

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.
Get started with BioWork in 3 easy steps.
How long does this take?
It should take about 30 minutes.
Completing this process will prepare you for the placement test at your selected college(s).
What is covered in BioWork?
- 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.
Get started with BioWork in 3 easy steps.
How long does this take?
It should take about 30 minutes.
Completing this process will prepare you for the placement test at your selected college(s).
Which community colleges offer BioWork?
Michelle Sabaoun
mgsabaoun486@alamancecc.edu
Department Head, Biotechnology & Biosciences
336-506-4224
Rick Shew
rshew@cccti.edu
Director, Customized Training and Work-Based Learning; Instructor
828-759-4635
Dr. Lisa Smelser
Program Director, Biotechnology Programs
lsmelser@cccc.edu
919-718-7305
Patricia Anderson
Interim Director of Industry Services
pande622@cccc.edu
919-718-7081
BioWork Registration & Support
Lee Main Campus
919-718-7500
Megan Johnson
johnsonm@cravencc.edu
Workforce Development Coordinator
252-444-6013
Cynthia Faucett
HEERF Admin Assistant
faucettc@cravencc.edu
252-444-8204
Stewart Lyon
lyons@vgcc.edu
Program Head of Bioprocess / Biotechnology
252-738-3632
Lisa Rodwell
rodwelle@vgcc.edu
Director for Occupational Extension
252-738-3276