Bethel Details New Biotechnology Certificate
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA college in northern Indiana is expanding its focus on life sciences industry. Bethel College is launching a biotechnology certificate program. Classes are expected to begin in January. Bethel College Launches First Biotechnology Certificate Program in Northern Indiana
MISHAWAKA, IND., Sept. 16, 2014 – In response to the increasing demands of Indiana’s bioscience industry for a skilled workforce, Bethel College announces the creation of the first biotechnology certificate program in Northern Indiana, made possible by a grant from the Lilly Foundation. The program, which can be completed in three semesters and includes an internship, is designed to prepare students for employment in industrial, medical, college and research laboratories.
“Research shows there is a skill gap for individuals seeking employment in the area of bioscience, particularly lab-related jobs,” says Toni Steffensen Pauls, Ph.D., vice president for adult and graduate studies. “Bethel developed this program to fill that gap. We want to help people develop employable skills and increase their job opportunities, which will also improve the unemployment rate in Michiana.”
Lynne Cary, Ph.D., program director of biotechnology and associate professor of biochemistry, serves as director of the new initiative. An advisory board of industry experts from Bio-Link, Integrated Biomedical Technology, Ivy Tech Community College, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, South Bend Medical Foundation, WorkOne of Northern Indiana and the University of Notre Dame will provide ongoing feedback and support for the program.
Courses will be taught two evenings per week by bioscience professionals in Bethel’s state-of-the art laboratory facilities, in addition to some online components. Students will gain math, technical and soft skills highly desired by employers in the biotechnology industry.
The first classes will begin on Jan. 12, 2015, and applications are now being accepted. Prerequisites include one course each in college math, biology and chemistry, and Bethel has options available for students who need to meet these requirements prior to starting the program. To apply or learn more, visit BethelCollege.edu/Biotechnology or call the adult and graduate studies office at 574.807.7550.
Bethel College, located in Mishawaka, Ind., is an accredited Christian college offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in more than 50 areas of study. The current enrollment of nearly 1,800 includes students from 34 states and Puerto Rico, 11 countries and 22 percent from culturally diverse backgrounds. Bethel has been named a top tier college by U.S. News since 2003. Bethel is also nationally recognized by Money Magazine as a best college for your money and by Christian Universities Online as one of the 50 Best Christian Colleges and as the 28th most affordable Christian college. Connect with Bethel online at BethelCollege.edu, or via Facebook (Facebook.com/BethelCollege), Twitter (Twitter.com/BethelCollegeIN) and YouTube (YouTube.com/BethelCollegeIndiana).
Source: Bethel College