Biotechnology - Advanced Fast Track
Build on your degree! Fast-track into semester 3 of the Biotechnology - Advanced program to gain a broad range of lab skills and accelerate your career in the growing biosciences industry.
Program Information
Start Date
September 08, 2026
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Accepting Applications
CIP Code
41.0101
Program Code
BTD
Delivery
Hybrid, Placement
Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Tuition information is unavailable at this time
View Curriculum
Biotechnologists are the behind-the-scenes scientists who develop and improve products, technologies and processes across many industries, using biology, chemistry and genetics
The Biotechnology - Advanced program focuses on:
- Extensive lab-based skills: Close to 250 hours of hands-on training in your first four semesters.
- Unique combination of courses: Recognized by employers as one of the broadest-based lab skills programs, which puts our graduates in demand across a variety of fields.
- More than just technical skills: Our students are trained to become critical thinkers with problem-solving abilities, strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills - attributes that serve them well throughout their career.
- Comprehensive placement: With up to 600 hours of work experience during your final semester placement you will be fully prepared for your career.
This program stands out for its unique blend of accelerated learning, interdisciplinary training, and industry-focused expertise.
- Accentuate your degree: in just three semesters, add hands-on, lab-based skills to your repertoire and gain invaluable experience during a semester long placement.
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Build expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, quality control, forensic DNA applications, environmental analysis, data management, automation, and essential professional skills.
- Job-Ready Skills: Graduate with multiple, in-demand technical competencies that employers actively seek.
- Industry-Responsive Curriculum: Designed to meet evolving industry needs and address critical skill shortages.
- Specialized Programs & Faculty: Technicians need expertise in information technology, data management, and data analysis. The college offers courses and faculty dedicated to these critical areas.
- Cutting-Edge Resources: Learn with state-of-the-art tools in our dedicated lab environment.
A 600-hour placement will immerse students in the work culture of a lab environment, give them the opportunity to seek experience in an area of specialization, and promote networking and awareness of the industry and job potential. Students will work with their faculty in selecting a placement that will be right for them.
To succeed in this occupation, students need the following characteristics:
- Problem-solving, troubleshooting, creativity.
- Perseverance, time management, and organization.
- Life-long learner to maintain currency in an ever-changing field.
In addition, students should enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative solutions to problems, and working with equipment and instruments at tasks which require precision. Students will likely work in a team environment, so good interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue diverse roles across the biotechnology industry, whether in private companies, public institutions, research facilities, or specialized labs. Their skills will open doors to a wide range of career paths in this dynamic and evolving field, including:
- Research technician/technologist (in areas such as cancer, disease, environmental, etc.)
- Microbiology testing (food, water, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics)
- Quality assurance/quality control (food, pharmaceutical, manufacturing)
- Forensic labs
- Hospital and clinical settings
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Government agencies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian, Centre for Forensic Science, and Public Health
- Municipal wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities
- Pathogen and toxicology testing (plant and animals)
- Wildlife management and restoration (environmental DNA)
- Cannabis labs
- COVID19 testing and medical related fields (may require additional qualifications)
- Chemical analysis and instrumentation
- Nuclear power generation
- Environmental lab analysis (water, geological and biological material)
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textbook Cost | $996.00 | ||
| Field Placement expenses | Travel and or parking costs - varies depending on placement location | ||
Graduates with a degree may be eligible to apply for entry into Semester 3 through the Biotechnology - Advanced Fast Track (BTFP) program:
- Graduates from Trent University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Forensic Biology or Forensic Science with a minimum degree average of 75%*.
- Graduates from Ontario Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science or Forensic Science with a minimum degree average of 75%*.
- All other graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
* Applicants with a degree average of 70-74% will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.
Bachelor of Arts - General
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to OntarioTech's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Psychology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to OntarioTech's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to Ontario Tech's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Technology and Innovation
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to OntarioTech's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Science in Biological Science
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 5th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
- Refer to Seneca College's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca Polytechnic website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Watch our Webinar Wednesday Recording
In The News: Biotechnology - Advanced Fast Track
Last week, we hosted a Webinar Wednesday session shining a spotlight on our Biotechnology – Advanced program. If you couldn’t join us virtually, don’t worry. Below are the highlights from the session, along with the full recording below to watch at your convenience.
Fleming College’s Biotechnology program, within the School of Health and Community Services, is known for its intensive lab training, industry-focused curriculum, and strong emphasis on real world application. Prospective students joined Nick from Student Recruitment, Sol from Fleming’s International team, and Amanda Rochon, Program Coordinator for the program, to learn more about what to expect.
Why Biotechnology at Fleming?
The Biotechnology program at Fleming is designed to prepare students for real lab environments from day one. With a strong mix of foundational science, extensive hands-on lab training, and a dedicated field placement semester, students build the technical skills and professional confidence employers are looking for. Graduates leave with significant lab experience, industry exposure, and a flexible skill set that can lead to opportunities across biotech, research, quality control, analytical testing, and related science sectors.
For students who already hold a science-based diploma or degree, a Fast Track option is also available. Qualified applicants can enter directly into semester 3, completing the advanced lab focused semesters and the placement in a shorter timeframe. This pathway allows students to strengthen their hands on experience and add an industry placement to their academic background.
Three Key Takeaways
1. A fast, hands-on program with real lab time
The Biotechnology program is structured to build confidence step-by-step. In semesters 1 and 2, students focus on foundational courses such as biology, chemistry, math, physics, scientific communication, and introductory DNA applications. These early semesters are designed to strengthen core knowledge while introducing essential lab techniques and tools.
As students move into semesters 3 and 4, the program becomes more specialized and intensive. Courses expand into molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, analytical chemistry, lab automation, and quality control and assurance. DNA courses run throughout the program, allowing students to continuously build and refine their skills. This layered structure ensures students feel prepared as they move into more advanced and applied lab work.
2. Students gain nearly 500 hours of hands-on lab training
A major highlight of the webinar was the emphasis on time spent in the lab. Over the first four semesters, students complete close to 500 hours of hands-on lab experience. Training begins with foundational skills such as pipetting, calculations, and safe lab practices, then progresses into complex applications like DNA extraction, quantification, profiling, microbiological analysis, and instrumentation.
Students work with industry relevant tools and techniques, including liquid handling automation, database systems, analytical instruments, and quality control procedures. By the final semester, students are completing advanced DNA projects and competency-based assessments that mirror real workplace expectations. This high volume of lab time helps graduates enter placement and employment with strong technical confidence.
3. A full semester placement with strong career flexibility
Semester 5 is entirely dedicated to a field placement of up to 600 hours. Students work in industry, research, healthcare, environmental, or quality control settings, gaining meaningful experience and professional connections. The placement process is student driven, allowing learners to explore opportunities based on their interests and geographic preferences, with faculty support throughout.
The program also includes professional practice preparation, such as resume development, interview practice, and workplace readiness training. Graduates pursue careers across a wide range of sectors including research institutes, diagnostic labs, fertility clinics, environmental testing facilities, and forensic settings. Some continue into university degree pathways or medical lab technology programs, while others secure employment directly through their placement experience.
CHECK OUT THE FULL WEBINAR:
HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If this session sparked your interest or you are considering a future in biotechnology, we would love to connect with you. Our Student Recruitment team and program representatives are here to answer questions, help you explore admission pathways, or guide you toward the right next step. Be sure to check out our upcoming Webinar Wednesday sessions online. We’re hosting new topics in the months ahead and it’s a great way to learn more about programs that excite you.
CAN’T?MAKE A LIVE WEBINAR WEDNESDAY EVENT??
No problem! We’ll save video recordings on Fleming’s official YouTube channel. And?don’t?worry, Program Coordinators are always available to answer your questions!???
For more information about Webinar Wednesdays, please contact Student Recruitment.?