Delgado Community College

Delgado Community College's Science Laboratory Technician (SLT) Program with an emphasis in Biotechnology offers hands-on training needed to be competitive and successful in today's biotech job market. The SLT Biotechnology 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 Co/Prerequisites

Students applying to the A.A.S. degree must have documentation of enrollment in or completion of the following:

• BIOL‐141 - General Biology I
• BIOL‐143 - General Biology I Lab
• CHEM‐141 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM‐143 - General Chemistry I Lab
• ENGL-101 - English Composition I or the equivalent
• MATH‐130 - Pre-Calculus Algebra or the equivalent 

Program Courses

Courses emphasize workplace skills in communication, safety, time management, and professionalism. Classes will introduce you to technical skills in:

• Growing bacteria
• Biomanufacturing
• Algal work 
• Working with DNA
• Purifying biomolecules
• Performing laboratory tests
• Working with mammalian cell culture
• Wastewater and water technology 

All SLT Biotechnology 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.

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

Program Details

Biotechnology Laboratory Technician is on a career pathway that includes completing an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) Degree. The coursework will prepare you for a good job, and with the AAS degree, you can transfer to another college to earn your bachelor’s degree. Learn at your own pace and increase your earning potential with credentials that keep you moving on your career path.

The SLT Biotechnology classes are offered at the Delgado Community College, City Park Campus.

Apprenticeship opportunities:  Students have apprenticeship opportunities at DOW and the USDA. DOW pays for their schooling as they work in their field.