An increasing number of San Diego County colleges and universities are developing biotechnology education programs in hopes of developing more local scientists and workers.
A Milken Institute Report says San Diego County is the No. 1 biotech cluster in the world with more than 500 biotech companies.
County colleges and universities are looking to capitalize on that by developing biotech programs for students and working adults.
California State University San Marcos is the latest institution to introduce a fast-track biotech skills program designed to get adults into entry-level positions as lab techs.
Eric Bullard is with CSU San Marcos. He says too many biotech companies are hiring from outside San Diego County.
"We're trying to create an environment that will foster the development of a person with little to no science background to get them into the door, and then (they) continue on hopefully through a Master's, if not their PhD," Bullard says.
San Diego State University, Mira Costa Community College and San Diego City Community College all have similar certificate programs. CSU San Marcos' program begins in January.
