To become a biotechnologist, also known as a biological technologist, you must combine biology and technology to develop scientific solutions in a wide range of industries and sectors, such as agriculture and public health. In a medical or diagnostic laboratory setting, such a professional assists a biological scientist with activities such as research or data collection, performing tests or experiments, and drawing graphs and charts. As a result, becoming a biotechnologist necessitates a significant amount of education, which can be obtained at a university.
Obtaining an Associate of Science (A.S.) or Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in biotechnology or laboratory science, which typically takes two years, is the most common educational path taken to become a biotechnologist. This program is primarily offered at community colleges, though it is also offered at some technical schools. Cell and molecular biology, immunology, nanotechnology, health science, and biomanufacturing are examples of typical subject areas. Some educational institutions may require students to take general education courses like English composition or mathematics, as well as an internship, computer training, and specialties like disease control or pharmaceutical research. The associate’s degree is primarily intended to equip students with the laboratory skills required to work as a biotechnologist.
Although it is not required to become a biotechnologist, some people pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field, which can be obtained from colleges and universities. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete on average, and those interested in pursuing a graduate degree must have at least a bachelor’s degree as one of the prerequisites for admission to a two-year program. These tracks’ courses are more specialized in specific subject areas, such as food biotechnology or cancer cell biology. Due to a higher level of training and expertise, having a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in biotechnology can improve one’s hiring chances and earning potential.
Some colleges offer certificate programs that take about half the time to complete as associate’s degree programs. The certificate, on the other hand, is for people looking for entry-level jobs. Biotechnicians, or biological technicians, are the people who work in these positions, and some of them work under biotechnologists.
Graduates of academic programs can work in a wide range of settings, including medical facilities, research laboratories, health and environmental organizations, and government agencies. Some biotechnologists may wish to pursue a career as a biological scientist, which necessitates the completion of a Ph.D.