BioWork

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BioWork
What is BioWork?

The BioWork certificate program will teach you the foundational skills you need to begin a career as a process technician for a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing company.  Process technicians are responsible for the production of chemical and pharmaceutical products. 

Process Technicians

  • Operate, monitor, and control the production process.
  • Receive, transport, and store materials.
  • Collect and analyze materials used in production.
  • Inspect and maintain the production equipment and control systems.
  • Keep critical records on the process and product.
  • Maintain company safety, health, and environmental standards. 
What is covered in BioWork?

Topics

  • Biotechnology Industry and Job Overview
  • Working Safely
  • Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
  • Measurements, Metrics, and Math
  • Chemistry for Process Manufacturing
  • Process Flows, Technology, and Equipment
  • Controlling the Process and Maintaining Quality
  • Aseptic Processing
  • Fermentation and Cell Growth
  • Job Search, Resumes, and Interviews

Audience

We designed this course to cater to a wide range of student backgrounds and career goals. Are you just out of high school and looking to get started in a growing industry, or have you been working and are ready for a change? BioWork will help you take your career to the next level.

Before you can register for BioWork, you should:

  • Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Attend an information session.
  • Complete reading and math placement tests.

Objectives

After successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of quality systems such as International Standards Organization (ISO) and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
  • Measure length, volume, mass, and pressure using the metric system.
  • Identify workplace safety hazards.
  • Understand separation methods including evaporation, distillation, precipitation, crystallization, filtration, liquid extraction and chromatography.
  • Operate process equipment including an autoclave, incubator, microscope, balance, refractometer, pH meter, conductivity meter, and bioreactor.
  • Work aseptically to minimize product contamination.
  • Provide the optimal conditions for growing cells.
  • Apply and interview with confidence for an entry-level process technician job at a North Carolina pharmaceutical or biotechnology company.
BioWork

How long does this take?
It should take about 30 minutes.

What is the process?
Completing this process will prepare you for the placement test at your selected college(s).

Step 1: Select your preferred college(s).
Step 2: View the Info Session (about 25 minutes).
Step 3: Submit your contact information.

Which community colleges offer BioWork?
David Battigelli
Instructor, Biotechnology
Michelle Sabaoun
Department Head, Biotechnology & Biosciences
Upcoming Classes
Title Start - End Time Delivery Format
BioWork Mon, Jan 8 - Mon, Mar 4 2024 5:30 - 9:30pm Hybrid
BioWork Thu, Mar 14 - Sat, May 11 2024 9:00am - 12:30pm Hybrid
BioWork Sat, Feb 10 - Sat, Apr 13 2024 8:30am - 3:30pm Hybrid
Rick Shew
Director, Customized Training and Work-Based Learning; Instructor
Upcoming Classes
Title Start - End Time Delivery Format
BioWork Wed, Jan 3 - Thu, Feb 22 2024 12:15 - 3:00pm Face-to-Face
Patricia Anderson
Interim Director of Industry Services
Dr. Lisa Smelser
Program Director, Biotechnology Programs
Cynthia Faucet
HEERF Admin Assistant
Megan Johnson
Workforce Development Coordinator
Upcoming Classes
Title Start - End Time Delivery Format
BioWork Mon, Jan 8 - Mon, Feb 5 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm Face-to-Face
BioWork Tue, Jan 9 - Wed, Mar 27 2024 5:30 - 9:30pm Face-to-Face
BioWork Mon, Feb 12 - Mon, Mar 11 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm Face-to-Face
BioWork Mon, Mar 18 - Mon, Apr 15 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm Face-to-Face
Telicia Hunter
Curriculum Developer​ Biotechnology
Upcoming Classes
Title Start - End Time Delivery Format
BioWork Tue, Feb 6 - Tue, Apr 16 2024 6:00 - 7:00pm Hybrid
BioWork Tue, Feb 6 - Tue, Apr 16 2024 6:00 - 7:00pm Hybrid
Stewart Lyon
Program Head of Bioprocess / Biotechnology
Lisa Rodwell
Director for Occupational Extension
Cynthia Lawrence
Director of Biotechnology & WCE
Upcoming Classes
Title Start - End Time Delivery Format
BioWork Mon, Jan 8 - Mon, Apr 15 2024 9:00 - 11:30am Hybrid
BioWork Mon, Jan 8 - Mon, Apr 15 2024 6:00 - 8:30pm Hybrid
BioWork Mon, Jan 8 - Mon, Apr 15 2024 6:00 - 9:00pm Hybrid
BioWork Tue, Jan 9 - Tue, Apr 16 2024 1:00 - 3:30pm Hybrid
BioWork Wed, Jan 10 - Thu, Apr 18 2024 6:00 - 8:30pm Hybrid
BioWork Wed, Jan 10 - Fri, Apr 12 2024 6:00 - 8:30pm Live Instructor Led