Associate in Science Degree in Biotechnology Manufacturing Technician
San Bruno, USA
Associate of Science
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
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Key Summary
About: The Associate of Science in Biotechnology Manufacturing Technician at Skyline College (San Bruno, CA) trains students for biopharma production. You'll learn cell culture (bacteria, yeast, mammalian), protein recovery, good manufacturing practices (GMP), SOPs, record-keeping, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Courses run in-person and via Global Online Learning. Skyline’s ties with Genentech and Silicon Valley partners support internships. Culturing work requires flexibility.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can fill Entry-level Biotechnology Technician, Manufacturing Production Technician, and Quality Control Analyst roles in production, quality assurance, process development or regulatory support at biopharma manufacturers, contract manufacturers (CMOs), clinical labs, or research facilities. Roles need on-the-job training.
The Associate of Science in Biotechnology Manufacturing Technician prepares graduates with the skills and experience to work in the biotechnology industry as a production technician. A production technician operates and maintains equipment used to manufacture protein pharmaceutical products. Students will culture and maintain bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells as well as gain experience in the recovery of proteins that the cultures produce. Students will develop skills in good manufacturing practices (GMP) by maintaining records and following standard operating procedures. Students will be practiced in industry quality assurance procedures and government regulations. Due to the nature of culturing microorganisms, students enrolled in the program must be able to adjust their time to a flexible schedule.
In addition to in-person studies, most programs are available through the Global Online Learning (GOL) Program, which allows students to take classes fully online from their home countries.
- Foundations of Biotechnology
- Principles of Applied Bioscience
- Laboratory Principles of Applied Bioscience
- Biotechnology Instrumentation: Quality Control and Genetic Engineering
- Business and Regulatory Practices in Biotechnology
- Cell Culture and Protein Recovery
- Introduction to Cell Biology: Core II
- General Chemistry I
- Introduction to Statistics
- Work Experience
Plus General Education and other requirements for the Associate degree (refer to Associate Degree Requirements).
Total Required Major Units: 33
And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Understand the structure and function of protein pharmaceuticals and evaluate which protein properties a production facility can exploit to purify a particular protein from other cellular components.
- Construct a pathway analyzing how a drug or biologic is produced by genetically engineered cells and subsequently purified.
- Evaluate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and work though the proper channels to facilitate modifications.
- Perform Quality evaluations on a process or procedure that is performed during Manufacturing while part of a team.
The San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley (SMCSV) offer more than 50 institutional scholarships each year, and all enrolled students are eligible to apply. Award amounts range from $300 to $7,000, helping make college more affordable. Students can also apply for external scholarships, such as the $1,000 Study in California Scholarship, to further support their educational journey.
Students who complete this program will gain experience in biotechnology positions which require additional industry specific training. The BTEC classes 150, 210 and 220 will give the students specific training that will allow students to apply for and function as entry level Biotechnology Technician, Manufacturing Production Technician, and Quality Control Analyst.
Build your English skills while earning credits toward your degree through the IESL Pathway Program at Cañada College. No English proficiency test score is required to apply to IESL.