Chemical Technology Certificate of Achievement

The Chemical Technology Certificate of Achievement prepares students for immediate entry-level employment as laboratory technicians in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, agricultural, and chemical industries. This foundational program combines essential classroom instruction in general chemistry with hands-on laboratory training using industry-standard equipment and biotechnology instrumentation.

Students develop core technical competencies in laboratory operations, quality control procedures, and analytical techniques fundamental to regulated industries. The curriculum emphasizes proper use of chemical glassware, basic analytical methods, validation of assays, system evaluations, and process testing. Throughout the program, students master quality assurance principles, good manufacturing practices (GMP), and documentation requirements critical to quality control environments.

The program cultivates professional workplace behaviors including reliability, attention to detail, and collaborative teamwork essential in laboratory settings. Students strengthen analytical thinking abilities through experimental design, accurate observation, and data interpretation. Emphasis is placed on effective technical communication through laboratory reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and documentation that meets industry standards.

Laboratory safety is integrated throughout the curriculum, with training in hazard identification, risk assessment, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), personal protective equipment selection, and emergency response protocols. Students also develop research skills for gathering technical information related to quality control methods and analytical procedures.

This certificate provides a stackable pathway, serving as a solid foundation for students who wish to continue their education through the Associate of Science Degree in Chemical Technology and supports future career advancement in the field.

Program Requirements

To earn the Chemical Technology Certificate of Achievement, students must complete 20 units of required coursework with a grade of "C" or better in all courses:

Core Requirements (20 units):

• CHEM 101 - General Chemistry I (5 units)
• CHEM 102 - General Chemistry II (5 units)
• BIOTECH 002 - Biotechnology 1 (4 units)
• BIOTECH 006 - Biotechnology: Quality Control (2 units)
• PLNT SC 103 - Introduction to Soil (4 units)

BIOTECH 006 is being offered for the first time in Fall 2025.  Currently, 25 students are enrolled in this course.  

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Chemical Technology Certificate of Achievement, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate professional workplace competencies including reliability, punctuality, organizational skills, attention to detail, and professional attitudes consistent with quality control laboratory environments.

2. Collaborate effectively as contributing members of laboratory teams by communicating clearly, sharing responsibilities, following protocols, and supporting collaborative problem-solving in quality control operations.

3. Apply analytical and problem-solving skills by performing quality control testing, designing and conducting experiments, interpreting analytical results, executing chemical calculations, utilizing laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and applying appropriate analytical techniques including spectrophotometric, gravimetric, and volumetric methods.

4. Maintain safe laboratory practices and compliance by identifying chemical hazards, assessing and mitigating risks, properly using Safety Data Sheets, selecting appropriate personal protective equipment, implementing engineering controls, and responding appropriately to laboratory emergencies in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP).

5. Communicate technical information effectively in written and oral formats using appropriate chemical and biotechnology terminology, including preparation of laboratory reports, standard operating procedures, and documentation meeting industry standards.

6. Conduct technical research by performing literature searches and gathering information related to quality control methods, analytical procedures, validation protocols, and biotechnology applications relevant to pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, and chemical industries.

7. Possess foundational skills, knowledge, and laboratory competencies needed for entry-level employment as chemical technology laboratory technicians and for continued academic advancement through the Associate of Science Degree in Chemical Technology or transfer to four-year institutions pursuing bachelor's degrees in chemistry, biotechnology, or related fields.

Students are required to complete 20 Core Units for this certificate of achievement.

There are no inventory records that need adjusting.  Since this is a new program, it does not replace an existing program.  There is no related programs to this proposal at Los Angeles Pierce College.

LA Trade Tech College

BIOTECH 006 is being offered for the first time in Fall 2025.  Currently, 25 students are enrolled in this course.  

Change the title from Chemical Technology to Chemical Technology Certificate of Achievement