Biotechnology Certificate and Training Programs Offered by Colleges and Universities
Certificate and Training Programs Many community and junior colleges, as well as some colleges and universities, are offering short-term biotechnology training and certificate programs, A. A. and B. A. degrees. Some universities are also offering graduate certification programs. The following include some of the institutions that are offering training and certificate programs: California State University, Hayward (CSUH) –Biotechnology Certificate Program (BCP) — The Biotechnology Certificate Program (BCP) was established at CSUH in 1986 to meet the personnel requirements of the rapidly expanding Bay Area biotechnology industry. The program was among the first in California to offer an integrated series of courses in the molecular life sciences leading to a certificate. CSUH is presenting two new programs of study in Bioinformatics and Regulatory Affairs. The Bioinformatics program is offered in the evening and the Regulatory Affairs program is completely on-line and is offered in association with San Diego State University. California State University, Los Angeles– Biotechnology (Post-baccalaureate) Certificate Program– This post-baccalaureate certificate program provides intensive theoretical and laboratory training in the techniques and application of genetic engineering and related technologies. It is meant for students who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the biological or biochemical sciences but who have little or no experience in genetic engineering. Columbia University Teachers College — Certificate in Health Disparities Reduction– This online or in-person certificate program in Health Disparities Reduction is offered jointly through the Department of Behavioral Studies Program in Health Education and the Center for Educational Outreach and Innovation at Teachers College, Columbia University, This program is for professionals with varied backgrounds who share an interest in being exposed to knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and skills seen as central to the task of working to reduce disparities in health. Building upon their area-specific or pre-existing professional and academic preparation; those admitted will hold a minimum of a BA or BS degree. These professionals include but are not limited to allied healthcare professionals, social workers, health and related counseling professionals, researchers, teachers, doctors and health and school administrators working in an urban setting in particular, as well as others nationwide who are seeking distance learning opportunities. Indiana University School of Medicine–The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is designed to train technicians for working in health-related industrial research laboratories, including those at the IU School of Medicine. Students also have access to IUSM core facilities in gene expression analysis, genotyping, protein expression, animal experimentation, proteomics, imaging and cell analysis research. Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington– Biotechnology Program– Ivy Tech Community College’s Biotechnology degree program is designed to provide an educational opportunity to students who want to take career paths in Biotechnology as entry-level technicians. Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute, OH–Ohio State ATI has a broad range of programs in agriculture: horticulture, animal sciences, crop sciences, environmental sciences, and engineering technologies. They have the largest number of 2 year agricultural graduates in the nation. Seattle Central Community College — Biotechnology Training Program– The Biotechnology Training Program prepares students for entry-level employment as biotechnicians and is approved by the college’s industry-based Biotechnology Advisory Committee and the State of Washington. Classes in the program include cell biology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, chemistry, computer science applications, technical writing, applied mathematics, and hands-on training in biotechnology laboratory techniques and media and solution preparation. University of California, San Diego–UCSD Extension–Offers Professional & Specialized Certificates in Biotechnology–San Diego’s biotechnology, pharmaceutical and marine industries are important growth sectors in the California economy. UCSD Extension offers a broad array of courses and certificate programs to meet the continuing education needs of the life sciences community, support high-level skills development for industry professionals and career transition for those interested in entering the biotechnology field. University of California, Irvine–The Medical Product Development Certificate Program is designed for engineers, scientists, regulatory professionals, managers, physicians, and marketing and sales professionals involved in the medical product industry (degreed professionals or those with an associate degree). The Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (CLS/MT) Training Program is a full-time, one-year educational program that leads to a career in diagnostic laboratory medicine. UC Irvine Extension’s program is designed to fill the growing need for professional learning that ensures designing and implementing clinical trials for success. The Medical Product Development program is designed to meet the need for comprehensive professional learning in the successful design, development and delivery of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other biomedical products. University of Hawaii Community Colleges, Kapi’olani Community College– Programs of Study include Medical Assisiting, Medical Laboratory Technician, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Radiologic Technology, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Respiratory Care Technician. The Nursing program offerings include Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse Transition Program. San Diego State University Department of Biology: Certificate in Biotechnology– San Diego State’s biotechnology training program is designed to introduce undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and postdoctoral students and technicians to state-of-the-art techniques used in molecular biological research laboratories as well as to qualify certificate recipients for employment in various sectors of the biotechnological arena. University of California, Santa Cruz — Certificate Program in Biotechnology, Applied and Natural Sciences Department– UCSC Extension’s highly regarded Biotechnology Certificate Program was developed to meet the industry’s need for professionals who are knowledgeable about core principles and up-to-date on the latest technologies. Whether you are a scientist or a motivated professional from another discipline (IT, engineering, business, legal, financial, project management, and regulatory), this program is designed to help you to develop the solid scientific foundation and industry savvy needed to advance your career in the biopharmaceutical arena. Certificate Contact: Applied and Natural Sciences Department, (408) 861-3860, or e-mail program@ucsc-extension.edu. University of Rhode Island Certificate Programs– Biotechnology Training Initiative Courses and Seminars– Short courses and seminars ranging from half day to four full days are offered in various areas of operations and management of biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and clinical trials as well as basic areas of related research. Courses vary each semester and have included offerings in Tangential Flow Filtration (lecture and laboratory workshops); Environmental Health & Safety Challenges in Biotechnology and Emerging Industries; Genomics and Proteomics; Tools of Biotechnology; Survey of Systems Biology; and various Good Practices Courses such as Good Clinical Practice, Investigator Clinical Practice Training Program course, SOP Writing Skills (Basic and Improve), and Technical Writing. University of Virginia, Biotechnology Associate Degree Program– PVCC offers a two- year associate degree in biotechnology. This program provides PVCC students with the education and training needed to perform selected activities in a research laboratory. By successfully completing this biotechnology curriculum, students will develop the skills necessary to be competitive for laboratory specialist positions at the University of Virginia and for other lab research positions at biotech companies. This program was developed in response to a demonstrated need for additional laboratory specialists at UVA. Workforce Alliance Biotechnology Training Grant — The regional workforce investment board for Palm Beach County, Florida has developed a Biotech career ladder with course curriculum for certificate programs and plans to continue the development of a BS to MS program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology based on coursework in advanced lab techniques. The program is designed to create Biotech career opportunities for participants living in the Treasure Coast. Online Training and Certificate Programs Such websites as California Virtual Campus (http://www.cvc.edu/) are also offering training and certifcate programs. The California Virtual Campus site is designed for those who want to further their educational objectives by linking to online courses and other services offered by the Golden State’s colleges and universities. Many colleges and universities in other states are also offering Distance and Online E-Learning Certificate and Training Programs.
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Gabriella Dawn is content author and editor of BioCareersource/JDS Communications which provides job guides, research and resources. You can visit BioCareersource at http://www.biocareersource.com or email gdawn@jdscomm.com or directories@biocareersource.com.
