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New Biotech Course at Barry Tech
It is often said that children are our future and, on Long Island, Barry Tech is helping young people pave the way with its new biotechnology program. From joining the forefront of homeland defense to protecting the environment, youngsters who want to make an investment in the future are enrolling in Biotechnology Career Pathways.
Biotechnology is among Long Island's top growth industries, and it continues to expand. As of the first quarter of 2004, bioscience-related industries employed more than 24,000 people with an annual payroll of over $1 billion. Barry Tech--a career and technical education high school that is part of the public school system in Nassau County--is working to build partnerships with some of Long Island's biggest bioscience companies, such as OSI Pharmaceuticals. Referred to as "the crown jewel for the regional life sciences industry" by the Long Island Life Sciences Initiative (LILSI), OSI recently received FDA approval for its cancer drug Tarceva.
Biotechnology Career Pathways is a half day course for high school juniors and seniors that will begin in September of 2005 and run the full school year. The first year program will teach the fundamentals of biotechnology and prepare students to work as lab technicians. In the 2006-2007 school year a second year course will be added, offering instruction in genetics and molecular biology to prepare students for college and advanced levels of employment.
The career paths for Barry Tech biotech students can be as exciting as they are numerous. Potential scientists who hope to contribute to a cure for cancer may pursue a career in bio-based drugs or pharmaceuticals, while prospective CSIs might explore forensics. Many biotech fields are on the cutting edge of science and technology, such as genetics, cryogenics, molecular biology and bioagriculture.
According to the New York State Center for Biotechnology, Long Island is home to approximately 35% of the 274 Bioscience Technology firms in New York State. The NY-metro "biotech corridor" stretches across the Island, from Brookhaven National Laboratory in Suffolk County to the universities and medical facilities in New York City.
Upon completion of the biotech program, students are prepared for a number of entry level positions, including Lab Assistant, Biochemical Technician and Pharmaceutical Materials Specialist.
For more information on the biotechnology and life sciences industry, visit www.oysterbayworks.org.
To enroll, contact Dave Owens in the Barry Tech Counseling Office at 622-6812.
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