What is Biotech & Why is This Industry For You?
- The union of technology, engineering, and biology to make medicines, vaccines, biofuels, foods, or medical devices that will benefit and improve society.
- Amazing, high paying careers in industries like pharmaceuticals, research, medial diagnostics, agriculture, regenerative medicine, food/beverages, and bioindustrial.
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Over 3,900 bioscience innovation companies supporting a workforce of more than 200,000 in the Los Angeles region with a 10% growth rate each year.
Certificates and Associate Degree:
- Certificate of Achievement – Biotechnology/Life Sciences Laboratory Assistant
- Certificate of Achievement – Biotechnology & Cell Science Laboratory Technician
- Associate degree – Biotechnology – coming soon
BIOL 30: Fundamentals of Biotechnology 1
Course Starts February 17, 2025This Course is For People Who...
- Have an interest in biological/life sciences
- Have an interest in learning how they can use biotechnology to solve problems and save the world
What Will You Learn?
- An overview of biotechnology & the modern-day workforce
- Foundational biology concepts and their application to the biotech industry
- Skills to operate cutting edge laboratory equipment
- Teamwork and leadership skills
About This Course
- No prerequisites!
- Gain skills to get a high paying job!
- Earn skills badges that get you noticed by employers!
- Built-in academic support sessions!
Student Spotlight
Ana Hernandez
Andrew Liu
Robert Munn
Brenna ThomasPurpose
This program was developed at SMC in response to the lack of diversity in STEM fields and in response to the workforce demand in the biotechnology/life science industry. The industry is in need of highly skilled technicians to support the industry’s rapid growth.
Vision
We envision our graduates using their training, skills, and passion to solve the world's problems through science and to become agents of change who support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the life science workforce.
Mission
Through an equity centered approach, we strive to cultivate our students’ interests in science and to build their confidence by acknowledging and celebrating their strengths while training them to become skilled laboratory technicians.
Featured Faculty and Staff
Andria P. Denmon
Thomas Chen
Mabel PangTransfer Opportunities
Continue your training in biotechnology by earning a bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing at one of four California Community Colleges: Solano, MiraCosta, Moorpark, and LA Mission College.
Potential Career Options
Typical Education: Bachelor Degree
Typical Education: Bachelor Degree
Typical Education: Bachelor Degree
The average annual salary for entry-level life science/biotechnology workers in the Greater Los Angeles area is $55,000. A certificate or associate degree is all you need to start your career as a lab assistant/technician.
- General Laboratory Assistant/Technician
- Biomanufacturing Technician
- Cell Culture & Immunoassay Technician
- Cell/gene Therapy Technician
- Plant Tissue Culture Technician
- Agricultural & Food Science Technician
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Quality Control Technician