|
About the Career
Biotechnology is the use of biological processes to solve problems or make useful products. It is an applied science that uses living cells and materials produced by cells to create pharmaceutical, diagnostic, agricultural, and environmental products.
Advances in knowledge about genetics and molecules have caused increased growth in the field of biotechnology. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that careers in biotechnology will continue to expand with the fastest growth occurring in pharmaceutical and scientific research and development firms.
Sample career opportunities include:
- Quality control/assurance technician
- Biomedical laboratory technician
- Genetic engineering technician
- Laboratory assistant
- Development/research technician
Job Market Outlook
- Expected to increase as about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014
- Best for those trained on equipment used in industrial and government labs and production facilities.
What Can I Expect to Earn?
Among other factors, salaries may vary by geographic region, cost of living, and employee’s previous experience. The following salary information is based on national averages.
Hourly Earnings- $15.97 per hour (median in May 2004)
Annual Salary- $38,443 (average for government positions in May 2005)
Job Outlook & Earnings from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Science Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm
About The Program
The Hocking College Biotechnology program offers a unique learning experience in cooperation with a leading biotechnology corporation for students wanting to gain the in-depth instruction and specialized laboratory practice required to work in this challenging and expanding field. Through the selection of elective courses, you can tailor the program to prepare you for technician-level positions in the lab setting, or in manufacturing.
What Skills Will I Learn?
Biotechnicians set up and operate laboratory instruments and experiments, gather and record data, calculate results, assist in the manufacture of products, or assist in research, all under the supervision of lead scientists and production specialists.
Diagnostic Hybrids, Inc.
Diagnostic Hybrids Inc. (DHI), the world’s largest cell culture provider, was founded in 1983. DHI develops and manufactures genetically engineered tissue cell cultures, monoclonal antibody kits, and biological reagents which are used to diagnose disease in hospital and commercial laboratories. Located at the Ohio University Research and Enterprise Park in Athens, Ohio, DHI currently employs 150 people.
| In 2004 DHI ranked No. 219 on Inc. Magazine’s annual Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the United States. DHI is the only biomanufacturing company to earn a place on the list and the only company among its fellow honorees from Ohio’s Appalachian Region. |
 |
To meet the challenge of finding qualified employees to sustain their growth, DHI has partnered with Hocking College to design the curriculum for the biotechnology degree program and to provide internship and employment opportunities for graduates.
|
