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Interested in the latest developments in disease-fighting pharmaceuticals, transgenic plants and farm animals or how enzymes are used to make your "aged" blue jeans? You've come to the right place--Biotechnology. Biotechnology is not just DNA, and our program introduces you to a diverse set of cutting edge laboratory techniques.
The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Training Program is an intensive full-time, nine-month sequence of instruction, with entry in the Fall Quarter only. This program is designed to prepare students for jobs as entry-level laboratory technicians in a variety of research areas, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical laboratories. To be competitive for these positions, you need to be confident and capable in the lab and we will help get you there. Students who complete the program in a satisfactory manner will be awarded a Career Certificate in Biotechnology. Students who complete the certificate may elect to pursue an Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology.
Completion of the program allows graduates to compete for jobs in laboratories involved in research, product development, manufacturing, quality control and clinical studies. Students enroll in either the full-time program or come for evening short course offerings to gain hands-on experience. These courses teach a new lab skill in just a few weeks. They then go on to positions in basic research, product development, manufacturing, quality control and clinical studies. In addition to laboratory skills, the program emphasizes scientific method, record keeping, safety, communication, team work, resume writing and interview skills.
Job opportunities abound in the Bay Area at every level of education and experience. Get the extensive lab training needed for this exciting field at Foothill. Salaries generally start at $35,000-$60,000 for entry-level positions. Advancement, stock options and benefits are all available for the motivated employee.
Foothill can prepare you to be the most qualified applicant for a job in the biotechnology industry.
Skills Acquired Upon Program Completion
This program emphasizes scientific theory with experimental design, troubleshooting, record keeping and data analysis. All of these skills are gained through comprehensive laboratory training. The basics of safety, laboratory organization and instrumentation are stressed throughout the program.
Lab Techniques
Cell Biology and microbiology topics - cell culture, cell cloning, cell separation, subcellular fractionation, electrophoresis, enzymology, microscopy and staining, chromatography, sterile and aseptic technique, fermentation, bioremediation, HPLC and histology.
Molecular Biology Topics - restriction enzyme analysis, transformation, DNA isolation (mini and midi-preps), cloning, Southern Blot, PCR, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics.
Immunology and Virology Topics - ELISA, Western Blot, monoclonal antibody production, immunofluorescence, cell-based assays and flow cytometry.
Not able to make a full-time 9-month commitment? Check out our shorter individual Biotechniques Course offerings at: www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/biotech/short.php
"Biotechnology is an emerging industry in California offering excellent opportunities, pay and benefits to its employees...For people with a background in biological science and good laboratory skills, there are many good positions available."
Gina Frierman-Hunt and Julie Solberg
Careers in Biotechnology:
A Counselor’s Guide to the Best Jobs
Pasadena City College, 1999.
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Additional Contact Information
If you have questions regarding course requirements, you may call
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