How to Choose a Biotechnology College in Canada?

Numerous public and private colleges across Canada offer post-secondary diploma programs in biotechnology technician. Deciding on which college to attend may involve a number of factors, including program content, accreditation, hands-on training opportunities, projects and job prospects.

The post-secondary diploma programs in biotechnology typically run for two years, through four semesters. The focus is on providing students with practical training in industrial microbiology, chemistry – organic and biochemistry, and laboratory techniques and experiments.

Program Content

The diploma program in biotechnology – industrial microbiology covers a wide range of subjects. Before applying to a particular course, it’s important to carefully go through what all subjects you will study during the program tenure. An all-inclusive program covers Introduction to Biological Systems, Chemistry, Occupational Health and Safety, Mathematics for Applied Science, Microbiology, Lab Instrumentation, Inorganic Chemistry for Microbiology, Statistics for Applied Science, Food Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Technical Report Writing, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Recombinant DNA Technology and Biochemistry, and Microcomputer Applications for Technology.

Hands-on Training Opportunities

A good program goes beyond basic classroom education and theoretical grounding. In fact, it incorporates practical hands-on learning opportunities, helping you learn to use laboratory equipment; isolate, enumerate and identify microorganisms from various samples; prepare specimens for staining; handle material and chemicals carefully; prepare microbiological media and reagents; and perform microbiology experiments.

Additionally, a good program provides supplemental training in Occupational Health and Safety, HACCP, GMP and WHMIS, which is necessary to seek employment upon graduation.

Projects

Projects play a crucial role in developing your understanding in various microbiology subjects. They strengthen your basics as well as help you put your learning into practice. While going through program content of a specific course, make sure to check whether it includes individual and team projects.

Accreditation

A good program exhibits high standards of learning. National accreditation supports program quality and provides mobility for graduates. Therefore, before applying to a biotechnology program in Canada, ensure that it has received national accreditation status by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). Also check if it has met the technology accreditation requirements established by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT).

Job Prospects

A nationally accredited program offers excellent job prospects upon course completion. Before you send your application to a biotechnology college, learn about the placement services that it offers students.

Centennial College Toronto meets all the above requirements; and thus, it may be the right choice for you. The biotechnology – industrial microbiology diploma program combines theory with ongoing practical work through its eight up-to-date laboratories within the campus. The course is delivered by qualified and experienced faculty.

The program graduates are also eligible to apply for certification through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to use the designation CTech (Certified Technician). The graduates may also apply their academic credits to enter the third year of the Biotechnology Technologist program at the college.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for this program, you will need:

• Secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
• English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
• Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent