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.
Skilled process technicians are valued and in demand.
Contact a BioWork program director at your nearest community college to get started today.
What is covered in BioWork?
BioWork is a 136-hour certificate program that covers:
- 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
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.
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.
Contact your local community college to find out more about these requirements.
Which community colleges offer BioWork?
Graham, NC 27253
Guy Aday
Biotech Lab Manager
336-506-4224
guy.aday@alamance.edu
Sanford, NC 27330
Cathy Swindell
Director of Industry Services, Industry Services
919-718-7212
cswindell@cccc.edu
Durham, NC 27712
Ingrid Charles
Director
919-536-7240 ext. 4402
charlesi@durhamtech.edu
Clayton, NC 27520
Amanda Maynard
Biotechnology Coordinator
919-209-2579
acmaynard@johnstoncc.edu
Roxboro, NC 27573
Jeanette Godsey
Program Specialist, Workforce Development
336-322-2156
Jeanette.Godsey@piedmontcc.edu
Louisburg, NC 27549
Stewart Lyon
252-738-3632
lyons@vgcc.edu
Cary, NC 27518
Mike Morgan, PhD
BioWork Director
919-335-1037
mkmorgan@waketech.edu
Wilson, NC 27893
Kimberly Gamlin
Executive Dean of Continuing Education
252-246-1290
kgamlin@wilsoncc.edu
How can I learn more about biomanufacturing careers?
Do you want to learn more about the BioWork certificate program? This info session explores career expectations and opportunities for BioWork students within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing industries.
Are you interested in a career in biotechnology or manufacturing? This short interactive exploration provides a peek inside a typical manufacturing facility to show the types of environments and processes you can expect to encounter on the job.
If you are thinking about a career in biotechnology or manufacturing, shift work is a way of life that you will have to accept. Follow along with this interactive exploration of what shift work is, how it impacts your working schedule, and examine both the benefits and drawbacks that are typical for this type of employment.