ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) -There’s a program at Virginia Western Community College that helps solve problems with science.

There are different pathways you can take when you enroll in the Biotechnology program at Virginia Western Community College.

“The biotechnology program has two degree paths. One is an Associates of Science, an AS degree. The other is a career Studies Certificate, or known as a CSC. And they differ in the amount of classes you take, as well as the time it takes to complete them,” said Kristylea Ojeda, Professor of Biotechnology.

During the program students will learn skills to begin working in a lab.

“They will learn how to use basic lab equipment as well as some higher end, more specialized lab equipment, and then they learn the skills that are required to use those pieces of equipment, as well as more general lab skills, like documentation, sanitation and various things like that. And then there’s other courses that will build their foundation and background, like biology, some chemistry, some microbiology, few math courses would be a part of that as well,” said Ojeda.

Students who have graduated from the program say it’s a rewarding career.

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The program expanded because of a need here in our hometowns.

“Our CSC we’ve had for many, many years, but our two-year program is actually brand new. It’s just a year old, and we brought that online to help meet the need and be able to train lab technicians to fill that void in the workforce,” said Ojeda.

“Help solve big problems like cancer and cardiovascular disease, and so I think having a local community of trained workers really both allows people new opportunities, but also helps us integrate more into the community,” said Jennifer Munson, Director, Cancer Research Center – Roanoke.

To learn how to apply for the biotechnology program click here.

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