Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge you'll need to work in a biotech lab. Learn to analyze DNA, generate cell cultures, document your findings and more.
What is Biotechnology
Do you want to discover alternative energy sources? Search for cures to diseases? Protect the environment? Help feed the world?
BCTC has the only two-year Biotechnology program in Kentucky.
This program is for you! You're someone who wants to learn more about the world around
them and how to improve it through science.
You'll know the technical practices & laboratory skills while learning about the latest
technologies. Lab activities include DNA manipulation, genome exploration, biofuel
production, and molecular gastronomy. You'll perform cutting-edge scientific research
& take part in science outreach in the community. Gain the basic knowledge & lab skills
needed for entry-level jobs in biotechnology.
You'll develop skills in the basic analysis of DNA & proteins and more, including:
- Use of bioreactors,
- Recombinant DNA technology,
- Generation of cell cultures,
- Immunological method applications,
- Regulatory compliance (GMPs and GLPs),
- Accurate documentation, and
- Laboratory safety skills.
Some courses are dual credit! You can earn college credit while students enrolled in high school.
Upon completion of the program students will be prepared for immediate employment as lab technicians, research assistants, quality assurance analysts, cell culture specialists, bioinformatic technicians, and many more.
Some students choose to transfer to four-year institutions with majors in medical laboratory science, agricultural biotechnology, biomedical technology, and other health technology related fields.
Our Biotechnology graduates work as:
- Lab technicians
- Research assistants
- Quality assurance analysts
- Cell culture specialists
- Biofuel technicians
- Scientific writers
- Bioinformatics analysts
Graduates work for local companies including Alltech, Catalent, Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals, Equine Diagnostics, EKU, UK, Ferm Solutions, and Neogen.
Getting Started
Science to Success Scholarship
The Science to Success Scholarship awards $10,000 per year to eligible students for two years maximum.
To learn more about eligibility, requirements, and to apply, please visit the scholarship webpage (new window).
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
The catalog describes the course requirements for completing the credential. Students are required to schedule an appointment with their assigned academic advisor to ensure achievement of their academic goals.
How Do I Pay For This?
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Transfer Opportunities
BCTC has close ties with University of Kentucky Medical Laboratory Science program, University of Kentucky's Agricultural Biotechnology Sciences program, Eastern Kentucky University's Medical Laboratory Sciences program, and local employers.
Program graduates have a 95% placement rate between industry and transfer to a four-year
school.
Additional Information
Donate to BCTC Foundation in order to support the Biotechnology program. All donations made through this link goes directly to supporting the BCTC Biotechnology program.
The Kentucky Honey Testing Lab (KHTL) at BCTC Newtown
The BCTC Biotechnology program received a Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) grant. This helped us establish a regional honey testing site in Kentucky!
Learn more about this project on The Kentucky Honey Testing Lab (KHTL) web page (new window).
Length of Program
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
