Wednesday, education and other leaders gathered on the Murray High School campus to break ground on the Healthcare Academy APEX Center, a $13 million facility funded by a grant from the Utah State Board of Education. The groundbreaking marks a major step forward in bridging secondary education with Utah’s high-demand healthcare industry.

Developed in partnership with Intermountain Health, Salt Lake Tech (Salt Lake Community College), and Talent Ready Utah, the 11,500-square-foot facility will host four specialized classrooms and four state-of-the-art simulation labs. Located across the street from Intermountain Medical Center (IMED), the APEX Center gives high school students direct access to clinical mentorships, credentialing opportunities, and clear post-secondary pathways.

The Academy will launch with three core tracks: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Behavioral Health Assistant, and Radiology Technician Assistant. The radiology track is a national first for high school students, while the behavioral health track stands among the earliest secondary offerings in the state. Each discipline responds directly to regional workforce shortages highlighted by the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

“By placing this facility on our campus, we are moving beyond traditional medical instruction to provide a direct, physical bridge to a career,” said MCSD Superintendent Jennifer Covington. “Our students gain a unique head start toward college degrees and healthcare professions.”

Construction begins this year, with doors scheduled to open in Summer 2027 to welcome its inaugural cohort.

Photo Credits: Maddie Graves