Dixie State University

Amount Appropriated?

$790,000

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds. The Variant Science Training Program will develop a professional certificate program to train and prepare variant scientists at Dixie State University (soon to be renamed Utah Tech University). Variant science plays a critical role in clinical genetic laboratories by analyzing patient genetic data and identifying treatment options based on identified mutations. Despite being a rapidly growing field, there are no formal training programs with practitioners instead undergoing extensive on-the-job training. The proposed program will allow individuals to upskill into this new career track as well as establish the region as a leader in precision and genomic medicine. This program will work closely with industry partners and draw content from clinical and research settings and will effectively prepare students for careers in the field. The program will benefit employers by providing a pipeline of trained applicants benefiting potentials genomics and biotech companies in the state and nation. This would be an online program allowing participants to self-pace and work around existing jobs, but will also include job-shadowing and hands-on lab experiences. Specifically, the proposed program will provide the necessary education and development of specialized skills for employees at St. George Regional Hospital, part of the intermountain Healthcare. The development of this program will support an increase the number of highly skilled and highly paid workers in Utah and our county. This project will enable growth and innovation now and for generations to come.