Are you mad about science? Then you’ll want to consider Blackhawk Technical College’s new Laboratory Technician Assistant program. You’ll learn to support the agricultural, environmental, food processing, and medical industries by learning to conduct or assist in-laboratory analysis of water, food, fuel, soil, drugs, and other elements.

This unique program trains you to be part of the laboratory team. You will be operating equipment, performing tests and experiments, and documenting results. When you graduate you’ll have a strong understanding of scientific principles, quality methodology, and documentation, as well as laboratory equipment and testing methodologies.

Career opportunities include positions such as agriculture or food lab technician, environmental science protection assistant, lab assistant, or quality assurance lab assistant.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment growth is expected to be faster than average, as the volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both the population growth and the development of new types of tests. Locally the demand for Laboratory Technician Assistants is on the rise, as 75 percent of the employers surveyed report having difficulty finding employees with the necessary lab skills to fill entry-level positions.

Employment opportunities locally and statewide are expected to steadily increase at a rate of 7.5 percent per year for Laboratory Technician Assistants through the year 2014. Graduates can expect to be in demand as 96 percent of employers indicated they would hire a graduate of the program.

According to a Need Demonstration survey conducted by BTC, entry level starting wages are at about $12.38 per hour, whereas experienced Laboratory Technician Assistants can expect to earn at least $34,280 annually, according to data on Wisconsin’s WORKnet.

Note: This program is offered at BTC’s Monroe Campus