Program Notice
Applications for Fall 2026 will be accepted beginning June 2026.
ChemTech Courses Offered Fall 2026
- CHEMT 201 (Section: LEC 18160) Careers in Chemical Technology - Fully Online
- CHEMT 296 (Section: LAB 18543) Stockroom Internship - 1 Unit (60 Hours) - In-Person
- CHEMT 297 (Section: LAB 18544) Post-Practicum Seminar - Industry Internship - 1 Unit (60 Hours) - In-Person
- CHEMT 424 (Section: LEC 18329/LAB 18330) Instrumentation - Asynchronous: lecture online, lab in-person
- CHEMT 429 (Section: LAB 18389) Research - In-person
The Chemical Technology Program trains students for a wide variety of career opportunities as a scientific laboratory technician. Students will not only be instructed in the theory and fundamentals of chemistry, but will also be given hands-on lab training using sophisticated state-of-the-art lab instrumentation. Students who satisfactorily complete the program will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
Certification
ChemTech students have the opportunity to earn three different levels of certification:
Level 1 Certificate
Beginning Chemical Technician
- Pathway 1
For students pursuing only a Chemical Technology certificate
16.5 to 24 Units - Pathway 2
For students who plan to take General Chemistry, and may take additional Chemistry courses beyond the course list
10 to 11 Units
Level 2 Certificate
Intermediate Chemical Technician
15.5 to 21 Units
Level 3 Certificate
Advanced Chemical Technician
- Pathway 1
For students who want to pursue analytical techniques
16.5 to 21 Units - Pathway 2
For students who plan to pursue organic analysis
25.5 to 30 Units
Program Catalog Description
The Chemical Technology Program trains students for a wide variety of scientific laboratory technician career opportunities. Students not only will be instructed in the theory and fundamentals of chemistry, but they will also be exposed to hands-on training with lab equipment and sophisticated state-of-the-art lab instrumentation. Students will be taught how to follow safety procedures, how to perform standard laboratory techniques, and how to prepare clear, thorough lab reports.
Throughout the program there will be emphasis on clear written communication and correct mathematical calculations. Students will be challenged to strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. They also will have opportunities to develop effective verbal communication and to use software commonly employed in scientific labs.
A student who satisfactorily completes the program will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement. Students who complete the program may also qualify for an Associate in Science degree by fulfilling the Graduation Requirements specified in this catalog.
Apply to ChemTech (PDF)
Email completed application to both atkinst@scc.losrios.edu and alviarm@scc.losrios.edu.
ChemTech Program Sequence
A student will have the opportunity to earn three different levels of certification.
Learn the Skills that Get You Hired
- Learn from knowledgeable faculty
- Hands-on job training
- Gain experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation
Career Info
Salary
Statewide
$23.21 per hour
as of May 2018
Nationwide
$24.84 per hour
as of May 2018
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Opportunities
- Winery Analysis Technician
- Forensic Science Technician
- Cannabis Technician
- Chemical Plant Technician
- Chemical Instrument Specialist
- Environmental Science and Protection Specialist
Industries
- Food and beverage companies
- Water treatment facilities
- Cannabis testing laboratories
- Environmental monitoring
- Pharmaceutical companies
Our Industry Partners
CannaSafe- Your Company Name Here!
Program Costs
- Tuition fees (may vary by semester)
- Textbooks
- Personal protective equipment
- Lab supplies
Recommended High School Preparation
Completion of college-preparatory English and general mathematics courses are desirable.
Contact
Dr. William J.W. Miller
Email: MillerW@scc.losrios.edu
Phone: (916) 558-2229
Dr. Tonya M. Atkins
Email: AtkinsT@scc.losrios.edu
Phone: (916) 558-2481
ChemTech Video
Is the ChemTech program for you? Learn about what careers are available, and what certificates you could earn at SCC.