Biotechnology Lab Certificate Program

Industry Description   

CSUSM Extended Learning determined the initial need and creation for the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate program in 2004 and need continues to be supported based on the following information:

• The San Diego region is the number one Biotechnology cluster in the world, according to the Milken Institute Report, Americas Biotechnology Cluster, June 2004.
• The current existence of more than 500 Biotech/Biomed companies in San Diego.
• Biotechnology is the fastest growing sector in the U.S. economy with California having over 30% of the nation's biotechnology companies.
• The success of CSUSM's current Biotechnology Internship program, Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology and a networking Biotechnology Club.
• The strong interdisciplinary partnership at CSUSM between the Biology/Chemistry/Biochemistry departments.
• BIOCOM's 2012 Economic Impact Report shows that for the period of 2009-2011, the San Diego Life Science industry did not follow the Nation's decrease in jobs but added to their workforce by 322 jobs, an increase of 6%.  The report also projects that the San Diego region's Life Science growth is projected to be strong into 2013, adding more than 1300 jobs.

Program Description

The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate program was designed by consulting the local San Diego Workforce Partnership and the Life Science Association, BIOCOM. Based on the workforce needs for entry-level Biological Technicians, the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician certificate was designed to train laboratory personnel for careers and jobs as laboratory technicians and/or research assistants. The program concentrates on the laboratory techniques most commonly used by firms in their research, manufacturing, and quality control laboratories. The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate curriculum of 16 units comprises courses selected from the curricula of the departments of Biology and Chemistry/Biochemistry.  The curricula will provide students with a foundation in the knowledge and techniques needed to earn entry-level positions as Lab Technicians in the growing Biotechnology field.

This Certificate Program is not intended to serve as an alternative to a degree or Minor, but is geared toward mastery of a professional or vocational area of competency.  The intended customers are individuals seeking entry level positions in the Biotechnology field. Given the academic rigor of the coursework it is expected that most applicants will already hold baccalaureate degrees. The program length is designed in a cohort style, allowing the collaboration between students through the program along with a strong network after graduation. The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate program was designed to serve the educational needs of the region, strengthening ties with the vital North County biotech industry, promoting industrial partnerships, and enhancing the reputation of the University.

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from 2004 to 2011, there has been a 20% increase in wages and a 36% increase in employment for Biological Technicians. Based on the BLS, the projected employment growth from 2008-2011 will be approximately 24% within California. With San Diego County as a strong Biotechnology cluster, the employment growth should meet or exceed this estimate.

Program Beginnings

In 2004, there were multiple Industry Advisory meetings between the CSUSM Extended Learning Director of Biotechnology, BIOCOM, and the San Diego Workforce Partnership in regard to the Industry outlook and Workforce development needs. Multiple Curriculum advisory meetings were held to determine the program curriculum. The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate then followed the standard CSU Certificate approval process which can be found at:

http://www.csusm.edu/policies/active/documents/credit_certificate_policy.html. 

In summary, a new Certificate is subject to review and approval by the relevant college curriculum committee and the University Curriculum Committee and, for resource implications, the Budget Long-range Planning Committee of the Academic Senate. Requests for approval of a Certificate are submitted according to the timeline of the appropriate college curriculum committee.

August 30th, 2004-The first day class for the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate was offered.

August 27th, 2012-The first day of class to begin disbursing Title IV funds to students enrolled in the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate.