Bioscience Technology

Information session presentation

slideshow presentation bioscience career technical education

Fontaine Roberson, Admissions Specialist Fontaine.Roberson@pcc.edu

What is biotechnology?

…the use of living cells, molecules, and biological systems to solve problems and make useful products. Learn more about career opportunities at oregonbio.org and biotech-careers.org.

dna syringe cell

 

The Biotech Industry: Companies Using Biotechnology Tools

worker at machine

  • A pharmaceutical company developing new ways to cure cancer
  • A chemical company making plastic from corn instead of petroleum
  • An environmental company finding new microorganisms to clean up oil spills
  • An agricultural company developing drought-resistant crops
  • An energy company using fermentation to make ethanol for fuel.

Modern Biotechnology Products include…

  • COVID-19 vaccine made from mRNA that teaches our cells to produce antibodies for the virus
  • Cancer treatments that introduce new genes into cancerous cells to kill tumors
  • Tests for Covid-19 and HIV that can detect antibodies without laboratory processes
  • Biologic medicines produced inside living cells that can target specific diseases or body functions
  • Biofuels made by bacteria that metabolize plant sugars and produce ethanol
  • Bioplastics made from plants rather than fossil fuels or toxic chemicals

Some of Our Local Biotech Companies

  • Genentech, one of the first bioscience companies, has a manufacturing facility in Hillsboro where they produce a variety of biologic medicines using DNA.
  • Absci discovers and manufactures complex biological molecules such as antibodies and insulin used for developing new medical treatments (Vancouver, WA)
  • Twist Bioscience, makes synthetic DNA used in research and drug development. (Wilsonville)
  • OHSU specialized core labs providing research services for scientists

Employment Outlook for Biotechnology

The Oregon Employment Department forecasts above-average employment growth in bioscience through 2027.

Looking ahead, in the next 12 months life sciences companies are expecting to significantly ramp up their hiring of manufacturing and production workers.*

Average entry-level wage for bioscience technicians in the Portland area is approximately $24 per hour.

The industry average salary is around $70,000 annually.

*Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes

Educational and Career Pathways

A typical misconception about the life sciences is that it is an industry only for those with advanced science and engineering degrees — while in reality…

At its core, the life sciences industry is an advanced manufacturing sector that employs thousands in occupations that often require postsecondary certificates or associate’s degrees and are in-demand

  • One in three life sciences occupations is in a middle-skills role (34%)*
  • Just over half of industry occupational roles can be filled by individuals with less than a 4-year-degree

*According to the CSBI 2023 Life Sciences Workforce Report

Why Choose a Career in Biotechnology?scientist in lab

  • Work behind-the-scenes on the cutting edge of healthcare and environmental innovation
  • Help save lives and cure diseases
  • Entry-level jobs generally requires an Associate’s Degree in Bioscience Technology.
Career Advancement
  • Lab Supervisor
  • Product Specialist
  • Manager

Bioscience Technology at PCCPCC students in lab

  • Associates Degree: 2 year, full-time program includes internship or work experience
  • Hands-on training in laboratory techniques and equipment used in bioscience facilities (20 hrs/wk in lab)
  • Located at Rock Creek campus
  • Apply for either Fall or Spring Cohort
  • Transfer option to Portland State U.

Why start at PCC?

  • Two years at PCC can prepare you to go right to work in the biotech industry or transfer to a 4-year college to continue your education.
  • You’ll gain the lab experience and job skills training that you might not get with a bachelor’s degree program.
  • Our program emphasizes interpersonal and teamwork skills and hands-on lab training (20 hrs./week) learning the equipment and techniques used in bioscience facilities
  • Internship opportunities with local companies and institutions
  • Curriculum designed with input from Advisory Board of local biotech leaders

Getting started

  1. Take preparatory courses at PCC or transfer credits.
  2. Apply to the BIT program at any time.
  3. Receive admissions to the BIT program after completing preparatory coursework.

See more: Apply to Bioscience Technology 

Associate of Applied Science – Bioscience Technology

An Associate of Applied Science degree (90 credits) includes general education, basic science foundation, and BIT coursework.

Year One: Program prerequisites and General Education

  • Take math, writing, biology, chemistry and general education courses
  • Apply to the program at any time

Begin BIT coursework after completing biology and chemistry

  • Lab safety, lab math, instruments and techniques, documentation and quality control

Year Two: Hands-on labs skills and technique courses

  • Lab processes used in research and biomanufacturing, working with DNA, cell cultures, and biologic molecules
  • Internships and work experience

Learn More

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