Biotechnology is broadly defined as using living organisms, or products of living organisms, to improve life, to make a product, or to solve a problem. This field is one of the most rapidly changing areas of science. The 21st century has been called the “century of biotechnology.”
Individuals working in biotechnology are directly or indirectly involved in the process of discovering, developing, manufacturing, or regulating the final quality of new products. Most entry level technicians in a research environment are responsible for preparing materials and maintaining equipment used by scientists. With experience and more education, these technicians evolve into research assistants and carry out experiments under the supervision of established scientists. In the manufacturing branch of biotechnology, entry level positions are material handlers, manufacturing assistants, and engineering technicians.
Check out our informative video!
Are you thinking about advancing a career in science? Not really sure what biotechnology is? Have questions about the program? If so, check out our informative program video! This short clip will tell you all the important facts about our program, everything from the courses we offer, to internship possibilies and employment outlook! To view the video click the link on the right.
Math Placement Test Advice...
If you are planning to take the math placement test please keep reading! We have developed several practice problem sets to help students prepare to take the placement test. Scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the COMPASS Algebra Practice link to access these problem sets. We have found that students who work through these links have tested into a higher math course than students who did not use the practice tools. So if you want to get the best score possible, use the tools below!
Applications are now available for the 2012 high school institute. For more information, see the attached flyer and to apply, please download the application. The deadline for the application and recommendation form is Friday, March 30, 2012.
The Biotechnology Summer Institute is a unique opportunity for high school students to get a head-start on earning college credit while exploring careers in biotechnology. After successful completion of the summer institute, students will earn seven college science credits. This 8-week program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
Internships for Summer 2012
For registered Biotechnology Program Students:
The deadline for internship applications is April 1st. If you have completed 50% of your required coursework and have a 2.0 GPA, make sure you turn in your application and resume to Bonnie Saunders before the deadline.
Our Fall 2011 Biotechnology Newsletter is now available. Read through to see what's been happening with the HCC Biotechnology Program.
Nick Montoya, a current high school student working in the InnovaBio-MD labs, was featured in an article in The Herald Mail.
The Biotechnology program introduces the new InnovaBio-MD on-campus internship program. InnovaBio-MD is the first partner community college to replicate Salt Lake Community College's InnovaBio program. InnovaBio-MD is an innovative partnership of corporations and educators working to support Maryland's biotechnology industry. We offer a low risk environment for organizations wishing to develop a product or wanting to explore new ideas using our biotechnology labs, a qualified scientist and student interns. The challenging research completed by our interns creates a valuable talent pool for Maryland biotechnology companies.
A new course, Introduction to Applied Biotechnology Research (BTC 102) targeted toward high school students has been approved and is currently being offered through an application-based process. This is an entry level applied laboratory course for high school students interested in the biotechnology program. Basic laboratory applications in biotechnology such as DNA purification, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, bacterial cloning and therapeutic compound screening, as well as other topics, will be explored. The student will perform laboratory research to explore the requirements necessary for a career in laboratory science. Students may earn a maximum of 6 credits while in high school and attending HCC with a minimum of 90 hours for each 15-week semester completed. These credits may be used to replace discipline-related open electives or restricted electives only, and are not to replace program requirements or required specialty courses. Interested students must pass an entrance examination to show the minimum level of understanding for a productive learning experience. Prerequisites: College level Mathematics and English. Semesters offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
The Biotechnology program at Hagerstown Community College has recently been awarded two grants. Both the NSF and BRAC grants have been featured in newspaper articles in the local Herald-Mail.
"My internship at USAMRIID was both challenging and rewarding. Before my internship, I knew very little about science outside of a classroom or lab. I have learned a great deal and have confidence that I will be successful in applying my new job skills. I will also be able to add a valuable experience to my resume when applying to jobs." -Joyce Bussard, Spring 2010 BTC-269 intern
HCC has offered internships at the following locations:
Rhet Troxell is a May 2009 A.A.S. graduate from HCC's Biotechnology program. Prior to enrolling in the Biotechnology program Rhet completed an A.S. degree in Biology from HCC and a B.S. in Biology from Shippensburg University. He returned to obtain specialized training in the field and have the opportunity to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience. Rhet was accepted into an internship at MedImmune in their Quality Control lab and after completion was awarded a full-time position. He currently serves as a Quality Control Micro Analyst.
"The skill sets and knowledge that I was able to acquire through both the internship and the Biotechnology program at HCC were invaluable, as they led me to a great career in the ever growing Biotech industry. The challenges of my days at work are always fresh and exciting...much like the Biotech program at HCC." -Rhet Troxell
Sam Umbaugh is a May 
2009 A.A.S. graduate from HCC's Biotechnology program. During his degree progression, Sam completed an internship at Ft. Detrick. The research he conducted during that time was compiled into a poster and presented at the Spring Research Festival held on the Ft. Detrick campus in April of 2009. Since graduation Sam has opted to continue his education and is pursuing a B.A. degree in Biochemistry with a focus in Chemistry from West Virginia University.
"My induction into the scientific world began at HCC and hasn't stopped since. The knowledge I gained at HCC through the biotech program has enabled me to not only do interesting research but also understand scientific concepts in a concrete form and apply them as a transfer student at WVU. The biotech program really showed me how fascinating science can be." -Sam Umbaugh
Fred Vantz is a May 2009 graduate with an A.A. in General Studies and a Certificate in Biotechnology. Following graduation Fred enrolled in the Biotechnology A.A.S. program and completed an internship at Ft. Detrick. This internship provided him with hands-on experience to assist with obtaining a full-time job. Fred was hired by Aerotek as a contract employee at MedImmune in Frederick, MD. He currently serves as a Production Technician in the Central Services area. Prior to enrolling in the Biotechnology program Fred worked for 35 years in the manufacturing industry.
"After working for the same employer for 25 years I experienced a termination of employment due to our work being sent to Mexico. That is a devastating event morally and financially. The only good thing to come from that situation was that my company had to pay to retrain me to re-enter today’s workforce. I had attended HCC in 1973 but did not complete my A.A. degree. I did discover that I had a passion for Science. So, after talking to some guidance counselors I decided to complete my degree in the up and coming, wide open field of Biotechnology. I had a wonderful teacher named Melanie Ulrich who not only taught me but advised me in every step of my pursuit of a career in Biotechnology. I found out that the most important things were to not give up on what you want, listen to the advice of others and respect them for it, and to never back down from a challenge. I am now working for Aerotek at the Frederick, MD MedImmune facility in the job I wanted at the place I wanted to work. At 56 years of age I wondered just what I had gotten myself into the first few days of the first semester at HCC, but in the end it was a truly wonderful and highly educational experience that I would do all over again. The staff at HCC, in my mind, is phenomenal in all aspects of helping to shape and educate its students for the future in any field that they choose." -Fred Vantz
Print
Email