Natural Sciences

Biotechnology Technician
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Amy Beth Waddell • (901) 333-5224

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers courses leading to either an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biotechnology Technician. This program is designed to give practical hands-on, and theoretical knowledge of a variety of laboratory procedures and equipment.

The Biotechnology Technician is an important part of the team involved in basic and clinical research. Students completing the program will be employed in medical, research, and industrial laboratories. The final semester of the second year will be spent working in a laboratory at a local institution, hospital, or business, in addition to other courses. During this period, the students’ schedule may differ from the academic calendar.

The program core consists of intensive laboratory-based courses culminating in an off-campus working internship.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, the applicant must be granted degree admission at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Retention Policy

In order to retain a position in the program, the student must:

Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all BIOT courses required for the degree. Students failing to attain this requirement will not progress through the program.
Remain in sequence and on schedule for all BIOT courses.
Students may be required to submit proof in writing of a negative drug screen prior to the start of their internship.

Dismissal from Biotechnology Technician Program

Violation of classroom procedures, internship site procedures, or personal misconduct will result in disciplinary actions and can result in immediate dismissal from the Biotechnology Technician program. Disciplinary actions are warranted by behaviors that include but are not limited to, conduct dangerous to others; falsification of, or discrepancies in, forms or records; cheating; disorderly conduct; threatening or verbally abusive behavior toward faculty, staff, or other students; misuse of or damage to property; misuse of documents or identification cards; violations of state or federal law; evidence of alcohol or drug use while in class or at an internship site; or a positive drug screen.

Readmission Policy

Students withdrawing from the program or dismissed for any reason may be considered for readmission the following year by the program coordinator 30 days prior to the first day of registration for that term. Students must submit to the program coordinator a letter of intent to be readmitted.

Graduation Policy

All students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all classes required by the program in order to be eligible for graduation. This includes any electives that are required.