Academy FAQ

I’ve been out of school for a few years, should I try to relearn the math and science I have forgotten?

No, we will provide the basic science and math skills necessary to work with confidence in a technical lab setting.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my application?

Laura Richane

Is there financial aid available?

Yes, please click here for the FAST website.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my financial aid application?

Please submit your question via the form on our Contact page.

What if I am older than 26, can I still apply?

Yes, we encourage you to apply. Applicants outside of our demographic will be placed on the wait list and considered if the class is not fully enrolled in August.

How many students are in each class?

20

What days and time are class?

Class is Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 2:30pm.

Is the internship paid?

Yes, minimum earnings during the internship are $6,000. Earnings typically range from $6000 to $8000 over the three-month experience.

Do I have to find my own internship?

No, Gloucester Biotechnology Academy has established agreements with companies to host interns.

Does the Academy assist with job placement following graduation?

Yes, while many of our students are hired by their internship companies, those who are not hired immediately are assisted by Academy staff with job placement. Through an expansive network of contacts in the industry, greater than 80% of our graduates are either hired full-time or enroll in college to pursue a degree in science.

What is the starting salary for an entry-level technician in the biotech industry?

While salaries range greatly depending on the region where the Academy graduate accepts a position, the range of salaries is anywhere from $34K to $56K to start with an average starting salary around $42K per year.

Where should I mail my transcripts?

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
Attn: Laura Richane, Director of Partnerships and Enrollment
417 Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930

What if I live outside of Greater Cape Ann, can I still apply?

Yes, we encourage you to apply. Applicants from outside the Greater Cape Ann area will be placed on the wait list and considered if the class is not fully enrolled in August.

What services are offered to me as a student outside of class?

We have partnered with community organizations to provide a support system for students enrolled in the program. Services provided by these partners include: primary health care, mental health counseling, and tutoring.

How is this program different than going to college?

At the Academy, students spend a large portion of each day performing authentic, hands-on lab work. Classroom time is minimized in order to maximize time in the lab. This allows students enter the workforce as a lab technician immediately upon completion of the program.

How do I apply?

Please visit the Apply page.

Do I need a laptop? Do I need to purchase books?

No, we provide all students with a Chromebook to use while in the program. We also provide lab manuals and all personal protective equipment required for lab work.

How am I evaluated at the Academy?

Students are evaluated with competency-based assessments rather than traditional multiple-choice or essay exams. During these assessments, students are asked to complete a task in the lab. If the task is completed correctly, the student passes. If not, instructors coach the student through the task and the competency is taken again at a later date.