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Find out what is typically needed to work as a biological technologist in Canada. See what education, training or certification is usually required to practice this occupation. Visit Job Bank to learn more about professional licensing and other regulatory requirements in Canada.
- Overview
- What is a biological technician?
- What does a biological technician do?
- How to become a biological technician
- Skills for a biological technician
- Salary and job outlook
Scientists require skilled assistants to help them conduct experiments in the field and laboratory. One of these is a biological technician, who has the analytical and science skills and experience to help biologists develop and research processes and products. If you enjoy doing scientific tests and have strong technical and observation skills, yo...
A biological technician, or a laboratory assistant, is a specialist in the biology field who collects samples for analysis and conducts experiments using various laboratory equipment. These professionals also clean and maintain equipment to help medical and biological scientists with their tests and experiments. Most biological technicians can adva...
A biological technician's primary duty is to support and help environmental and conservation scientists perform laboratory research on organisms' life cycles. They set up, maintain, clean and operate laboratory equipment and instruments, make observations and monitor experiments. Technicians also record and calculate results and analyze organic substances, medications, blood and food. They might help scientists conduct experiments, including taking samples and gathering information about animals, plants, water, soil and blood.Most biological technicians perform a variety of duties, including:
•Use computers, robots or high-tech industrial applications and computer-interface equipment to complete experiments
•Help develop, manufacture and study pharmaceutical and medical preparations
•Monitor experiments, test data for evaluation by research specialists and record results
•Evaluate experimental data and interpret outcomes to create summaries and reports of their findings
•Provide technical services and support for engineers and scientists in various fields, including agriculture, biology, resource management, health science and environmental science
1. Earn a degree
Biological technicians typically need a four-year bachelor's degree in biology or a related field. Some biological tech positions might be available for individuals without degrees or with an associate's degree and laboratory work experience.Biological science programs usually include courses in biology and related subfields such as microbiology, ecology and physiology. While taking biology programs, you should also study subjects such as physics, math and chemistry to gain the technical skills you need to succeed in this career. Computer science courses might help you learn to simulate and model biological processes and operate laboratory equipment.
2. Gain laboratory experience
Your work experience in a laboratory environment can attract potential employers looking for biological technicians. Most bachelor's degree programs in biological sciences offer opportunities to gain laboratory experience. You might take courses that involve a laboratory component or work in campus research laboratories. Use this opportunity to gain hands-on research experience while interacting with professors and other faculty members.You might participate in research projects to earn course credits and get your work published in scientific journals. Applying for an internship outside the campus setting can also provide you with valuable laboratory experience.
3. Earn a master's degree in biology science
After earning a bachelor's degree and gaining practical work experience, many biological technicians pursue a master's degree. While not all jobs require biological techs to have advanced degrees, a master's degree can help grow your professional network, improve your resume and demonstrate your expertise in a specific area of the biology field.Application requirements for a master's degree in biology science vary depending on the school you choose but typically include a combination of undergraduate GPA (3.5 or greater), work experience, GRE score and an individual statement. You might complete the program in one to two years.
Lab equipment
Lab equipment skills can help you perform technical responsibilities such as cleaning, maintaining and operating equipment when conducting laboratory research. You might move sensitive items and oversee the supply of lab equipment. You should also understand environmental safety compliance when using electronic lab equipment to support biological scientists.
Global positioning system (GPS)
Global positioning is a navigation system involving satellites that helps determine locations and synchronize time data and velocity for land, air and sea travel. If you know how to use GPS, you can mark and trace locations to get relevant results. You might also need to use GPS to find sites on land and water and to collect field data involving GPS coordinates. Biological technicians use GPS, maps and visual recognition, for example, to locate invasive plant species populations.Related: How To Become a Research Technician in 4 Steps
Wildlife
Wildlife skills include your ability to interact with plants and animals when performing biological research. You might develop and organize comprehensive photo databases by identifying and documenting vegetation and wildlife. You might also use this skill when estimating wildlife population numbers through direct census, recapture and mark.
Biological technicians work full-time schedules that might include night and evening shifts. A biological technician's salary varies depending on their expertise, education and location. The average salary in the U.S. is $60,570 per year.The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects biological technician employment to grow 7% faster than the average growth rate of all occupations. Biological techs have the opportunity to advance to scientific positions because of the considerable demand for biophysics, biochemists and microbiologists. As biological industries and demand for biological science research grow, so do the job prospects for biological technicians.Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
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If you are considering a career as a biological technician, you should have a strong interest in: Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics; The minimum education requirement is usually a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary university.
Biological technologists and technicians must usually complete a two to three-year college program in a field related to agriculture, biology, microbiology, wildlife or resource management for employment as a biological technologist.
Jul 22, 2024 · Becoming a biotechnician may require a bachelor's degree. You can choose from a variety of science subjects, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Most biotechnicians have at least some college experience while others have an associate degree in a related field and get their bachelor's degree later on.
Biological technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field. It is important for prospective biological technicians to gain laboratory experience while they are in school.
People also ask
What qualifications do you need to be a biological technologist?
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What is a biological technician?
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Biological technicians. Assist in conducting biological, microbiological and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses. Perform limited range of technical functions in support of agriculture, plant breeding, animal husbandry, biology, biomedical research and environmental protection.
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related to: What degree do you need to become a biology technician?Invest in yourself and the planet by earning an online degree in Wildlife Biology. Study when & where you want with 8 online start dates each year. Learn more today!
