Bio-Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Certificate Program

Are you interested in training for entry-level employment in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing field?

Next Class Starts June 2008!

This innovative 13-week Bio-Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Certificate Program is offered through a partnership with Alameda County Workforce Investment Board and Ohlone College. Graduates can take advantage of industry partnerships and relationships established through this award-winning program for employment and/or paid internship opportunities. Program graduates are employed at local companies including Amgen, Bayer, Genentech, and Novartis.

In the News

• Labor Day 2007: "Hot Jobs, Cool Customers": Ohlone College Bio-Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Program Graduate: Cynthia Chacon - California Employment Development Department, August 31, 2007 - Cynthia Chacon's journey into the new and fascinating world of biotechnology began when Kelly Green came to the FujiColor lab in Hayward last fall. … Kelly, coordinator of Ohlone College's Biotechnology Program, came to the lab with a Rapid Response team because she saw the Fuji workers as potential candidates for the program."

Program Description

Accelerated classroom/lab training course that includes topics in chemistry, biology, math, industry regulations, and manufacturing practices. The course meets 20 hours a week during the daytime at Ohlone College.  This intensive program is designed to retrain dislocated workers for entry-level jobs with an opportunity for advancement in a high growth industry.  Students will be expected to document laboratory activities, access & record information using a computer, and communicate information in a team atmosphere.  Training expenses are paid by a special grant so there is no charge to attend this program. Selection is decided through a competitive process due to limited seating.

Upon training completion graduates will be:

• Qualified for entry-level positions including Bio-Process Technicians, Labeling & Packaging Operators, Instrument & Media Prep Technicians, QC Specialists, & Lab Techs with a starting salary of $35-$50K.
• Preparing buffer solutions, operating filtration & column chromatography, cleaning & preparing glassware, operating autoclaves, performing under sterile conditions, & using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Candidate Requirements

• Provide proof of dislocated worker status & eligibility for unemployment insurance within the last year
• HS graduate or equivalent; eligible for college level English & Elementary Algebra
• Attend Information/ Wonderlic Basic Skills Testing Session, interview, & submit labor market research; Note: Test preparation website: http://www.testprepreview.com/wonderlic_practice.htm
• Attend scheduled workshops, presentations, & tours in addition to class hours
• Computer/printer access & proficiency with MS Word, Excel, e-mail
• Flexibility to work in a production environment; available for overtime, shift &/or weekend hours

Information Sessions

For updates and to be placed on our waitlist, call (510) 259-3831 and leave the requested information. Information for upcoming sessions will be posted when available

Download the Bio-Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Certificate Program flyer (PDF) (view with the free Adobe Reader software) .

Review the list of Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

For more information about Ohlone College Biotechnology classes, programs and degrees visit Ohlone's Biotechnology website.