Supporting Pharmaceutical and Bioproduction Manufacturing with a Certificate in Laboratory Techniques to Provide an Entry-Level Workforce

This project will design a Lower Division Certificate in Laboratory Techniques that will educate entry-level workers in life science laboratory positions.
Categories
Incumbent worker training
Active Immunization Countermeasures

Industry Need

  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the Mid Atlantic region have an ongoing need for entry-level workers.

Approach

Cecil College will design a Lower Division Certificate in Laboratory Techniques that will educate entry-level workers in life science laboratory positions.  

  • The program will include not only coursework (e.g., Microbiology, Introduction to Statistics, etc.) but also a fundamental life sciences laboratory techniques course, including practical application of relevant stream and downstream bioproduction/analytical processes. 
  • Within 12 months, the team will design the new course and certificate program and seek approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission. First student enrollment is scheduled for Spring 2022, which is the first step on the path to employment or continued education in biotechnology/bioproduction. 


Impacts

This program will prepare students for employment as entry-level laboratory workers at regional pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

This project will develop and implement a program to train entry level laboratory workers for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the region.

Those who complete the program will have the option to continue their studies in Cecil College’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Bioproduction and in the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program at Thomas Jefferson University through already established degrees and pathways.

Value Statement/Outcomes

This project launched a Lower Division Certificate in Laboratory Techniques to meet Mid-Atlantic demand for entry-level biopharmaceutical workers, featuring core courses in microbiology, statistics, and hands-on bioproduction training. Approved within 12 months, the program creates clear pathways to employment or further education through articulation agreements with Cecil College and Thomas Jefferson University.

Outputs/Deliverables

Designed and launched a Lower Division Certificate in Laboratory Techniques, including curriculum for core courses (e.g., Microbiology, Introduction to Statistics) and a specialized laboratory techniques course with hands-on training in upstream and downstream bioproduction processes.

Secured approval for the new certificate program from the Maryland Higher Education Commission within 12 months, ensuring compliance and readiness for implementation.

Scheduled first student enrollment for Spring 2022, creating a clear pathway for entry-level employment in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Established articulation agreements enabling graduates to continue their education through Cecil College’s Associate of Applied Science in Bioproduction and Thomas Jefferson University’s Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program.

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Project Lead

Cecil College

Cecil College