Given the clinical successes and recent licensing approvals of CAR-T cell therapy products, there is a growing need for a well-trained workforce to deliver these lifesaving therapies. Currently, there are few, if any, formal training programs for cell therapy manufacturing and training of individuals in the basics is carried out on an ad hoc basis by company subject matter experts when need arises.
The solution is a creation of an online course on the fundamentals of cell therapy manufacturing that is coupled to a companion hands-on training component. The development of an online resource that teaches important fundamental concepts, which is also tied into a hands-on training component, accelerates the training of all levels of the cell therapy manufacturing workforce and decreases the resources required to bring new hires up to speed. Additionally, this type of blended learning environment modernizes learning such that the online component of the training will “immortalize” concepts so that they are available on demand, either to train individuals as they are hired or to review important concepts as needed.
Developed a blended learning program combining a comprehensive online course and hands-on modules to address the critical shortage of formal training in cell therapy manufacturing.
Provided scalable, accessible education for thousands of professionals transitioning from traditional biomanufacturing to cell therapy roles, reducing onboarding time and internal training burden for NIIMBL member companies.
Enhanced educational infrastructure by equipping MIT and WPI with specialized cell therapy equipment, benefiting both academic institutions and the broader biotech community.
Since completion, more than 15,000 learners have taken the course, demonstrating significant impact on workforce development and industry readiness.
This project delivered a robust blended learning program, including a six-unit online course and three hands-on modules covering cell therapy fundamentals, manufacturing principles, analytics, commercialization, and regulatory frameworks. The online course features 22 video lectures, 70 expert interviews, 154 text lessons, 129 custom graphics, 33 skill drills, and 3 problem sets, ensuring an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Hands-on modules include detailed SOPs, lab manuals, and pre-lab lectures for practical training in CAR-T manufacturing and genetic engineering. Since its launch, the program has reached over 15,000 learners, significantly advancing workforce preparedness for the growing cell therapy industry.
Six-unit online course with 22 video lectures, 70 expert interviews, 154 lessons, 129 graphics, 33 skill drills, and 3 problem sets, offered globally via edX.
Three hands-on modules (Cell Therapy Manufacturing Lab, Genetic Engineering, CAR-T Manufacturing) with detailed SOPs, lab manuals, and teaching materials, beta-tested and ready for deployment.
Specialized equipment acquisition at MIT and WPI to support hands-on training and regional workforce development.
Massive adoption and measurable impact: Over 15,000 learners have completed the online course since project completion, including professionals from major biopharma companies.
Yang, M., Keumurian, F., Neufeld, C., Skrip, E., Duguid, J., Vega-Mercado, H., Rao, R., Rolle, M., Springs, S., Wolfrum, J., Barone, P., & Van Vliet, K. (2024). Upskilling the cell therapy manufacturing workforce: design, implementation, and evaluation of a massive open online course. Advances in Physiology Education. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00077.2023
Van Vliet, K., Hodge, G., Duguid, J., Vega, H., Barone, P. W., & Rolle, M., Scalable Education & Training to Grow the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Workforce, NIIMBL National Meeting, Washington, DC, June 28, 2019.
Van Vliet, K., Presenter, PC1.0-7: Scalable education & training to grow the cell therapy manufacturing workforce, NIIMBL National Meeting, Washington, D.C., July 27, 2022.
Barone, P. W. & Keumurian, F. J., Online Education As a Tool to Expand Biomanufacturing Awareness, NIIMBL National Meeting, Washington, DC, July 26, 2022.
Barone, P. W. &. R., M., Scalable Education & Training to Grow, NIIMBL National Meeting, Washington, DC, June 28, 2019.
Van Vliet, K., Scalable Education & Training to Grow the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Workforce, NIIMBL Member Forum, Virtual, October 22, 2020.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
