SPC's Laboratory Specialist Advanced Technical Certificate focuses on the principles of biological sciences, chemistry and mathematics necessary for success in a scientific work environment.
This program prepares you to work as a laboratory technician in a range of work environments, from government laboratories to manufacturing laboratory environments. Demand for professional, scientific, and technical services employees is expected to grow 15 percent in the Tampa Bay area through 2026.
This academic program prepares you for the following careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Biological Technicians
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2022 Employment
3,450
2032
4,300
Percent Change
25
Projected Job Openings
560
Food Scientists and Technologists
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2022 Employment
260
2032
300
Percent Change
15
Projected Job Openings
30
Soil and Plant Scientists
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2022 Employment
630
2032
690
Percent Change
10
Projected Job Openings
80
OTHER CAREER INFO
Our Laboratory Specialist Certificate prepares you for these other careers:
The Laboratory Specialist Certificate at St. Petersburg College teaches you to:
- Apply mathematical, physical, and chemical concepts to routine laboratory procedures.
- Apply knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, proper preparation of samples, and the limitations of instrumental analysis.
- Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, proper preparation of samples, and the limitations of instrumental analysis.
- Apply critical thinking skills to laboratory technology.
- Use interpersonal and communication skills appropriate to the laboratory technology environment.
- Use quantitative and qualitative analyses accurately in laboratory procedures.
- Demonstrate independent work in the laboratory.
- Demonstrate knowledge of current Good Lab Practices
- Troubleshoot results of experiments
- Interpret the results of experiments.
Laboratory Specialist Advanced Technical Certificate with Financial Aid Eligibility
LAB-ATC
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2020 (580)
The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2020 (580), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.
Program Summary
A Laboratory Specialist Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) provides students with exposure to the principles of biological sciences, chemistry and mathematics necessary for success in a scientific work environment.
Laboratory technicians work under the direction of a laboratory supervisor and have diverse work environments that range from government laboratories to manufacturing laboratory environments. Many of the courses contained within this certificate are also prerequisites for Allied Health and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree programs.
Credits within this certificate may apply towards the State Mandated Prerequisites for the Biology degree (B.S.). Some credits from this certificate can also be applied toward the Biotechnology A.S. degree at SPC. Students may pursue one or more certificates to develop or upgrade their skills in a particular field, or pursue the A.S. and B.S. degree and earn technical certificates while completing the requirements for the degree
NOTE: Many courses for this certificate have prerequisite requirements and/or co-requisite courses listed in the course descriptions. Students are advised to be guided by these requirements.
Graduation Requirements
A GRADE OF "C" OR BETTER IS REQUIRED IN ALL COURSES.
Academic Pathways
The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:- the recommended order in which to take the program courses
- suggested course when more than one option exists
- which semester each course is typically offered
- if the course has a prerequisite
- courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.
Program Leadership Information
Florida CIP Code
0341010166 - Biotechnology Laboratory Technology (ATC )
Federal CIP Code
41.0101 - Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician.
Earning credits in the Laboratory Specialist Certificate:
- Meets some State Mandated Prerequisites for completing SPC's Biology B.S. degree.
- Provides a technical workforce credential for students pursuing the Biology B.S. degree program or a career in biological or physical science.
- Applies toward the Biotechnology Laboratory Technology A.S. degree at SPC.
- Meets some prerequisites for Allied Health and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree programs.
To be admitted to this certificate program, the student must have graduated with an Associate in Arts degree or an Associate in Science in Biotechnology, Health Sciences, Environmental Science, or a Bachelor of Science in Biology.