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Program Overview
Madison College’s Biotechnology Laboratory Support Assistant diploma offers hands-on training necessary for successful entry into today’s biotech job market.
You can earn the diploma in one or two semesters, so it’s a good fit if you’re looking to quickly start a career in biotechnology, whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a professional returning to the workforce or changing careers.
Hear from biotechnology students and faculty about the program and your future career options. Technical Diploma Goals
Technical diploma graduates are ready for a range of entry-level professional positions in biotechnology, including lab assistant, biological science aide, laboratory support technician or lab operations associate.
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
The diploma will prepare you to perform entry-level support tasks in the biotechnology industry, such as maintaining clean and sterile work environments, working aseptically (clean of infectious organisms), producing and maintaining proper documentation, lab safety and team collaboration.
Courses are designed with input from local biotech companies to equip you with the skills in demand by employers. You’ll gain hands-on experience in fully-equipped laboratories using industry-standard equipment and supplies.
Flexible Course Offerings
You can attend full- or part-time. Take classes in-person at our Madison Truax campus.
What Is Biotechnology?
Learn more about the biotech profession and your options to study biotechnology at Madison College.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Courses10-007-103Biotechnology Laboratory Skills for a Regulated Workplace
Covers basic concepts and techniques necessary to work effectively in a biotechnology lab. The importance of quality regulations and standards and the role of the technician in producing quality results are emphasized. Laboratory math is introduced and applied. Students learn basic techniques including: measuring, weighing, mixing solutions, following and writing procedures, keeping records, making observations, and using instrument manuals and catalogues. Principles of metrology (measurement) are introduced and students practice using, calibrating and verifying the performance of instruments. Lab included. Co-requisite: 10-806-127 or 10-806-134, and 10-007-136 or consent of instructor.3 credits10-007-105Bioprocess Technology
Covers basic techniques of fermentation technology, including the principles of isolation, identification, improvement, preservation and growth of industrial microorganisms. Emphasizes the use of fermentation equipment to obtain products.3 credits10-007-108Hazardous Materials - Biotechnology
Surveys potential laboratory hazards and safety procedures. Covers regulation of chemicals: flammable, reactive, corrosive and toxic substances.1 credit10-007-111Biotechnology Career Seminar
Includes a discussion of national, state and local biotechnology industries, career options, the ethical, legal and societal issues raised by the use of biotechnology and the regulatory agencies that oversee the industry.1 credit10-007-136Laboratory Math for Biotechnology
This course introduces mathematical tools that are used in the biotechnology laboratory. Students apply mathematical concepts to solve problems such as: calculating amounts of chemicals required to make solutions, graphing and interpreting data, and calibrating instruments. Basic statistical concepts may also be introduced.1 credit -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Biotechnology Laboratory Support Assistant program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 18-25 spots each Fall and Spring. It shares this capacity with other programs that have a similar curriculum.
- Estimated Wait Time: No estimated wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Biotechnology Laboratory Support Assistant career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Prerequisites
Math (testing or college coursework)
Testing
- ACT Math 17+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Arithmetic) 250+
College courses
- Elementary Algebra with Apps
- Basic Algebra
Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Testing
- ACT Reading 19+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 253+
College courses
- College Reading Strategies and Intro Reading & Study Skills
- English 1
- Written Communication
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
Technical Diploma Program Outcomes
As a Madison College Biotechnology Laboratory Support Assistant technical diploma graduate, you’ll be prepared to:
- Follow policies and procedures in regulated laboratory environments.
- Follow health and safety protocols.
- Demonstrate a variety of math and laboratory skills.
- Apply active listening and oral and written communication skills to follow procedures.
- Adhere to professional and ethical standards in the biotechnology profession.
Biotechnology Jobs
You’ll be qualified to apply for entry-level jobs such as:
Lab Assistant – monitor equipment; prepare samples; maintain glassware; prepare media and solutions.
Biological Science Aide – maintain instrumentation, glassware, stocks and supplies; prepare samples; set up and takedown experiments.
Laboratory Support Technician – maintain lab systems and resources; prepare laboratory reagents and solutions.
Lab Operations Associate – produce and test reagents; assist in process and method development, characterization and validation; manage materials; goods and supplies packaging, shipping, receiving, and distribution.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 14 13 19 Number of Surveys Sent 14 13 19 Number of Surveys Returned 12 12 17 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 3 6 6 Percent Available for Employment 25.0% 50.0% 35.3% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 75.0% 50.0% 64.7% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 2 6 5 Percent of Graduates Employed 66.7% 100.0% 83.3% Employed in Related Occupation 2 5 3 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 83.3% 60.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 1 2 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 16.7% 40.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 0 1 Percent Seeking Employment 33.3% 0.0% 16.7% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.4 3.8 Number of Satisfaction Responses 5 11 12 Very Satisfied (4) 3 6 9 Percent Very Satisfied 60.0% 54.5% 75.0% Satisfied (3) 2 4 3 Percent Satisfied 40.0% 36.4% 25.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 9.1% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 12 12 17 Preparation for Getting a Job 1 7 4 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 8.3% 58.3% 23.5% Career Change 0 1 4 Percent Career Change 0.0% 8.3% 23.5% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Preparation for Further Education 9 4 8 Percent Preparation for Further Education 75.0% 33.3% 47.1% Personal Interest 2 0 1 Percent Personal Interest 16.7% 0.0% 5.9% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 2 6 5 Before Enrollment 0 1 1 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% 16.7% 20.0% While Attending the College 1 4 2 Percent While Attending the College 50.0% 66.7% 40.0% After Training at the College 1 1 2 Percent After Training at the College 50.0% 16.7% 40.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 2 6 5 In College District 2 6 4 Percent In College District 100.0% 100.0% 80.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 2 3 1 Average Monthly Wage $3,956 $3,822 $3,251 Average Hourly Wage $23.00 $22.22 $18.90 Average Work Hours per Week 40.0 38.3 36.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 2 2 Average Hourly Wage $21.00 $19.00 Average Work Hours per Week 16.0 15.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Exact Sciences Clinical Laboratory Associate Madison Area Technical College Unspecified Pepsi-Cola of Madison Product Laboratory Technician Windsor * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
