PATHWAYS
Building and Inspiring the Life Sciences Talent and Workforce Pipeline
Maryland Training Resources
There are a variety of programs and training resources for everyone from individuals just beginning their careers to seasoned professionals who are looking to enhance their skills. Prospective students can choose a program based on their goals and schedule with programs offered full-time, part-time, and with classroom, hands-on, and earn-while-you-learn experiences.
The State of Maryland is home to many colleges, universities, and organizations that offer biotech training programs and degrees both online and in-person. Take some time to browse the list that BioHub has assembled below.
Adult Learners
Montgomery College
- Biotechnology Bootcamp: Montgomery College offered a free, four-week biotechnology boot camp in January, sponsored by WorkSource Montgomery, to quickly train displaced workers for entry-level biomanufacturing jobs. The training targeted displaced hospitality workers and others who have experienced job loss because of the pandemic.
- The Montgomery College Bio-Trac® program offers 3-5 day hands-on training workshops, designed for research scientists, that focus on the latest relevant techniques that are necessary for laboratory research. Open to the scientific community, all workshops are team taught by experts, active researchers from prestigious institutions such as the NIH, FDA, USDA, Georgetown University, and Johns Hopkins as well as experts from private industry. Since the program’s inception, Bio-Trac has provided hands-on training to over 18,000 scientists.
Frederick Community College
- Biotechnology Bootcamp: The Biotech Boot Camp is a free, 4-week, training program designed to help jobseekers gain the fundamental skills necessary to enter Frederick’s growing biotech industry. The program is intended for both first-time and experienced workers looking for a new career pathway. Following the successful completion of the course, program participants will be guaranteed an interview with local/regional biotech companies.
- Biotechnology Program is the focus on real-world experience. Through strategic partnerships with prominent local biotech companies such as Kite Pharma, Lonza, VaLogic, and Texcell, students have the unique opportunity to gain practical insights and hands-on training. These collaborations enable the students to bridge the gap between theory and application, setting them up for success in their future careers within the biotechnology sector.
BIOTrain
- Advance your life science career with courses, workshops, and seminars from BIOTrain. Choose from programs that enhance basic work skills, industry relevant skills, or specialized technical skills. All programs are designed with biotechnology guidance and taught by industry experts. BIOTrain in partnership with Montgomery College is supported by an EARN grant from the State of Maryland.
Bio Technical Institute of Maryland, Inc.
The Bio Technical Institute of Maryland, Inc. (BTI) offers specialty scientific training and placement assistance for entry-level technicians in Maryland’s rapidly expanding biotechnology industry. A combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training and on-the-job work experience enables BTl’s successful graduates to realize employment options and new careers.
BTI also offers hands-on training workshops in Animal Cell Culture, Real-Time PCR, PCR, Recombinant DNA Techniques and Protein Expression and Purification. Pre-scheduled workshops are offered in their Baltimore facilities.
Howard County Community College
- HCC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology (BMET) Apprenticeship Program is a pathway for aspiring or current professionals to excel in the medical industry. BMETs install, maintain, and repair medical equipment and devices used in clinical environments, including hospitals, clinics, and other locations where patient care is administered. Over a period of three and a half years, apprentices learn how to test, adjust, monitor, and repair medical equipment, with focus on optimizing operational efficiency to assure patient care can be provided safely. This is accomplished through completion of 46 course credits and 6,000 hours of paid, on-the-job learning, taking place in partnership with healthcare employers across the state of Maryland. Graduates of this program earn an associate of applied science degree. HCC is the only college in Maryland that offers a program of this kind.
Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program
The apprenticeship program enables a student to earn, learn, and train at the same time. Companies can build and retain their workforce, increase productivity, and receive tax benefits and financial incentives from the State. Click on the Apprenticeship Locator to find registered biotechnology apprenticeship programs with the Maryland Department of Labor. You can select the county(ies) where you want to work, the type of apprenticeship (Regular), and search by Industry (choose Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology). Current registered programs include:
- Frederick Community College – Biological Technician
- Human Genome Sciences Inc. (GSK) – Electrical Instrument Repairer
Enrolled High School Students: Apprenticeships, Internships, Development Programs
Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program – Youth
The apprenticeship program enables a student to earn, learn, and train at the same time. Companies can build and retain their workforce, increase productivity, and receive tax benefits and financial incentives from the State. Click on the Apprenticeship Locator to find registered biotechnology apprenticeship programs with the Maryland Department of Labor. You can select the county(ies) where you want to work, the type of apprenticeship (Youth), and search by Industry (choose Biomedical and Biotechnology). Current registered youth biotechnology and biomedical programs include:
Frederick County Public Schools:
The Frederick County Public Schools Maryland Youth Apprenticeship program is a collaborative effort with the Maryland Department of Labor and local employers. The program is designed to provide opportunities for students to “learn while they earn”. Most employers participate in the program to help grow their own work force.
The MD Youth Apprenticeship program for 11th and 12th graders. An ideal apprenticeship candidate is a student who wants to gain experience in the workplace with plans to continue in that industry after graduation.
- Frederick Memorial Hospital – Biomedical Technician
- Precision Bioservices Inc – Kit Production Technician Apprentice
GlaxoSmithKline Apprenticeships
GSK apprentices are recruited out of high school, working at GSK in Montgomery County and earning a Biotechnology degree at Montgomery College. Apprentices typically start in January and August, and may be Biomanufacturing or Biochemistry apprentices.
Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology
Mentoring program for high school and college women ages 14-22, connecting them with diverse professionals from STEM careers in Maryland across the greater Washington, DC area, with a focus on DoD-connected careers in STEM fields. Enrollees in the Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology program learn lab skills and techniques that set you apart when applying to college and that first job, soft skills like networking and public speaking, the variety of career options available, build friends, and earn a completion certificate.
Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program
- The Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science program is a curriculum of high school courses to prepare students for careers or further education in biomedical science. From design and data analysis to outbreaks, clinical empathy, health promotion, and more, students explore the vast range of careers in biomedical sciences. They develop not just technical skills, but also in-demand, transportable skills that they need to thrive in life and career. Some programs may be eligible to receive college credit. See schools that offer the program here.