Both certificates provide students with the skills and job training essential for the field of biotechnology. The program allows students to attain essential skills in biotechnology and provides opportunities to learn laboratory procedures and safety, how to record and analyze data, perform basic calculations, and write laboratory documents. Students also learn about careers and ethical issues in biotech.

The certificates are similar; however, the Certificate of Achievement is geared more towards Biology Majors. It is a great addition to the regular Biology degree. It requires higher level biology and chemistry courses.

The program allows students to attain essential skills in biotech and provides opportunities to learn laboratory procedures and safety, how to record and analyze data, perform basic calculations, and write laboratory documents. Students also learn about careers and ethical issues in biotech.

You can obtain the Skills Certificate in just one year by taking three courses. The Certificate of Achievement can be acquired in two years.

Only three courses are required for the Skills Certificate:

• CG 51 (College Success) or CG 54 (Careers and Lifestyles), 1 unit

• Bio 41T - Biotechnology Fundamental, 4 units

• Bio 42T - Advanced Biotechnology, 4 units
  

  The following are taken in order to earn the Certificate of Achievement:

• Chem 1A - General Chemistry - 5 Units

• Bio 9A, Molecular, Cellular, and Animal Biology, 5 units

• Bio 41T - Biotechnology Fundamental, 4 units

• Chem 1B - General Chemistry II - 5 Units

• Bio 42T - Advanced Biotechnology, 4 units
  

View Information For Each Course Here

Jobs for technicians may be found in environmental testing labs, forensic labs, hospitals, plant culturing labs, research labs, and food industry, such as dairy, breweries, and wineries.

A few of the exciting jobs for those with a certificate include:

• Laboratory Assistant or Technician

• Assay Analyst

• Genomics Technician

• Water Quality Technician

You may have to demonstrate that you meet the prerequisites (high school level biology and chemistry). See a counselor who will help you get this done quickly and easily.

The program will give you the technical skills and the soft skills you need to be ready for an internship. We are connected with the Cabrillo Internship Office where you can get help finding a company and preparing you for the application process, including resume and interview preparation.

A high school student may take a dual-enrollment class and get both high school and college credit. Biotechnology currently offers Bio 42T at select high schools. Dual-enrolled students can take advantage of all of Cabrillo College’s resources, including counseling, financial aid, and job placement. Dual-enrolled students get a jumpstart on the college experience which will increase their chances of success which may include transferring to a four-year university or obtaining a job in industry.

Your employees will find value in updating expertise by obtaining the Skills Certificate or Certificate of Achievement. As a local employer you have access to a valued program that quickly and affordably provides additional training to your employees.

Students who gain a certificate through the Cabrillo College Biotechnology leave with the skills and job training essential for the field of biotechnology. They are ready to work! Students attain essential skills in biotechnology and learn laboratory procedures and safety, how to record and analyze data, perform basic calculations, and write laboratory documents. They learn from faculty who have both teaching experience combined with real-world experience in industry.

Help us to collaboratively build a skilled workforce to meet your needs of tomorrow. We envision industry partners assisting with program outreach at key events, providing speakers with real-world experience to address our students, creating internships or an employment pipeline, and helping further develop our curriculum.