greenhouse employees tending strawberry plants in a greenhouse

Contact

Telicia Hunter
Director, Life Sciences
Collins (Building 2), room 125
919-536-7269
biotechce@durhamtech.edu

Bio-Agricultural Program Readiness Opportunity (Non-credit)

Short Term

The Bio-Agricultural Program Readiness Opportunity (BioAg PRO) provides practical, hands-on learning and familiarity with cutting edge techniques, technologies, and equipment used in agriculture and plant sciences. Students learn the basic skills required to become trained technicians in bio-agriculture, agriculture, and related fields. Through classroom instruction laboratory work, and work-based learning experiences, students are equipped with foundational knowledge related to plants and environmental parameters to enter the workforce.

Pro logo of staff gene helix symbol with leaves sprouting out the topThis is a high-demand field with the Triangle area hosting more than 174 companies in the agricultural and plant sciences.

The program provides a mix of classroom, outdoor and hands-on instruction. Students will get real life experience.

The BioAg PRO program includes the following courses:

  • GMP and SOP
  • BioAg Technology 
  • BioAg Work-Based Learning
     

View the informational video to learn more about the program, careers, and salaries.

Prerequisites

BioAg Technology - Must be 18 years of age or older; and show proof of a high school diploma or high school equivalency or provide a copy of a transcript of any completed Associate’s degree or higher.

A BioAg Work-Based Learning -  Successful completion of BTC-3600B GMP and SOP and AGR-3002B BioAg Technology

Email prerequisites documents to biotechce@durhamtech.edu

Textbooks

Textbooks are included in the course fee and will be provided online or distributed the first day of class.

Registration

Students must submit proof of prerequisites prior to registration (see above).

Financial Assistance

The BioAg scholarship will cover full tuition for the program.

The BioAg Work-Based Learning course is a 160-hour internship that pays $13 per hour ($2,080 total).

Complete the Application form. Email biotechce@durhamtech.edu if you have questions.

Additional Assistance
  • Accessibility Services: Students with disabilities are encouraged to learn more about available services. Accommodation plans can take 2 weeks to review so please contact Accessibility Services immediately following course registration.
     
  • Computer and Internet Assistance: View information about discounted computers and internet or how to request a loaner laptop. 
NC Pesticide Licensing Exam
Upon completion of the program, students will qualify to take the NC Pesticide Licensing exam. The exam fee and manual is $247.

Estimated Tuition & Fees

$520

Contact Hours

352

Location

Online/Main Campus

Estimated Completion Time

4-6 months

BTC-3600B GMP and SOP

This 24-hour GMP and SOP course 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.
Section
Number
Dates Location Building Room Time Format
87088
9/15 - 10/7
Internet
-
-
Online
90464
10/27 - 11/18
Internet
-
-
Online
90394
1/12 - 2/3
Internet
-
-
Online
90396
3/1 - 3/23
Internet
-
-
Online
90397
4/19 - 5/11
Internet
-
-
Online

AGR-3002B BioAg Technology

BioAg Technology is a 148-hour set of modular courses designed to prepare students with the training necessary to obtain employment in the ag-tech or biotech industries. Topics include plant biology, soils and growing media, controlled environmental agriculture (CEA), pest control and work-based learning experiences. Upon completion, students will be eligible for entry-level employment in any plant science-related industry. Prerequisites:1) Must be 18 years of age or older, 2) Show proof of a high school diploma or high school equivalency OR provide a copy of a transcript of any completed Associate degree or higher (unofficial transcripts OK) 3) BioWork certificate. Students must submit proof of prerequisites prior to registration. Please email biotechce@durhamtech.edu for questions regarding the program or registration process.
Section
Number
Dates Location Building Room Time Format
87135
9/13 - 11/29
9/13 - 12/2
11/14 - 11/15
Main Campus
105
-
TBA
W 9:00:00 AM - 1:00:00 PM
-
T,W 8:30:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM
Hybrid

WBL-3100A Bioag Work-Based Learning

This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies. Prerequisites: 1) BioAg Technology certificate and the 2) GMP and SOP certificate. Please email biotechce@durhamtech.edu for questions regarding the program or registration process.
Section Number Dates Location Building Room Time Format
This course has already started or is not being offered this term.

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