The Biotechnology and Biomedical skill standards were developed in 2001 by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association, with funding from the Workforce Development Fund of the State of Washington. The development of the skill standards was facilitated by Shoreline Community College and represents the first set of Biotechnology/Biomedical skill standards for entry-level technicians developed in the United States.

CIn 2008 the developers of the original skill standards conducted an extensive review and published a revision based on input from subject matter experts from private companies such as MDS Pharma Services, Dendreon Corporation, Xactagen, and ICOS-Corp, and institutions such as the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Importance to Texas

According to the Texas Biotechnology Industry Report published in April, 2010 “Texas has a dynamic biotechnology marketplace with an estimated economic impact of $75 billion. The state has many national top 10 rankings in biotechnology and is home to over 4,100 biotechnology, biomedical research, business and government consortia, medical manufacturing companies, and world-class universities and research facilities employing over 104,400 at an average annual salary of over $67,300. A significant number of top global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have Texas locations, underscoring the state’s vitality. Most of the state’s core biotechnology establishments are located in the major metropolitan areas.

Life science is an important driver of economic growth and development both nationwide and in Texas. Wages and salaries for the state’s life science workers are nationally competitive and exceed state averages. The state’s life science area is steadily increasing, paving the way for new products, companies, and jobs.”

TSSB Recognition

Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI) representatives reviewed the revised skill standards and recommended their promotion and use in Texas. THBI’s President endorsed the skill standards on behalf of the Institute, which is composed of biotechnology, medical device, and pharmaceutical companies, as well as universities and private research institutions, recommending that the TSSB recognize the updated skill standards.

The TSSB recognized the Biotechnology and Biomedical Skill Standards at its October 20, 2009 meeting.