California State University San Marcos Offers Free Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Training

Online, March 13, 2010 (Newswire.com) - SAN MARCOS, California, March 12, 2010 - In partnership with the San Diego Workforce Partnership, and with $400,000 in funding from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Extended Learning is offering free biotechnology laboratory technician training for qualified unemployed and underemployed adults.

Through its new Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate program, CSUSM Extended Learning will provide no-cost education to 40 qualified individuals in two cohort sessions, and prepare them for current and emerging jobs in the biotechnology industry as lab technicians or research assistants.

With the first cohort set to launch in April and another cohort beginning in July, the program is currently accepting registrations. San Diegans who have a background in science and an interest in a biotechnology career are encouraged to first contact their nearest One Stop Career Center to see if they qualify for the funding. For Career Center locations visit http://www.sandiegoatwork.com/centers.

"This new program is perfect for those who have previous science education and experience, but are looking to transition to a new job in biotech," says Dr. Al Kern, founder of the University's biotechnology programs. "The San Diego region is the number one biotech cluster in the world, and thus the impending launch of this new professional Certificate program will provide quality resources for our local life science workforce."

The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate courses cover a range of topics deemed crucial in supplying a solid science foundation, supplemented by hands-on training in a laboratory setting. All courses are taught by CSUSM faculty from the Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology departments, and will train students to be well-versed in cutting edge technologies and current market trends. Consisting of five classes (16 semester units), the program is tailored to be completed within two semesters of study or approximately eight months.

Currently, the University offers three Biotechnology education programs. The biotech program at CSUSM began with the introduction of an undergraduate degree program in 2005. Just this past year, the University launched a Professional Science Master's program in biotechnology. The innovative graduate degree program is designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science without a Ph.D., while also developing valuable business skills without an MBA.

"We are proud of the success of all of our biotechnology programs and graduates at CSUSM," says Dr. Kern. "And, the new Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate is just the latest of our quality educational offerings that were designed by industry for industry."

To learn more about the Biotechnology Laboratory Certificate program, please visit www.csusm.edu/el/certificateprograms/biotech or contact Jill at 760-750-4020.