BioWork FAQs

BioWork is a 136-hour, non-credit certificate program that prepares students for entry-level jobs as a process technician in the chemical, pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.
BioWork was developed under the direction of the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry and is often preferred or required for entry-level process technician jobs.

Students who wish to register for BioWork must possess a high school diploma or equivalency and must attend an online information session.

Online: $280 (including textbooks)
In-person: $330 (including textbooks)

There are eight units in BioWork, as well as sessions to help you search for a job. About 25% of the class takes place in the lab. The following objectives will be covered in the course.

• Your New Job is an orientation to the process-manufacturing industries.
• Working Safely covers basic safety attitudes and approaches.
• Building Quality into the Product emphasizes the importance of making quality products.
• Measuring Process Variables provides an introduction to the metric system and the measurement of variables critical to controlling processes.
• Transforming Matter covers a review of the basic chemistry needed by process technicians.
• Learning the Nuts and Bolts provides information about biomanufacturing equipment, systems and plant utilities.
• Controlling the Process covers the basic principles of process control systems.
• Maintaining Sterile Processes introduces the basics of microorganisms, contamination and the concept of working in aseptic manufacturing environments.
• Growing Living Cells covers bioprocess manufacturing principles and operations.
• Job-seeking skills, including resume development, searching for jobs and interview practice

In addition to learning material in the textbook, students conduct laboratory experiments and practice teamwork, which is an essential part of the biomanufacturing industry. BioWork graduates enter the workforce ready to learn company operations and tasks. Their classroom and laboratory experience exposes them to a basic knowledge of the following:

• An awareness of the importance of safety, both for the workers and product
• Complying with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Following an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)
• Reading an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
• Completing a batch record
• Using the metric system
• Using common pumps and valves
• Reading gauges
• Reading a process diagram
• Making chemical solutions
• Preparing growth media
• Adjusting pH

BioWork is taught only at the Western Wake and RTP campuses.

BioWork will be offered in five different formats in all three semesters. Click on each class detail to check availability and times offered.

In the hybrid-distance class, students cover the same material as those in the traditional class; however, they complete each week's textbook assignments on their own time and meet either once a week to complete the laboratory assignments and take unit tests or complete the lab activities in one continuous week at the end of the course.
The hybrid-distance students access the Wake Tech website to receive their assignments (Moodle).
The hybrid-distance class is designed for a task-oriented, self-motivated person with excellent reading skills and high-speed internet access.

Wake Tech does not offer a job-placement service.  However, the Career Services Office of Wake Tech does offer a variety of job-seeking skills courses. These courses emphasize the importance of networking, industry-specific resumes, interviewing skills, searching for jobs online and the use of LinkedIn. In addition, BioWork graduates are provided with a directory of staffing agencies and useful industry information. Within the course, students are helped to prepare industry-specific resumes, learn job-seeking skills and practice for interviews.

Wake Tech has two additional programs of interest to the BioWork graduate.

The BioNetwork Capstone Center on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University offers short courses that provide hands-on training in biomanufacturing (bioprocessing and analytical lab skills) in an environment that mirrors industry. These courses are available to BioWork students and are deemed as equivalent to industry experience by some companies. Several certificates are available, including one in biomanufacturing. For additional information, call 919-515-0232.

Wake Tech also offers an Associate Applied Sciences in Biopharmaceutical Technology degree. Major emphasis is placed on manufacturing processes and quality assurance.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Partnership provides an optional certification exam to students who have successfully completed BioWork. The exam costs $75 and is offered through CASTLE Worldwide. Wake Tech usually offers the exam twice a year (May and December). Completing BioWork provides a certificate; passing the exam provides certification.