MIP to give students start in medical manufacturing

Aiming to get more Utah students started in a life sciences career, Utah government and business have launched the Utah Medical Innovations Pathways (MIP). The program was announced recently by Gov. Gary Herbert, USA Funds, Utah life science industry partners, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS).

Aiming to get more Utah students started in a life sciences career, Utah government and business have launched the Utah Medical Innovations Pathways (MIP).

The program was announced recently by Gov. Gary Herbert, USA Funds, Utah life science industry partners, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS).

MIP will provide Utah students the chance to graduate high school with a certificate in medical manufacturing innovations and begin a career in life sciences.

“The pathways programs play an important role in meeting the demands of Utah’s workforce needs,” Herbert said. “We are grateful for the medical innovation industry’s investment and the impact they will have on our young residents.”

Beginning this year in Granite School District, the program will expand to Davis and Canyons school districts next year. The first semester of the program will take place in the high school facilities, while the second semester will implement curriculum in partnership with Salt Lake Community College (SLCC).

Students also will participate in internships and job-shadow experiences with life science companies involved in the program. Upon completion of the MIP program and passing pre-employment requirements, students will be certified to begin work with one of the life science partners in Utah.

MIP industry partners include Bard Access Systems, BD Medical, BioFire Diagnostics, Biomerics, CoNextions Medical, Edwards Lifesciences, EZ Lift Rescue Systems, Fresenius Medical Care, GE Healthcare, Merit Medical, Nelson Labs, Sorenson Genomics, Stryker Corp. and Varian Medical Systems.

School districts, including Canyons, Davis and Granite, worked in partnership with SLCC and the State Board of Education (USBE) to determine the educational requirements for the program, compile its curriculum and provide teachers and school counselors with essential components. 

USA Funds provided a $1 million grant to the state to develop the program. 

“As USA Funds works to advance the ideal of ‘Completion With a Purpose’ among today’s students and graduates, we seek to partner with leaders who understand the importance of linking education to employer’s needs to improve student success,” said William D. Hansen, president and CEO of USA Funds. “Utah is quickly becoming a leader among states in what it means for students to graduate with skills and knowledge needed to achieve success in their careers and lives, which is why we’re proud to support the Medical Innovation Pathways program and the state of Utah.”

MIP replicates the Utah Aerospace Pathways program, which was established last year for that industry. Its success attracted interest from other industries seeking to start their own pathway programs.