Members of academia and private business in Metro Orlando work closely together to advance the biotechnology and life science sector. Educational institutions develop programs and facilities that match the depth and variety of the industry.

Metro Orlando’s central location positions the region in the heart of the Intelligence Triangle, comprising the state’s top six universities:

Closest to Metro Orlando is the University of Central Florida (UCF), one of the nation’s leading metropolitan research universities. UCF offers:

• Undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in disciplines related to biotechnology and life science
• Department of Molecular Biology & Microbiology
• Interdisciplinary bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Molecular Biology and Microbiology
• Doctoral program in biomolecular sciences

Each program’s curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for microbiological and immunological diagnostic careers in research centers and public health departments, as well as participation in academic, corporate and government research and development—primarily in the biotechnology and genetic engineering fields.

The department is supported by UCF’s Biomolecular Science Center, an interdisciplinary academic center founded to establish research and training programs examining the molecular and genomic basis of diseases and therapeutics. The mission of this university-wide interdisciplinary academic center is to establish research and training programs involving Molecular and Genomic Basis of Diseases and Therapeutics. The 35,000-square-foot center houses 15 world-class research laboratories. The center will work with the Office of Research and the broader UCF research community to establish state-of-the-art research infrastructure and core facilities to support research in modern life sciences.

UCF’s Department of Mechanical, Materials & Aerospace Engineering (MMAE) is developing baccalaureate and master biomedical engineering programs. The programs’ curricula will focus on:

The university’s Center for Discovery of Drugs and Diagnostics is seeking to achieve pre-eminence in molecular medicine, which leads to new drugs and diagnostic procedures. It is also developing a biomedical engineering program that will pioneer rehabilitation design for the elderly and disabled.

UCF’s School of Optics and its Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) produce well-trained engineers and technicians, as well as master's and Ph.D. graduates necessary to meet the cross application needs of the biotechnology and photonics industries.

Florida State University College of Medicine, Orlando, is one of six FSU regional medical school campuses throughout the state. A community-based medical school, it provides third- and fourth-year clinical training in partnership with local hospitals and practices. Because the FSU medical school partners with existing medical facilities and practitioners rather than operating a teaching hospital, students have the opportunity to learn on the front lines of the health care system. Nonprofit community corporations provide community representation and input into the medical education program, as well as plan and coordinate student clinical experiences. A campus dean chairs the community corporation, which also is responsible for community education, fundraising and advocacy on issues related to medical education.

Valencia Community College (VCC) offers associate’s degrees in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Horticulture Science
• Radiologic Science
• Respiratory Care

VCC also offers associate’s programs for students who are interested in preparing for careers in:

• Cardiovascular Technology
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Emergency Medical Technology

Seminole Community College (SCC) offers associate’s degrees in biology and healthcare professions, including nursing and respiratory therapy. SCC is also the first community college in Florida to offer biotechnology courses. Students receive cutting edge training in the health technology or environmental technology tracks, and conduct hands-on research in the college's state-of-the-art science laboratory building.

Seeking to generate interest in the biotechnology field among youth, the Robert F. Hungerford Preparatory High School offers a magnet program in agricultural biotechnology designed to introduce students to the fields of:

• Genetic engineering
• Cloning
• High tech horticulture and agriculture

The school has the region’s only cell tissue culture lab, which provides for learning DNA extraction and separation techniques, harvesting cells and propagating plant tissue.

In addition to post-secondary institutions, Metro Orlando’s nationally-recognized health facilities offer degree programs for medical students and continuing education for practicing professionals. The Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences specializes in allied health and nursing education. The college works closely with Florida Hospital to give students the clinical experience that only a major medical center can provide. The hospital is internationally known for its programs in heart and orthopedic surgery, organ transplantation and limb replantation.

The College of Health Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees in nursing and radiologic sciences. Associate of science degrees are offered in:

Orlando Regional Healthcare’s Health Research Institute (HRI) is a research, education and training center that conducts innovative studies related to the prevention and cure of disease. The first of its kind in the Southeast, HRI offers programs that are an extension of the clinical excellence that is a hallmark of Orlando Regional Healthcare. The institute’s goal is to provide a robust research environment through which new answers to medical problems are identified and rapidly translated into improved care for the community.