Biotechnology Laboratory Technician (ATC) is an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) program offered by Lone Star College in Conroe, TX. The program takes 34 credit hours to complete, with a total tuition of $3,774.
Program Overview
- Biotechnology is a continually evolving, interdisciplinary industry offering solutions to environmental, health, energy, agricultural, forensic, and other challenges facing the world. The biotechnology industry is incredibly diverse and provides numerous opportunities for career advancement within and between several different biotechnology sectors, including pharmaceutical, cell biology, agriculture, biofuels, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and more. Moreover, the biotechnology industry is an extremely stable industry because of its positive impact on numerous societal challenges.
- Program Highlights
- One distinguishing feature of the LSC Biotechnology program is the sophistication of the laboratory equipment and facilities, as well as the opportunity for students to gain significant hands-on experience with these resources. Graduates of this program will carry out experiments and assays using state-of-the-art equipment, including gas and liquid chromatography, polyacrylamide and agarose electrophoresis, UV/VIS spectrophotometry, fluorescence microscopy, mass spectrometry, conventional and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), flow cytometry, along with a variety of microbiological-, molecular biological- and cell and tissue culture-based techniques. In addition to their course-based experiences with these technologies and techniques, students have ample opportunities to engage in independent research projects, both within and outside of their biotechnology courses.
- Credentials and Careers
- LSC-Montgomery offers the Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC). Students who already have a degree and have completed three college-level biology courses, including microbiology, and two college-level chemistry courses, enroll in the ATC program. This educational pathway helps students develop relevant knowledge and skills crucial for career success with companies utilizing cutting-edge advances in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In the final semester of the program, students complete an internship as a capstone experience. The focus on current skills-based training, endorsed by our industry partners, enables the LSC-Montgomery Biotechnology program to produce graduates who have found success with academic, government and industry organizations throughout the United States.
- After completing the ATC, students can either seek employment or pursue additional educational opportunities. Students who opt to continue their education typically pursue bachelor or master’s degrees in a life science, chemistry, or engineering discipline. In recent years, the Molecular Genetics Technology and Cytogenetics Technology programs at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson School of Health Professions have served as the most popular academic transfer destinations for graduates of this program.
- Transferability
- General education courses (Core) are designated for easy transfer to Texas public institutions and applicable to requirements at private and out-of-state institutions.
- Technical coursework may be transferrable to other institutions.
- Please consult with a program advisor for more information about transferability.
School Information
Campus Location
LSC-Montgomery
3200 College Park Drive
Conroe, TX 77384
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It's not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Admission Requirements and Process
- Admission to the Biotechnology ATC Program requires completion of an Associate of Science degree or Bachelor of Science degree that included the following:
- 2 semesters of Chemistry and
- 3 semesters of Biology, including a Microbiology course with lab included.
- There is no specific requirement to the ATC program.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
- Prerequisite: Associate of Science degree or Bachelor of Science degree that includes 2 semesters of Chemistry and 3 semesters of Biology, including a Microbiology course with lab included.
- This award requires 34 credit hours in total.
- Lone Star College reports 928 contact hours for this award.
- Where the course list shows "Choose N credit hours", those courses are the options for one elective slot, not additional requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Use scientific protocols and current technologies relevant to the biotechnology industry to conduct safe laboratory experiments and to collect data that are appropriately validated and documented.
- Maintain high standards of integrity, teamwork, interpersonal communication, and fairness in scientific practices and professional conduct.
- Engage in active listening, oral, and written communication skills to follow procedures, maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, write lab reports, and give effective oral presentations to both scientific and nonscientific audiences.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Total Program Tuition
≈ $3,774
- Tuition shown is the in-district rate of $111.00 per credit hour for 34 credit hours.
- Out-of-district Texas residents pay $249.00 per credit hour ($8,466.00); international and out-of-state students pay $313.00 per credit hour ($10,642.00).
- Lab fees vary by course and liability insurance, uniforms and supplies vary by program, so Lone Star College publishes no all-in total for this award. Tuition above excludes them.
- Financial aid and payment plans are available to most students.
- Application fee: none. Lone Star College applications are free.
School Information
Campus Location
LSC-Montgomery
3200 College Park Drive
Conroe, TX 77384
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It's not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Ready to get started?
Apply to Biotechnology Laboratory Technician (ATC) at LSC-Montgomery.