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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nursing Assistant (one course)
The Nursing Assistant program is designed for students to receive their certification by completing coursework in classroom and clinical settings.
Objectives
- Explain activities of daily living and nursing assistant scope of practice.
- Demonstrate correct recognizing and reporting, communication, infection control, safety, and residents’ rights in the care setting.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all skills required for state certification.
- Perform nursing assistant skills in a healthcare setting.
Nursing Assistant (two courses)
The Nursing Assistant program is designed for students to receive their certification by completing coursework in classroom and clinical settings.
Objectives
- Explain activities of daily living and nursing assistant scope of practice.
- Demonstrate correct recognizing and reporting, communication, infection control, safety, and residents’ rights in the care setting.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all skills required for state certification.
- Perform nursing assistant skills in a healthcare setting.
Pharmacy Technician
The Pharmacy Technician program prepares students to support pharmacists by performing a wide range of practice-related duties for community, institutional, compounding, long-term care, mail-order, and other pharmaceutical settings. Students learn the most common medications, calculate dosages, process prescriptions, bill third-party insurance, learn aseptic techniques, and prepare sterile and non-sterile compounded medications. Students receive extensive hands-on training in the lab area using advanced pharmacy technology.
Objectives
- Practice personal and interpersonal skills needed in various pharmacy settings.
- Demonstrate the pharmacy technician's role in the medication-use process and wellness promotion.
- Recall the most utilized drugs by brand and generic name, indications, and interactions.
- Solve pharmacy mathematical calculations.
- Prepare sterile and non-sterile compounds.
Phlebotomy
This program will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to become competent phlebotomists. The program provides hands-on, competency-based technical education through classroom and laboratory instruction as well as hands-on practice. Lectures are given on basic and advanced phlebotomy, including the healthcare setting, overview of the human body, blood collection procedures, and special collection procedures. Laboratory skills being taught include
* Multi-sample Needle * Newborn Screen
* Urinalysis * Test Requisitions
* Butterfly Needle * Hemoglobin
* Proper Patient Identification* Order of Draw
* Needle to Syringe and Transfer * Hematocrit
* Glucose Testing* Specimen Transport
* Special Procedures * Syncope
* Blood Cultures* Centrifugation
Students have the opportunity to draw blood from classmates and volunteers. Upon completion students are eligible to take the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam. Graduates are able to work as a phlebotomist and use their phlebotomy skills in a variety of hospitals, care centers, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Objectives
- Identify laboratory, OSHA, hazardous material, blood borne pathogen exposures, warning symbols, infection control, and patient safety rules.
- Gain a basic understanding of the laboratory equipment and computer systems.
- Demonstrate basic terminology for the healthcare setting, understand and utilize correct order of draw, and have basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology related to venipuncture.
- • Draw blood correctly and safely from a patient by properly using equipment and supplies necessary while identifying and adjusting for any challenges associated with the venipuncture.
- Pass all final examinations, gain a certificate from the college and be eligible to take the National certification exam.
Plumbing Apprenticeship
The Plumbing Apprenticeship program satisfies the educational requirements to take the State Journeyman Plumber Exam. To complete the entire Apprentice Plumbing Program, an individual must be licensed through the State and work under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman Plumber. A basic assessment is required prior to enrolling. This program provides a solid understanding of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), its layout, and the requirements for different plumbing systems and parts of those systems. This program discusses the processes, parts, and risks involved with the various plumbing systems as well as the safety equipment and measures that are in place to protect plumbers and the public alike.
Objectives
- Determine the application of the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- Demonstrate how to navigate the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- Calculate sizing of various piping, including natural gas, supply, and waste lines.
- Demonstrate the application of the International Fuel Gas Code.
- Demonstrate the application of the International Mechanical Code.
- Demonstrate practical application of plumbing mathematics.
- Apply critical and practical thinking skills necessary to pass the State Journeyman’s Test.
Plumbing Residential
The Plumbing Residential program satisfies the educational requirements to take the State Journeyman Residential Plumber Exam. A basic assessment is required prior to enrolling. This program provides a solid understanding of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), its layout, and the requirements for different plumbing systems and parts of those systems. This program discusses the processes, parts, and risks involved with the various plumbing systems as well as the safety equipment and measures that are in place to protect plumbers and the public alike.
Objectives
- Determine the application of the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- Demonstrate how to navigate the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- Calculate sizing of various piping, including natural gas, supply, and waste lines.
- Demonstrate the application of the International Fuel Gas Code.
- Demonstrate the application of the International Mechanical Code.
- Demonstrate practical application of plumbing mathematics.
- Apply critical and practical thinking skills necessary to pass the State Residential Journeyman’s Test.
Power Equipment and Motorcycle Technology
This certificate is designed to give students the opportunity to learn all aspects of power equipment and motorcycle engines and their various manufacturers. Instruction will include theory and lab where students will diagnose engine performance problems and repair them.
Objectives
- Recognize and maintain safety in the shop as well as personal work habits.
- Identify, use and differentiate between correct tools, including precision measuring instruments. Identify and use appropriate fasteners, gaskets, sealants, as well as torque and torque sequence.
- Identify, describe and summarize the structure of an atom, the fundamentals of electricity and electrical circuits, the relationship of magnetism with electricity, and electrical system construction and operation, ignition, lubrication and cooling systems.
- Identify, describe and summarize the principles of operation for two and four-stroke engines, and be able to differentiate the strengths of each style engine.
- Identify, describe and summarize the purpose of all engine components and their functions, as well as measuring engine performance including horsepower, toque, and energy output.
- Describe the benefits of carburetion and fuel injection systems along with their various components, as well as differentiate between different types of fuels.
- Identify, describe and summarize the purpose of transmission and other drive systems.
Powerplant Maintenance
The Airframe Maintenance program equips students with the necessary skills for a career in aviation maintenance. After completing this certificate, students will meet the Federal Aviation Administration requirements to take the General and Airframe tests required to earn their FAA Airframe license.
Objectives
- Perform aviation engine maintenance in alignment with FAA Standards.
- Prepare for FAA Licensing by fulfilling all prerequisites to sit for the Federal Aviation Administration General and Airframe licensing exams, qualifying for certification and practice in the field.
- Interpret diagnostic material for aviation maintenance and repair.
- Record maintenance logs and certify the airworthiness of aircraft.
Real Estate
The Real Estate program is state approved and designed to prepare students to pass the licensing exams and earn a real estate license in the State of Utah. Utah law requires that students complete a 120-hour educational course before they take the Utah real estate licensing exam. Our Pre-Licensing course includes instruction and review tests to prepare students to take the Utah real estate sales agent exam.
Objectives
- Define and describe real property, land, and real estate.
- Distinguish between real and personal property.
- Compute basic math skills including profit & loss, simple interest, proration, commissions, etc.
- Identify the approved forms and addenda a licensee may fill out and the circumstances under which each should be used.
- Define closing as it relates to a real estate transaction.
- Differentiate between debits and credits.
- Explain how it is determined where debits and credits go on the settlement statement.
- Explain the term “agency” and the different agency types.
- Use the proper forms of agency including the relationship between agent, subagent, client, and customer.
- Compare and contrast the various types of ownership and indicate situations when each would be appropriate or required.
Software Development
The Software Development program provides students with the opportunity to learn the languages and tools needed to start a career as a Software Developer. Languages and technologies taught will cover the spectrum from the front-end user interface to the back-end server, both desktop and mobile. Students will learn technologies and skills like Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, User interface and User Experience (UI/UX), Application Programming Interfaces (API), Developer Operations (DevOps), Cloud Computing, Version Control, Leadership, and Soft Skills. Students will learn code documenting, testing, and debugging to create and maintain software applications.
Objectives
- Explore modern software development.
- Deliver software applications using current project management practices.
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills with computer programming.
- Practice workplace professionalism.
- Demonstrate the use of techniques and tools necessary for Software Development.
Software Quality Assurance
The Software Quality Assurance program covers all aspects of software quality assurance, from manual testing to automated testing, API (Application Programming Interface) testing, and database management. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of software quality assurance principles, techniques, and tools, and to equip them with the skills required to ensure the delivery of high-quality software products.
Objectives
- Demonstrate software quality assurance principles and techniques and explain their role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products.
- Perform manual testing, automated testing, API testing, and database management.
- Describe the different types of software testing and how they are used to ensure software quality.
- Design, develop, and execute automated tests using industry-standard test automation frameworks and scripting languages.
- Explain principles of API testing, including load testing and endpoint testing, and develop skills in designing and executing these types of tests.
- Demonstrate testing, implementing, and managing databases, including data modeling, database normalization, indexing, data integrity, and data security.
- Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills by working on real-world software quality assurance projects.
- Present the importance of quality assurance in software development and its impact on business success.
Special Function Officer
Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare you for employment as an entry-level surgical technologist (ST). Students enrolled in this program will focus on the basics of surgical technology, microbiology, infection control, asepsis, and surgical techniques. Students will develop the fundamental concepts and principles necessary to successfully participate as a member of the surgical team.
Objectives
- Correlate the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology to the roles and responsibilities of a surgical technologist.
- Identify commonly used equipment, supplies, and medications used in the perioperative setting.
- Apply the principles of asepsis to the perioperative environment.
- Perform competently and safely the skills of an entry-level surgical technologist.
- Use legal, moral, and ethical principles to evaluate the care of a surgical patient.
- Demonstrate the professional attributes of a surgical technologist.
- Pass the national certification examination.
