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Program Overview
Madison College’s Biotechnology Laboratory Technician two-year associate degree program will provide you with the hands-on training you need to be successful in today’s biotech job market.
Biotechnology is a popular choice at Madison College because so many different sectors involve biotech. You can take your career in many directions and enjoy a bright future in terms of employability and average salary.
This program is a good fit if you’re a recent high school graduate, a professional returning to the workforce or changing careers, or want to gain new skills to advance your current career.
Hear from biotechnology students and faculty about the program and your future career options. Associate Degree Program Goals
Biotechnology associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions, from working in the laboratory or production (biomanufacturing) to biotech project management, supply chain management, human resources, quality control and many other aspects of the industry.
Upon graduation from the associate degree program, you can start a career or transfer to a four-year college to earn your bachelor’s degree.
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
Our expert faculty provides personal attention in the lab and classroom to ensure your academic success.
You’ll receive a solid scientific background in the classroom and extensive practical experience working in fully equipped laboratories using industry-standard equipment and supplies.
Biotechnology Coursework
The biotechnology curriculum is designed with input from our industry advisory board to ensure you get the skills our local biotech industry needs most.
Courses emphasize workplace skills in communication, safety, time management and professionalism. Classes will introduce you to technical skills in:
- Growing bacteria
- Working with DNA
- Purifying proteins
- Performing laboratory tests
- Working with mammalian cell culture
Before graduation, you’ll complete an internship with one of our industry partners to apply your biotech skills in a real-world environment as you build your professional network.
Program Prerequisites
- A high school degree, including a year of biology is required.
- A year of high school algebra and a year of high school chemistry are helpful.
- Biology, chemistry and algebra classes are offered at Madison College to help meet requirements.
Flexible Course Offerings
You can attend full- or part-time. Take classes in-person at our Madison Truax campus.
The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program can be completed in as little as two years or up to three years. Learn more about the 3-Year Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program option.
Start Your Four-Year Degree Here!
Your biotechnology associate degree credits transfer if you plan to earn your bachelor’s degree to advance to a higher-level position in the field.
Biotechnology Laboratory technician associate degree graduates can transfer as a junior to UW-Platteville to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Online Program Transfer Options
Online transfer options are ideal for Associate of Applied Science graduates who are employed in the industry while completing their four-year degree.
- University of Maryland Global Campus (B.S. Biotechnology, online)
- UW-Stout (B.S. Management, online)
- UW-Green Bay (B.A.S Organizational Leadership Business Administration, online)
- UW-Oshkosh (B.A.S. Leadership and Organizational Studies, online)
- Northwestern Health Sciences University (B.S. Human Biology).
Students will receive maximum credit transfer if they take the general education courses indicated in the Biotechnology Transfer Option Curriculum (2-year plan).
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.
NOTE: If you do not have the pre-requisite met for Intro to Biochemistry (General Chemistry or qualifying HS Chemistry), you should take appropriate action during your first semester.First Semester10-007-103Biotechnology 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 credits10-007-108Hazardous Materials - Biotechnology
Surveys potential laboratory hazards and safety procedures. Covers regulation of chemicals: flammable, reactive, corrosive and toxic substances.1 credit10-007-110Biotechnology Applications
Provides a broad introduction to biotechnology including the scientific basis of the technologies and their historical development with an emphasis on current applications in the areas of agriculture, medicine, forensics and the environment.1 creditChoose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:10-007-115General Cell Biology
Introduction to cells, emphasizing their structure, diversity, chemistry and physiology. Processes of cellular respiration, photosynthesis and division are discussed. Describes genetic principles and molecular activities involved in DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Lab included.4 credits10-007-136Laboratory 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 creditChoose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 creditsChoose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:10-806-186Intro to Biochemistry
Provides students with skills and knowledge of organic and biological chemistry. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the structure, physical properties and chemical reactions of organic molecules, body fluids, and solutions. Additional emphasis is placed on biological functions and reactions, and their relationships to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA.4 creditsSecond Semester10-007-104Chromatography Techniques
Introduces the basic concepts involved in separation of biomolecules. Students complete lab work using a variety of chromatographic methods including: paper, thin layer, gel permeation, gas and high performance liquid chromatography. Students also learn to interpret chromatographic results and practice documentation and reporting skills. Lab included.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 credits10-007-111Biotechnology 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 credit10-007-135Applied Chemistry for Biotechnology
This course covers topics in organic chemistry, biochemistry and physical chemistry with an emphasis on their application in the biotechnology laboratory. Applied examples will be used from the fields of drug delivery, gene delivery, biopolymers, food chemistry and medicinal chemistry, to illustrate broader concepts such as intermolecular interactions, acid/base equilibria, thermodynamics and kinetics. Laboratory is included.4 creditsChoose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:10-007-174Applied Microbiology
This survey course includes the structure, function, ecology, nutrition, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms in industrial, agricultural, food and medical microbiology. It also includes an introduction to standard techniques and procedures used in the microbiology laboratory.4 creditsChoose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 creditsThird Semester10-007-112Biotechnology Employment Skills
Discusses the specific skills needed for particular areas and careers, ethical issues and the business of biotechnology including the basics of intellectual property law. Each student gives a presentation on their occupational work experience.1 credit10-007-122Protein Bioseparations Methods
Introduces the strategies to purify proteins as part of a biotechnology process. Methods include: specific activity assays for enzymes, extraction of proteins from bacterial cells, salting out, dialysis, ion exchange chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Lab included. Prerequisites: Biotechnology Labatory Skills, 10-007-103; Chromatography Techniques, 10-007-104; and Chemistry 2, 10-806-129 (or Chemistry for Biotechnology, 20-806-216); or consent of instructor.3 credits10-007-123Cell Culturing
Covers the basic techniques of plant and animal cell culture. Plant unit includes media preparation isolation of explants and establishment of callus from suspension cultures, growth factor bioassays, regeneration of whole plants from tissue and plant genetic engineering techniques. Mammalian cell unit includes media preparation, maintenance of cultured cells, transfection of cultured cells, cloning, monoclonal antibody production, and ELISA assays. Lab included. Prerequisite: 10-007-115 or consent of instructor.3 credits10-007-124Molecular Biology 1
This is the first course of a two-part series. This course will teach modern molecular biology techniques including: basic recombinant DNA techniques and DNA analysis and purification. The polymerase chain reaction and DNA fingerprinting will also be introduced. This course will include classroom instruction to appreciate the importance of these techniques in life sciences research.3 credits10-007-152Making Biotech Products in a Quality Environment
Proposed to review and further illustrate the importance of quality in a laboratory environment, with special emphasis on how a quality system directly impacts laboratory scientists. This laboratory-based course will revolve around the creation of a product to be used in other courses in the biotechnology curriculum. Students will create the product, as well as monitor the quality of the process. Time constraints would mean that not every aspect of a quality system could be modeled or discussed; however, even a single course in this area would be invaluable to our students for both review of concepts and employability.2 creditsChoose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:10-809-197Contemporary Amer Society
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.3 creditsChoose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 creditsFourth Semester10-007-121Applied Biochemistry
Introduction to major chemical constituents of cells including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. The structure and kinetics of enzymes, reaction mechanisms and metabolic pathways are also included. Lab included.3 credits10-007-125Research Methods in Molecular Biology
This is the second course of a two-part series. This course will teach advanced techniques in molecular biology including: Various applications of PCR, PCR-based cloning, RT-PCR, qPCR, site-directed mutagenesis, RNA isolation, screening techniques, and an introduction to bioinformatics. The course will combine practical laboratory experience with discussion of current research problems and techniques.3 credits10-007-126Occupational Work Experience
Students work in a biotechnology laboratory. Emphasizes the integration of academics and practice experiences. Pre-requisite: successful completion of all program courses in the first three semesters of the program, successful completion of a performance exam, and instructor consent.3 creditsChoose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:10-809-195Economics
This course is designed to give an overview of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Concepts include scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment and global economic issues.3 creditsElective3 creditsRecommended Electives10-007-137Selected Topics in HPLC1 credit10-007-155Quality Regulations and Standards for Biotechnology2 credits -
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 Technician 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 new 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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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherStudents who complete the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Associate Degree may transfer up to 61 credits from that degree to UW-Platteville to be applied to the baccalaureate degree in Biology.Wisconsin Private Schools
Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
Associate Degree Program Outcomes
As a Madison College Biotechnology Laboratory Technician associate degree program graduate, you’ll be prepared to:
- Follow policies and procedures when working in regulated laboratory environments.
- Demonstrate health and safety techniques.
- Demonstrate a variety of math and technical laboratory skills necessary to perform in multiple areas of the biotechnology laboratory.
- Use appropriate computer software and hardware skills to accomplish biotechnology lab tasks.
- Manage laboratory data.
- Apply active listening, oral and written communication skills to follow procedures.
- Adhere to professional and ethical standards in the biotechnology profession.
- Demonstrate technical knowledge of specialized techniques and instrumentation.
Biotechnology Careers
You’ll be qualified to apply for such jobs as:
Biotechnology Research Technician | Complete scientific work in academic research laboratories, government research laboratories and biotechnology companies under direct supervision.
Biotechnology Production Technician | Produce useful products using biological systems, including bacterial and yeast cells, plants and animals.
Laboratory Technician | Complete scientific work and conduct experiments in research and development or production laboratories in various biological and biochemical companies and private or public agencies.
Quality Control/Assurance Technician | Check product performance/characteristics to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize liability using physical, chemical and biological test equipment and instrumentation to ensure the product is within acceptable tolerance.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 11 5 9 Number of Surveys Sent 10 5 9 Number of Surveys Returned 8 3 4 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 5 3 4 Percent Available for Employment 62.5% 100.0% 100.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 37.5% 0.0% 0.0% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 5 3 3 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 75.0% Employed in Related Occupation 5 3 3 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 1 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 25.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.9 4 3.5 Number of Satisfaction Responses 8 3 4 Very Satisfied (4) 7 3 3 Percent Very Satisfied 87.5% 100.0% 75.0% Satisfied (3) 1 0 0 Percent Satisfied 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 1 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 25.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 8 3 4 Preparation for Getting a Job 4 1 2 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 50.0% 33.3% 50.0% Career Change 0 0 1 Percent Career Change 0.0% 0.0% 25.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 1 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 33.3% 0.0% Preparation for Further Education 4 1 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education 50.0% 33.3% 0.0% Personal Interest 0 0 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 0.0% 25.0% 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 5 3 3 Before Enrollment 0 0 0 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% While Attending the College 3 3 2 Percent While Attending the College 60.0% 100.0% 66.7% After Training at the College 2 0 1 Percent After Training at the College 40.0% 0.0% 33.3% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 5 3 3 In College District 5 3 3 Percent In College District 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 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 5 3 3 Average Monthly Wage $4,222 $4,587 $4,357 Average Hourly Wage $24.55 $26.67 $25.33 Average Work Hours per Week 40.4 40.0 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Newcomer Supply Laboratory Technician Waunakee 2 Promega Corporation Production Scientist Fitchburg * - 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