Science Technicians
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as a science technician, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or GED; and
- complete at least an associate degree in science or a science-related technology.
Education after high school
There are several ways to prepare for this occupation. Most science technicians have an associate degree in applied science or technology. Some technicians have a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry. It is possible to work as a technician if you do not have a bachelor's degree in a life science. In this case you still need college-level science and math courses.
Some professional-technical schools offer one-year certificate programs in science technology. The area of science you work in will determine the level of degree you need to have.
Work experience
A summer job in a lab is excellent experience for working in this field.
On-the-job training
While completing a science technology program, you may have the chance to work as an intern. This experience is very helpful for getting a job.
Once hired, technicians often undergo on-the-job training. They may learn how to perform tasks from an experienced employee or take formal classes, or a combination of both. This training may last several months to two years. This will depend greatly on the type of employer and the work performed.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to be non-destructive testers. Training lasts nine to 13 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)
- Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production
- Crop Production.
- Animal Sciences, General
- Food Science
- Food Technology and Processing.
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
- Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician
- Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician
- Chemical Technology/Technician
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
- Animal Husbandry and Production
- Animal Sciences, General
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences, General
- Biomedical Technology
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Biotechnology Laboratory Technology
- Cell Biology
- Chemical Technology
- Chemistry
- Conservation Biology
- Dairy Science
- Ecology
- Engineering Technology, General
- Environmental Biology
- Environmental Engineering Technology
- Environmental Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Food Science
- Forensic Science
- Forest Technology
- Instrumentation Technology
- Laser and Optical Technology
- Mathematics
- Metallurgical Technology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Natural Resources Policy and Management
- Natural Sciences
- Nuclear Technology
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Occupational Safety and Health Technology
- Oceanography
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Petroleum Technology
- Physical Sciences, General
- Plant Physiology
- Plastics Technology
- Range Science and Management
- Virology
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology
- Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management
Level of Education
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The tables below list the level of education attained by a subset of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 9 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 31 |
| Some college, no degree | 23 |
| Associate degree | 10 |
| Bachelor's degree | 23 |
| Master's degree | 4 |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree | 1 |
* National data for agricultural and food science technicians (SOC 19-4011).
________________________________________________________________
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 2 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 18 |
| Some college, no degree | 16 |
| Associate degree | 8 |
| Bachelor's degree | 37 |
| Master's degree | 9 |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree | 9 |
* National data for biological technicians (SOC 19-4021).
________________________________________________________________
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 4 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 27 |
| Some college, no degree | 25 |
| Associate degree | 12 |
| Bachelor's degree | 25 |
| Master's degree | 5 |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree | 3 |
* National data for chemical technicians (SOC 19-4031).
________________________________________________________________
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 3 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 18 |
| Some college, no degree | 24 |
| Associate degree | 12 |
| Bachelor's degree | 30 |
| Master's degree | 10 |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree | 4 |
* National data for environmental science and protection technicians, including health (SOC 19-4091).
________________________________________________________________
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 6 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 23 |
| Some college, no degree | 30 |
| Associate degree | 10 |
| Bachelor's degree | 25 |
| Master's degree | 5 |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree | 1 |
* National data for geological and petroleum technicians (SOC 19-4041).
________________________________________________________________
| Education level attained | Percentage of workers in this occupation* |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 3 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 23 |
| Some college, no degree | 24 |
| Associate degree | 20 |
| Bachelor's degree | 24 |
| Master's degree | 3 |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree | 3 |
* National data for nuclear technicians (SOC 19-4051).
________________________________________________________________
Helpful High School Courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Take as many science courses as you can in your area of interest.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
- Computer Applications
- Computer Science
- Keyboarding
- Technical Writing
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
