Start your biotech career with confidence! Get hands-on training to excel in today’s job market, or take the next step towards earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
biotechnology students working in lab
99%
Student Satisfaction
99% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
100%
Employed
100% of our recent graduates got a job in the industry.
Get hands-on training
in fully-equipped laboratories!
Use supplies and equipment used in the biotech industry.

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Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
Program Number: 100072
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Science, Math and Natural Resources
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
68 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
transfer icon Program Transfers
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$12,516.82

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • 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.

    Explore Biotech Careers at Madison College!
    iframe added here via JS.
    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.

    biotechnology students working in lab

    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.

    Students will receive maximum credit transfer if they take the general education courses indicated in the Biotechnology Transfer Option Curriculum (2-year plan).

    biotechnology student in lab

    What Is Biotechnology?

    Learn more about the biotech profession and your options to study biotechnology at Madison College.

    Learn About Biotechnology Program Options

    Follow Us on Social Media

    Connect with us on social media to learn more about the biotech program work, students, faculty, facilities and more!

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    Choose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:
    10-007-115
    4 credits
    Choose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:
    10-801-195
    3 credits
    Choose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:
    10-806-186
    4 credits
    Second Semester
    10-007-104
    3 credits
    10-007-105
    3 credits
    10-007-111
    1 credit
    Choose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:
    10-007-174
    4 credits
    Choose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:
    10-801-196
    3 credits
    Third Semester
    10-007-112
    1 credit
    10-007-122
    3 credits
    10-007-123
    3 credits
    10-007-124
    3 credits
    Choose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:
    10-809-197
    3 credits
    Choose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:
    10-809-199
    3 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-007-121
    3 credits
    10-007-126
    3 credits
    Choose the following course or review degree progress report for transfer options:
    10-809-195
    3 credits
    Elective
    3 credits
    Recommended Electives
    10-007-137
    1 credit
    20-806-203
    5 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Application Dates

    Spring 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2025

    Fall 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    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
    Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

    • High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) 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

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your new career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • 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 higher
    Students 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

    Students witn an AA, AS or AAS are Advanced Core. Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 60 credits. Students transferring prior to completion or with less than 60 credits are standard core and credits are evaluated course by course.
    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 2015, 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

    Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement.
    Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring.
    Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.
    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.
    Students must complete the Biotechnology Laboratory Technical program at Madison College and meet the admission requirements for their intended major at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Up to 60 credits are eligible for transfer to NWHSU.
  • 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.

    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202120222023
      Number of Program Graduates13511
      Number of Surveys Sent13510
      Number of Surveys Returned738
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment435
      Percent Available for Employment57.1%100.0%62.5%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market42.9%0.0%37.5%
      Available for Employment

      202120222023
      Graduates Employed435
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%100.0%100.0%
      Employed in Related Occupation435
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.0%100.0%100.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation000
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202120222023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.943.9
      Number of Satisfaction Responses738
      Very Satisfied (4)637
      Percent Very Satisfied85.7%100.0%87.5%
      Satisfied (3)101
      Percent Satisfied14.3%0.0%12.5%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202120222023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses738
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202120222023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses435
      Before Enrollment000
      Percent Before Enrollment0.0%0.0%0.0%
      While Attending the College213
      Percent While Attending the College50.0%33.3%60.0%
      After Training at the College222
      Percent After Training at the College50.0%66.7%40.0%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202120222023
      Number of Employment Location Responses435
      In College District435
      Percent In College District100.0%100.0%100.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202120222023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count425
      Average Monthly Wage$3,526$4,137$4,222
      Average Hourly Wage$20.50$24.05$24.55
      Average Work Hours per Week41.840.740.4
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      AldevronAssociate Scientist I
      Empirico IncAssistant Scientist
      Exact SciencesClinical Laboratory Scientist
      Newcomer SupplyLaboratory TechnicianMiddleton2

      * - 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

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone or email only)