The FloCyte Regional Training Program courses have a slightly different 'mission' than other courses offered nationwide.  We are an excellent augmentation for other courses, as we offer information on the use of the instruments in your research.   The manufacturer's courses concentrate on the things important to running the instrument;  the software operation, cleaning and handling of the instrument, etc.  We concentrate on how to get the most out of the instruments now that you have them!    Of course, we also highly recommend the manufacturer's courses  for the core managers, but they are focused differently by necessity, and not appropriate for all users.   The national courses such as the Los Alamos Courses are also excellent and I have learned a LOT at them, however, they are designed for major flow users with a good basic understanding of flow, and without that, those  courses just are too complex for many.  We target researchers who need flow as a tool but don't necessarily even run the instrument.... they need to get good data out, and with a better understanding of how flow works, they will!    We also bring the courses to you - so our students don't have to travel, which is often a deciding factor for attending a course.... no travel money!

         FloCyte Regional Training Program began in January 2003, and brings training in flow cytometry directly to you!!  We have designed these courses to increase the knowledge and understanding of flow for the normal user.  Our Comprehensive Flow Course consists of over 20 hours of lecture and interactive workstations in the basic technology, augmented by an optional hands-on training at an instrument.   Our Advanced Course Curricula differ and offer more experienced users an opportunity for continued education in flow.

        In the 7 years since we have offered theses trainings across the US, FloCyte Regional Training Program  has trained over 3100 students in over  150 separate courses in over 50 different  venues. 

         Our lecture courses work well with about 20 - 30 students for the lectures.  We also offer a hands-on training for the very novice among you for small groups.   We have several excellent advanced topic courses, but our most popular is a multiparameter flow and compensation course, which is vital when you are using the multi color instruments, like the Aria.  This one is geared for folks with at least 2 years on an instrument.  Hosting a comprehensive flow and a more advanced course on the same visit offers an educational opportunity for flow users at all levels of understanding! 

        Our hosts are offered one registration for each course hosted at no charge.  There is no cost to the host institution to invite us... we bring in a team of 2 instructors, take care of all their expenses and the costs of refreshments, printing, etc, with the registration fees of the other students.  Host responsibilities include providing a lecture or conference room for the lectures for 3-4 days, comfortable for 25-40 students, equipped with a computer projector and a 6' table in front for the demonstration instrument we bring with us.   We also can use your help in spreading the word at your institution and in the region so that we can gather an adequate number of students to pay the costs involved! 

         We have found that hosting this type of course in your institution is often a great benefit for your core facilities.  Many cores experience increased volume and better data produced, with more educated and informed flow users.  We promote your core as the local experts and recommend that the students contact your core for local institutional training you might provide - so that they know how to sign up for the use, how to keep your facility clean, etc. - whatever information you want them to know!   We have also found that an enthusiastic host core facility makes all the difference in the courses... if you are excited about having us come, we can guarantee you an excellent course experience!!   

        We'd love to bring a course to your area!   Our evaluations have been excellent, and we have taken the suggestions in them very seriously, improving our courses at each offering!  If it has been a year or so since your last course, invite us again!  You'll see new features and options!  We have added new curricula over the years in DNA Analysis, Intracellular Flow, Data Analysis, and Apoptosis and are working on several others!  Our staff of instructors has grown as well!  We have now over a dozen excellent flow cytometry experts who are enjoying the development of new programs and teaching others this 'art' and technology of flow cytometry!!  We are scheduling now for 2010 - check the calendar for new developments as they appear!  Perhaps we'll be in your area this year.... if not, why not invite us?