Back-to-Work Program Highlight: Biotechnology
The Biotechnology program at Durham Tech provides foundational skills needed to begin a career as a process technician for a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing company. The program is one of many offered through Durham Tech's Back-to-Work Initiative, which provides short-term courses that lead to high-demand jobs.
Jobs in this area are in high demand as Durham County is home to more than 20 major biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical companies and 35 biosciences related industries.
According to Telecia Hunter, Curriculum Developer and Instructor of Biotechnology at Durham Tech, the following positions are currently in high demand: process technicians, quality control personnel, quality assurance personnel, and research scientists.
The Back-to-Work Initiative, which currently includes three courses that are 100% online:
- Biowork 3.0 Online: (148 hours) Teaches students the foundational skills needed to begin a career as a process technician for a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing company. Teamwork, time management, and problem solving are incorporated into the course.
- GMP and SOP Online: (24 hours) Provides a broad overview of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and standard operating procedures (SOP). This course covers six modules: orientation/refresher, deliberate documentation, conducting investigations, QC laboratory operations, SOP in a regulated environment, and effective SOP writing.
- BioCertification Boot Camp: A 20-hour extensive review course to help prepare students for the NC Process Technician State Exam.
The online format eliminates barriers of transportation and scheduling as students can work at their own pace. Students are also provided an at-home lab kit to continue hands-on learning. Scholarships to enroll iare also available through the Back-to-Work Scholarship and the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Scholarship (GEER).
"Business is booming for biotechnology in North Carolina. New companies mean new opportunities."
— Telecia Hunter, Curriculum Developer for Biotechnology Courses at Durham Tech
Alumni Spotlight
In four short months, Cheryl Winstead went from having no experience in biotechnology to working full-time at Merck as a technician. She completed BioWork 3.0 Online, GMP and SOP Online, and Biocertification Boot Camp, then passed the Biotech Certified Process Technician certification exam.
She began the courses in September 2020 and received a job offer from Merck in December 2020.
"The classes at Durham Tech gave me a great foundation to build upon," she said. "Durham Tech has changed my life in so many ways. Not only did they help prepare me for a job in biotech, but they also helped build my confidence and encouraged me to go after the job at Merck. The support has continued beyond the classroom, which has been incredible."
Biotechnology in the News
- Durham Tech and KBI BioPharma Partner to Boost Diversity and Create Life Sciences Job Opportunities for North Carolina Students and Veterans
- Statement from Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton on BioGen expansion
- President Buxton's statement on Adverum Biotechnologies expansion
- Statement from Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton on Taysha Gene Therapies expansion
- After years at home, an NC mother finds career success at BioNetwork
Video
Telecia Hunter provides an overview of biotechnology courses and the current job outlook. Also hear from two students that recently completed courses and have just started their job search.
How to Register
All students must complete the online information session first. The program director will then send an email with more information about the program and how to register.
Contact Us
Ingrid Charles, BioWork/Bio-Pharma Director
919-536-7200 ext. 4402
biotechce@durhamtech.edu