The University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula offers Lab Tech Certification

Western Montana is the state’s biotechnology and medical science corridor, and numerous companies and government agencies are looking for job applicants who possess basic laboratory skills and knowledge.

In response to this need, The University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula has created two courses that can lead to certificates of completion for laboratory workers.

Laboratory Technician I is a two-credit, 14-week evening course. Students finishing that can take a second, seven-week course that leads to a Laboratory Technician II Certificate of Completion, which also offers two college credits.

Students eligible for these courses should have a high school diploma and an aptitude for and interest in science and basic math.

Students obtaining a Laboratory Technician I Certificate of Completion will have knowledge to qualify for entry-level laboratory and manufacturing positions. Students with a Level II Certificate will have sufficient basic training for laboratory assistant jobs in research, clinical and industrial employment sectors.

The spring 2007 course for Laboratory Technician I certification will be offered in both Hamilton and Missoula. The class will meet for three hours one evening per week, beginning Jan. 24, 2007.

Students wishing to register for this course must first be admitted to the UM College of Technology. Application for the spring semester should be completed as soon as possible. Call COT Outreach at 406-243-7812 for more information.

The following orientation and registration sessions are scheduled:

* Jan. 8 — for Lab Tech I, 7-9 p.m., Missoula COT, Administration Building Room 15.

* Jan. 9 — for Lab Tech II, 7-9 p. m., Hamilton, Hamilton High School Library.

* Jan. 10 — for Lab Tech I, 7-9 p.m., Hamilton High School Library.

There is a $30 one-time fee for applying to the COT, and tuition for the two-credit course is $268.30 for Montana residents and $408.80 for nonresidents. Lab Tech I requires an additional lab fee of $55 and Lab Tech II of $30.