Course Offerings

The BioWork Process Technician course provides basic preparation for entry-level process technician jobs in bioprocess manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and chemical manufacturing. BioWork provides competencies to include understanding the role of a process technician, safety, quality processes, measuring process variables, transforming matter, process technology (including processing equipment and plant utilities), controlling the process, maintaining sterile processes and growing living cells. BioWork graduates are sought after to become employed in the biopharmaceutical industry in Wake County and surrounding counties. BioWork certification feeds into two Wake-Tech degree programs, which means a BioWork graduate can pursue an associate degree at Wake Tech after being hired in the industry.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge and competence in the academic and technical fields related to bioprocess manufacturing

Use critical thinking to analyze and solve problems

Communicate effectively

Demonstrate positive, effective and appropriate interpersonal skills

Outline of Instruction

Pharmaceutical Quality and cGMP - Quality methods, standards and practices utilized in the biomanufacturing industry and how the federal government regulates and enforces them

Working Safely - Hazards and risks within the biomanufacturing industry and how industry practices, education and federal agencies such as OSHA work to minimize these hazards and risks

Measuring Process Parameters - Process variables such as length, mass, volume, pressure and other parameters are measured and converted back and forth between the metric and English unit systems

Chemical Processes in Biomanufacturing - Introduction to common chemicals in the workplace, basic chemical safety, nature of chemicals, chemical families, chemical reactions and mixtures/solutions

Equipment and Utilities - Discussion of inputs, process steps, outputs, facility organization, process equipment (tanks, piping systems, pumps, valves and seals), facility utilities (gases, water, steam, heating and cooling, hydraulics, electricity and waste treatment)

Controlling the Process - Common unit operations, separation methods and equipment, process control parameters and methods, process control instrumentation and manual/automatic control methods

Facilities and the Manufacturing Environment - Facility design and operation considerations, including biopharmaceutical facility regulatory requirements, facility monitoring and maintenance and contamination control concerns/methods

Biomanufacturing Production - Detailed discussion of biomanufacturing steps that are common to many product types and specific production steps unique to or found in a number of special product categories

Career Development - Workshops and lectures pertaining to resume development, cover letter writing, LinkedIn creation, job interview skills and the job application process. Students are encouraged to review the student manual containing career-specific resources and attend career fairs when offered.

Contact Hours

152

CEUs

Yes

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

Complying with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)

Following an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)

Completing batch records

Reading an SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

An awareness of the importance of safety for the workers and product

Using the metric system and measuring process parameters

Understanding mechanical components of process operations (tanks, pumps, valves, etc.)

Reading gauges

Understanding different utility requirements (water, air, electrical, waste systems) for different parts of process operations

Reading process diagrams and understanding feedback systems

Determining manufacturing process similarities and differences for various product types

Resume writing, job interview and networking skills

CE or CU Articulation

BTC-181: Basic Laboratory Techniques or BPM-110: Bioprocess Practices

Prerequisites

Students who wish to register for BioWork must possess a high school diploma or GED and must complete an online information session.

Learning Supplies Needed

"BioWork: An Introductory Course for Process Technicians, Third Edition," Revised 2020

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

Microbiology or chemistry lab

Requirements for Successful Completion

80% attendance
Students must score a minimum of 80% on each unit exam. Students are allowed one retest of each unit exam to reach an 80% score.,An approved resume

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Diploma

Intended Audience

Those with at least a high school diploma or GED who are unemployed, transitioning, especially from other manufacturing sectors, or starting a new career. This course can also be useful for individuals with degrees in biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry or other fields who want to enter employment in biomanufacturing or pharmaceutical manufacturing and lack the knowledge of the products, regulations and manufacturing methods used in these industries.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Process technician

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

Many employers within Wake County and surrounding counties

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Process technician

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Siobhan D'Antonio

[email protected]