Studer Community Institute

Pace High produces first batch of certified biotechnicians

May 6, 2015
/ Staff Reports
/ education

In a world that is becoming more complex and the increasing demands of the 21^st-century workforce, it makes sense for students to graduate from high school fully prepared for college and careers. High school career academies are a good place to start preparing students for the challenges of workforce readiness. Pace High School’s Biotech Academy this week produced its first crop of certified biotechnician assistants after students took the Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exa. The exam, called BACE, is offered by biotility at the University of West Florida. Of the students, 32 passed the exam, which was a 94 percent pass rate compared to the state average of 70 percdent. The next step for many of the certified biotech assistants is college, but some of them have plans to enter the workforce right after high school. Pace High School’s Biotech Academy began in 2013, with 38 students. The academy’s creation was in response to the increasing demand for highly trained and skilled technicians who have experience with the lab tools and techniques required by the field. The popularity of the academy is growing, as 150 students registered for the fall 2015, but only 125 spaces were available. With applications in agriculture, environmental science, pharmaceuticals and health care, the students now have a certification, demonstrating knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in an biotech field. Pace High School now has the only academy of its kind in Northwest Florida. Academy instructor Greg Gill currently is seeking internships and potential job opportunities for students.

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Pace High produces first batch of certified biotechnicians

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