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Noncredit Courses: BioWork    
 
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Durham Tech Home > Continuing Education Students >  BioWork Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BioWork program?

BioWork is a 136-hour introductory course bringing together the basics of manufacturing technology and the fundamentals of science — two essentials for competent, entry-level technicians in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing.

What will the BioWork program prepare me to do?

Certified completers enter the workforce ready to learn company operations and tasks. Students are prepared to: 

  • Learn the importance of safety and safety awareness; 
  • Follow chemical safety guidelines;
  • Use and convert in the metric system.                        
  • BioWork photo 1Assist with fermentation and downstream processing;
  • Calibrate and use basic equipment;
  • Use common pumps and valves;
  • Conduct industrial measurements;
  • Prepare growth media and grow cells;
  • Comply with cGMP and FDA regulations of pharmaceutical manufacturing;
  • Learn the foundations of various quality systems;
  • Follow an SOP; 
  • Complete a batch record properl;. 
  • Read and understand MSDS and NFPA;
  • Identify process equipment;
  • Understand the principles of working in cleanrooms and how to prevent contamination;
  • Demonstrate proper aseptic techniques;
  • Describe the basic separation methods used in pharmaceutical manufacturing;
  • Explain basic feedback control; and
  • Read process diagrams and P&IDs

The students complete the program with a safety mindset. They understand that a quality product depends on the strict attention process technicians give to standards and procedures for every task.

What do you learn?

BioWork offers students many opportunities to develop and practice effective communication, teamwork, and problem solving for an entry-level position in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing. Additionally, this course will cover all aspects of the job search in the Biotechnology arena, including a job market overview, job search tools and strategies, resume preparation, and interviewing practice, teamwork, time management, and problem solving are also incorporated in the course.

The BioWork program has ten units:

Unit 1 – Your New Job Orientation Unit 6 – Learning the Nuts and Bolts
Unit 2 – Working Safely Basic Unit 7 – Controlling the Process
Unit 3 – Building Quality into the Product Unit 8 – Maintaining Sterile Processes
Unit 4 – Measuring Process Variables Unit 9 – Growing Living Cells
Unit 5 – Transforming Matter Basic Chemistry Unit 10 – Career Readiness

Students complete an exam after each unit.

 

Do we have lab time during the BioWork program?

Yes, the BioWork program offers approximately 50 hours of math, chemistry, and biology lab time.

What is BioWork Distance Hybrid class (Hybrid)?

The BioWork Hybrid class covers the same content as the traditional class. Hybrid classes are a combination of online and classroom instruction.  We like to think of a hybrid class as very similar to an online class, but with face-to-face support  Students and teacher work online via the Internet, but they also meet part of the time -- usually one day a week -- in the lab and to complete the unit test.

Who can take the BioWork Hybrid class?

This offering of the BioWork course is designed for task-oriented, self-motivated, organized students with excellent reading skills. Students enrolled in this hybrid course complete the classroom portion online and attend class one day a week for the laboratory portion.

What is the admission and registration process for the BioWork program?
A. Prerequisites:
  1. Must be 18 years of age or older;
  2. Must have a high school diploma or GED;
  3. Demonstrate appropriate reading level (COMPASS 54 or ASSET 35) and math level (COMPASS 27 or ASSET 36). Placement tests are offered by the DTCC Placement Testing Center; OR
  4. Provide a copy of a transcript of any completed college degree (two-year or above).
B. Bring or send required prerequisite information to a location below, where you will be assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN number must then accompany your registration. BioWork photo 2
  Deliver to:
Northern Durham Center (NDC); or
Main Campus, Corporate Education Center (CEC); or
Orange County Skills Development Center (OCSDC). 
Fax to: 919-686-3519, Attn: BioWork and BioPharma Programs
Mail to: DTCC, Attn: BioWork and BioPharma Programs, 2401 Snow Hill Road, Durham, NC 27712

C. To register: Visit us at one of three convenient locations:
    • Northern Durham Center (NDC)
    • Main Campus – Corporate Education Center (CEC)
    • Orange County Skills Development Center, Chapel Hill (OCSDC)

What are the costs for BioWork?

The BioWork registration fee  is $154 to include registration, textbook, and supplies.

When are registration fees due?
The $154 must be paid on the day of registration.

Is financial aid available for students?
No, financial aid is not available for the BioWork program.

Where is the program offered?
The BioWork program is offered at Durham Tech's Northern Durham Center, located at 2401 Snow Hill Road.

Is there a certification for the BioWork Certificate program?

Yes, the Process Technician State Certification examination is available to individuals who have completed successfully the BioWork process technician training program. Durham Technical Community College offers the certification exam twice a year.

What is the salary range for an entry-level BioWork process technician?

Earnings vary based on skill and experience, but the average salary is $13-$ 15 per hour. Job titles include:

  • Bioprocess Manufacturing Technician Aseptic Manufacturing Technician
  • Manufacturing Preparation Technician
  • Formulation and Fill Technician
  • Packaging Technician               
  • Process Technician
  • Manufacturing Associate
  • Chemical Equipment Operator
  • Chemical Plant and System Operator



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