MiraCosta College launches programs in cybersecurity, drone operations

Biomedical also part of new offerings starting this fall

MiraCosta+College%E2%80%99s+Technology+Career+Institute%2C+pictured+April+7%2C+2015%2C+is+located+in+Carlsbad.+%28MiraCosta+College+photo%29

MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute, pictured April 7, 2015, is located in Carlsbad. (MiraCosta College photo)

North Coast Current

MiraCosta College is launching a cybersecurity degree program, the only one of its kind in the region, in an effort to provide certification for such in-demand professions, the Oceanside-based community college announced June 4.

The overall effort also includes new career education programs in remotely operated vehicle/drone operations and biomedical equipment maintenance and repair, according to MiraCosta’s announcement. The programs, scheduled to launch this fall, were developed in consultation with business and industry partners.

“Providing students with the skills to embark on rewarding careers is why MiraCosta College is introducing new programs this fall,” MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Sunita Cooke said in the announcement. “None of these programs were developed in a vacuum. All were created in collaboration with our industry partners and with an eye toward training our students for in-demand, good paying jobs.”

MiraCosta cited recent numbers from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics as part of its rationale in developing the Cybersecurity Program, which will be based at the main Oceanside campus. The average salary for information security analysts working in San Diego County hit $98,950 in May of last year, according to the bureau’s numbers.

The college’s ROV/Drone Operator Technician Program, which will be based at MiraCosta’s Technology Career Institute in Carlsbad, is designed to prepare students to operate increasingly popular drones and understand the technology to maneuver remotely operated underwater vehicles, used extensively in ocean exploration, underwater pipeline inspection and offshore platform testing.

The new Biomedical Equipment Technician Program, also based at MiraCosta’s Technology Career Institute, is designed to prepare students entering the field to inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair increasingly sophisticated medical and monitoring devices, according to the college’s announcement.

America’s Promise grants from the U.S. Department of Labor will cover the $6,000 cost for each student in the drone operation and biomedical equipment programs, making them tuition-free, according to the college. A $310 administrative fee will still be required upon registration, however.

More information information about he drone operation and biomedical equipment programs can be found online at tci.miracosta.edu.