Last up in the series of college spotlights is the ATC, which stands for "Applied Technology College". The ATC is part of the larger system known as UCAT: Utah Colleges of Applied Technology. We are extremely lucky to be in a location between two ATCs--the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College (OWATC) and the Davis Applied Technology College (DATC). Some programs overlap, while there are other programs that are only found at one location. For example, the DATC is the only one with a Firefighting Course and the Diesel / Heavy Duty Technology Program, while the OWATC offers the CAD program (Computer-Aided Design), as well as a Baking and Pastry program. It's worth perusing both websites to see all the options: OWATC website and DATC website.
All high school students in Utah can attend any ATC once they are finished with their sophomore year, as well as reached their 16th birthday. They can attend for free, only having to pay for fees (which are usually between $40 - $70). Also, about 95% of the programs are open to high school students!
I want to address some helpful information about attending the ATC both during high school, as well as after high school.
All high school students in Utah can attend any ATC once they are finished with their sophomore year, as well as reached their 16th birthday. They can attend for free, only having to pay for fees (which are usually between $40 - $70). Also, about 95% of the programs are open to high school students!
I want to address some helpful information about attending the ATC both during high school, as well as after high school.
- The ATC has completion rates and placement rates to rival every university in Utah
- ATC: 80% completion rate, 94% job placement, 99% licensure rate
- Utah Colleges graduation rates reach no higher than 62%--see here
- The ATC is linked with specific companies, which lead to a 94% job placement
- Students have internships during their ATC training
- Students receive help with job placement once the training is over
- Every program at the ATC with a length OVER ONE YEAR is eligible for pell-grants
- If you can receive a pell-grant, it can be used at the ATC
- This is applicable if you are looking at attending the ATC after high school
- The payscale for those completing specific ATC program is comparable to those completing a Bachelor's Degree
- Surgical Techs can earn $31,000 / year which is the same as a first-year teacher
- Surgical Techs at the ATC complete the program in 13 months, compared to 4-6 years for a Bachelor's Degree
- The ATC can be either a career-path in and of itself or a springboard to a further degree at a college
- Example: many engineering companies value certificates that verify a specific skill in addition to a college degree
- Example: earning a welding certificate from the ATC helped a student earn $23 / hour--and is currently attending Weber State
- Great video about this fact: Success in the New Economy
- Going to the ATC simply helps you have more tools in your toolbox!
- Helps you explore interests and possible career choices during high school...at no cost!
- Helps you gain high school and college credit...at no cost!
- Do you see where this is going? There's really no reason to bypass this opportunity.
To get started, visit Mrs. Brown and be sure you are one of the students that takes advantage of this great opportunity! Even though it's easy to brush off the ATC as "for someone else", you will be surprised at how having a certificate in a number of fields can help you begin any career path.
