BioWork

BioWork: Process Technician

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. 

Get started with BioWork in 3 easy steps.

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.

What is covered in BioWork?

Topics Include
  • 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.
Learning 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: Process Technician

Get started with BioWork in 3 easy steps.

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?

Michelle Sabaoun
mgsabaoun486@alamancecc.edu
Department Head, Biotechnology & Biosciences
336-506-4224

Upcoming Classes

Starts Ends Time Format
Mon, Aug 14 Wed, Oct 11 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Face-to-Face
Mon, Oct 16 Wed, Dec 13 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Face-to-Face

Rick Shew
rshew@cccti.edu
Director, Customized Training and Work-Based Learning; Instructor
828-759-4635

Upcoming Classes

Starts Ends Time Format
Mon, Aug 14 Wed, Dec 13 1:45 PM to 3:30 PM Face-to-Face
Wed, Jan 3 Thu, Feb 22 12:15 PM to 3:00 PM Face-to-Face

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

Upcoming Classes

Starts Ends Time Format
Mon, Aug 21 Mon, Nov 27 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM Face-to-Face

Telicia Hunter
huntert@durhamtech.edu
Curriculum Developer​ Biotechnology
919-536-7240 ext. 4408

Upcoming Classes

Starts Ends Time Format
Wed, Jun 14 Fri, Aug 25 12:05 AM to 11:55 PM Hybrid

Shelley Gardner
swgardner@johnstoncc.edu
Biotechnology Operations Coordinator
919-209-2572

Upcoming Classes

Starts Ends Time Format
Mon, Aug 14 Wed, Dec 13 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Hybrid
Mon, Aug 14 Wed, Dec 13 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Hybrid
Tue, Aug 15 Thu, Dec 14 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Hybrid

Upcoming Classes

Starts Ends Time Format
Tue, Jun 27 Tue, Aug 22 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Face-to-Face

Christina Weeks
cweeks@email.pittcc.edu
Biotechnology Department Chair
252-493-7861

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

Cynthia Lawrence
cllawrence1@waketech.edu
Director of Biotechnology & WCE
919-335-1037

Upcoming Classes

Starts Ends Time Format
Tue, Sep 5 Tue, Dec 5 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Face-to-Face
Tue, Sep 5 Tue, Dec 5 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Face-to-Face

On Demand Classes

Starts Ends Format
Wed, Jun 14 Thu, Aug 17 On Demand
Wed, Aug 23 Thu, Nov 9 On Demand
Tue, Sep 12 Tue, Dec 19 On Demand

Melissa Vandemark
mvandemark@wilsoncc.edu
Director of Workforce Development
252-246-1421