To train workers for this expanding field, Valencia College is launching a new two-year degree program in biotech lab sciences.

Starting in fall 2015, Valencia College’s new Associate in Science (A.S.) in biotechnology laboratory sciences will train students for jobs as cell-culture technicians, research assistants, bio-manufacturing assistants, DNA fingerprint technicians, laboratory technicians and quality control technicians.

The associate degree program in biotechnology lab sciences will also prepare students to assist in lab experiments and the research in genetic modification used to create products for medicine, food, agriculture and alternative energy.

“Biotechnology is one of the hottest emerging career fields today,” said Mike Bosley, executive dean of Valencia’s Lake Nona Campus. “Valencia’s program will teach students the fundamentals of biotechnology while providing them with hands-on experience through lab work and internship experience.”

In addition to meeting the needs of the emerging regional biotechnology industry for entry-level laboratory technicians, the program provides a sound basis for further education in the sciences by giving students hands-on biotechnology laboratory experience.

The program emphasizes broad biology and chemistry concepts, basic microbiology, algebraic and statistical analysis, biohazard and safety procedures, along with core biotechnology laboratory techniques. College-level math is required.

The new degree program will be based at Valencia’s Lake Nona Campus. Valencia is proud to be a partner in Lake Nona’s Medical City and can provide students with relevant, hands-on experience through internships.

Kris Dougherty will serve as program director for the new biotech lab sciences degree. Dougherty, who has taught at Valencia for 12 years, worked in the biotech industry prior to coming to Valencia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Purdue University and a doctorate in human genetics from Johns Hopkins University.

Students who are interested in learning more about Valencia’s new A.S. degree should visit http://net1.valenciacollege.edu/future-students/degree-options/associates/biotechnology-laboratory-sciences/ or contact an advisor by calling 407-582-7100.

For more information about Valencia’s Lake Nona Campus, please visit http://valenciacollege.edu/lakenona/