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Biotechnology After High School

Thank you for your interest in our Biotechnology programs at VGCC! In our biotechnology programs, you will learn the fundamentals of biotechnology and gain highly sought after laboratory and industrial biotech skills. The biotech industry is booming in our region of North Carolina, and thousands more positions are expected to within the coming years as existing biotech and pharmaceutical companies expand and new companies move in to the greater area! In addition, we have exciting opportunities for graduates from our programs who are interested in transferring to a four-year schools. Get started in our programs now to enter a growing workforce sector or simply advance your education!

Many adult students choose to begin their biotechnology studies with the BioWork course! This short training course will teach you the foundational skills you need to begin a career as a process technician for a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing company.  Process technicians are responsible for the production of chemical and pharmaceutical products. Students who complete the BioWork course often continue their studies with VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program, enter the workforce, or do both!

VGCC offers curriculum (college credit) programs in Bioprocess Technology. These programs teach the contents of the BioWork course and provides additional training in advanced techniques and make students competitive for a wider range of biotech related jobs. The first is the Certificate in Bioprocess Technology, taking as little as 6 months to complete. The Diploma in Bioprocess Technology is a one-year program, and the Associates of Applied Science Degree program is a two-year program of study. All three curriculum programs are approved for federal financial aid to eligible applicants. Some courses are completely online, others are hybrid formats with hands-on training labs meeting once per week (daytime and evening may be available). We have many part-time students who have found this format to work very well with their work schedules. Finally, students who begin their studies by completing the BioWork (non-credit course) and wish to transition to curriculum students for additional training will receive credit for the BioWork course toward their curriculum program!

BioWork Logo, bubbling beaker on top of a dna stran

Upcoming Classes for Spring 2024

Evening Classes:
BioWork (Hybrid, labs on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Begins January 17, ends March 20)
BTC 181 – Basic Lab Techniques (Hybrid, labs on Tuesdays from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Begins January 5, ends March 1)
BPM 111 – Upstream Processing (Hybrid course with labs in-person on Tuesday evenings, 5-8 PM, begins March 11, ends May 7)

Daytime Classes:
BioWork (Hybrid, labs on Wednesdays from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Begins March 14, ends May 9)


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    Can’t wait to get started? Explore the free virtual learning experiences below from the NC BioNetwork

    BioWork Information Session Green Fluorecent Protein Production Biomanufacturing Facility Tour