Chemical Technician
Associate in Applied Science Degree — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program code: 10-603-1

This page was last updated in January 2007.

Overview — Chemical Technician is an associate degree program that trains you to perform as an analyst or chemist’s assistant in paint, plastics, polymer, solvent, electric power and manufacturing companies. Most program graduates work in laboratories analyzing raw materials and finished products, pilot plant operations, research and development, and customer technical assistance. Chemical technicians, therefore, assure the quality of the products of the manufacturing, chemical and allied industries.

Career Outlook — Employment prospects for program graduates are exceptional. Both locally and nationally, employer requests outnumber graduates by a margin of more than five to one. Positions typically available to program graduates include laboratory assistant, technician in industrial development and research, assistant to chemists and chemical engineers, and technical salespersons.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Employers expect you as a program graduate to be able to:

• Apply knowledge of chemical apparatus, equipment and procedures in various production, research and control operations
• Work precisely in solution making, with measuring devices, data handling and instrument operation
• Demonstrate initiative and willingness to learn and grow in responsibility on the job
• Communicate and receive precise chemical data and procedures
• Understand and practice laboratory safety procedures, and understand and use material safety data sheets, etc.
• Use software for instrument operation and data handling

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• One year of high school-level coursework in the following: chemistry, algebra, and advanced algebra or Technical Mathematics 1 (MATH-151)
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment

After you are trained, your success in the field will depend on your ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision.

Future Opportunities — Career advancement can involve pursuing a baccalaureate degree in chemistry or business management, a pursuit that employers often support. If you are interested in a baccalaureate degree upon completion of the program, check with a program counselor or advisor, and the institution you plan to attend regarding the transfer of MATC credits.

This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions

Possible Careers:

Chemical Technician
Chemist’s Assistant
Laboratory Assistant

Related Programs:

Clinical Laboratory Technology
Environmental and Pollution Control Technology
Liberal Arts and Sciences

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2007-2008.

NOTE: Students who have not been accepted, or have not decided on a program, may begin with GENERAL STUDIES courses, if course prerequisites have been met.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change. 

For course descriptions, class times and locations, visit INFOnline.