What makes the MATC different from other state colleges?

The MATC does not operate on a traditional semester calendar. Our open-entry, open-exit enrollment approach allows students to enter as openings occur. Students enter a program with the goal of obtaining a marketable skill, taking only the courses that lead to that goal. A student who has prior knowledge, learns quickly, and works hard is encouraged to move ahead and complete courses at optimum speed.

When and where are courses taught?

Most courses and programs are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 11:20 – 2:30 p.m., in addition to some evening classes. Courses are taught at several locations throughout Utah, Wasatch and Summit Counties. Check the program or course description for the scheduling information or contact Student Services. Check your course description for the location of your class.

Do I receive anything when I complete my program?

As a Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) campus, MATC is responsible for providing applied technology education that results in appropriate licensing, certification, or skill training to qualify students for specific employment in business and industry. MATC offers a broad range of long-term and short-term certificate training as well as the Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) degree in Medical Assisting. There are also several other programs and customized employee training under the Utah Custom Fit program.

In order for students to present their training to potential employers, the MATC provides certificates listing the competencies achieved upon completion of a program. Certificates for individual courses can also be issued upon student request. AAT degrees are issued from the state office.

Will my credits transfer to another educational institution?

High school students who work through their high school counselors may receive high school credit upon successful completion of most ATC courses. The MATC does not issue college credits. All MATC training programs are competency based and designed to move students into the workplace. Therefore, MATC programs do not generally transfer to traditional colleges and universities. However, many MATC programs prepare students to pass industry certifications. Some colleges and universities accept these industry certifications towards college credit.

However, the MATC has obtained written agreements for several programs and courses that allow students to obtain additional college credit for their completed work. These formal articulation agreements with Utah Valley State College and Salt Lake Community College allow for competencies to be transferred to and from the MATC for specific approved courses and programs.

What does open-entry, competency-based mean?

Open-entry means you can start most classes any Monday. You don’t have to wait for the beginning of a semester. Competency-based means you progress at your own pace through our classes, taking as much time as you need to master different skills. Your instructor will not be lecturing the entire class at one time, but is available to help students at who may be working independently on any number of academic tasks. There are a few courses at the MATC that do have defined starting and ending dates and specific class hours. This information will be listed in the course description, or you can talk to someone in Student Services for more details.

What do you mean by competency-based education?

The purpose of MATC courses is to prepare students for the job market. From employers, we have determined the skills or competencies needed by a successful, entry-level worker. The purpose of any course is to assist students in acquiring those competencies needed in the workforce.

Are there age or eligibility requirements for MATC courses?

Individuals high school age and older are eligible to enroll in most MATC courses. While there is not a mandatory minimum age, successful students are generally at least 16 years old or enrolled in the 10th grade. Certain medical programs require that a student be 18 and/or at least a senior in high school. Some national exams require a student to be 18 and a high school graduate before certification can be issued.

What if I am a home school or private school student?

As long as you meet the program's age requirement, you are eligible to enroll in ATC courses. Simply complete and submit an application for admission and make sure to specify that you are a home school or private school student. You may be asked to do placement testing to be sure you receive the maximum benefit from training. High school age students who desire to attend the MATC tuition-free must be registered with their local school district.

How do I register?

Public high school students interested in enrolling in MATC programs and having the classes considered for their high school diploma should talk with their high school CTE Coordinator or counselor. Counselors have the appropriate application forms to complete in order for the class to appear on your high school transcript. Adults, home school students, and private school students need to complete and submit an application form for admission. You may do this in person at our Orem campus. You may also mail your application to the appropriate campus and a MATC representative will contact you. You may be asked to do placement testing to be sure you receive the maximum benefit from training.

How much will the MATC program cost?

High school students do not pay tuition; however, the majority of courses require students to pay applicable fees. Fees may include the cost of: (a) study guides and books, (b) consumable supplies, (c) specialized clothing, or (d) equipment and tools. ATC fees will be waived for students who are on a fee waiver at their home high school. Some programs have equipment, books, clothing, etc. available for checkout for those students on fee waivers.

Adults who attend the MATC pay tuition based on the number of hours for which they are registered each month. Tuition is generally $1.30 per hour. Most students average between $51 to $138 dollars a month in tuition. Adult students also pay all applicable fees.

Why is the cost so low?

As a campus of the Utah College of Applied Technology, Mountainland Applied Technology College is mandated by the Legislature to provide low-cost training to adults and no-cost training to high school students.

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