In response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dixie State University has launched a certificate program that will train people for jobs that are in high demand.
The DSU CARES program, funded by federal coronavirus relief bill monies, was developed to assist local residents whose employment has been affected by COVID-19. In order to qualify for this program, a person must have both completed high school (or the equivalent) and been recently furloughed, laid-off or underemployed due to the pandemic.
The program offers a number of certificate programs in business, technology and health care at a significant discount. Courses are just $20 per credit, which is a 90 percent savings off regular tuition.
Darlene Dilley, assistant vice president for enrollment management at Dixie State, told St. George News that some of the certificates that have received initial approval include accounting and information systems, marketing, advanced emergency medical technician, information technology, medical laboratory assistant and design. There is a second round of certificates currently in the approval process, she said.
“It’s extremely affordable. So, it’s $20 a credit hour and that is all-inclusive, so that includes books and supplies,” she said. “But we did set these up so students could apply for federal financial aid as well.”
The courses are full programs, Dilley said. Upon completion, students receive a certificate and then each one of those certificate programs may also be embedded into a bachelor’s degree pathway. The courses will be held primarily in the evening with online options or a blend of the two learning methods.
The program is supported by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Talent Ready Utah team, in partnership with the Utah System of Higher Education. It is also a part of the Learn & Work initiative that offers courses designed to train people for local, high-demand jobs.
