare students to enter the world of hair design. Students can secure employment in a salon and/or prepare to open a new salon business.
Students will develop communication, professional behavior, and the core skills of working in a salon business. Students will work with salon guests in a well-equipped salon and will perform these skills with the newest techniques, products and equipment in the industry. Students learn to communicate with customers, analyze hair, perform the duties of hair cutting, coloring, styling, and chemical texture services.
This program includes 1200 clock time hours of instruction required by the State of Utah for licensure. Students are prepared to take the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology/Barbering Licensure, and examination required for licensure.
Objectives
- Complete 1200 clock hours.
- Demonstrate principles and cosmetology/barbering skills; shampooing, styling, men and women haircutting, straight razor shaving, hair extensions, chemical texture services, haircoloring, skin care, nail services, and other concepts essential to becoming a successful cosmetologist/barber.
- Explain general sciences, related to cosmetology/barbering such as anatomy, infection control, hair structure, diseases and disorders, chemistry and electricity.
- Demonstrate salon processes and etiquette with sanitation procedures necessary for the health and safety of clients and self.
- Perform cosmetology/barbering services on Mannequins and public guests.
- Communicate effectively with salon guests and coworkers.
- Demonstrates Communication through electronic, verbal and written formats.
- Prepare for state board licensure examinations and licensing for the State of Utah
- Obtain CPR certification.
Heavy Equipment Operator
The Heavy Equipment Operator program introduces students to the heavy equipment industry and basic equipment operations. It also blends classroom time, industry related safety and hands on training for a well-rounded learning experience. Topics include OSHA construction safety, orientation to the trade, identification of heavy equipment, basic operational techniques, introduction to earthmoving, rough grading, and finish grading.
Objectives
- At the completion of the course students should demonstrate entry level criteria related to overall safety awareness in the heavy equipment operator job fields.
- Students should meet minimum requirements to safely and effectively perform fundamental operating techniques used in industry.
- Students should be capable of performing a machine pre-operation inspection and know the proper procedures for tagging out and addressing maintenance or repair needs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the job site awareness and have the ability to seek information and/or communicate needs and/or concerns.
- Meet areas industry needs by providing trained and machine safety certified entry-level operators which relate to the service area of the program.
