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.

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.

Program details

You must 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 for entry. You also must complete the online BioWork information session.

• Course cost: $180 plus applicable administration fees of $18. The textbook cost is $110, and the fee will be added to the costs for the course for courses after September 2023. 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
• Location: Western Wake Campus or RTP Campus (also online activities)
• Eight units of study designed by industry and directly related to biopharmaceutical technology
• Teamwork and problem-solving activities
• Teaching expertise of industry veterans
• Optional state certification exam for process technicians
• Networking opportunities linked to career-building and job search
• Resume support and interview practice

Multiple class formats are available: in-person, online and hybrid, day and evening. 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.

For best results when registering online, use Google Chrome, especially if you have difficulty when first attempting to register. You also may need to clear your cache or browsing history if the registration doesn't get past "processing."

Questions? Email [email protected].

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, fees, books, course-specific supplies and credentialing exams.

The Propel scholarship application is closed and will reopen October 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.

State certification exam

Wake Tech offers North Carolina's Process Technician Certification examination for students who have completed and passed the BioWork program.