Three students wearing white lab coats, safety goggles and blue latex gloves working with biological samples in a science lab

Prepare for a career as a lab technician in the biotechnology field

Biotechnology – Health Ontario College Diploma program

Explore this high-tech trade as you become proficient with techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, chemistry and physiology.

Program code BIOT
Duration 2 Year
Credential Ontario College Diploma
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

Upon graduating from the Biotechnology – Health program, you are prepared for a career in biotechnology, a high-tech trade that spans many employment sectors. You develop technical and knowledge-based skills through comprehensive experiential learning, as you are exposed to a variety of experimental techniques using cutting-edge scientific equipment across disciplines including microbiology, molecular biology, tissue culture, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical biotechnology. Throughout the program, you explore current topics in the field and research potential biotechnology applications to address them. In accordance with accepted industry standards, you learn to collect, document, analyze, and present your lab and experimental data. Completion of a micro-credential in Changemaking and Social Entrepreneurism helps you to recognize opportunities in biotechnology and become serial problem solvers. Throughout the program, you are supported in the development of a living resumé as you expand your skillsets and create professional networks.  

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Summer 2025 Barrie
Fall 2025 Barrie

Tuition and fees

What are the admission requirements for the Biotechnology – Health program?

Biotechnology – Health admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

What career paths can I take in biotechnology?

Your Biotechnology – Health diploma gives you many career opportunities

Graduates contribute to setting up and running laboratory-based tests and analyses and to support the smooth day-to-day operation of a lab. Potential employment opportunities exist for graduates as bench scientists, lab assistants, quality control/assurance technicians, and performance of technical roles specific to employers. Potential employers are varied and may include public, and private sector industries such as pharmaceutical, cannabis production, as well as academic and clinical institutions.

What courses are included in the Biotechnology – Health diploma program?

Course overview

21 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Biotechnology – Health program outline.

  • BIOL 1031 – Human Physiology 1
  • BIOL 1042 – Cell Biology 1
  • BIOL 1043 – Introduction to Biotechnology
  • CHEM 1013 – Introduction to Measurement
  • CHEM 1014 – Chemistry for Biotechnology 1
  • MATH 1044 – Mathematics for Biotechnology
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

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Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing

Central Ontario’s first four-year nursing degree. Study close to home and benefit from more industry connections, hands-on practise, and one-on-one training with small class sizes taught by expert faculty who care.

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Paramedic

Preparing students with the knowledge and skills to practise emergency out-of-hospital medical and trauma care. Featuring state-of-the-art learning technology and a nationally-recognized faculty.

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Pharmacy Technician

Skilled and knowledgeable faculty. Hands-on experience. Exceptional facilities including simulated labs.

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Practical Nursing

Caring, committed faculty. More clinical time to build your skills. State-of-the-art facilities. Our students excel on provincial exams!

Do you have questions about Biotechnology – Health? Contact us!

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