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
Heavy Equipment Technology
The Heavy Equipment Technology program provides students an advanced understanding of equipment repairs with an emphasis on the diagnostic and repair skills needed to thrive as a heavy equipment technician. Students will show advanced understanding in hydraulic systems, understand schematics, gain troubleshooting skills, show competency in welding, cutting, and track repairs.
Objectives
- Interpret hydraulic schematics.
- Diagnose and repair system used on heavy equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic systems.
- Perform on-site repairs, such as welding and track repair.
Home Health Aide
The home health aide is an important member of the health care team directly involved with patient care of physically or mentally challenged individuals who need help with personal care, activities of daily living, and simple household chores. The Home Health Aide program prepares students to seek employment in residential care facilities, hospice settings, and clients’ homes. During the program, students will develop strong communication techniques and learn the basic nursing skills necessary to become certified as a nurse assistant in the State of Utah. Students will demonstrate proficiency in providing basic personal cares including bathing, showering, grooming, and other personal hygiene tasks, as well as develop skills for basic household tasks such as cooking and meal preparation, light cleaning, and doing laundry. Students will develop an understanding of basic household safety and complete a ServSafe course on food safety. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be recommended to take the UNAR State Certification exam to become a certified nurse assistant in the State of Utah and will receive a food handlers’ permit from the Utah Department of Health.
Objectives
Throughout this training, students will have the opportunity to
- Apply basic nursing skills necessary to gain employment in long-term care facilities, home health, hospice, and acute care settings.
- Develop and enhance communication and interpersonal skills necessary to function as a caregiver and member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Perform tasks that meet the psychological, social, physical, and spiritual needs of those they are caring for.
- Demonstrate competency in basic nursing skills in preparation for completion of UNAR state certification testing.
HVACR Technician
This program prepares students for an interesting and profitable career as an HVACR Technician. Technicians will install, service and repair equipment in a wide range of applications including residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial settings. This program provides participants with the opportunity to prepare for a successful career, anywhere in the world, and acquire the knowledge and skills that will qualify them for employment opportunities with incomes higher than the typical U.S. household. Additionally, this industry has proven to be resistant to economic downturns. With increasing energy costs and indoor air quality expectations, employment opportunities and earnings are on the rise.
Objectives
- Demonstrate safe work practices during all aspects of training.
- Demonstrate an understanding of electricity as it applies to air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems.
- Demonstrate the application of refrigeration theory as it applies to servicing air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration systems.
- Prepare for the Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 Refrigerant Handling Certification.
- Prepare for the Rocky Mountain Gas Association Natural Gas Technician Certification.
- Demonstrate a variety of methods to assemble pipe and tubing.
- Demonstrate the ability to successfully diagnose electrical and mechanical problems with air conditioning, refrigeration, furnace, and boiler systems.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing.
Information Technology
This program provides education and training in preparation for employment in Information Technology. Throughout the program, students apply classroom theory to computer hardware and software, mobile devices, operating systems, networking, security, cloud technology and other technologies relevant to the industry. Through a combination of simulations, hands-on labs and virtual labs, students will apply techniques for technology deployment, support, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This training can be used as a step to gain valuable industry recognized certifications which may include CompTIA A+, Network +, Security+, Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST), Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux, and more.
Objectives
- Develop and demonstrate skills required for entry level positions in Information Technology.
- Demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities aligning with standards for industry certifications.
- Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot common hardware and software.
- Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot operating systems.
- Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication using industry specific terminology.
Interior Design
Interior Design prepares students for a fast-paced, competitive industry that demands high professional standards. Students will be introduced to the latest and most relevant 3D software programs in the design industry such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp Pro. The learning environment is project-based, focusing on creative and technical skills while applying software programs. Coursework includes design theory, space planning, architectural detailing, building codes, and calculations. Students are mentored by industry professional instructors who provide one-on-one support. Qualifying students will be provided with client projects, field trips, and possible internships at the Las Vegas World Market. Upon completion of this competency-based certificate, students are prepared to begin their career in the Interior Design industry.
Objectives
- Graduates will demonstrate competency in creative and technical skills by taking a client’s inspiration to a complete design concept.
- Graduates will prepare and present client projects demonstrating professionalism in verbal and visual communication and personal appearance.
- Graduates will utilize 3D consulting software for client presentations to introduce new product designs as well as construction designs.
- Graduates will demonstrate confidence in presenting design concepts to others for feedback and critique.
- Graduates will demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and develop effective construction documents.
- Graduates will develop professional business, leadership, and communication skills by planning, organizing, and participating with design teams for client projects.
Law Enforcement Officer
Limited X-Ray Technician
Low Voltage Technician Apprenticeship
Low voltage (LV) electrical systems field specialization includes video and audio media, life safety (access control, burglar and fire alarms, and video surveillance), communications (telephone, modem computer networks, paging), and environmental controls (HVAC and energy management). Apprentices will ‘learn and earn’ while developing critical industry skills and achieving industry certifications.
Objectives
- Demonstrate the proper handling and safety of tools and equipment associated with basic wood, masonry, concrete, and steel construction methods.
- Obtain industry certifications, including OSHA, BICSI, AVIXA (CTS), and Utah Fire Alarm Systems.
- Interpret low voltage electronic systems drawings, riser diagrams, hardware and equipment schedules, and specifications.
- Install, diagnose, and program audio/video, communication, fire alarm, security, networking, and access control systems in residential and commercial dwellings.
- Perform low voltage operations, including installations and troubleshooting, using job-specific test
Machining Technology
The Machining Technology program trains students to use machine tools to produce complex parts used in every industry, from the machines they use, to the parts they use to produce their product. Machinists are trained to use various turning, milling, grinding, and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines to produce these complex parts. Machinists are also tasked to interpret engineer's drawings to process the desired part. The Machining Technology program is structured to give students a solid foundation in the core fundamentals of machining and launch a career in a field that is always in high demand.
Objectives
- Demonstrate safe operation of machine shop equipment.
- Interpret engineering drawings.
- Perform calculations common to the machining industry.
- Use appropriate measuring equipment.
- Use cutting tool geometry and theory in the machining process.
- Properly select appropriate equipment and cutting tools.
- Setup, program, and operate a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine.
Manual Machining Technology
The Manual Machining Technology program introduces students to the use and operation of manual machine tools to produce complex parts used in a variety of industries. Manual machinists are trained to use turning, milling, and grinding machines to produce these complex parts. This program is structured to give students the core fundamentals of machining.
Objectives
- Demonstrate safe operation of machine shop equipment.
- Interpret engineering drawings.
- Perform calculations common to the machining industry.
- Use appropriate measuring equipment.
- Properly select appropriate equipment and cutting tools.
Manufacturing Technology
The Manufacturing Technology program prepares students for high-tech manufacturing careers. In addition to learning how to produce industrial products, students will get hands-on experience in automation, robotics, composite materials technology, plastic injection molding, and welding. Graduates will have foundational skills required for entry-level employment or may continue their education to specialize in any of the instructional areas.
Objectives
Students will practice through hands-on experience, instructional videos, information sheets, and competency tests. Upon completion of this program or a given certificate, students will have received specialized training in manufacturing technology. Students will learn and apply the following while enrolled in the Manufacturing Technology program
- Demonstrate basic safety practices used in any manufacturing facility.
- Read and use common measuring tools used in manufacturing.
- Practice safe and proper use of basic hand and power tools.
- Complete a variety of introductory manufacturing assignments using blueprints.
- Recognize and work within multiple technology industries.
Master Esthetician
The Master Esthetics program prepares students to enter the world of skin care, and natural nail care by teaching the required skills for success in one of the fastest growing fields in the beauty industry. Students develop communication skills, professional behavior, and the core skills of working in, or building a spa business. Students work with spa guests in a modern, well-equipped spa with the newest techniques, products and equipment in the industry. This program offers education in facials, manicures, pedicures, skin care massage, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, ultrasonic facials, LED light facials, microcurrent facials, advanced hair removal, advanced makeup, body treatments. Students build upon skills and develop more specific training in advanced facial techniques, and laser treatments. At the end of the program, students are qualified to take the Utah State Master Esthetician Licensing Exams.
Objectives
- Demonstrate basic and master esthetic skills such as: communication skills, professional behavior, facials, manicures, and pedicures, advanced facial techniques, skin care massage, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, ultrasonic facials, LED light facials, microcurrent facials, advanced hair removal, advanced makeup, body treatments, and advanced laser 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.
Meat Services
The Meat Services program at Bridgerland Technical College provides students the opportunity to obtain a certificate in the meat services industry. Highly skilled, industry-trained instructors guide students through hands-on and individualized instruction to meet the occupational goals of each student. Topics include knife care, meat inspection, sanitation, equipment, wholesale and retail operations, custom harvesting, custom cutting, pricing, cured/smoked meats, ground meats, beef, pork, and poultry. Students will also learn basic cooking skills needed to prepare and serve meat products. 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
- Graduates will safely operate, clean, and maintain knives and meat processing equipment.
- Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of harvesting principles for beef, pork, and lamb.
- Graduates will safely demonstrate how to grade, breakdown, produce cuts (retail and custom), package, and sell beef products.
- Graduates will safely demonstrate how to grade, breakdown, produce cuts (retail and custom), package, and sell pork products.
- Graduates will safely demonstrate how to grade, breakdown, produce cuts (retail and custom), package, and sell lamb products.
- Graduates will safely demonstrate how to trim and package poultry products for retail sale.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are multi-skilled, allied health care professionals responsible for various clinical and/or administrative duties and are an essential part of a healthcare team. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions that will allow them to learn and move into higher-level job opportunities by working with physicians and providers in office settings. Students in this program learn cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains by focusing on administrative and back office clinical skills. Upon successful completion of all required courses, students participate in an externship in a medical office. Graduates of the program are eligible to take a national certification exam.
Objectives
- Demonstrate competent patient care of a medical assistant in ambulatory healthcare facilities.
- Exhibit basic skills of a medical assistant including obtaining vital signs, phlebotomy, pharmacology, EKG, and assisting providers with specialty examinations.
- Perform accurate medical documentation, patient education instruction, communication, and apply critical thinking skills in both simulated and clinical settings.
- Describe the areas of general, clinical, and administrative medical assisting.
- Demonstrate competencies and skills in preparation for taking a medical assistant national certification examination.
Medical Coding and Billing
The Medical Coding and Billing program provides students with the technical skills and knowledge for an entry-level position in a health care setting through competency-based education.
All students in the Medical Coding and Billing program study medical terminology, anatomy, laws and ethics, standard medical billing and coding methods, medical coding software, and functions of the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Students develop administrative office skills, receive hands-on experience using a Medical EHR system to schedule, manage patient accounts, and enter patient documentation. The program prepares students to work as entry-level Medical Coder and/or Biller in a medical office, clinic, or hospital.
In addition, medical coding and billing specialists examine how to code diagnoses and procedures performed or identified by a physician. Students also explore how to process health insurance claims, examine coverage issues, and processes for billing and collections. Medical billing and coding specialists prepare to take the National Certified Professional Coding (CPC) examination through American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). There are other medical coding certification exams available including Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Certified Medical Coder (CMC) offered by the Practice Management Institute (PMI).
Objectives
- Define anatomy and medical terminology.
- Explain medical, legal and ethical responsibilities.
- Discuss the elements necessary for HIPAA compliance.
- Locate, document, and validate appropriate diagnostic and procedure codes using the current ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding manuals for professional services.
- Demonstrate proper billing, insurance claim preparation using medical office software, and reimbursement.
- Prepare to sit for the National Certification Exam.
Medical Office Receptionist
The Medical Office Receptionist program will prepare students to perform vital administrative tasks, including computerized scheduling, medical billing, and medical-records management.
Objectives
- Perform routine healthcare administrative procedures.
- Apply technology skills to business and administrative tasks.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology.
- Demonstrate professionalism in the workplace.
Nail Technician
Nail Technician Instructor
This program prepares a student to take the written test of the Utah Department of Professional Licensing exam to become a Nail Technician instructor. The program trains the student in a variety of settings using theory, classroom and records management, teaching methods and organization to take the DOPL instructor test.
Objectives
- Demonstrate basic teaching skills for career education instructors.
- Communicate effectively with students, clients, and other instructors.
- Apply the techniques and guidelines for being an instructor.
- Apply concepts for Professional Development as a Career Education Instructor.
Networking and Cybersecurity
This program provides education and training in preparation for careers in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. Throughout the program, students apply classroom theory to computer hardware and software, mobile devices, operating systems, networking, security, cloud technology, and other technologies relevant to the industry. Students learn to develop, defend, and protect networks and information systems against cyber-attacks while implementing and managing hardware, operating systems, local and wide-area networks, computer forensics, vulnerability assessment, security compliance, and information assurance. Through a combination of simulations, hands-on labs and/or virtual labs, students apply techniques for technology deployment, support, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This training prepares students to gain valuable industry recognized certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. Additional certification opportunities may include Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux, and more.
Objectives
- Develop and demonstrate skills required for positions in Information Technology & Cybersecurity.
- Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities aligning with standards for industry certifications.
- Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot common hardware and software.
- Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot operating systems.
- Design, implement, and manage scalable networks.
- Identify advanced security threats and implement best practices to mitigate risks.
- Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication using industry specific terminology.
Non-Destructive Inspection
The Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) program teaches the primary inspection and testing methods for a variety of materials and products. This program teaches theory and application as it pertains to detecting flaws, contamination, or defects without damaging or degrading items being inspected and tested. Students gain a solid understanding of NDI principles and primary NDI testing methods. Upon successful completion of the program, students are qualified as a trainee in accordance with American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ANST) Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing), CP189 and NAS-410. This is the first step toward certification by an employer.
Objectives
- Demonstrate safe practices when working in industry.
- Identify the five primary NDI testing methods.
- Describe the theory and physics behind each method.
- Demonstrate proper use of industry equipment.
- Recognize industry flaws and how they are created.
- Complete required training hours.
