The Laboratory Science Technology program may be completed in six academic quarters (18 months). Students may enter in any quarter (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) and may graduate any quarter after completing the program. Graduates may be awarded either an Associate of Applied Science Degree by completing a total of 104.0 quarter credit hours, or a Diploma, which requires 69.0 quarter credit hours for graduation. Students may be either full-time or part-time.
Graduates are in high-demand, and work in a variety of laboratories including quality assurance, analytical chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, water treatment, wastewater treatment, and bioprocessing and bio-fuel including ethanol production. Starting salaries are typically in the $27,000-$31,000 range. Hands-on laboratory experience and on-site practicums offer ample opportunities to perfect lab skills. The program is highly regarded in the industry and has been approved by the American Chemical Society through the Chemical Technology Program Approval Service.
Examples of employers of graduates include:
BioTechnology Focus
In conjunction with the Agriculture Business and Management Technology Program at Southeast Community College - Beatrice Campus, students in this focus spend three quarters (winter, spring, and summer) on the Lincoln campus, taking classes specially designed for this focus. For more information, look under "Agriculture, Business and Management Technology" program.