High School

You can prepare for a career as a nanotechnologist by taking mathematics (geometry, trigonometry, and calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics) classes and by joining science and math clubs. Take computer science courses to learn how to use databases, word-processing programs, and computer-aided design software. Shop classes will help you to develop your technical skills and hand-eye coordination, which you’ll need to be successful when you work in a laboratory. English and speech classes are important because nanotechnologists frequently write reports and communicate their findings to colleagues.

Postsecondary Education

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nanotechnology, nanoscience, laboratory science, engineering technology, materials science, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, or a related field is required to become a nanotechnologist. Some employers may require just an associate’s and previous experience in the field, but the majority of jobs require a bachelor's degree. More than 25 community colleges offer associate degrees and certificates in nanotechnology-related fields. Many more colleges offer bachelor and advanced degrees in nanotechnology. A typical nanotechnology curriculum includes a combination of classroom and hands-on laboratory experience. Typical classes in nanotechnology programs include:

• introduction to nanotechnology
• nanotechnology safety
• general chemistry
• chemistry laboratory
• statistical process control
• nanotechnology materials
• general physics
• general physics laboratory
• nanotechniques and instrumentation
• molecular biology techniques

The following Web sites provide lists of colleges and universities that offer degrees and certificates in nanotechnology, nanoscience, and nanoengineering:

• associate degree and certificate programs: https://www.nano.gov/education-training-workforce
• all academic levels: http://www.trynano.org/resources/universities
• bachelor’s degree programs and higher: https://www.nano.gov/education-training/university-college

Certification

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry offers certificate programs in laboratory management, testing, and technology, including Basic Concepts and Clinical Applications of Flow Cytometry, Practical Approaches to Quality Control in the Clinical Laboratory, and Statistical Methods for Clinical Laboratorians. Each program is comprised of four to eight courses. Courses are taught through lectures, quizzes, and related resources. For more information, visit https://www.aacc.org/education-and-career/online-certificate-programs.

Other Education or Training

Many professional associations provide webinars, conferences, seminars, and workshops that help nanotechnologists stay up to date on the latest technology and research trends. For example, the American Chemical Society offers courses on laboratory safety, statistical analysis, special topics in chemistry, and technical writing, as well as leadership development classes and career-oriented webinars. Other organizations that provide continuing education opportunities include ASME, Nano Science and Technology Institute, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Institute of Physics, American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.

Certification or Licensing

There are currently no certification or licensing requirements for nanotechnologists.

Other Requirements

Nanotechnologists seeking jobs with government agencies may be required to be U.S. citizens and undergo background investigations. 

Aspiring nanotechnologists should obtain hands-on experience by taking laboratory classes in high school and college, volunteering to help their college professors on research projects, and interning or participating in a co-op at a nanotechnology firm or government or academic research facility.

Nanotechnologists need excellent communication and interpersonal skills because they serve as the conduit between highly trained engineers and scientists and entry-level technicians. They must be highly organized and detail-oriented in order to manage complex projects and vast amounts of data. Other important traits include creativity, the ability to solve intricate technical problems, patience and perseverance in order to perform sometimes-repetitive tasks, practical scientific skills, the ability to think clearly and logically, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout one’s career.  

Nanotechnologists must know how to use (or be willing to learn):

• analytical or scientific software (e.g., image analysis software, simulation software)
• computer-aided design software (e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD, LinkCAD, Synopsys’ Optical Solutions Group LightTools, and PTC Creo Parametric)
• development environment software (e.g., National Instruments LabVIEW)
• spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
• office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint)