When the Biocom Institute of California approached the California State University system years ago pre-COVID-19, they came with a goal in mind. They wanted to accelerate life science education and workforce training and development to promote a skilled and diverse pipeline of talent to propel the growth of California’s life science ecosystem. Soon after was the birth of the California State University Biomanufacturing Sciences and Applications Program in partnership with Biocom California Institute (formerly known as the California State University Biomanufacturing Technician Program).
Biocom California has over 1,500 member organizations, with locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo. For over 28 years they have made a tremendous impact in the life science industry through their five categories of service: public policy and advocacy, network building, capital development, business strategies and services, and workforce development.
Now is your chance to participate in a program that works in partnership with this innovative, experienced team.
Through the California State University Biomanufacturing Sciences and Applications (BSA) Program, you will learn to create new products and processes that improve lives, receive practical training that makes you more attractive to employers, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
WHO
It’s perfect for those with a background and aptitude for life science and those currently working in the biotechnology field who want to advance. Students will learn both science and engineering in three courses: biomanufacturing fundamentals; materials, processes and technologies; and emerging applications of biomanufacturing. After the completion of each of the courses and the entire program, students will earn a digital badge, showcasing their mastery of specific skills.
Do you want to be more marketable in just six months? One of the benefits of this program is its short duration. Unlike traditional degree programs that may take years to complete, this program is an attractive option for individuals who want to enter the biotech workforce quickly, for those looking to change careers and don’t want to spend years studying, or an option for recent graduates who want to gain practical experience and make themselves more attractive to employers.
Sagil James developed the curriculum taught by Cal State Fullerton. He is an associate professor in mechanical engineering and instructor of CSUF’s Advanced Manufacturing Engineering certificate program. James believes that the BSA Program prepares students for a successful career because “in today’s competitive job market, a college or university degree alone is no longer enough to distinguish yourself from thousands of other qualified candidates. In cases where all other things are equal, a certificate can be the deciding factor in determining which applicant is hired for a position.
“The BSA Program provides an opportunity to show employers that you have gained relevant industry-specific skills necessary to enter the biomanufacturing workforce.”
WHAT
The BSA Program is unique because it was created by a California State University consortium comprised of Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, and Cal State Los Angeles in partnership with Biocom Institute of California. The partnership offers work-based learning opportunities so students can take tours of biotechnology organizations, learn from experts in the field, network with biotechnology professionals and employers, and hear about job opportunities.
WHEN
The first course of the fall 2023 program begins Aug. 29, 2023. Enroll now at extension.fullerton.edu/professionaldevelopment/bsa.
If you are employed, check with your Human Resources Department or your employee benefits list and take advantage of tuition reimbursement because if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.
WHERE
Learn online and complete the program in six months.
WHY
In response to the growing need for biomanufacturing technicians in Southern California and beyond, three CSUs came together to create the workforce-needed curriculum.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, there were at least 17,900 jobs with median pay at $48,140-$97,410. The job growth between 2021-31 is expected to be 9-10%.
Numerous jobs are open and need to be filled, such as the listings posted on careerlab.biocominstitute.org.
Many California biotechnology companies are hiring:
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Amgen Inc.
- Abbott Laboratories
- Danaher Corp.
- Metronic Inc.
- Gilead Sciences Inc.
- Genentech Inc.
- Roche Laboratories Inc.
- Quest Diagnostics Inc.
- Johnson & Johnson
- Edwards Lifesciences Corp.
- IQVIA
- Illumina Inc.
- Laboratory Corporation of America
- Pfizer
The new in-demand BSA Program this fall is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to start or advance their careers in the biotechnology industry. With its short duration, work-based training and work-based learning opportunities, it is a program that can provide a quick path to success.
To learn more about the Biomanufacturing Sciences and Applications Program, go to extension.fullerton.edu/professionaldevelopment/bsa.
Professional Development certificate programs is a fully integrated department of Cal State Fullerton Extension and International Programs. To learn more about CSUF EIP, go to extension.fullerton.edu.