What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is a fancy term for the applied uses of fundamental biological processes. Biotechnological applications include the generation of new drugs, food products, sensors and diagnostic tests. Advances in biotechnology often occur in step with advances in the computer, chemical and nanotechnology fields.

How strong is the Arizona Bioindustry?
The state of Arizona has made a strong bid to build a bioindustry on par with leading centers such as San Francisco, San Diego and Boston. This effort began in earnest in the 1990's and has since seen the arrival of Tgen and the International Genomics Consortium (IGC) as well as the development of a medical cluster in downtown Phoenix. Numerous biotech companies start in or relocate to Arizona each year.

What do I need to know to work in the field of Biotechnology?
Students who wish to work in the field need a fundamental understanding of cellular processes, chemistry and must have some math skills as well.

What types of jobs are available to MCC Biotech graduates?
MCC graduates are trained to work as technicians in research laboratories. Graduates have found employment at Tgen, Barrow Neurological Institute, Genosensor and Banner Health. Several MCC graduates have completed bachelors degrees and are now pursuing Ph.D. degrees at universities across the country.

How much money does a lab technician make?
Lab technicians in the Phoenix are make anywhere from $25,000 - $40,000 annually.

I’m seeking a career change. Should I pursue Biotechnology at MCC?
Well, that depends. Biotechnology is best pursued by those who marvel at the wonders of biology and truly love science. Science, in general can be full of heartache. 90% of experiments don't work and funding, at times, can be tenuous. If you enjoy biology but don't have a passion for science, you may want to consider other biology-based career paths such as nursing, dental hygiene or respiratory therapy.

I've already been to college. Am I too old for this program?
Not likely. Many of our best students have come to the Program after having a career in another other field. Returning students often have the drive and academic discipline to master a new field in a relatively short period of time.

Many of the courses at MCC Biotechnology don't transfer to the 4-year program I plan on attending. Why should I bother?
Sometimes students don't understand the difference between training and credit. Students fresh out of high school can't fathom the idea that earning a Bachelors, Masters or even Ph.D. degree may not translate into employable skills. Students with these degrees, however, are aware of this dark underside and truly appreciate the practical training provided by the MCC Biotechnology Program.

Transfer students can benefit from the Biotechnology Program in two additional ways: Academic Preparedness and Opportunity. Because of the aggressive nature of our program, transfer students often find the coursework at their 4-year university to be ploddingly slow and extremely overpriced. Additionally, MCC students generally have no problem joining a laboratory at their perspective transfer institutions.

I am Pre-Med. How does MCC Biotech fit in with my plans?
Pre-Medical students may pick from a variety of undergraduate majors and still be competitive for admission to medical school. But one thing all pre-med students need on their application is research experience. MCC Biotech trains students to do research. With our connections with Sun Research Health Institute, Orthologic and Alcor Life Extension, MCC Biotechnology students receive the opportunity to add cardiac research to their resumes while still tasking undergraduate coursework.

I am not able to pursue the Program full time. Are their opportunities for part time students?
Students may pursue the program part-time. Most of the courses in the Biotechnology Program can be taken at night. It is best, however to keep taking Biology and Chemistry classes concurrently.

I already have a Bachelors degree. Can I waive some of the requirements for the AAS degree?
It is possible. Depending on when you earned your degree, it may be possible to waive some of the non-core requirements of the AAS degree.

I already have a Bachelors degree in Molecular Biology. Can I take BIO 212AA and 212AB at the same time?
It is unlikely. In the past students who have asked for such privileges have shown themselves to be less knowledgeable and less motivated than students who have come through the MCC system. That being said, there have been graduates of 4 year institutions who have taken BIO 212AA, combined this experience with their previous coursework and found employment immediately.