Technical Education Program Alignment
This platform serves as a central resource for exploring Utah’s aligned technical education programs—part of the Utah System of Higher Education’s commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality technical training across the state. Program alignment ensures that technical education certificates offered by USHE institutions follow shared standards for program names, objectives, CIP codes, program lengths, and essential employment skills. This approach supports clarity, reduces duplication, and improves alignment with statewide workforce needs.
At the same time, the model allows institutions the flexibility to add supplemental coursework that responds to local industry demands. This balance of statewide consistency and regional responsiveness ensures that students graduate with relevant, employer-validated skills, regardless of where they enroll, while providing transparency and cohesion for students, educators, policymakers, and industry partners.
This initiative strengthens educational and workforce outcomes by:
- Preparing workforce-ready graduates with consistent, industry-recognized skills.
- Creating clear pathways for students by reducing variation and improving credential clarity.
- Supporting credit transfer and articulation across institutions.
- Allowing regional flexibility through supplemental coursework based on local employer input.
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.
Faculty Resources
Provided here are essential tools, templates, and references for faculty participating in Utah’s technical education program alignment initiative. These resources support faculty in developing and refining programs and courses, participating in alignment committees, and ensuring compliance with statewide objectives. These materials are curated to help faculty collaborate effectively across institutions in this effort.
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Program Alignment Process
The alignment process ensures that technical education programs across Utah are consistent, workforce-driven, and policy-compliant. It is a multi-step, collaborative approach involving faculty, institutional leaders, industry representatives, and the Utah System of Higher Education. This page outlines the process from program development to final Board approval, providing transparency into how programs are reviewed, approved, and maintained to meet local and statewide priorities.
- The alignment process is collaborative and structured to ensure that programs meet workforce demands while remaining consistent with policy and statute. It begins with faculty committees from participating institutions, who work together, alongside industry advisory committees, to develop or revise programs based on current occupational needs.
- Once a proposal is drafted, Chief Instructional Officers review and vote on program proposals, representing institutional and stakeholder interests. Their review helps ensure the program is viable, regionally responsive, and aligned with educational goals.
- The Commissioner’s Office then evaluates the proposal through the USHE Review Committee. This includes a review by the Chief Economist to confirm alignment with broad occupational areas requiring more than a high school diploma but less than a degree, and a compliance review to verify that the proposal meets all statutory and policy requirements.
- The final step is the Utah Board of Higher Education review, which determines whether to approve, reject, or request additional information regarding the proposed alignment or program changes.
Contact Us
Kim Ziebarth
Associate Commissioner of Technical Education
Will Pierce
Assistant Commissioner of Technical Education
Kim and Will lead technical education for the Utah System of Higher Education. Reach our office at 1-801-646-4784 or through the form below.
2025
2026
- View All Programs
- 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
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 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.
Fabrication and Fitting
In this Fabrication and Fitting 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.
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.
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.
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.
