"You could be teaching in a church basement, fire station, real estate office," former college president Patrick O'Connor recalled.

Today, graduates of Oregon Coast Community College receive diplomas bearing the institution's name and seal.

Because of the limited number of places available (22 at present), applicants must apply early and are interviewed by several aquarists and biologists.

Classes offered range from Biology of Captive Fish and Aquatic Animal Health Management to a scuba diving course.

Those studying for either their associate degree or their one-year certification end with an internship at a public aquarium, zoo, fish hatchery, or marine laboratory.