The Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) Biotechnology Program, housed in the BCCC Life Sciences Institute at UM BioPark, teaches cutting-edge biotechnology techniques and practices, laboratory procedures, and more to aid in research or pharmaceutical development. Through a combination of theoretical and practical coursework, students prepare to enter the biotechnology workforce or transfer to four-year institutions to continue their studies. The program offers students the opportunity to conduct research in professional settings such as university or biotech company laboratories.

A biotechnology lab certificate enables students to find employment in academic and industrial research laboratories and biopharmaceutical production facilities.

The lab animal science certificate program is for those who want to assist in scientific work by ensuring the proper care and handling of lab animals used in scientific investigations

BCCC offers the following options in the area of Biotechnology:

• Lab Animal Science Certificate

Graduates of the associate of applied science program in biotechnology are able to enter directly into careers in health sciences, research, production, manufacturing and quality assurance. Alternatively, students can transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in physical or biological sciences.

Students completing a biotechnology lab certificate are qualified for immediate employment in the biotechnology field as biotechnology laboratory technicians or assistants. Those who opt for a lab animal science certificate receive training in lab animal care and handling. This includes keeping logs, administering medication, preparing samples, sterilizing equipment and cleaning and disinfecting cages.

Lab Animal Science

• Conduct necessary calculations required by animal labs.
• Apply typical industry Standard Operating Procedure with accuracy and precision.
• Conduct sanitization and sterilization in biomedical labs.
• Read and comprehend, on a fundamental level, the primary literature of a science lab.
• Write daily logs and forms commonly used in animal labs.
• Communicate professionally with physicians, veterinarians, scientists, researchers, and technicians in medical labs.     

Biotechnology graduates are employed in a variety of laboratory settings. Possible careers include research or laboratory technician, research scientist, forensic science technician, bioproduction worker, material handler and environmental technician.

• Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers with a lab animal certificate earn a starting salary of $19,325 and a median income of $25,800.

Always check with an advisor to determine what courses to take. All BCCC students must meet the College’s computer literacy requirement in order to receive a degree or certificate. All students are required to complete the PRE 100 course within the first six credits. PRE 100 is an academic achievement preparation course earning one credit.