BioWork Process Technician
BioWork is a 136-hour, non-credit certificate course that can lead to an entry-level position as a process technician. The certificate provides course credit that can be put toward an associate degree in Biotechnology or Biopharmaceutical Technology.
BioWork is intended for high school graduates and those who want to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical industry. Those already in the industry can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for the course.
"Of all the teachers and courses I've taken, I would say that BioWork impacted my life the most. I went from minimum wage to making a great living surrounded by people who actually enjoy coming to work for a company that actually cares."
-Ryan Kennedy, Merck employee
To be eligible for the BioWork program, you must either have a high school diploma, equivalency or some form of post-secondary education, or you must take math and reading placement tests at Wake Tech. You also must complete the online BioWork information session.
- Program: Eight units of study designed by industry and directly related to biopharmaceutical technology
- Costs: $180, plus applicable administration fees of $18. For the Fall 2024 semester, the textbook can be purchased at the Southern Wake Campus Bookstore for about $110, plus taxes. Instructions on how to obtain the student manual will be provided in the welcome letter by your instructor a few weeks prior to the class starting.
- Duration: Depends upon the section chosen to attend
- Class format: In-person, online or hybrid; day or evening
- Location: Western Wake Campus or RTP Campus (also online activities)
BioWork offers the following benefits for students:
- Teaching expertise of industry veterans
- Teamwork and problem-solving activities
- Networking opportunities linked to career-building and job search
- Resume support and interview practice
- Optional state certification exam for process technicians
NOTE: Participation in online classes through Microsoft Teams meetings, and access to Blackboard, the online interface for the course, will require a student's access to a laptop or desktop computer. A tablet or cellphone will not work for Blackboard functions or much of the Microsoft Teams meetings material. Details on these classes on the online meeting days and times can be found by clicking on the "Details" button for each class section.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Industry-recognized credential: BioWork Process Technician Certificate
Complete course in: Four months or less
Financial assistance available
Don't have enough money to pay for a course? Right now, Wake Tech's Propel program offers scholarships that cover the cost of registration and fees.
NOTE: The Propel Scholarship Application is currently closed and will reopen July 1.
Other scholarships to cover half of the course cost may be available. For more information, contact Workforce Continuing Education Financial Resources and Student Support.
BioWork Process Technician Training Courses
BioWork: Process Technician Training
Course ID: BTC-3200A7 | Overview
The BioWork Process Technician course is designed to provide 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 here in Wake County and the surrounding counties. BioWork certification feeds in to two separate Wake-Tech degree programs, which means a BioWork graduate can pursue their associates degree here at Wake Tech after being hired in the industry. Many industries in our area provide educational benefit for their employees. What that means for the BioWork graduate is a job, and the potential to earn a degree with very little out of pocket costs, which equals not only employment opportunities but also opportunities for advancement. BioWork is also a Propel Scholarship sponsored program here at Wake Tech, which means you can potentially earn this certification for free. If you think this is for you, all you have to do is apply and register today.
| Details | Section | Date(s) | Location | Price | Seats | 310488 | 05/19/25 - 08/05/25 | Western Wake Campus | 180.00 | 16 |
Course Cancelled
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 312225 | 05/19/25 - 08/11/25 | Western Wake Campus | 180.00 | 0 | ||
| 310419 | 05/19/25 - 08/06/25 | Western Wake Campus | 180.00 | 0 | ||
| 310417 | 05/20/25 - 08/07/25 | Southern Wake Campus | 180.00 | 0 | ||
| 310418 | 05/20/25 - 08/07/25 | Southern Wake Campus | 180.00 | 18 |
Course Cancelled
|
|
| 310514 | 05/21/25 - 08/07/25 | Online | 180.00 | 0 | ||
| 310375 | 05/27/25 - 08/12/25 | RTP Campus | 180.00 | 0 | ||
| 310416 | 05/28/25 - 08/14/25 | RTP Campus | 180.00 | 0 | ||
| 312477 | 08/18/25 - 12/15/25 | Southern Wake Campus | 220.00 | 19 | Register | |
| 312472 | 08/18/25 - 12/15/25 | Southern Wake Campus | 220.00 | 18 | Register |
If you would like to be notified when additional sections become available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Writing Effective SOPs
Course ID: BTC-3600C6 | Overview
Students will learn how to write an effective Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as well as why these are a required and essential component of documentation systems in regulated industries. Discussion will include the functional areas in which SOPs are needed, the qualities that make them effective, and the importance of keeping these current. Students will learn how to structure an SOP and the content that should be included. Hands-on activities include reviewing and critiquing an SOP for completeness and effectiveness, as well as practice writing SOPs.
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Current Good Manufacturing Practices
Course ID: BTC-3600E6 | Overview
An overview of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) fundamentals used by pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing companies. CGMP exists to protect the health and safety of patients and consumers which supports the mission of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This course equips professionals whose responsibilities depend on operating in CGMP and regulated facilities.
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Aseptic Processing I
Course ID: BTC-3300D6 | Overview
Through lecture and hands-on activities, practice the basics of aseptic operations in a simulated CGMP environment. Topics include microbiology, cleanroom design and control, environmental monitoring, cleaning and disinfection, aseptic gowning, component preparation, solution preparation, sterile filtration, sterilization methods and cleanroom behavior. Topics are correlated to regulatory guidelines.
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Aseptic Processing II
Course ID: BTC-3300E6 | Overview
Delve more deeply into the aseptic processing arena with intensive hands-on instruction of aseptic techniques in a simulated cGMP environment. Instruction includes process simulations of closed-system filtrations, hand filling, semi-automated filling, LAF cabinets, BSC's and barrier isolators, and release testing of a final product. Topics of classroom instruction include FDA regulations pertaining to process simulations, review of microbiology including endotoxins, biosafety levels and water system review.
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Clean Room Gowning
Course ID: BTC-3300F6 | Overview
Aseptic gowning is a system of donning apparel to prevent the contamination of aseptic processing areas. The Cleanroom Gowning course will establish a framework and requirements for proper sterile gloving and aseptic gowning procedures. E-learning tools and videos, and discussions will be utilized. Additional topics include microbiology, environmental monitoring, personnel monitoring related to aseptic gowning, and key elements of developing an aseptic gowning qualification program.
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
Micropipetting Techniques for Precision and Accuracy
Course ID: LBT-3100A6 | Overview
Micropipettes are common laboratory devices used to accurately dispense small volumes of liquid samples. This course will focus on the principles of micropipetting used in biotechnology and other laboratory settings. Testing of pipetting skills will be made at the entry of the class and at the end of the course to access the student’s improvement in micropipetting skills. Practical tips and techniques will be discussed and practiced to increase accuracy and precision of pipetting. Ergonomics will be discussed as it relates to the prevention of injuries due to repetitive motions in laboratory situations with particular emphasis on pipetting activities.
No active courses available at this time.
To be notified when this course becomes available, please use
Wake Tech's Notify Me service.
