Looking to start your journey into biotech ? We’ll get you ready for that first job – or to transfer for a bachelor’s.
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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

$12,022.70

Financial Aid

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

    Madison College's Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program offers hands-on training needed to be successful in today's biotech job market.

    The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program is a good fit for recent high school graduates, professionals returning to the workforce or changing careers, or those who want to gain new skills to advance their current career.  

    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.

    Program Courses

    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

    All Biotechnology Laboratory Technician students must complete an internship before they can graduate.

    Courses are developed with local industry advice and are taught in fully-equipped laboratories that allow you access to the supplies and equipment used in the biotech industry.

    The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program can be completed in as little as two years or up to three years. See Biotechnology Laboratory Technician - 3 year program option

    Upon graduation you can start a career or transfer to a four-year college. 

    Transfer Options

    Biotechnology Laboratory technician associate degree graduates can transfer as a junior to UW-Platteville to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

    Additional transfer pathways include: 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)

    These online options are ideal for Associates of Applied Science graduates who are employed in the industry while completing their 4-year degree.

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

    Program Details

    Students in the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program can attend full or part time.

    Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Program classes may be offered at Madison College Truax campus.

    Careers

    Earning your Associate Degree in Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:  

    Biotechnology Research Technicians

    Complete scientific work in academic research laboratories, government research laboratories and biotechnology companies under direct supervision.

    Biotechnology Production Technicians

    Produce useful products using biological systems including bacterial and yeast cells, plants and animals.

    Laboratory Technicians

    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 Technicians

    Check product performance/characteristics to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize liability using physical, chemical and biological test equipment and instrumentation to ensure that the product is within acceptable tolerance.

    Additional Careers

    With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Research Scientists
    • Entry-level Scientists
    • Associate Scientists
    • Process Scientist 

    Graduates have worked in more than 50 different companies in the Dane County area.

    Program Video

    Learn more about Biotechnology and your future career options.

    Explore Biotech Careers at Madison College!
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  • 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

    Fall 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2024

    Spring 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 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 this agreement are limited to students who have completed an associates of applied science degree and admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis of the Leadership and Organizational Studies at UW O. 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

    A student who completes an associate of arts, associate of science or associates of applied science is considered part of the ‘advanced core‘. The Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 64 credits of transfer. If students transfer prior to completion or with less than 64 credits they will be considered part of the standard core and credits will be evaluated on a course by course basis.
    Students will be granted admission to a bachelors degree program upon completion of an approved transfer program at Madison College. Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater while at Madison College. Regardless of the number of credits transferred students must complete at least 25% of their baccalaureate degree credits at Herzing University University University.
    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.
    Any Madison College student who has successfully completed an associate degree in applied science after 2015, and meets admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Technical Sales at MSOE by successfully completing the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Business Administration program. --- In particular, any Madison College student who successfully completes all technical courses and general education courses in their AAS program with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; successfully completes all other specified courses, as defined in this transfer agreement, with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; and meets the MSOE admission requirements for transfer students into the BBA Program at MSOE, minimum 2.75/4.0 cumulative GPA from the last regionally accredited school will be admitted into the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Bachelor of Business Administration program 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. This applies to students who are pursuing a bachelors of arts, bachelors of science or bachelors of fine arts at Bellevue University.
    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. Articulation agreement is for students who graduate from appropriate program and wish to pursue one of the following degrees at Capella: Bachelor of Science in Business specializations, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Public Safety specializations, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (must hold a valid RN license) and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
    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 all Madison College graduates with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Associate of Applied Science. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer additional credits (up to a maximum of 94) 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. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and submit all application materials by the admission deadlines established. Students who complete college algebra or higher (at Madison College) will fulfill MATH 1005 Foundations of Math. Speak with your Madison College advisor for a complete list of required courses in both academic programs.
  • Career Outcomes

    MATC Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program graduates are 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.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202020212022
      Number of Program Graduates8135
      Number of Surveys Sent8135
      Number of Surveys Returned573
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment543
      Percent Available for Employment100.00%57.10%100.00%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.00%42.90%0.00%
      Available for Employment

      202020212022
      Graduates Employed543
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Related Occupation343
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation60.00%100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation200
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation40.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202020212022
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.63.94
      Number of Satisfaction Responses573
      Very Satisfied (4)363
      Percent Very Satisfied60.00%85.70%100.00%
      Satisfied (3)210
      Percent Satisfied40.00%14.30%0.00%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)000
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202020212022
      Number of Primary Reason Responses573
      Preparation for Getting a Job441
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job80.00%57.10%33.30%
      Career Change121
      Percent Career Change20.00%28.60%33.30%
      Improvement of Existing Skills000
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Preparation for Further Education011
      Percent Preparation for Further Education0.00%14.30%33.30%
      Personal Interest000
      Percent Personal Interest0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Other000
      Percent Other0.00%0.00%0.00%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202020212022
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses543
      Before Enrollment200
      Percent Before Enrollment40.00%0.00%0.00%
      While Attending the College221
      Percent While Attending the College40.00%50.00%33.30%
      After Training at the College122
      Percent After Training at the College20.00%50.00%66.70%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202020212022
      Number of Employment Location Responses543
      In College District543
      Percent In College District100.00%100.00%100.00%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202020212022
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count242
      Average Monthly Wage$3,010$3,526$4,137
      Average Hourly Wage$17.50$20.50$24.05
      Average Work Hours per Week4541.840.7
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count0
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week20
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2022
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      AldevronAssociate Scientist 1
      Virent, incPlant Technician

      * - 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)