STCC Biotechnology Program Wins Gold Level Endorsement

SPRINGFIELD — Graduates of the biotechnology programs at Springfield Technical Community College are well-prepared for careers in the life sciences, according to a leading science-education organization.

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd) endorsed STCC’s biotechnology associate degree and certificate programs at the Gold Level. MassBioEd concluded that graduates of the degree and certificate programs “are ready for the life-sciences workforce.”

The STCC program met the core competencies defined by biotechnology industry and academic leaders who worked with MassBioEd, a nonprofit organization with a mission to build a life-sciences workforce in the region through educational programs that inspire students and engage teachers. Core competencies required for endorsement include following good laboratory practices, lab techniques, and exhibiting appropriate workplace behaviors, among other requirements.

“As the life sciences, and biotech in particular, expand in Western Massachusetts, it is clear STCC is positioned to respond to workforce needs,” said STCC President John Cook.

Graduates from STCC’s biotechnology program find themselves in demand for jobs in a growing field. The industry trade group Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) released an annual report in November that reveals Massachusetts has more jobs classified as biotechnology research and development than any other state. Biotech R&D employment grew by 9{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} in 2016. Employment in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry has grown 28{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} since 2007, according to the report.

“Graduates of your programs are ready for the life-sciences workforce. With nearly 12,000 new life-sciences industry jobs being projected over the next five years in Massachusetts, our intention at MassBioEd is to effectively convey to hiring managers throughout the region’s life-sciences industry that your graduates are well-prepared for biotechnology technician positions,” MassBioEd Executive Director Peter Abair stated in a Jan. 5 letter to STCC.

Lisa Rapp, professor and Biotechnology Department chair at STCC, noted that “we are honored to receive this recognition, which reflects our commitment to supporting students. Our program is designed to prepare students for the life-sciences workforce. Since 2012, we have received $375,000 in grants, which has allowed us to acquire state-of-the-art equipment and supplies. Students learn techniques used in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.”

The STCC biotechnology associate-degree program offers options to either transfer to a four-year program to complete a degree in any of the biological sciences or start a career after graduation. Graduates who complete the career option are qualified for a variety of jobs such as laboratory assistant, laboratory technician, or manufacturing technician.

The biotechnology certificate of completion enables students to acquire skills in one year and can benefit students who already have a science degree but lack the necessary hands-on lab skills for industry employment.