Medical Biotechnology Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) Admissions Guide
Medical Biotechnology Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
(Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission)
|
Term |
Applications Accepted | Application Review | Application Status Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall: August 2026 |
January 5, 2026 - May 22, 2026 |
By June 2026 |
By June 2026 |
Prospective students must have a minimum cumulative course GPA of 2.5 or above, and must have completed an Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences/Premedical/Health Science/Biomedical Sciences or related fields (such as any science field: - e.g. chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Nursing, medicine, pharmacy, etc.)
Program Information
Program Duration, Study Mode and Class Schedule Information
Program Duration and Study Mode
| Program Duration (Number of Semesters) | Study Mode |
|---|---|
|
Full Time: 3 semesters Part-Time: Longer than 3 semesters, subject to course availability. Classes are offered only at night and on weekends. |
Face-to-Face, Web-Assisted, and Offsite |
- Program days and times may vary, but you should plan to attend classes up to 5 days a week. The program may include evening and weekend options to accommodate diverse schedules. Please plan accordingly to ensure you have reliable transportation and availability.
Program Admissions Statistics
On average, approximately 100 students apply for admission each application period. Of these, approximately 50 applicants are typically accepted.
How Do I Submit An Application?
The Medical Biotechnology program is a selective admission program. Prospective applicants should review the HCC Application requirements, Medical Biotechnology Program Application Requirements, and Pre-Enrollment Process & Requirements outlined in this guide.
HCC Application Requirements
Step 1: Apply for Admission to HCC:
- New student to HCC: If you are new to Houston City College (HCC) or transferring to HCC, your first step is to become an HCC Eagle by submitting a free admissions application to HCC. Please create a profile and complete a degree-seeking application at ApplyTexas.org. Upon completing the application, you will receive a welcome email that contains your HCC Student ID Number or P-Number (if assigned). If you have filled out an HCC application at any point or you already have an HCC student ID number, please do not submit another HCC application. Multiple HCC new student applications and/or ID numbers are not allowed.
- Returning student to HCC: If you have not been enrolled for the past 3 semesters and are returning to HCC, you will need to visit Returning HCC Student webpage.
- International Students: If you are an international student planning to attend HCC on a status F-1 (DACA, refugee, L visa, H visa, etc.), please visit the International Students site.
- Veteran students: Please visit Veteran & Military-Affiliated Student Success . Download and complete DDForm 214 & SF-180 Form and submit with the application.
Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid (this step is optional):
All students should apply for financial aid immediately after applying for admission to HCC. Filling out a financial aid application is the first step in learning your options to pay for college. HCC accepts financial aid applications throughout the year.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov, School Code: 010422
- Free Application for Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) at hccs.edu/tasfa.
If you need assistance paying for college, please visit the Coleman Financial Aid Office for assistance or visit the Financial Aid website for assistance.
Step 3: Complete My Eagle HCC account checklist:
Please visit: myeagle.hccs.edu, and sign in to the Student System. Review and complete the HCC Policy Checklist and On-Boarding Checklist. To avoid delays in the processing of your application, please complete all To-do List items.
- Career Interest Assessment: All first-time HCC students must complete this module.
- Meningitis Vaccine – Future and returning students who are under the age of 22 are required to submit proof of vaccination. For more information on requirements, resources & any religious, medical, or online student exemptions, please visit: Meningitis
- Texas Success Initiative requirements – Placement Test is not required. However, if you prefer to take HCC courses from the recommended courses prior to applying to this OSA program, TSIA testing must be taken for placement. If you have the "Texas Success Initiative College Readiness Requirements" Checklist on your pre-enrollment To-do List in the Student Center, you have to be placed into core courses one of two ways.
- Have an approved exemption (reason) for not taking the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 0 (TSIA2). Please visit: Texas Success Initiative Assessment/ Exemption for more information. OR
- Take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 0 (TSIA2). Please visit: Texas Success Initiative Assessment for more information.
Medical Biotechnology Program Application Requirements
Step 4: Meet with an HCC Coleman College Representative:
At least once during the application acceptance period, we strongly recommend that an applicant attend an In-Person/Virtual Program Information Session or meet with an HCC Coleman Advisor via phone, in-person, or virtually to ensure they are meeting all of the program admission criteria. View up-to-date in-person hours for Coleman College Student Services.
Step 5: Program Information Session:
Please contact healthscience.info@hccs.edu. Please note program information session is mandatory.
Step 6: Program Application:
- Prospective students must have completed an Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences/Premedical/Health Science/Biomedical Sciences or related fields (such as any science field: - e.g. chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Nursing, medicine, pharmacy, etc.). The official college transcript should show degree was conferred.
- Submit official transcripts:
- In addition to the HCC admission application, you must complete and submit the online Medical Biotechnology program application using your HCC student ID number hccs.edu/coleman-apply: The program requires an OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE DEGREE WAS CONFERRED OR OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE DEGREE WAS CONFERRED IF YOU ATTEND YOUR COLLEGE OUTSIDE OF HCC. CONTACT YOUR COLLEGE IF YOU ATTENDED OUTSIDE OF HCC TO SEND YOUR OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE DEGREE WAS CONFERRED to admissions@hccs.edu.
- *** If you attended college outside of the United States, all foreign transcripts must be evaluated for US equivalency and course-by-course by an approved evaluating agency. After your foreign transcript has been evaluated, have the approved evaluating agency send your OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE DEGREE WAS CONFERRED to admissions@hccs.edu. To find a list of approved evaluation companies, please visit Foreign transcript/ Foreign Credit Evaluators. The official evaluation report must be submitted to HCC. The HCC Internal process can take up to 8 weeks for evaluation and transfer of course credits.
- TSI/Placement Test: Submit your TSIA2 score; not all new students are required to take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). To determine your level of college readiness and placement status, you should submit the transcript from an accredited college/university/institution where you have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework or score reports from external tests like the SAT, ACT, AP, CLEP, IB, etc. Placements may be set from a variety of sources. Please refer to the link: Texas Success Initiative (TSI) College Readiness/ Placement Test to learn about your options/exemptions to complete this requirement. For more information on transcript(s) submission, please visit: Transcript(s). It is the responsibility of the student to allow enough time for the evaluation of transcripts; please allow 6-8 weeks for evaluation and transfer of course credits. To receive Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit towards admission to the Medical Biotechnology program, the applicant should not have previously taken or attempted the course (by title) that is the same as the PLA credit for which he/she is applying. For more information on PLA, you may visit https://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/prior-learning-assessment/
- International Students: If you are an international student planning to attend HCC on a status F-1 (DACA, refugee, L visa, H visa, etc.), please visit https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/international- students/.
- Veteran students: Please visit https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/veteran-affairs/. Download and complete DD Form 214 & SF-180 Form and submit with the application.
Pre-Enrollment Process & Requirements
Selective criteria are used to determine which applicants are offered admission. Selective criteria are awarded based on the following:
- 100% may be awarded based on the Biomedical Science Program academic criteria (DEGREE CONFERRED).
- All application requirements must be satisfied by the close of the application window.
If you are offered admission, you will need to complete the following pre-enrollment requirements by a specific due date to maintain eligible status:
- Complete the Intent Form by the deadline stated in the admission acceptance offer email that will be sent to your email address submitted with the application form.
- Complete the mandatory Student Services Orientation and Program Orientation on the date provided in your admission email. (Please clear your calendar so you are available to attend the mandatory orientations if you are offered admission as follows: Fall Term – plan to attend in July or August)
HB 1508 requires the following information be given to students:
If you are applying for admission to a program that prepares an individual for an initial occupational license or certification and/or if you later decide to change to a program that prepares you for an initial occupational license or certification, in accordance with state law, please be advised of the following:
- An individual who has been charged or convicted of an offense or who is on probation may not be eligible for issuance of an occupational license or certification upon completion of the educational program.
- It is the responsibility of the individual to immediately report to the program any change in status that would affect that individual’s eligibility to apply for a license or certification.
- Local, state or national licensing and certification authorities may issue additional guidelines related to criminal Applicants should contact their respective licensing or certification authority for more details.
Most health care programs require all students - admitted to the program - to submit to a national background check which may include fingerprinting. Applicants are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license or certification. Questions related to eligibility requirements should be directed to the individual program and applicable licensing or certification authority.
Estimated Costs
Tuition is estimated using the Texas resident rates. Out-of-district and out-of-state residents will have higher tuition fees. Please visit the tuition calculator for more information. Tuition is for core coursework only. General Education and Support courses are not included. These are high estimates; actual costs will vary depending on health insurance coverage.
Due to increases/decreases in books and supplements, please check the bookstore website for updated cost information. Only required books are included in the estimate.
Medical Biotechnology Program Cost Breakdown (In-District)
1st Semester (13 Semester hours)
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,103.50 |
| Books | $1,000.00 |
| Lab Coats | $50.00 |
| Parking (4months) | Varies |
| SUB TOTAL | $2,153.50 |
2nd Semester (12 semester hours)
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,020.00 |
| Parking (4months) | Varies |
| SUB TOTAL | $1,020.00 |
3rd Semester (11 semester hours)
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $935.00 |
| Parking (4months) | Varies |
| SUB TOTAL | $935.00 |
| Total Program Cost | $4,108.50 |
Paying For College
You can use a valid MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card to pay for tuition and fees. You can also use a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo, but not a non-USA credit card. Online payment via check is also available.
Check or e-check payments have a 10-day hold on the release of official transcripts. International students or their parents can also pay online from their country of origin with their local currency, where applicable. Online payment from other countries can be made through the “International Fund Transfer” payment option.
Additional Options for Payment
- Financial Aid - If you need assistance paying for college, please visit the HCC Financial Aid office for assistance.
- Scholarships - In addition to federal and state aid, scholarships are a great way to offset all or part of the cost of your education. Please visit the scholarship page for more information.
- Installment Payment Plan - If you are paying out of pocket and need assistance on how to set up a payment plan, please visit the Business Office at HCC for more information.
Program Information
What are the Employment Opportunities?
Job Titles Depending on Company:
Biotech Lab Technician, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Technologist, Clinical Research Associate, Manufacturing Technician, Assay Analyst, Manufacturing Research Associate, Medical Device Production Assistant, Process Development Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, Safety Specialist, Biochemist
Potential Employers:
Clinical Diagnostic Product Companies, Bio-Therapeutics Manufacturers, Medical and Biomedical Research Labs, Biotech Service Companies, Bio-Research Reagent Companies, Federal and State Regulatory Agencies
Average Salary
In Texas, Biological/Biomedical Science Technologists earn an Average of $46,288.00 annually.
Additional Questions
For further assistance on program admission requirements, please email us at coleman.advising@hccs.edu
Required Essential Functions
Psychomotor Skills
| Functional Capacity |
Standards (Tasks) |
|---|---|
| Gross Motor |
Maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning. Bend and stop routinely. Position patients/clients for treatment or examination. Assist patients/clients onto and off of examining tables. Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence. |
| Fine Motor |
Elicit information from patients/clients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other evaluation procedures. Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations. Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment. Demonstrate manual dexterity and the ability to engage in procedures involving grasping, pushing, pulling, holding, rotating, manipulating, and extending. Key/type and otherwise operate common desktop computer accessories. |
| Physical Strength & Endurance |
Work standing upright up to 80% of the time. Strength sufficient to assist in lifting some patients/clients. Routinely push and pull heavy equipment on wheels, (e.g., up to approximately 500 pounds), and to move patients/clients in wheelchairs and stretchers. Lift more than 50 pounds routinely. Possess physical strength to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. |
| Mobility |
Demonstrate a full range of mobility sufficient to assist patients/clients with ambulation. Execute motor movements, including physical/dexterity strength to stand and ambulate, and lift and transfer patients/clients. |
Cognitive Skills
|
Functional |
Standards (Tasks) |
|---|---|
| Critical & Analytical Thinking |
Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data. Demonstrate thought processes inherent in problem-solving and diagnosis, including obtaining, interpreting, and documenting data. Make proper assessments and sound judgments, appropriately prioritize diagnostic procedures, and measure and record patient/client care outcomes. Learn to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. |
| Safety |
Recognize safety issues and emergency situations, and respond with appropriate actions in a timely manner. Manage and maintain an environment that is safe for the individual, family, groups, and health care personnel. Abide by safety policies and procedures in classroom, laboratory, and clinical facility settings. Maintain awareness of alarms and emergency signals, and respond appropriately (e.g., monitors, fire alarms, hospital codes, etc.). |
Sensory Skills
| Functional Capacity |
Standards (Tasks) |
| Observation |
Observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory experiments as required in the curriculum. Observe and care for patients/clients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort. Observe computer screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, and adjust equipment, as required. |
| Perception |
Distinguish audible sounds (e.g., when using Doppler to image vascular structures). Perceive depth in the surrounding environment. Maintain awareness of peripheral space. |
| Interpretation | Complete comprehension of assignments and assessment exercises. Demonstrate ability to search and evaluate curriculum literature. |
Social-Behavioral Skills
| Functional Capacity |
Standards (Tasks) |
|---|---|
| Communication |
Demonstrate English language proficiency to communicate and interact with patients/clients and healthcare team members (e.g., communication that is clear and easy to understand). Use proper communication techniques in printed and typed correspondence (e.g., correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling) with faculty, allied health personnel, and peers in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, including multilingual needs. Converse effectively and sensitively in order to elicit an appropriate medical history directly from the patient/client and/or guardian. Complete written assignments and maintain written records. Use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching in clinical settings, as well as didactic and laboratory environments. |
| Adaptability |
Adapt effectively to changing environments and increasing tension levels in a variety of situations. Demonstrate flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities inherent in the clinical problems of many patients/clients. |
| Emotional Stability |
Demonstrate attributes of empathy, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation. Possess the emotional well-being required for full use of intellectual abilities. Consistently exercise sound judgment. Promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients/clients. Monitor and appropriately regulate own emotions to maintain composure, without prompting from others (e.g., control anger and avoid aggressive behavior, even in very stressful or demanding situations). Tolerate taxing workloads and function effectively under stress. Focus sustained attention on tasks. Recognize constructive criticism and performance feedback as avenues for improvement. |
| Interpersonal Skills |
Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured. Demonstrate sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings, and be understanding and helpful on the job. |
| Ethics & Professionalism |
Establish rapport with patients/clients, teachers, classmates, and colleagues of all cultures, genders, health status, and backgrounds. Develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with healthcare team members and patients/clients. Maintain professional conduct and appearance. Maintain patient/client privacy and confidentiality (e.g., adhere to HIPAA restrictions) and operate within the scope of practice. Demonstrate assertiveness, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and function as part of a medical team (e.g., organizational skills necessary to meet deadlines and manage time). |
Degree Plan
To view the degree plan, please visit the HCC Catalog for more information.
Get in touch
Coleman Intake Office