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Submitter's Information

Name

Jazmin Guzman

Title

Administrative Assistant

Region

Los Angeles

College

Santa Monica College

CTE Dean

CTE Dean's Name

Patricia Ramos

CTE Dean's Email

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Program Details

Program Title

Certificate of Achievement – Chemical Technician Skills

Submission Type

New Program

TOPs Code

Laboratory Science Technology (095500)

Projected Start Date

02/17/26

Catalog Description

The Certificate of Achievement in Chemical Technician Skills prepares students for entry-level employment as chemical technicians in pharmaceutical, chemical manufacturing, regulatory, or academic laboratories. The program provides a foundation in chemical principles and emphasizes hands-on experience with chemical instrumentation and fundamental laboratory techniques. The pathway introduces students to techniques commonly used in chemical analysis, manufacturing, quality assurance, and research. Students will develop practical skills in data collection and interpretation, industry-standard notebook documentation, handling chemical materials, laboratory safety, and the operation of instruments. This certificate requires successful completion of two semesters of general chemistry and an introductory course in chemical instrumentation.

Enrollment Completer Projections

We estimate approximately 10 completers per year.


Program Proposal Attributes

Program Award Type(s) (Check all that apply)
  • Certificate of Achievement: 8 to fewer than 16 semester (or 12 to fewer than 24 quarter) units (B)
Program Goal

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in general chemistry concepts and laboratory procedures.

Operate and interpret data from common analytical instruments including HPLC, GC-MS, IR, and UV-vis.

Apply safety and regulatory practices in a laboratory setting.

Analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data effectively.

Course Units and Hours

Total Certificate Units (Minimum and Maximum)

12

Units for Degree Major or Area of Emphasis (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Total Units for Degree (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Course Report

Program Requirements Narrative

The Certificate of Achievement in Chemical Technician Skills is a 12-unit, stackable credential designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the chemical technology industry or for continued academic advancement through additional certificates or an associate degree. The certificate consists of three courses: CHEM 11 – General Chemistry I, CHEM 12 – General Chemistry II, and CHEM 55 – Introduction to Chemical Instrumentation. These courses provide a foundation in research laboratory skills, scientific communication, and industry-specific knowledge.

Program Requirements
CourseTitleUnitsYear/Semester
(Y1 or S1)
CHEM 11General Chemistry I    5S1, Y1
CHEM 12General Chemistry II5S2, Y1
CHEM 55Introduction to Chemical Instrumentation2S1, Y2








Los Angeles Regional Questions

District

Santa Monica College

College

Santa Monica College

LA Workforce Council Voting Member

Patricia Ramos

Email

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Phone

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Reason for program recommendation request

New Program

Place of program in college's curriculum/similar program

No other CTE programs with 0955 TOP Code exist at SMC. The program will be housed within the the Physical Sciences Department at the college. 

List similar programs at other colleges in the Los Angeles Region

There is one program within Los Angeles County with TOP code (0955): Mount San Antonio College
There are two programs within Los Angeles County with TOP code (0954): East Los Angeles College, LA Trade - Tech 

Annual Enrollment projects (non-duplicative)

We estimate approximately 18 enrollments per year. 

List of colleges contacted for collegial consultation
Priority Sector

Advanced Manufacturing

If this is a program modification, please provide a brief description of the changes to the program. A bulleted list of key changes is acceptable.

N/A

Submission Details

Published at

05/12/25 - 05:49 PM

Last edited at

06/04/25 - 04:26 PM by Gray Rakow

Status

Recommended

Return to Drafts

Please list the reason(s) for returning "Certificate of Achievement – Chemical Technician Skills". to Jazmin Guzman's drafts. This message will be sent to guzman_jazmin@smc.edu

Comments, Documents, Voting

Comments

All Comments


GR

Gray Rakow Super User   ·  06/04/25

Added additional documentation regarding the selected LMI report TOP code.