The Los Angeles/Orange County region is experiencing continued growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, particularly occupations served by certificate and associate-level bioscience technicians. These trained technicians set up, operate, and maintain scientific instrumentation and equipment used in diverse industries. Career opportunities may be found in large-scale pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement manufacturing, commercial food and beverage production, testing of food, water and medicinal samples, and basic research at biotechnology companies and higher education institutions.1
To help students access opportunities in the expanding bioscience industry, Citrus College designed the biotechnology program in collaboration with industry partners, including Grifols Biologicals, Prolacta Bioscience, Gilead Sciences, and Eurofins Eaton Analytical. Our active advisory group, which also includes representatives from scientific staffing agencies and four-year institutions, meets annually to review the program and provide feedback to ensure our students are prepared for their future careers. The skills gained in our program make students competitive for entry-level positions, such as manufacturing technicians, environmental monitoring technicians, laboratory assistant/technician, and biological technician.
Graduates of the biotechnology program at Citrus College have pursued a variety of opportunities:
1 Carrese, J., Lindstrom, E., Banuelos, G., Johnston, W., Sette, J., Slivka, S., & Johnson, E. (2014) Supply and Demand Analysis: Life Sciences and Biotech Middle Skills Workforce in California. Sacramento, CA: California Community Colleges.
