Students wearing lab coats and looking through microscopes

Program Explorer

Science Laboratory Technology

Develop versatile lab skills in the fields of biology and chemistry to work in a wide range of scientific and technical facilities.

Develop the lab skills required to work as a technician in the scientific arena, whether you’re expanding horizons through research and development or ensuring safety through quality assurance.

This program gives you the skills to succeed in various professional laboratory environments. You will develop skills in chemistry, microbiology, quality and compliance, instrumentation and communications before choosing a specialization that best fits your career interests. 

Science Laboratory Technology emphasizes industry-driven coursework and laboratory techniques that are standard across scientific disciplines, giving you versatile, career-focused experience. In addition, work-integrated learning opportunities connect you with industry partners through co-op work experiences and industrial, project-based learning. 

Graduates work as technicians in various fields, including chemical analysis, research, quality assurance, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Diploma
  • Program Delivery
    In-person hybrid
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    2 years
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $15,500 – $17,100
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Indigenous Pathway
    Program pathway available to Indigenous learners
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Choose Your Specialty

Graduate From One of Our Streams

In your second year of the Science Laboratory Technology program, you can explore one of three specialized streams, each with a specific set of learning and career opportunities.

Student wearing lab coat and looking through microscope

Cell and Microbiology

Gain the skills to pursue research and development opportunities in biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology.

Close up photo of a pharmaceutical manufacturing machine

Chemistry and Quality Analyst

Gain the skills needed to work as an analyst in the pharmaceutical, natural health product, environmental and food industries.

Student taking notes in a notebook

Quality Assurance

Gain the skills needed to pursue quality assurance career opportunities in the pharmaceutical, food, natural health product and cannabis industries.

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll gain the theoretical knowledge and applied skills required to work in a variety of laboratory settings, including industrial, government and research facilities. Your coursework emphasizes real-world, practical training in various chemistry and microbiology-related techniques.

TERM 1

Learn fundamental lab and instrumentation skills and explore the concepts of measurement, calculation, quality and compliance through applied, experiential learning.

TERM 2

Develop technical skills in applied microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and instrumental analysis while strengthening your time management and communication skills. Choose your program stream at the end of Term 2.

TERM 3

Explore industry-level tasks through a set of exclusive, stream-based courses.

Term 4

Build on your industry-level experience while learning to apply knowledge and skills related to your stream.

TERM 5

Practice applying your knowledge in a co-op position or industry project and gain the advanced skills needed to enter the workforce.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Quality control analyst
  • Quality control technician
  • Quality assurance technician
  • Quality control analyst, microbiology
  • Laboratory analyst
  • Food safety coordinator
  • Quality specialist
  • Research associate
  • Research assistant
  • Quality systems associate
  • Quality assurance associate
  • Food safety specialist
  • Quality assurance inspector
  • Food safety auditor
  • Quality assurance supervisor
Student wearing a white lab coat working in a science laboratory

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Students wearing white lab coats taking notes in a science laboratory
Laboratory sessions offer valuable experience, team building and the opportunity to connect with your classmates.
Students wearing white lab coats reviewing notes with their instructor in a science laboratory
Work closely with program instructors for an enhanced learning experience.
Students wearing white lab coats taking notes in a science laboratory
Explore new subjects and collaborate with classmates and instructors in frequent lab sessions.
Science students mixing something in a bowl in a lab
Take advantage of applied learning opportunities and develop a versatile set of employer-sought lab skills.
Students wearing white lab coats running a test on something in a science laboratory
Experience hours of practical training designed to make you career ready.
Instrumentation equipment in a science laboratory
Gain work-relevant experience using sophisticated, state-of-the-art instrumentation equipment.

Applied Research

Bridging Theory and Practice for Real-World Impact

RRC Polytech is a leader in applied research in Canada. Matching industry needs with College resources and facilities drives innovation and growth in our province — and beyond.

Connect theoretical knowledge with practical solutions, foster innovation and contribute to industry advancements as part of this program.

Learn more about Applied Research ›

RRC Polytech Applied Research logo

Graduate Success

The Science Laboratory Technology program is highly respected across Manitoba. Employers frequently contact RRC Polytech when hiring new employees, and many graduates have become managers and supervisors within the province.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Instructor and student beside pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment in a lab

93% – NEW GRADS HIRED

Experiential training and industry connections allow you to quickly start your career after graduation.

100% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION

Industry-relevant skills, applied learning and state-of-the-art facilities mean students receive an exceptional experience.

Instructor and student beside pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment in a lab
Instructor and student in white lab coats looking at a whiteboard with many notes written on it

97% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE

RRC Polytech instructors have extensive experience working in their field, adding valuable insight and industry connections to your learning experience.

Photo of Jake Freeman

“When doing fieldwork, I was always told I kept the best notes, and I think that was from [my training at] Red River College Polytechnic.”

Jake Freeman – Indigenous Support and Awareness Officer
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

“RRC Polytech’s Science Laboratory Technology program provided two years of education and work experiences that shaped my career path.”

Jennifer Smithson – Environmental Specialist
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

Science Laboratory Technology students require an aptitude for math and the ability to problem-solve independently and as part of a team. Your attention to detail and passion for science, combined with technical and analytical skills, will enhance your learning experience and career success.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Critical thinker
  • Detail-oriented
  • Logical thinker
  • Observer
  • Technical thinker

SKILLS

  • Instruction following
  • Listening
  • Mathematics
  • Organization
  • Problem solving

INTERESTS

  • Science
  • Chemistry
  • Technology
  • Laboratory work
  • Research

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

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LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›