The Program
The East Central College Biotechnology program integrates knowledge of chemistry and biology with problem-solving applications of technology. Biotechnology Club membership is available with opportunities for scholarships. The program involves an internship in an academic or industry setting, which increases employment opportunities.
Employment and Salary Opportunities
Biological technicians held about 72,740 jobs in May 2012, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 30 percent worked in professional, scientific or technical services firms; most other biological technicians worked in educational services; federal, state, and local governments; or pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing.
By 2020, employment of biological technicians is projected to increase by 14%. Factors contributing to this growth include an increase in the aging population and the rising number of agricultural and medicinal products developed with the use of biotechnology techniques.
Stronger competition among pharmaceutical companies is also expected to contribute to the need for innovative and improved drugs, further spurring demand. Most growth in employment will be in professional, scientific, technical and educational services.
Upon obtaining a degree in biotechnology, a graduate can expect to fill the following positions:
- Laboratory technician
- Research assistant
- Biologist
- Production specialist
- Quality control specialist
- Testing laboratory technician
In May 2012, the median annual income for biological technicians was $39,750, or $19.11 per hour, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Career
Biological technicians work with biologists studying living organisms. Many assist scientists who conduct medical research helping to find a cure for cancer or AIDS, for example. Technicians who work in pharmaceutical companies help develop and manufacture medicine.
Those working in the field of microbiology generally work as laboratory assistants, studying living organisms and infectious agents. They also analyze organic substances, such as blood, food and drugs.
Technicians working in biotechnology apply knowledge and techniques gained from basic research, including gene splicing and recombinant DNA, and apply them to product development.
Professional Traits
- Good analytical judgment and the ability to work under pressure
- Good at problem solving
- Close attention to detail
- Manual dexterity
Admissions Requirements
Student must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation sent to the registration office).
- Application for admission.
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results).
Transfer Options
The Associate of Applied Science degree is designed for those students seeking employment immediately upon graduation. Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credit by four-year colleges and/or universities.
Please note that transferring credit is decided by the bachelor degree granting institution. Students who are seeking transfer are advised to contact the four-year institutions regarding transferability before beginning a program and/or review other AAS or AA degrees offered through ECC.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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